Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a must-win showdown for both sides on Wednesday night, Napoli and Chelsea will sign off their respective Champions League group stage adventures when they meet in Naples.
Napoli
Starting with the hosts, while Antonio Conte might have guided Napoli to an historic fourth Serie A crown last season, the former Tottenham boss suddenly has some serious pressure mounting on his shoulders. Last seen over the weekend putting in a nightmare display as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming away at historic rivals Juventus, the Azzurri are now seeking a real miracle in the race to defend their domestic title in 2026. Likewise, forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Copenhagen last week, Napoli open Wednesday’s group stage finale sat outside the top-24 and they face what is a must-win showdown here. However, along with their issues on the continent, Conte’s struggling squad have also notched just a sole victory from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
Napoli Team News
Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list in Naples, Conte’s side will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Billy Gilmour, David Neres and ex-Fulham star Frank Anguissa. Likewise, making a blockbuster summer switch after leaving Manchester City, Belgium international Kevin De Bruyne remains on the sidelines with a thigh issue.
Bagging four goals in his seven Champions League appearances this season, former Manchester United ace Scott McTominay will play a leading role in midweek. Making a loan switch from Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Rasmus Hojlund should spearhead Napoli’s charge in the final third.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, while there might have been plenty of raised eyebrows across the continent earlier in the month as Liam Rosenior was announced as Enzo Maresca’s permanent replacement, Chelsea appear to be enjoying life under the former Strasbourg boss. Last seen over the weekend clinching a rampant 3-1 victory away at local rivals Crystal Palace, the Blues have won four of their first five appearances since Rosenior officially took charge. Heading over to Naples on Wednesday night holding onto the final spot in the top-eight chase, the one-time Hull City manager could be smelling the chance to claim a heavyweight European scalp on foreign soil. It should also be highlighted, getting Rosenior’s shock tenure underway with a 5-1 FA Cup victory away at Charlton on January 10th, Chelsea have secured consecutive wins away from Stamford Bridge for the first time since the start of November.
Chelsea Team News
Missing out away at Crystal Palace on Sunday, Chelsea are once again sweating over the fitness of England International Cole Palmer here. Likewise, dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, the Blues will also be unable to call upon the likes of Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and former Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
Once again finding the net at Selhurst Park over the weekend and registering six direct goal contributions in his previous eight appearances across all competitions (four goals, two assists), Argentinian ace Enzo Fernandez will start in the middle of the park. French international Wesley Fofana could be handed a full recall at the back.
Napoli vs Chelsea Key Factors to Consider
- Wednesday’s showdown in Naples will be the first meeting between Napoli and Chelsea since back in March 2012.
- Napoli have recorded just a single win from any of their last six matchups across all formats.
- The Blues have won four of their first five appearances since Rosenior took charge earlier in the month.
- Chelsea have recorded back-to-back wins away from Stamford Bridge for the first time since the start of November.
- Argentinian international Enzo Fernandez has recorded six direct goal contributions in his previous eight appearances across all competitions (four goals, two assists).
Conclusion
Looking to officially punch their top-eight finish on Wednesday night, Chelsea could be smelling the chance to claim a heavyweight European scalp here. Mustering consecutive wins away from Stamford Bridge for the first time since the start of September, the Blues should be excited by a trip to Naples in midweek. Watching Napoli slump to a nightmare 3-0 drumming at the hands of Juventus on Sunday, the reigning Italian champions have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: Luckster