Last season both Villarreal and Napoli crashed out of the Champions League group stage without a single win to show for their efforts and this term has started no better for either side. Villarreal fell 3-2 away to Borussia Dortmund while Napoli lost 1-0 to Arsenal so the pressure is already building on the managers to deliver results. In Nigeria we say the boys must wake up quick because another poor run will leave fans shaking their heads at another wasted European campaign.
Team Form
Villarreal have now gone twelve Champions League matches without a victory picking up just two draws along the way and their attack has looked blunt on the road. Napoli on the other hand have managed only two wins from six games across all competitions and their strikers are struggling to find the net with any real regularity even against Serie A sides like Bologna and Fiorentina.
- Villarreal: two draws ten losses in last twelve European games
- Napoli: only two victories from six matches this season
- Both teams failed to reach knockout phase last year
Tactical Analysis
At home Villarreal usually play with more freedom and can use their pace on the wings to stretch tired defences but Napoli under Allegri prefer a compact shape that makes it hard for opponents to create clear chances. The Italians still lack that cutting edge up front so they may sit back and wait for Villarreal to overcommit before hitting on the break. Expect a cagey first half with both teams wary of making early mistakes that could end their European hopes once again.
Strengths for the hosts include better home atmosphere and fresh legs after the international break while Napoli must solve their goal drought if they want to take anything from this tie. Weaknesses on the Spanish side lie in their leaky defence that has shipped goals in recent outings.
Betting Proposal
Given the current struggles the smartest play is to back the home side not to lose in front of their fans. This types of wager offers good value especially with the odds sitting around 1.63 for the zero handicap on Villarreal. Villarreal minimum not to lose at home. Handicap 1 (0) at 1.63.
