Resilient Napoli to blunt the Salzburg charge

First placed Napoli travel to Austria to face off with second placed Red Bull Salzburg and the hostile atmosphere that will await them, if the partisan feel that was present in the Austrians’ group opener against Genk is anything to go by. Salzburg are top of their domestic league enabling them to rotate and ensure they have their most important players fit for Wednesday evenings match. Napoli arguably do not have this luxury sitting fourth in Serie A, though having said they got a 2-0 win at home to Hellas Verona thanks to a brace from Arkadiusz Milik, with experienced talisman Dries Mertens only used from the bench with Wednesday evening in mind.

Recent form

Carlo Ancelotti’s side caught the eye on matchday one in beating reigning champions Liverpool2-0, however they failed to capitalise on that scalp when they played out of goalless draw to Genk last time out in the competition, a side that Salzburgput to the sword 6-2. Erling Braut Haaland grabbed a hattrick in that game, however missed the international break with Norway just gone and so will not be fully fit should he play any part on Wednesday. The 19-year-old played just over an hour in their weekend draw with Sturm Graz and has four goals in the Champions League already this campaign.

Ones to watch

It feels like Salzburg need to get ahead of the game if they are to qualify from Group E and so in that case a draw would be considered a good result go back to Italy with, and as of Ancelotti’s wealth of attacking talent, they could hit the Austrians on the break to good effect.

Following an outstanding goal in the last Champions League outing at Anfield and three goals for Japan in the international break, Takumi Minaminowill be a key player if Jesse Marsch’s side are to make the desired impact in this encounter. The versatile winger has three goals in eight appearances so far this season and will be hoping to drag the hosts forward on Wednesday.

Along with the quality up front of the likes of Mertens, Milik accompanied by Jose Callejon and possibly Fernando Llorente from the bench. The jewel of the Napoli crown is their new colossal defensive partnership of Kostas Manolas and the world class talent that is Kalidou Koulibaly, the Senegalese defender is the first man on many big European clubs’ wishlists and is has hit the ground running once again this term.

Salzburg will be blunted somewhat as Napoli will absorb pressure and look to play on the counter. The Italians have kept three consecutive clean sheets and are ready to cope with Salzburg’s threat.

Red Bull Salzburg – Napoli Betting Tip

Under 2.5 goals with 888sport at odds of 19/10.

Bet Under 2.5 goals on 888sport