Union Berlin – Napoli : Preview & Prediction
It’s not yet Halloween, but things are already looking pretty scary for Union Berlin after a 3-0 home loss to Stuttgart at the weekend extended their official losing streak to eight games, comfortably their longest negative run since their top flight debut. The “Iron One” now risk becoming the second German team, after Schalke, to lose their first three UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches, following their return with no points so far.
However, their recent results do not tell the whole story of Union’s bad luck, as they recorded more than double Braga’s xG in a 3-2 defeat in their last UCL appearance, while only a last-gasp goal denied them a point against Real Madrid. The versatile Robin Gosens said after the last UCL match that he and the team need to find a way to “manage to win games like that,” which is exactly what they will try to do against Italian champions Napoli.
Things are going relatively well for Napoli, who have lost just twice in their last eight official matches (G4, E2, P2). They may not be able to seriously fight to defend their Serie A title, as they are five points behind the leaders, but this match could prove pivotal in terms of group stage qualification, with the chance to put some distance between themselves and Braga with victory.
Going on the road should not faze the “Partenopei”, who have won each of their last three European clashes away from home against Bundesliga sides and have lost just three of their last 11 European away fixtures (G5, E3). There may be some concern, however, as Napoli’s last three wins are the only victories they boast on the road against German opponents (G3, E3, P5).
Players to watch: Union’s Gosens has not played against any team more often than Napoli, with the former Atalanta and Inter player directly contributing to three goals in their 13 head-to-head meetings (G6, E2, P5). Looking to make an impact for Napoli will be Victor Osimhen, who has made six contributions on goal in his last seven UCL appearances (five goals, one assist) helping his team to its best UCL result last season in the quarterfinals – one of those goals came in Frankfurt.
Key stat: Napoli has not recorded a draw in any of its last nine UCL group stage matches (G7, P2).
Union Berlin – Napoli : Betting Tips
Napoli – Win Odds: 1.80
