Barcelona vs Napoli - Champions League: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction
- Barcelona host Napoli with their Champions League round of 16 tie in the balance
- Two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Naples
- Barca unbeaten since Xavi announced he'll be stepping down
It's all to play for in Catalonia as Barcelona host Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday night.
The two sides, who have endured disappointing title defences in their respective domestic divisions this season, played out a 1-1 draw in Naples three weeks ago. Barca were superior for large swathes of the first leg, but they were pegged back by a smart Victor Osimhen finish.
The Blaugrana are unbeaten since Xavi revealed that he'll be stepping down at the end of the season, but rarely have they produced dazzling displays. They're trudging along.
Similarly, Napoli have enjoyed a minor upsurge with Francesco Calzona at the helm, but they still have a battle on their hands if they're to qualify for Europe next season.
Here's 90min's preview of Tuesday night's second leg in Barcelona.
What time does Barcelona vs Napoli kick-off?
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Stadium: Estadio Olympic Lluis Companys
- Date: Tuesday 12 March
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
- VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
Barcelona vs Napoli H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Barcelona: 2 wins
- Napoli: 0 wins
- Draws: 3
Current Form (all competitions)
Barcelona | Napoli |
|---|---|
Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca - 08/03/24 | Napoli 1-1 Torino - 08/03/24 |
Athletic Club 0-0 Barcelona - 03/03/24 | Napoli 2-1 Juventus - 03/03/24 |
Barcelona 4-0 Getafe - 24/02/24 | Sassuolo 1-6 Napoli - 28/02/24 |
Napoli 1-1 Barcelona - 21/02/24 | Cagliari 1-1 Napoli - 25/02/24 |
Celta Vigo 1-2 Barcelona - 17/02/24 | Napoli 1-1 Barcelona - 21/02/24 |
How to watch Barcelona vs Napoli on TV and live stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | discovery+, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 2 |
United States | Univision, Univision NOW, TUDN USA, TUDN App, Paramount+, TUDN.com |
Canada | DAZN |
Barcelona team news
Barca's injury list remains extensive, but they have been boosted by Raphinha's avoidance of a significant issue after he was withdrawn in the first half on Friday night. The Brazilian is expected to be available for Napoli's visit.
Xavi won't be able to call upon midfield stars Gavi, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong, though. Marcos Alonso and Alejandro Balde are also out.
Ferran Torres could return to the matchday squad and Ronald Araujo will make the starting XI after he missed the win over Mallorca due to suspension.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Napoli
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Napoli (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo; Christensen, Gundogan, Fermin; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix.
Napoli team news
Napoli's injury woes aren't nearly as severe as Barcelona's. However, the visitors are likely to be without Jens-Lys Cajuste and Cyril Ngonge on Tuesday night.
Calzona is unlikely to make many changes from the team the started against Torino on Friday. Amir Rrahmani could come into Napoli's backline.
Napoli predicted lineup vs Barcelona
Napoli predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Rui; Lobotka, Anguissa, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia.
Barcelona vs Napoli score prediction
Barca should've killed this tie off in Naples, with the Italian side struggling mightily on home soil. Napoli haven't exactly turned a corner, but they're looking as bright as they've done since their Scudetto triumph was confirmed following the arrival of Colzano.
The Catalan club, meanwhile, have been relentlessly functional in recent weeks and are consistently finding ways of getting the job done.
Barca's midfield absences should allow Napoli to gain some control on Tuesday night, and they should have some success in transition. The visitors are bound to give Xavi's side a scare, but Barca should be expected to squeeze through.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Napoli
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