Manchester City vs Napoli Match Preview, Prediction, Lineups, Head-to-Head

The match between Manchester City vs Napoli will attract significant attention when Pep Guardiola’s side hosts Antonio Conte’s Napoli in the first game of the UEFA Champions League 2025-26. Cityzens narrowly won against Gli Azzurri the last time these two teams played, and with both teams playing well, the encounter should be a thrilling match at the Etihad.

Match Details

Tournament/Series – UEFA Champions League 2025-26
Match – Manchester City vs Napoli (Group Stage – Matchweek 1)
Date & Time – Friday, September 19, 12:30 AM IST (Thursday, Sept 18; 07:00 PM GMT)
Live Streaming – Sony LIV (India), TNT Sports (UK), Paramount+ (USA)

Manchester City vs Napoli Match Preview

Manchester City beat Napoli in their last European game, and they’ll want to keep that winning streak going at home.

Our #UCL campaign begins tonight! ✨

City vs Napoli. 20:00 (UK) 🩵 pic.twitter.com/Y88YsccHcR

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 18, 2025

City is heading into this game after a solid win in the Manchester derby. Erling Haaland really shined with two goals, and with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku out wide, City’s attack looks great. Rodri is still running the midfield, and Ruben Dias is holding down the defense. Even with some injuries, City is still one of the best teams in Europe.

Napoli, now managed by Antonio Conte, also started the season strong, winning three straight games in Serie A. The big story here is Kevin De Bruyne coming back to the Etihad, but this time playing for Napoli. The Belgian star, who left City last season, will be trying to cause trouble for his old team with his passing, vision, and long-range shooting. Matteo Politano and Rasmus Højlund will also be important for Napoli’s attack.

This game is about more than just points; it’s about strategy. City will be counting on their home-field advantage, while Napoli will be trying to surprise everyone with Conte’s tactics.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)

Manchester City – W-L-L-W
Napoli – W-W-W

Manchester City vs Napoli H2H Record

• Total Matches: 4
• Manchester City Wins: 2
• Napoli Wins: 1
• Draws: 1

Manchester City vs Napoli Probable Playing XI

Manchester City (4-1-4-1):
Donnarumma (GK); Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Rodri; Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland

Napoli (4-1-4-1):
Milinkovic-Savic (GK); Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Højlund

Manchester City vs Napoli Match Prediction

This fixture pits two giants of European football against each other. The fact that Manchester City have been incredibly strong at home and that they have such a potent attack makes them the team to beat. The goalscoring brilliance of Haaland and the tactical genius of Guardiola certainly put City in a commanding position.

Still, Napoli are not going to roll over. The visitors’ coach, Conte, with his astute tactical understanding and creative midfield play from Kevin De Bruyne will certainly cause problems at the back for City. Unless Rasmus Højlund and Matteo Politano are able to take advantage of City’s high defensive line, Napoli might not be able to keep this contest close.

Why Manchester City Deserve to Win:

• Strong attacking trio led by Haaland.
• Home advantage at the Etihad.
• Solid H2H record against Napoli (2 wins from 4).

Predicted Winner: Manchester City
Score Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Napoli

Telecast Details

• India: Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network
• UK: TNT Sports, BBC
• USA: Paramount+, TUDN
• Nigeria: DAZN