Sporting Braga vs Napoli Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Sporting Braga vs Napoli on and what time does it start? Sporting Braga vs Napoli will take place on Wednesday 20th September, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Sporting Braga vs Napoli? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Sporting Braga vs Napoli on in the UK? Sporting Braga vs Napoli will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Sporting Braga vs Napoli in the UK? Sporting Braga vs Napoli can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
SPORTING BRAGA
After finishing third in the Primeira Liga last season, Sporting Braga came through the third qualifying round and the subsequent play-off to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign,
The Portuguese side come into this contest off the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Farense on Saturday, but it's fair to say they may have had one eye on this contest against the Italian champions.
NAPOLI
Napoli were one of the most eye-catching teams in Europe last season as they cantered to their first Serie A title since 1989-90, while many felt they should have gone further than the quarter-final stage in the Champions League, where they lost to fellow Italian side AC Milan.
It's not exactly been a smooth start under new manager Rudi Garcia though, with their last two league outings seeing them lose at home to Lazio before drawing with Genoa over the weekend.
THE TEAM NEWS
SPORTING BRAGA
Defender Sikou Niakate is an injury doubt for this one but otherwise Artur Jorge has a fully-fit squad at his disposal for this group stage opener.
Alvaro Djalo and Bruma will be the dangermen with both having found the net on numerous occasions already this season, while midfielder Joao Moutinho - a summer signing from Wolves - will be hoping for his first ever taste of Champions League football at the age of 37.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Matheus; Marín, José Fonte, Oliveira, Gómez; Moutinho, Vitor Carvalho, Bruma; Djaló, Ricardo Horta, Ruiz
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Niakate (Injured)
NAPOLI
The Napoli squad is also in rude health, with only Pieruigi Gollini likely to miss out here. As for the general look of the team, it is largely the same personnel that performed so well last season, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen the star players in attack, although the former has yet to really catch fire this season after a breakout year in 2022-23.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zieliński; Raspadori, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Gollini (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
It's fair to say that Napoli - so impressive last season - have yet to really click into gear in the current campaign and this is a tricky-looking Champions League opener for them. The Italian side have kept just one clean sheet so far this season, while Sporting Braga have conceded in seven of their nine competitive games in 2023-24, so both teams scoring has a chance of coming in here.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
