Date: 18/09/25
Kick-off time: 20:00
Venue: Etihad Stadium

City kick off their 2025/26 campaign at home to Napoli, who return to Europe’s top table as champions of Italy. City fans still remember the heartbreak of back-to-back knockouts at the hands of Real Madrid. Napoli, on the other hand, come into this buzzing after reclaiming the Scudetto. So, who sets the tone on opening night? Let’s dive in.

Man City vs Napoli Team News

City have a few fitness boosts going into this one. Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, Phil Foden, and Abdukodir Khusanov should all be available, which is huge for Pep’s plans. But they’ll miss Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovačić. Still, when you’ve got De Bruyne back fit and ready to pull strings, it doesn’t feel like a crisis.

For Napoli, Miguel Gutiérrez looks set to return after the international break – good timing for a trip like this. The big blow? Romelu Lukaku. He’s ruled out until December and isn’t even registered for the group stage. That’s a lot of goals missing, so others will need to step up.

Likely Lineups

Man City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne; Foden, Grealish, Haaland.

Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Juan Jesus, Gutiérrez; Lobotka, Anguissa, Zielinski; Politano, Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen.

Man City vs Napoli Betting Tips

City usually fly out of the blocks at the Etihad. They’ve already led at half-time in two of their three games this season. Add De Bruyne feeding Haaland, and you’ve got serious danger for Napoli’s backline.

But Napoli aren’t mugs. They’ll sit deep, look for Kvaratskhelia on the counter, and trust Osimhen to cause problems. Can you imagine him getting in behind City’s defence? It’s possible. Still, City’s firepower should be too much.

Betting angles worth a look:

• Man City to win & over 2.5 goals.
• Kevin De Bruyne to assist anytime.
• Both teams to score – yes.

Man City vs Napoli Match Prediction

City will dominate the ball, that’s a given. Napoli will try to hold shape and frustrate, but the longer it goes on, the more gaps will open up. Haaland only needs one sniff. With De Bruyne back pulling strings, I can see him finding that perfect ball.

Match Prediction: City to win. Bet with bet365.

Man City vs Napoli Correct Score Tips & Prediction

City are too strong at home to slip up, but Napoli have the quality to nick a goal. That’s why I’m leaning towards a 3-1 City win. A scoreline that looks comfortable on paper but probably feels tighter in the game.

Correct Score Prediction: Man City 3-1 Napoli. Bet with bet365.

Man City vs Napoli Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

History says this fixture brings goals. Remember that 4-2 thriller in Naples back in 2017? Both sides have attacking weapons, and both have defensive absences.

Over 2.5 feels like the banker, but if you want a bit more value, over 3.5 looks very tempting.

Over/Under Prediction: Over 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Man City vs Napoli Bet Builder Tip

Here’s a combo I like for Thursday night:

• Man City to win
• Both teams to score
• Erling Haaland anytime scorer
• Over 2.5 goals

That’s your Champions League special – and it matches exactly how I see this game unfolding.

Bet Builder Tip: City to Win, BTTS Yes, Haaland Anytime Scorer & Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Man City have won their last two meetings with Napoli (2017).
• Napoli haven’t beaten City since 2011.
• City have led at half-time in two of their first three games this season.
• Kevin De Bruyne has provided 118 assists in 285 Premier League appearances.
• Napoli were crowned Serie A champions in 2025 after a year out of Europe.

Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

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