FC Copenhagen vs Napoli Prediction & Betting Tips (20 January)

Copenhagen closes the top 24 in the ranking two games from the end of this league phase. The Lions were ahead of the 25th, and therefore the first club virtually eliminated, by one point before the 7th day matches. They suffered successive defeats against Qarabag 2-0, Dortmund 2-4 and Tottenham 4-0 before regaining their virtues last month with one-goal successes against Kairat Almaty 3-2 and Villarreal 2-3. The winter break called in Denmark has left Copenhagen at a standstill since the end of the year and a last official match won on December 13, in the national cup, against Esbjerg 2-0. The residents of Parken are at the same time struggling to defend their Championship title. They only occupy 5th place in the ranking after 18 days. Copenhagen prepared for the reception of Napoli with friendly matches against Brann 1-1 and Sturm Graz.

 Napoli are surprisingly having a harder time finding a place among the best teams in Europe. The reigning Italian champion is only 23rd in the standings, with the same total points as Copenhagen and a record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats. He has the unfortunate tendency of always losing after winning, like the last two days. Sovereign at home against Qarabag 2-0, the Partenopei were defeated by Benfica 2-0 last month. They have since lifted the Italian Super Cup title at the expense of Bologna 2-0 and could remain clinging to the lead in Serie A. 3rd in the Championship after resisting Inter Milan 2-2, Napoli then negotiated receptions from Parma and Sassuolo. 

The locals still cannot count on the seriously injured Mattsson, Huescas and Höjer. Also absent is midfielder Lerager (holder), whose departure from the club was made official this winter. We note among the captains of this team Gabriel Pereira in central defense and the offensive big names Elyounoussi, Achouri and Larsson. Scorer during the success at Villarreal, Elyounoussi had not yet scored this season in the Champions League. He is more to his advantage in the Championship, with 4 goals and 5 assists. Larsson, for his part, is Copenhagen's best offensive asset on the national scene, with 5 goals, and has 2 goals in the European exercise. Former Niçois Moukoko and full-back Zagué on loan from PSG have replacement status.

 There are many absentees for Napoli. While Lukaku and potentially starting midfielder Gilmour do not yet seem ready to make their return, captains De Bruyne (4 goals in SA) and Anguissa remain out of midfield. David Neres (3 goals, 3 assists in SA) should have found the group before the final sprint of this league phase. The prolific midfielder McTominay (5 goals in SA, 3 in C1) is essential in the collective and the offensive projection of the team while Höjlund remains stuck at 2 goals on the European scene. Lang (1 goal in SA) will also be one to watch although he has been lacking success since his arrival during the last summer transfer window.