The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase continues on Thursday with an anticipated clash as Manchester City hosts Napoli. Manchester City, winners of the UCL in 2022/2023, faced an earlier than expected exit in the knockout phase last season. Napoli, on the other hand, enter this fixture as the reigning Serie A champions, having secured victories in their first three league matches this year. These two prominent European clubs last met in the UCL group stage in 2017, where Manchester City emerged victorious in both encounters.
Match Details
The kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at the iconic Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.
- Date: Thursday, September 18
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
Betting Odds Overview
According to the latest odds, Manchester City is favored to win at -150 (risking $150 to win $100), while Napoli is considered an underdog at +425. A draw is priced at +295. The over/under for total goals scored in the match is set at 2.5. Individual player props include Erling Haaland of Manchester City favored to score a goal at -105, and Napoli`s Scott McTominay is listed at +650 to record at least one assist.
Expert Predictions
SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green provides his insights and best bets for the Napoli vs. Manchester City encounter:
- Manchester City to win (Money Line: -150)
- Erling Haaland to score anytime (+100)
- Kevin De Bruyne to score or assist (+220)
Analysis for Manchester City Win (-150)
“Despite injuries to Cherki, Marmoush, Aït-Nouri, and Mateo Kovačić, City possesses sufficient quality to overcome Napoli,” Green commented. “The return of Ballon d`Or winner Rodri from injury is expected to dominate the midfield, providing a crucial advantage for City.”
Analysis for Erling Haaland to Score (+100)
On Erling Haaland`s scoring potential, Green noted, “Manchester City started the season strong with a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves, where Haaland scored twice. Although they faced consecutive defeats against Spurs and Brighton, City recovered with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Haaland`s impressive record of 11 goals in just six games for club and country this season makes him a significant threat to Napoli`s defense.”
Analysis for Kevin De Bruyne to Score or Assist (+220)
Regarding Kevin De Bruyne`s potential impact, Green stated, “It would be no surprise to see De Bruyne score from distance or provide a superb assist. Ultimately, given their comprehensive squad strength, City`s overall quality is expected to lead them to victory.”
