The 2023-24 Champions League group stage gets underway this week and these Braga vs Napoli predictions have been put together.
Wednesday’s game between the Portuguese side and the Italians, which promises to be an exciting fixture, will be played at Estádio Municipal de Braga in Braga.
Braga went through the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, where they defeated Panathinaikos to make a triumphant return to European football’s biggest stage for the first time in 11 years.
Victor Osimhen's side won the Serie A title last season while falling short in Europe at the quarterfinal stage.
In the same group as Real and Madrid and Union Berlin, Napoli, and Braga, who have not tasted success in this competition before, will be keen to make a mark before the change of format comes into play next season.
Let’s take a look at what could potentially happen in this UCL opener in Portugal.
Braga vs Napoli probable lineups
Here are our probable lineups for this UCL match:
Braga
(4-2-3-1) – Matheus; Gomez, Fonte, Oliveira, Borja; Horta, Carvalho; Lopes, Bruma, Djalo; Banza.
Napoli
(4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Rui; Elmas, Lobotka, Anguissa; Zielinski, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia.
Braga vs Napoli confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Braga vs Napoli predictions
It has been a lukewarm start to the league season for Braga (W2, D1, L2), with a 3-1 defeat against Farense at the weekend putting the Artur Jorge under early pressure. On the other hand, Napoli are without a win in their past two games coming into this UCL opener. Here are our three predictions for the match.
Prediction 1: Napoli to Win
Braga are on a four-game losing streak against Italian sides and that should give the Naples side some confidence going into Wednesday’s game. The Italians do have more European experience compared to their opponents. With the likes of Osimhen, Lobotka, and Zielinski, the quality is limitless and they are heavy favourites to begin their campaign with a win.
Prediction 2: Both teams to score
This is one prediction that looks more like a banker. Napoli’s games have been producing goals since last season and it seems they might even do more this campaign. Both teams have scored in three of the Serie A champions' four games so far. Similarly, Braga’s last seven out of eight matches have seen both teams score.
Prediction 3: Over 2.5 Total Goals
All but one of Napoli’s games have produced over 2.5 goals this season, while Braga’s past two games have produced a combined nine goals. Nigerian star Osimhen netted five Champions League goals last season and has also bagged three goals in his first four Serie A appearances of 2023-24.
Braga vs Napoli recent form
Braga
Braga have won three of their past five matches in all competitions. Similarly, they have won three of their past five home games. However, they come into this UCL tie on the back of a 3-1 loss at Farense.
Napoli
They have not had the best start to their Serie A title defence. They lost to Lazio at home just before the international break before rallying back to snatch a point at Genoa at the weekend.
Braga vs Napoli Head-to-Head
Their only previous meeting came in a friendly back in 2012. The Serie A side won 3-1 with Goran Pandev scoring twice in the comfortable win.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 month ago
