Barcelona vs. Napoli 2/17/22 UEFA Europa League Soccer Picks, Predictions, Odds

Barcelona and Napoli face off on Thursday in Leg 1 of their Group of 16 showdown at Camp Nou. The last time these two teams faced off was during the 2019-20 Champions League. It was Barcelona that was able to knock out Napoli in the last 16 stage. 

Napoli finished in second place in Group C picking up 10 points. Napoli had three wins, one draw, and two wins. Napoli was involved in some high scoring games during the Group Stage, and in matchday six they were able to beat Leicester City 3-2. Napoli’s last game was against Inter Milan and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. It was a penalty in the 7th minute, and that led to them picking up the point. Napoli has scored 46 goals total while their defense has given up 17 goals total. Dries Mertens has been the top player all season scoring seven goals. Napoli has played to a draw or won each of their last four games. 

On the other side of this matchup is Barcelona who finished in 3rd place in Group E of the Champions League standing. Barcelona only finished with seven points, which put them one point behind advancing. This has been a very down season for Barcelona and in the last game against Espanyol, they were only able to play to a 2-2 draw. It took a goal in the 96th minute to even secure the draw. Barcelona has scored 38 goals total while their defense has given up 27 goals total. Memphis Depay has been the top player for Barcelona scoring eight goals and adding two assists. 

Barcelona is having a down season, but they are still the better team in this matchup. This is a very talented team in terms of the offense, and they are going to score at least two goals in this game. I don’t see them giving up more than a goal, and Barcelona is going to get the job done. Back Barcelona on the money line.