Napoli-Porto betting preview
Napoli face a tough challenge of eking out a comfortable win against the Portuguese giants Porto in the pre-quarterfinals match of the Europa League on this Thursday. Porto had won their home leg 1-0. The Italian side is now left with the task of beating them at least by a two-goal margin. Given Porto’s excellent record at the continental league matches, they have a slight edge of qualifying. They will qualify on away goals even if they lose by a 2-1 margin.
Both the sides are third in their respective leagues, with no chances of clinching the league crown. They have come to the Europa League after getting knocked out of the UEFA Champions League. In a nut shell, the Europa League remains the only worthwhile silverware these teams are after.
A draw will do for Porto – or even a one-goal defeat, provided they score at least a goal. Napoli has the tougher of the tasks: winning by a two-goal margin. Their H2H record against Porto does not offer them optimism, as they have lost both the matches.
What offers them hope is their recent form. The team has lost just one Serie A match in 2014. On the other hand, Porto is struggling a bit in the Portuguese Liga Sagres, especially away from home. Last week’s 1-0 defeat against Sporting Lisbon was their fourth away defeat in six outings.
Porto will pin their hopes on Jackson Martínez, who scored against Napoli in the home leg, for that all-important away goal. If they can score early, they can sit back and wait for counter attacks. Napoli has two terrific strikers: the ageing Gonzalo Higuaín and José Maria Callejón. Any of them can destroy Porto’s best laid plans.
Napoli might win this match.