Man City Clash with Napoli: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte face off at the Etihad Stadium in what promises to be one of the most compelling Champions League matches of the inaugural league phase round.
Kevin De Bruyne is set for a remarkably quick homecoming to his former club's ground, having chosen new horizons with Conte's Napoli during the summer transfer window. The Belgian midfielder dedicated ten years to Manchester City, cementing his status as one of the franchise's legendary figures.
Guardiola has expressed his anticipation for welcoming back the "exceptional" De Bruyne to his previous home, though his main focus on Thursday will be enhancing his tactical battle record against the shrewd Conte, who guided Napoli's triumph in the previous campaign.
The away team understands they're not confronting a classic version of Guardiola's City, though confidence will be elevated at the Etihad following Sunday's commanding 3–0 triumph in the Manchester Derby.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of De Bruyne's Etihad homecoming.
What Time Does Man City vs. Napoli Kick-Off?
Man City vs. Napoli Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man City | Napoli |
|---|---|
Man City 3–0 Man Utd - 14/09/25 | Fiorentina 1–3 Napoli - 13/09/25 |
Brighton 2–1 Man City - 31/08/25 | Napoli 1–0 Cagliari - 30/08/25 |
Man City 0–2 Tottenham - 23/08/25 | Sassuolo 0–2 Napoli - 23/08/25 |
Wolves 0–4 Man City - 16/08/25 | Napoli 2–1 Olympiacos - 14/08/25 |
Palermo 0–3 Man City - 09/08/25 | Napoli 4–0 Sorrento - 10/08/25 |
How to Watch Man City vs. Napoli on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, DAZN USA, Amazon Prime Video |
United Kingdom | discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 2 |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Max Mexico, Caliente TV, Amazon Prime Video |
Man City Team News
Gianluigi Donnarumma made an instant impression during his Man City debut, securing a clean sheet in Sunday's Manchester Derby. The Italian goalkeeper will feature behind a defensive line that may see minor adjustments from the weekend, with Nathan Aké and Rico Lewis potentially earning starting positions.
The home side remains without Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovačić, while John Stones and summer signing Rayan Aït-Nouri are questionable. Nico O'Reilly is expected to maintain his position at left-back.
Phil Foden excelled in the derby and will again function as the creative catalyst in City's midfield. Guardiola might give Rodri a break by reintroducing Nico González to his lineup alongside Tijjani Reijnders.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Napoli
Man City predicted lineup vs. Napoli (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Lewis, Dias, Aké, Gvardiol; Nico; Bobb, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland.
Napoli Team News
Thursday night's Napoli squad will carry a distinctly Manchester flavor, with Conte planning to deploy De Bruyne alongside Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund in his starting formation.
While De Bruyne has begun gradually, McTominay has maintained his momentum from last season and Højlund found the net against Fiorentina over the weekend.
The Danish forward joined the club following Romelu Lukaku's thigh problem, which doesn't necessitate surgery but will sideline him for an extended duration.
Napoli are also missing center-back Amir Rrahmani.
Napoli Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Napoli predicted lineup vs. Man City (4-1-4-1): Milinković-Savić; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Højlund.
Man City vs. Napoli Score Prediction
Man City overcame a tactically predictable Man Utd squad whose weaknesses were ripe for exploitation by a Guardiola-coached team. The hosts didn't need to be exceptional to secure a comfortable victory.
Doubts persist regarding the Citizens, and Thursday's encounter will present a genuine challenge against Conte's well-organized unit. The Italian has demonstrated tactical growth since his return to his native country through Naples, and his current system may benefit the Serie A champions in this tournament.
Inter arrived at the Etihad in Gameweek 1 of last season's league phase and rightfully claimed a draw. Anticipate Napoli to deliver something comparable in what should be an engaging contest.