Date: Wednesday 21st February, 2024
Time: 9:00 pm
Stadium Diego Armando Maradona
Referee Felix Zwayer (Germany)
Goal Scorer:
Napoli
Pasquale Mazzocchi, Cyril Ngonge, and Hamed Traore have all been named in Napoli’s UEFA squad following the group stage. Francesco Calzona, Luciano Spalletti’s former assistant who took charge of the Slovakia national team in 2022, is set to lead Napoli until the end of the season, alongside his preparations for the European Championships.
The change in the dugout provides an air of unpredictability around Napoli’s possible XI. Victor Osimhen started all seven games as Nigeria lost the Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast. And after a little rest to recharge, Napoli’s main striker is back in action.
The Nigerian marksman should immediately replace misfiring striker Giovanni Simeone, which is a big boost for the hosts, as goals have really dried up for the Azzurri, scoring just three goals over their last five fixtures in all competitions.
Matteo Politano and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will complete the attacking triad and will be keen to find some form in front of goal. Ngonge has offered a spark off the bench in recent weeks, and could be set for an appearance from the bench in midweek.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Rui; Anguissa, Lobotka, Cajuste; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
Barcelona
Ferran Torres (thigh), Joao Felix (ankle), Sergi Roberto (Achilles), Alejandro Balde (hamstring), Marcos Alonso (back), and long-term absentee Gavi (ACL) will again miss out through injury, while Oriol Romeu remains a doubt due to a knee complaint.
Head coach Xavi is also sweating over the fitness of starters Ronald Araujo and Pedri, both of whom were forced off during the last-gasp victory over Celta Vigo due to respective injury concerns.
With Araujo’s status in question, teenage centre-back Pau Cubarsi is set to make his first Champions League start on the knockout stage alongside Inigo Martinez in front of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Jules Kounde should retain his place at right-back, while Joao Cancelo will serve as an important creative outlet for Xavi down the left flank. Champions League winner Ilkay Gundogan is certain to be recalled after only featuring from the bench on Saturday, meaning a change of personnel in midfield could be in the offing.
Lamine Yamal has been among Barca’s standout performers since the turn of the year. But Raphinha could get the nod in midweek on the left-wing. Robert Lewandowski’s brace last time out propelled the Blaugrana’s leading scorer to a half-century of goals since moving from Bavaria to Catalonia. And the experienced striker will once again spearhead their attack, while Vitor Roque could also make his Champions League debut here.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Cancelo; de Jong, Gundogan, Pedri; Raphina, Lewandowski, Roque
Prediction: Napoli 0-2 Barcelona
| Posted: at | |
fineboy77
Holopid
TRENDING GISTS 
SHOCKING Moment Two Employees Were Caught on CCTV Performing Rituals in The Office
Careful o, I'm Not The One to Be Played With - Tekno Replies Kizz Daniel Over 'Buga' Royalties
Nigerian Senate Begins Investigative Hearing On Electricity Tariff Hike
PICS: "I Got Money But I'm Lonely And Broken. I Have No One At All" – Singer, Skales Laments
BREAKING: Finidi George Gets NFF's Nod As New Super Eagles Coach
Meet Ndubuisi Egbo The First-Ever Nigerian Coach To Lead an European Team To A League Title