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With Napoli requiring a positive result to secure safe passage through to the knockout rounds and Chelsea chasing automatic qualification for the last sixteen, the fate of both sides is yet to be determined. Wednesday's mouth-watering clash in Naples will kick-off at 20:00 (BST), the same time as the other 17 remaining league phase fixtures will take place on a potentially dramatic night of action.
The Partenopei currently sit 25th in the Champions League standings, just one spot outside the play-off places. They are one of five teams to have acquired eight points from their opening seven contests, but Napoli's inferior goal difference means three of these sides - PSV Eindhoven, Athletic Bilbao and Olympiacos - are ranked higher with one matchday remaining. A win would ensure Napoli qualify for the next stage, but a draw is unlikely to be good enough.
Last week's triumph over Cypriot minnows Pafos propelled Chelsea up to eighth in the table, the lowest berth that grants direct access to the Round of 16. The West Londoners situation is not too dissimilar to that of their opponents: victory would almost guarantee them a top eight finish, while a draw or a defeat condems them to a tricky play-off tie.
Tips for Napoli v Chelsea
Double Chance - Chelsea: 4/11 (bet365)
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - Yes: 4/6 (bet365)
Most Shots on Target - Chelsea: 20/21 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Down to the bare bones
Napoli went through the entirety of 2025 without being beaten on home soil, with their form at the Diego Armando Maradona helping them to secure a second Scudetto in the space of three seasons. However, it's worth noting that the Azzurri didn't participate in any European competitions last term, and haven't faced one of the continent's heavyweights in Naples during the early stages of the current Champions League campaign. This astonishing record has continued into the new year, but may come under serious threat on Wednesday evening.
Antonio Conte's squad is heavily depleted following a spate of injuries, with Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić the latest to be sidelined.
Furthermore, Chelsea are performing well under the stewardship of recently appointed head coach Liam Rosenior, who has led his new charges to three wins from his opening four matches in charge. Sunday's impressive 3-1 win at Selhurst Park would only have served as a further confidence boost, as the Blues continue to rediscover their spark. Therefore, don't be surprised if they leave southern Italy with at least a share of the spoils.
Tip: Double Chance - Chelsea: 4/11 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if either Chelsea register a win or the match is drawn.
An attacking exchange
With both teams needing a victory to ensure they achieve their respective objectives, neither Napoli nor Chelsea can afford to sit on the back foot. This situation could change as the night develops, but the two managers won't want their players to fall into the trap of relying on results elsewhere. As a result, we can expect plenty of goalmouth action at both ends.
After spending five months on the sidelines due to a serious hamstring injury, Romelu Lukaku returned to action last weekend. The Belgian was introduced in the dying embers of Napoli's 3-0 defeat to Juventus, but almost snatched a late consolation. Although it's likely he'll start once again on the bench, Lukaku will be even more determined to find the net if he comes on to face his former employers.
Despite the absence of the injured Cole Palmer, Chelsea still have an embarrassment of attacking riches at their disposal. The West Londoners have netted in each of their last 13 matches across all competitions, so Napoli are unlikely to keep a clean sheet on Wednesday evening.
Tip: Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - Yes: 4/6 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if both Napoli and Chelsea score at least one goal during the match.
Blues more dangerous in front of goal
We round off our trio of predictions for this keenly anticipated clash by focusing our attentions on the Shots on Target market.
Napoli have struggled to find their attacking flow in recent weeks due to the number of injuries currently plaguing Conte's squad, with key players either missing or struggling from fatigue as they continue to provide cover for absent teammates. Across their last three outings against Juventus, FC Copenhagen (who played the best part of an hour with ten men), and Sassuolo, the Partenopei have only managed to generate a total of shots on target.
Chelsea are currently the fresher of the two sides, with Liam Rosenior able to rotate his colossal squad in order to fight on both domestic and continental fronts. Having fired plenty of accurate attempts at goal in each of their last few matches, we believe Chelsea will comfortably register more shots on target than the hosts.
Tip: Most Shots on Target - Chelsea: 20/21 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if Chelsea have more shots on target than Napoli.
Napoli v Chelsea - Match Result odds
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.