Tomorrow night is the Kevin De Bruyne derby at the Etihad, as the Belgian playmaker returns in a Napoli jersey just a matter of months after leaving England on a free transfer.
The Manchester City legend is sure to receive a fantastic reception at the stadium he used to call home, although the same cannot be said for ex-Manchester United players Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund.
Read on as we preview one of the most intriguing clashes on Matchday 1 of the 2025-26 Champions League season, complete with football betting tips featuring the latest online odds.
And if your bet on Manchester City vs Napoli is coming in with time still left to play in the match, our Cash Out feature allows you to collect potential winnings early.
Manchester City vs Napoli Preview
City enter this fixture on the back of a huge 3-0 derby win over Manchester United, in which Erling Haaland netted yet another brace.
It was a big result for Pep Guardiola following back-to-back Premier League losses to Tottenham and Brighton prior to the international break.
Even without injured duo Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush, the Citizens looked strong in attack vs United, with Phil Foden enjoying a goal-scoring return to the starting XI.
Rodri also looked back to his formidable best following a knee injury nightmare, a boost of sizeable proportions for Guardiola moving forward.
However, the City boss will be well aware of the threat posed by Serie A champions Napoli – and not just the threat within De Bruyne’s right boot!
Antonio Conte has turned the Neapolitans into a brilliant all-round outfit, one capable of winning matches in multiple ways.
Built on a strong defensive setup, Napoli can also tear teams apart in forward areas, with De Bruyne supported by the likes of McTominay, Hojlund and Matteo Politano.
Hojlund and De Bruyne were each on target in the 3-1 victory at Fiorentina last Saturday, which made it three wins from three for the reigning Italian champions.
City and Napoli last met in the Champions League arena during the 2017 group stage. The Citizens won 2-1 in Manchester and followed that up with a 4-2 victory at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Manchester City vs Napoli Odds
*All odds are subject to change
City are, of course, the favourites to win at the Etihad, priced at just 1.65. A Napoli victory is at odds of 4.90, while the draw is 3.92.
Manchester City vs Napoli Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Erling Haaland @ 1.80
Haaland has five Premier League goals in four appearances this season, and his record in the Champions League is ridiculous. The Norwegian striker’s stats in club football’s biggest competition read 49 goals in 48 games, while he has three goals in three previous matches against Napoli from his Red Bull Salzburg days. Need we say anymore?
Player to score or assist – Kevin De Bruyne @ 2.60
A De Bruyne goal contribution on his return to the Etihad just feels inevitable. The Belgian is still a world-class operator, evidenced by his two goals in three Serie A appearances this term. De Bruyne also appears to be Napoli’s designated penalty taker after scoring from 12 yards vs Fiorentina, which only makes the odds here look even more appealing.
Kevin De Bruyne to assist a goal @ 4.60
And if you are looking to increase your odds on a De Bruyne-themed selection, this looks a fantastic bet. The ex-City star has tallied 28 assists in his previous 79 Champions League appearances, placing him joint eighth in the all-time rankings. Potentially great value to be had here.
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