Napoli vs Union Berlin
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday
8th November 2023
Diego Armando Maradona
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Champions League matchday 4 fixture between Napoli and Union Berlin.
Napoli vs Union Berlin: Preview
Napoli form analysis
Recent games for Napoli have shown off their explosive attacking prowess along with a few defensive missteps. They started with an emphatic 4-0 away thrashing of Lecce thanks to goals from Zielinski, Osimhen, Gaetano and Politano. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 1-3 home loss to Fiorentina – equalizing through Osimhen but conceding 3 alarmingly cheap goals.
Back in form next up, Napoli impressively dismantled Verona 1-3 away thanks to a Kvaratskhelia double and Politano opener. But problems at the back remained in their latest league game, throwing away a two goal lead at home to draw 2-2 with AC Milan after sloppy defending. There was improvement in their latest match, a professional 0-2 away win at struggling Salernitana courtesy of goals from Raspadori and Elmas. Overall, Napoli are scintillating in attack with the likes of Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen thriving, but they must tighten up defensively to stay in the hunt for trophies this season.
Union Berlin form analysis
The Berlin club’s recent run of games has been underwhelming after their strong start, with a series of poor results. It began with a disappointing 1-0 away defeat to Heidenheim in the cup, conceding late after a goalless 90 minutes. Things got worse with a high scoring 2-4 home loss to Dortmund in an entertaining game, twice leading through Füllkrug and Gosens but collapsing defensively after halftime. Their struggles continued in a 0-3 thrashing away at Stuttgart, falling behind early and never recovering.
Most recently they lost 0-2 at home to Werder Bremen, with an own goal and late second condemning them to defeat. Union were then torn apart 0-3 at home by Frankfurt, going two behind early before a damage limitation exercise. Overall, Union Berlin’s previously solid defense has cracked open, conceding 14 goals in this spell. Furthermore, the attack has misfired, scoring just twice. It’s critical to get around this bad run of form after such an amazing start.
