<p>Manchester City and Napoli will begin their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaigns against each other at the Etihad Stadium on Friday, September 19, at 05:00 AEST.</p> <p>It will be a match that will see two of the top European sides clash, with Pep Guardiola’s superstars taking on the current Serie A champions, led by Antonio Conte.</p> <p>However, there will be one storyline in this game that will capture the interest of many, including bettors – the return of Kevin De Bruyne and what he might achieve on his former stomping ground.</p> <h2>Man City vs Napoli Betting Preview</h2> <p>The Belgian playmaker has managed six goal contributions in his first six games for Napoli, with five goals and one assist.</p> <p>Two other players with a Manchester connection who could make a difference for Napoli include Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund.</p> <p>Both may have been part of the red half of the English city for United, but they are both currently enjoying their time in Italy. The Scottish midfielder scored 12 goals last season and has one so far this year, while the Danish forward scored on his debut after he joined Napoli on loan. It’s been a lift that he has started well, as Romelu Lukaku is out injured.</p> <p>Still, City defeated their Manchester rivals 3-0 last weekend, with Erling Haaland securing a brace to take his tally to five goals in four games. But they will be without key players, with Omar Marmoush, John Stones, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mateo Kovacic all out.</p> <p>And European soccer has been a bit of a problem for Guardiola’s side. Their recent record has seen them win just one of their last seven Champions League matches, losing five. With Napoli unbeaten domestically through three games, there will be cause for concern.</p> <p>Still, City and Napoli have met four times in the Champions League. City have two wins, Napoli have one win, and there’s been one draw. The most recent meeting in 2017 saw City win 4-2 in Naples.</p> <h2>Man City vs Napoli Betting Predictions</h2> <p>The English side are the big favourites according to the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/uefa-competitions/uefa-champions-league/man-city-v-napoli-9576217">Man City vs Napoli betting odds</a>. This means there is potential value in backing the underdogs in this game. We’d expect the game to be closer than the odds suggest, especially with how well Conte’s side are playing at the moment and City’s poor European form.</p> <p>KDB&nbsp;could be a thorn in the side of City’s defence, and we expect him to have a hand in a goal. The ‘To Score Or Assist’ bet looks good value ahead of this game for the Belgian.</p> <p>With City's last seven games averaging 4.57 goals and Napoli in fine attacking form, the ‘Over 3.5 goals’ and ‘Both Teams To Score’ markets offer additional value. The 'Over 3.5 Goals' market has landed in eight of Manchester City's last nine Champions League matches.</p>