UEFA Champions League - Match Day Four

Europe's top tournament returns this week, and with UEFA ready to showcase many of the best clubs in the world, there should be no shortage of memorable events.

The gauntlet has been laid down for some of the largest brands in European football, and with such a competitive field there is no room for error going forward, if teams wish to continue their dreams of lifting silverware in May.

Napoli vs PSG
Stadio San Paolo, Naples, Italy
11-06-2018 - 3:00 pm ET - TNT 

The second leg of this Group C thriller takes place in the South of Italy. After a unforgettable contest a fortnight ago, these two European heavy-weights continue their battle, in what should be another epic showdown.

Napoli surprised many by taking a point from the French capital, but after allowing a stoppage time equalizer, the "Gli Azzurri" feel as if they let the Parisian's off the hook and squandered an opportunity to take a overall lead in the group.

Carlo Ancelotti must keep his troops confident ahead of Tuesday's fixture, the iconic manager is no stranger to this global stage, after leading both AC Milan and Real Madrid to Champions League titles, the Italian task-master was has been handed the reigns of guiding this talented Napoli side to the top of the European mountain. Ancelotti has the 'Blues' sitting second in this top heavy four-some, after failing to taste defeat through their first three matches, the hosts understand that a victory on Tuesday could go along way in their pursuit of a Round of 16 appearance. 

The Italians seem to be thriving under their new sideline general. After several highly successful season's under Maurizio Sarri, Napoli have not missed a beat, scoring an average of 1.9 Goals per match in all competitions, proving they are still a force to be reckoned with on multiple fronts.

Ancelotti took extra pre-cautions this weekend in preparation for the Parisians, sitting Allan, Raúl Albiol, David Ospina, Fabián Ruiz, Marek Hamsik and Jose Callejón during the teams 5-1 dismantling of Empoli, ensuring the bulk of his starting eleven were fully refreshed.

There top flight side will have a crucial decision to make on there two danger-men, with Lorenzo Insigne already slated to get the start atop the Italians front-line, Arkadiusz Milik will battle it out with Dries Mertens, who should have the inside track after recording a hat-trick during Sunday's top flight contest. 

The Naples club understand how motivated the French outfit will be on Tuesday night, with PSG needing all three points themselves, there will be an added emphasis on their back-line to step up and help keep their world-class opponents off the score-line. Kalidou Koulibaly will be a key figure on the defensive side of the pitch, the athletic center-back is considered one of the best defenders in the world, and his services will called upon to help neutralize the guests high powered attack, while also using his premier passing skills to set the offense into motion, where he can be a true game changer. 

PSG make the trip to Italy in desperate need of a victory, after dropping 5 points through the first three match days, the Paris side are staring at the possibility of a early exit from the group stage, and making this another huge failure on the European platform.

Thomas Tuchel was assigned with the task of leading the French giants to their first Champions League title, after several years of disappointing results, the German head-man took over for Unai Emery, who could not get the French-men too their final destination. Tuchel has already had a tremendous amount of domestic success, but the former Dortmund manager will only be judged on his UEFA results, as the Ligue One side are European title or bust. 

The visitors may start the match-day at less than full strength, with star tally's man Edinson Cavani listed as a doubt to make the starting eleven, the Uruguayan would be major miss atop the PSG front-line. Cavani has become one of the scariest goal scoring threats in the world, placing fear in opposing back-lines with his non-stop approach, and poacher instincts. The former Napoli man would have certainly had this day circled on his calendar, with a long awaited return to the San Paolo.

The Paris unit still have plenty of capable replacements on the bench, with Ángel Di María the most likely of candidates to replace his fellow South American. The Argentine would bring his own set of problems for the Napoli defenders, he simply glides across the pitch, using his keen instincts to set up others, while using his cultured left foot to place the ball in the back of the net.

The remaining members of PSG's famed trio need no introduction, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe setting the footballing world on fire, their overall pace and explosive moves in the attacking half of the pitch is unmatched, posting 40 Goals and 10 Assists in all competitions, this combination will draw a large amount of attention, allowing their teammates plenty of opportunities to succeed.

PSG were rewarded with some valuable news, with Gianluigi Buffon returning from his previous match-ban for his actions last season, giving the Parisian's one of the best goal-keepers in the world for the enormous occasion. Buffon has the added bonus of playing 20 plus years in Italy, he will not be overwhelmed by Napoli's daunting home field advantage, as the veteran keeper has been faced with every situation during his hall of fame career.

Napoli vs PSG - Prediction

PSG have been challenged to pick up a victory during their travels as of late, having lost their last three Champions League away matches, placing added pressure on this high priced squad to break that disturbing trend, and get back to their usual winning ways.

Napoli on the other hand, must pick right up from the last time these two sides meet in Paris. The Italians controlled much of that match from start to finish, and showed they are capable of defeating this PSG side on any given day, now with their loyal supporters ready to help push them past the finish line, I expect another inspired performance from this over-achieving club.

The opportunities to see goals are once again at a all-time high, with PSG needing to score they will want to push the pace and make this a uptempo affair, I would expect nothing less than 2 Goals from the visitors for all their efforts.

Napoli must try and turn the Parisians aggression against them, knowing the visitors have had a hard time keeping clean-sheets, conceding a minimum of 2 Goals in 5 of their last 6 Champions League outings, we should witness a plethora of scoring opportunities, with another set of crooked numbers on the final score-line.

Napoli vs PSG - Match Tips

Over 1.25  -110 / 1.91 - Total 1st Half Goals 
PSG (TT) Over 0.5  -115 / 1.87 - 1st Half Goal 
PSG (TT) Over 1.5  -110 / 1.91 - Full Time Goals 
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  -125 / 1.8 

UCL - Bonus Match Tips

Monaco vs Club Brugge 
11-06-2018 - 12:55 pm ET

Monaco (TT) Over 0.5  -105 / 1.95 - 1st Half Goal
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  +100 / 2.0 

Red Star Belgrade vs Liverpool 
11-06-2018 - 12:55 pm ET - TNT

Liverpool  -0.75  -125 / 1.8 - 1st Half Spread
Liverpool - To Score In Both Halves - YES  -130 / 1.77 

Inter Milan vs Barcelona 
11-06-2018 - 3:00 pm ET 

Barcelona (TT) Over 0.5  -110 / 1.91 - 1st Half Goal 
Barcelona (TT) Over 1.5 -110 / 1.91 - Full Time Goals 
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  +100 / 2.0 

Schalke vs Galatasary 
11-06-2018 - 3:00 pm ET 

Schalke  -0.25  -125 / 1.8 - 1st Half Spread
Schalke (TT)  Over 0.5  -125 / 1.8 - 1st Half Goal 
Schalke (TT) Over 1.5  -130 / 1.77 - Full Time Goals

FC Porto vs Locomotiv Moscow 
11-06-2018 - 3:00 pm ET 

FC Porto  (TT)  Over 2  -125 / 1.8 - Goals 
FC Porto  -0.5  -115 / 1.87 - 1st Half Spread
Over 2.75  -110 / 1.91 - Total Full Time Goals 

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