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Trabzonspor takes on Napoli in Turkey, hoping to get a result that will give them hope of qualification for the reverse leg in this interesting Europa League tie.
The hosts are doing reasonably well right now, sitting on the 5th place in Turkey and more importantly being undefeated in 2015 (9 matches), aside from a 3-2 loss in extra time to Sivasspor in the Cup. However, Trabzon hasn`t really been impressive, they are settling for a lot of draws and don’t have that extra-something to finish off games. Actually Trabzonspor has drawn almost 50% of their matches in the Superliga, 9 of 20, the most between any teams this season. Last time out Trabzon got a deserved 3-2 home win against Istanbul BB.
Napoli suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to Palermo over the weekend, a surprising result considering the fact that Napoli was on the back of 5 wins and a draw in 6 matches – with the draw actually being a penalty win in the Cup against Udinese. The visitors were very shaky defensively against Palermo and Rafa Benitez publicly called for focus from his players to avoid another performance like that today.
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Team news: An important betting fact is that Trabzonspor will field a much weakened lineup today. The hosts are having big fitness problems and will miss a number of key players, including Majeed Waris, Constant, Ekici, probably Bosingwa and possibly Erdogan. Trabzon’s coach has lamented that he only has 14 fit players, though that might be a bit of an exaggeration. Napoli should be able to field the same lineup that lost against Palermo, though Rafa Benitez is likely to make a couple of changes – not for resting players, but because of the performance.
Given Trabzonspor’s worrying team news, a Napoli win seems logical – but I am not completely trusting the moody Italians to get a win on the road in Turkey, always a very tough place to play away. My bet will be a draw at half time, I reckon Trabzon will start strong and fight for every ball, while Napoli will be in no hurry – especially after Benitez’s call for defensive focus and intensity. Look for a very tight and cagey first half and than, in the second, Napoli might or might not edge out a win – depending on Trabzonspor’s stamina and fitness level. All in all, my tip is a half time draw to occur. Prediction: Trabzonspor – Napoli 0-1 (0-0 half time).
Pick: Half time draw
Odds: 2.20 @ Bet365
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 8.40
Event date: 19 February
