UNION BERLIN were everyone's favourite story last season as they handed out bloody noses galore on the way to a remarkable first ever Champions League spot.
But this season has turned into a complete and utter nightmare as they prepare to face Napoli in Italy on Wednesday.
Their 3-0 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend was their 12th loss in a row in all competitions and they currently sit in third bottom place in the Bundesliga. It was also their fifth game in a row without a goal.
If they carry on like this, they will undoubtedly be relegated and they haven't enjoyed any solace in the Champions League either. They have lost all three games there too although only by a goal on every occasion to Real Madrid, Napoli and Braga.
An away game against the champions of Italy doesn't look an ideal way to bounce back and ominously, Napoli are starting to find form.
They too had a sticky start to defending their title, but their weekend win over Salernitana was their third win in four and in the other game, they fought back from two goals down to get a point against AC Milan.
Napoli sit in second place in the group three points ahead of Braga.
How the bookies view it
Napoli are odds-on favourites here at 2/5 with bet365.
Union Berlin can be backed at 15/2 with Betfair and the draw is 7/2 with 888Sport.
Recent head to heads
Napoli won the game in Germany 1-0 a couple of weeks ago at the Olympic Stadium which was the only time the clubs have met.
Players to watch
Napoli hitman Giacomo Raspadori has now netted in his last three games for the club including their weekend win and in the first game in Germany. The Italian striker is 2/1 to score anytime with bet365.
On loan Chelsea striker David Fofana has pretty much summed up Union Berlin's season. The Ivory Coast forward has yet to score for them and a first goal in Italy would be welcome indeed. He is 6/1 to score anytime with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Union Berlin are having a car crash of a season and you cannot hold out any hope for them to turn it around against an improving Napoli side.
With scoring goals being another problem for Union, the obvious call here is a Napoli win to nil at a nice odds-against price of 13/10 with Coral.
It really wouldn't be a shock if Napoli get a few here – back them at 2/1 with Betfred to score three goals or more.
This UEFA Champions League match between Napoli and Union Berlin will be played on Nov 8, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Napoli vs Union Berlin prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
