Date of Tips: 26/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (13:00 26/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
SSC Napoli
v Chelsea FC 
Diego Armando Maradona
UEFA Champions League LEAGUE_STAGE 
28-01-2026 20:00
Napoli Form
Chelsea Form
Wednesday night in Naples. January 28th, 8pm at Stadio Diego Armando Marado. This Napoli vs Chelsea prediction weighs up the team news, likely lineups, and how these two match up, to figure out where the smart betting angles might sit.
Let’s start with Napoli. Antonio Conte is the man in charge, 56 years old now, still as intense as ever, and still obsessed with structure and discipline. Domestically, Napoli are are trying to stay in the title picture in Serie A, but Europe hasn’t been kind to them. Injuries haven’t helped, either.
Romelu Lukaku is the big name everyone asks about. The former Chelsea striker isn’t expected to be ready here despite edging closer to a return. Billy Gilmour, another ex-Chelsea player and a regular in Serie A midfield battles, is sidelined after groin surgery. Scott McTominay, though, is fit. The Scotland international, who joined from Manchester United, has been a key physical presence in midfield. He’s also a threat from set pieces.
Kevin De Bruyne’s absence is massive. The Belgian playmaker, one of the best of his generation, remains on the treatment table alongside Frank Anguissa. At the back, Amir Rrahmani and Matteo Politano are doubts after picking up knocks, so Conte may need to shuffle things around.
Napoli’s penalties usually fall to whoever is leading the line, and with Rasmus Højlund likely to start, don’t be surprised if the young Dane steps up. From free kicks, expect Giovanni Di Lorenzo or Eljif Elmas to take responsibility.
Chelsea’s situation is different but no less complicated. Liam Rosenior is early into his Chelsea reign, and you can already see his fingerprints on how this team plays. More control. More patience.
Cole Palmer is the big talking point. The England international, one of Chelsea’s brightest attackers this season, has been nursing a minor muscle issue. He’s not 100 percent, but there’s optimism he could feature. Tosin Adarabioyo, Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill, and Dário Essugo are all ruled out, while Filip Jørgensen is a doubt.
Enzo Fernández, Chelsea’s World Cup winner, is central to everything. He usually handles penalties when Palmer isn’t on the pitch. Free kicks tend to go to Enzo again, with Reece James also an option when fit enough to push forward.
Napoli look set to stick with Conte’s familiar 3-4-2-1 shape. That likely means Meret in goal, Di Lorenzo leading the back line, and McTominay partnering Lobotka in midfield. Højlund should spearhead the attack.
Chelsea should line up in a 4-2-3-1. Sánchez in goal. James and Cucurella as full-backs. Caicedo sitting deep, Enzo pushing on, and Garnacho offering pace and directness out wide. If Palmer can’t start, Estêvão may get the nod again.
This matchup is fascinating. Napoli will try to control space and slow the tempo. Chelsea, on the other hand, look sharper in transition under Rosenior. They move the ball quicker and don’t panic when pressed.
The midfield battle feels decisive. McTominay’s physicality versus Enzo’s intelligence. Caicedo snapping into tackles. If Chelsea can play through that zone, Napoli may struggle to keep up.
For more betting inspiration, check out todays football tips for more angles on games like this.
This feels tight. Napoli at home are never easy to break down, even with injuries. Chelsea, though, look more balanced and confident than earlier in the season. If Palmer plays, that swings things slightly. If not, Chelsea still have enough to compete.
A low-scoring draw wouldn’t shock anyone. Neither would a narrow away win if Chelsea take their chances.
Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.
If you’re leaning toward a scoreline, 1-1 keeps coming back into focus. Both teams have the quality to score. Neither looks bulletproof defensively. It fits the game script.
Correct Score Prediction: Napoli 1-1 Chelsea. Bet with bet365.
Under goals feels safer than chasing a goal-fest. This has the look of a match where control matters more than risk. One or two goals either way seems realistic.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
A cautious bet builder works here. Think along the lines of under 3.5 goals, based on the cautious approach both teams are likely to take. Add both teams to score, because despite the caution, there’s enough attacking quality on both sides to expect chances at either end. Then round it off with Chelsea Double Chance.
Bet Builder Tip: Chelsea double chance, both teams to score, and under 3.5 goals. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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It’s too close to call. A draw or a narrow Chelsea win both feel realistic.
Kick-off is at 8pm UK time on January 28th, 2026.
At the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples.
It’s a Champions League fixture.
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