Champions League Preview: Why Manchester City Need to Be Cautious of Napoli

Two Champions League debutants will take the pitch this afternoon as Manchester City host SSC Napoli at the Etihad, a clash oozing with star-quality and marquee matchups.

Both teams learned their respective fates in last month’s draw and an easy road out of the group stage seems unlikely, as each were placed in the so called “Group of Death."

The Naples squad comes into this affair brimming with confidence as they got their 2011/2012 season off to a flying start, dismantling Cesena over the weekend and seeing their new summer signings debut in impressive fashion.

Manchester City have also started their campaign brilliantly, going unbeaten and untied in the league while seeing their summer acquisitions shine brightly and dominate the league scoring charts.

Each squad comes into the tie relatively unscathed, as injuries have not been an issue so far this season. Both will be putting out their strongest starting 11 as they look to take all three points and start their maiden Champions League endeavors on a high note.

This season City have found little trouble in destroying opponents, but that may not be the case this afternoon in Manchester.

City are looking to continue riding the coattails of their potent attack force, which has been more than impressive so far and doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As Napoli look to contain Samir Nasri, Eden Dzeko and David Silva on the night, one diminutive Argentine will need the most attention of them all.

Sergio Aguero has made his switch from La Liga to the Premier League effortlessly and is off to a smashing start. With six goals to his name and a hat trick over weekend, the former Independiente and Atletico Madrid striker is at full force and will look to wreck havoc on the Azzurri back four.

Roberto Mancini will most definitely be looking for Aguero to provide inspiration in the final third, as his red-hot form can prove contagious within the squad.

And even if Napoli is to slow the Argentine down, City still have envious options on either flank and in the heart of midfield. David Silva is flying under the radar and his meticulous passing and audacious dribbling have triggered City’s early success.

Yaya Toure will shore up the midfield and provide balance for the play-makers when they decide to go forward. As City look to be creative and imaginative in attack, they can rely on their timely and consistent defence to bail them out just in case.

Pundits and experts will cite City’s marvelous form and extended depth in validating their case as favorites. But the Naples squad is no slouch and if City are even the slightest bit careless, look for Napoli to take three crucial points on the road.

Napoli had one of the most dynamic attacking units in Serie A last year and they marched their way to a third place finish in the league. They were neck and neck with Milan and Inter all season and will look to continue playing up to their potential.

Dependable captain Paulo Cannavaro put in a man of the match performance against Cesena, as the Italian showed his keen ability to read the game and put in crucial tackles. The brother of Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro is quietly establishing himself as an elite center back, not only in Serie A but in all of Europe.

And while the defense of Napoli will look to continue their solid form, Napoli made a name for themselves last year because of their dazzling attacking performances, led by three superstars in the making.

Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani have established themselves as elite players and Manchester City will be configuring their game plan around stopping these three.

Hamsik, who currently captains the Slovakian national team, is orchestral in Napoli’s attack and provides pinpoint passing and tireless running in the midfield. And if you saw his goal versus Cesena last weekend, the 24-year-old also packs a powerful shot.

Ezequiel Lavezzi is another miniature Argentine that greatly outplays his stature. El Pocho provides flair and imagination in this Napoli side and is influential in creating chances. The Argentine ended last campaign with 12 assists.

However, Edinson Cavani is the X-factor in the Neapolitan side, turning in ruthless attacking displays en route to finishing as the team’s top goal scorer last term.

If City are to come away victorious, they will need to stop Cavani at all costs. The Uruguayan is a clinical striker who makes the most of every opportunity he has in front of net, whether it is an easy tap-in or a goal from nothing.

Many see City as the favorites in this tie, but I am putting my money on the Naples affiliate. I realize Manchester City went ahead and strengthened their squad tremendously over the summer, but I am not sold on some of their components and feel they still have a ways to go in achieving the team unity a squad like Manchester United has.

James Milner has seen his form dip tremendously and experts previewing the game have him playing big minutes in this match. If he is to start the match as anticipated, look for Napoli to exploit the Englishman’s frail confidence and rattle the former Aston Villa midfielder.

I am also not convinced with the inclusion of Gareth Barry. According to the analysis on goal.com, Barry is slated to start alongside Yaya in front of the back four.

Gareth Barry has been highly overrated his entire career and has reaped the benefits of that immensely. I foresee the England international struggling with Napoli’s lightning quick attack and failing to promptly assert himself in his side.

City are going to be reliant on the likes of Nasri, Silva and Aguero to provide the difference, just as Napoli will look to Hamsik, Lavezzi and Cavani to do the same. Fans are eager to see how these two powerful attacking units collide.

Sparks will be flying and the atmosphere will be buzzing tonight in Manchester, as both teams look to start their Champions League voyages positively. What a treat this will be for the fans as their teams mark their debut in Europe's biggest club competition.

Before I sign off, a little interesting connection between the two clubs should most definitely be noted.

Sergio Aguero is married to Diego Maradona’s daughter and recently had a child with her. Diego Maradona played for Napoli during the peak of his career, bringing success and popularity to the club that they had never seen up to that point.

As Aguero and company are looking to grab a victory from Napoli in Manchester tonight, it would be interesting to see which side Maradona himself is pulling for. Will he be looking to support the club that made him a football God or is he keeping it in the family?

Either way, I imagine there will be plenty to talk about at the next family dinner once this match concludes.