Napoli-Catania Betting Preview: Back the hosts to lead at half-time
Feb 1, 2013 9:30:00 AM
Walter Mazzarri's side are looking to pile the pressure on defending champions Juventus when they play host to Catania on Saturday night, and the Partenopei look favourites
In-form Napoli will look to maintain their challenge for the Serie A title when they welcome Rolando Maran’s Catania to Stadio San Paolo on Saturday night.Walter Mazzarri’s side go into this weekend’s clash just three points adrift of leaders Juventus, who face Chievo on Sunday, and the Partenopei are chalked up as 1/2 (1.50) favourites with Bet365 to take all three points from this clash.
Catania, though, are just two points adrift of Milan in the race for a European qualification berth and the Sicilian-based club can be backed at a chunky 11/2 (6.50) with Bet365 to shock the hosts by claiming all three points, while the same firm go 16/5 (3.20) that the match ends with the spoils shared.Napoli boast a strong home record, having lost just once on home soil in the league this season, while it is also worth noting that Mazzarri’s men have conceded a paltry 11 goals in their 11 home matches this term, compared with an impressive 28 goals scored.
Catania, too, have done their best work at home and with just two away wins in 10 league matches so far this term for Maran's side, their form on the road is surely a cause for concern ahead of the trip to Naples.
Napoli have led at half-time in no fewer than eight of their 11 home league fixtures so far this term and, given Catania’s poor away record, the even money (2.0) quote from Bet365 for the Partenopei to lead at half-time looks to represent outstanding value here.
Those seeking to squeeze extra value out of the match may be tempted by the correct score market and, with Napoli’s mean defensive record in mind – only Juventus have conceded fewer goals this season – a clean sheet appears to be likely for Mazzarri’s side here.The 13/2 (7.50) quote from Bet365 for a 1-0 home win is tempting but it is the 2-0 win – also chalked up at 13/2 (7.50) by the same firm – that offers real value here given the free-scoring form that Napoli have produced thus far this term.
With that in mind, the 13/2 (7.50) for the hosts to enjoy a 2-0 win should be taken as the value selection, while the even money (2.0) quote for the Partenopei to lead at half-time is the best bet.
 |
BET |
OF THE |
DAY |
| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Napoli to lead at half time at even money (2.0) with Bet365 |
Napoli to win 2-0 at 13/2 (7.50) with Bet365 |
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Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter
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