Napoli vs Juventus preview

January 10, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Napoli vs JuventusTop 3 hopefuls Napoli play host to Serie A leaders Juventus in what should be one of the most interesting matches of Gameweek 18.

The Azzurri were hoping to finally mount a serious title challenge this term, but they haven’t exactly been playing to their potential so far.

And while they are outside the top 3 at the moment, the good news is Napoli sit level on points with third-placed Lazio, while they are ten points adrift of the top of the standings.

Nevertheless, seeing as the win over leaders Juventus could see them revive their title ambitions, it is important to note the Azzurri are 3.10 (21/10) to defeat their more illustrious opponents.

Napoli responded well to the disappointing defeat to AC Milan as they went on to defeat Parma and Cesena in the league, while also pipping Juventus to the Italian Super Cup trophy.

The Azzurri have since recruited Ivan Strinic and Manolo Gabbiadini, although neither is expected to start the Sunday’s game.

Faouzi Ghoulam is away on international duty, whilst Lorenzo Insigne, Michu and Juan Camilo Zuniga are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Rafael – Maggio, Koulibaly, Albiol, Britos – Gargano, Lopez – Callejon, Hamsik, De Guzman – Higuain.

While Juventus remain the number one candidates for the league trophy, the reality is the Bianconeri are going through a very rough patch at the moment.

Max Allegri’s side have now won just one of their last six matches in all competitions, and they are in danger of losing the first place in the standings.

The Bianconeri probably weren’t too happy after the Super Cup defeat to Napoli, and the match at Stadio San Paolo will be a good opportunity to get revenge on the Azzurri.

Given that Juventus won four of last five away matches on all fronts, they can be backed at 2.62 (13/8) to claim maximum points in Naples.

With no fresh injuries to report, Max Allegri looks set to field the same side that shared spoils with Inter Milan at the start of the New Year.

The likes of Andrea Barzagli (ankle), Kwadwo Asamoah (groin) and Romulo (knee), however, remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Buffon – Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra – Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio – Vidal – Tevez, Llorente.

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