Napoli vs Arsenal preview

December 10, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Arsenal vs Napoli 2-0Napoli are all too aware that only a big win over Arsenal is likely to prove enough for the place in the knockout stages, but the Azzurri are not yet ready to give up.

Meanwhile, the Gunners need just one point to secure the first place in the group of death, and they are expected to adopt a cautious approach.

For the second time in a row, Napoli have been placed in by far the strongest group in the competition, having previously played alongside the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Villarreal.

And while they somehow managed to progress from that group, this time they are facing a very difficult task ahead of the final group game.

With the Azzurri trailing both Arsenal and Dortmund on goal difference, they will need to turn on the style against the Gunners in order to improve their qualifying chances, meaning both teams to score bet should be considered at 1.53 (8/15).

Meanwhile, Napoli are 2.50 (3/2) to get revenge on the North London side for the 3-1 defeat at the Emirates earlier in the campaign.

Marek Hamsik, Camilo Zuniga and Giandomenico Mesto continue to miss out, whereas new signing Anthony Reveillere is ineligible.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Reina – Maggio, Britos, Albiol, Armero – Inler, Behrami – Callejon, Pandev, Insigne – Higuain.

Arsenal have done brilliantly to exceed pre-season predictions, although they need to continue the rich vein in form in order to turn this campaign into a success.

The Gunners have increased their lead at the Premiership summit to five points despite sharing spoils with in-form Everton, and they will switch their attention to the Champions League before contesting high-profile matches against Manchester City and Chelsea.

Arsenal find themselves in a very good position ahead of the Napoli clash, with the Gunners sitting three points clear at the top of Group F, but they still need to ensure they get the job done.

And with the hosts under a lot of pressure at the moment, there may be some value in odds of 3.00 (2/1) offered on away win.

Arsene Wenger is unlikely to make major changes to his starting line-up, although Theo Walcott could be given his first start after returning from injury.

Meanwhile, Bacary Sagna, Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continue to miss out through various ailments.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Szczesny – Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal – Ramsey, Flamini – Walcott, Ozil, Rosicky – Giroud.

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