Napoli vs Arsenal: Champions League – prediction, teams, lineups

Napoli and Arsenal meet in Naples for the first match of their Champions League group, a fixture that brings together two clubs that have both claimed domestic crowns in recent seasons. Arsenal arrive on a four-match winning run across domestic competition, while Napoli hope to halt a mini slump in Serie A ahead of the European kick-off.

Napoli are carrying midfield problems into the game, with Scott McTominay unavailable after a surgical procedure to treat an irregular heartbeat and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa sidelined through a physical issue. Coach Massimiliano Allegri — who the report states replaced Antonio Conte after last season — said the team need to target 12 points to secure qualification and outlined a three-man central midfield option as his solution. The club have lost their last two Serie A outings, including a 3-2 defeat to Inter Milan at the weekend.

Arsenal have begun their campaign strongly, beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield and following up with league wins over Coventry, Aston Villa and Chelsea. The Gunners have scored nine goals and conceded only once in those matches, and the report notes they were last season’s English champions and reached the Champions League final, where they were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal’s squad issues for this match are relatively minor: Cristhian Mosquera did not travel due to a muscle problem, Jurrien Timber may be fit for the bench while William Saliba remains out with a back issue, and Bruno Guimaraes is nearing full fitness.

Pre-match projections favour Arsenal: the Opta model gives them a 52% chance of victory versus a 22% chance for Napoli. The teams have met four times previously, with Arsenal winning three encounters and Napoli one, the meetings spanning Champions League and Europa League fixtures from 2013 to 2019. Predicted starting XIs published ahead of the match list Meret in goal for Napoli and Raya for Arsenal, with the two sides fielding attacking options that could make this a lively opener for both sets of supporters.