Arsene Wenger’s men only need to avoid a defeat in Italy in order to progress to the knockout stage of the Champions League.
The Gunners sit top of Group F with 12 points, with the best goal difference of all 4 sides. Napoli need a 3-0 win if they are to have any hope of leapfrogging Borussia Dortmund into 2nd place, however the Germans look certain to keep hold of the final qualifying spot as they play bottom-placed Marseille.
The only scenario which would see Arsenal crash out of the competition would be for Dortmund to win as expected against the Frenchmen and for Rafa Benitez’s Napoli to turn us over by more than 3 goals.
Napoli are in impressive form in Serie ‘A’, 4 points ahead of Inter Milan in 3rd place in the table. They have scored 31 goals in their 15 domestic games this season, one more than the Gunners have managed themselves.
In the return fixture of the European competition, Olivier Giroud struck early before Mesut Ozil’s first goal in red had the tie under control after 15 minutes. Since then, both sides have managed 2 wins and a loss in Europe.
Team News
Bacary Sagna will miss the trip to Italy with a hamstring injury that is set to see him miss part of the Christmas period.
The Frenchman missed the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Everton in which Mesut Ozil’s opener was cancelled out by a Gerard Deulofeu equaliser which came from a cross from the flank that Sagna would have patrolled.
Carl Jenkinson was the replacement then and is likely to fill in yet again, as well as this week’s game with Hull City. Although Jenkinson is not considered to be the same calibre as Sagna, the youngster is capable of deputising sufficiently.
Long-term absentees Yaya Sanogo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby remain out, with Lukas Podolski excitingly near to full fitness.
Theo Walcott is back to his normal self following abdominal surgery; however goalscoring striker Olivier Giroud could be rested in favour for Niklas Bendtner.
Familiar face
Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez, who is enjoying a successful tenure at Napoli, has had the defining word on the upcoming match as his side need to go all out attack if they are to have any hope of qualification:
“We approach this race with nothing to lose,” said Benítez.
“Our path is very positive, however, and I have come here to live this competition. We were unlucky to be placed in a group that difficult, but for me it is always better to live these games that look at the TV.”
"We have confidence in ourselves. Everyone has the ability to see things in their own way."
Asked if his tactics must be perfect in order to win big against high-flying Arsenal, Benitez responded:
“Maybe. Arsenal will play with both the possession that dividing the break. We shall attack but always with the right balance. Attacking by pressing as we did at the beginning of season. We will try to score right away, then we will see what the result of the other game.”
Expected Line-up
ARSENAL: Szczesny; Jenkinson Koscielny Mertesacker Monreal; Rosicky Arteta; Cazorla Ramsey Ozil; Giroud
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Comments
I agree with the Gunner that Walcott should start so that with a have an obvious counter attacking threat, but I can't see Wenger going down this route.