Napoli are inconsistent, while the Londoners remain perfect: Napoli vs Arsenal prediction
The opening-round Champions League match between Napoli and Arsenal will take place on 9 September at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. The hosts head into the game after two consecutive defeats, while the reigning English champions have won all four of their competitive matches this season.
Napoli: two consecutive defeats and defensive problems
Massimiliano Allegri's side began the league campaign with a 2-0 victory over Genoa, but then lost 2-1 to Como and 3-2 to Inter. The match in Milan was particularly painful, as Napoli led by two goals before allowing their opponents to complete a comeback.
Their recent European record is also far from impressive: Napoli have won only two of their last 10 Champions League matches and have suffered three consecutive defeats against English clubs. Scott McTominay's absence will be an additional problem.
Arsenal: four wins and only one goal conceded
Mikel Arteta's side have made a perfect start to the season, beating Manchester City 3-0, Coventry 3-0, Aston Villa 1-0 and Chelsea 2-1 in succession. The Londoners have scored nine goals and conceded only one during that run.
Last season, Arsenal reached the Champions League final and did not lose any of their 15 matches in normal time. The team are also unbeaten in their last nine opening matches in European competition.
Probable line-ups
- Napoli: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Marin, Rrahmani, Spinazzola, De Bruyne, Lobotka, Gilmour, Politano, Højlund, Santos.
- Arsenal: Raya, White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapié, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Ødegaard, Tzolis, Havertz.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Arsenal have won all four of their competitive matches this season.
- Napoli have suffered two consecutive defeats, conceding five goals in those matches.
- Arsenal beat Napoli in both legs of their 2018/19 Europa League quarter-final.
The visitors look more consistent: Napoli vs Arsenal prediction
Napoli are capable of causing problems for any opponent at home, but their current defence remains far too unstable. McTominay's absence also weakens the midfield ahead of a meeting with one of Europe's most balanced teams.
Arsenal are currently more reliable defensively and have more attacking options. If the Londoners maintain their current level of organisation, they should begin their European campaign with a victory.
