UEFA Europa League
Arsenal vs Napoli Preview
Two of the Europa League’s big guns face off at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening as Arsenal and Napoli battle it out for a place in the semi-finals.
The Gunners were given a reminder of just how important this competition is to their hopes of returning to the Champions League next season after a defeat to Everton at the weekend once again intensified the race for a fourth place finish in the Premier League.
Napoli meanwhile are able to put all their efforts into winning their first European trophy since 1989 with their hopes of catching Juventus in the race for the Serie A title long over.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side travel to north London off the back of a 1-1 draw with 10-man Genoa on Saturday.
Previous Encounters:
Arsenal and Napoli have faced off just twice before in Europe – home and away in the group stages of the Champions League in 2013-14. Arsenal defeated the Italian side 2-0 at the Emirates, before losing by the same scoreline at the Stadio San Paolo.
View From Both Camps:
Unai Emery (Arsenal):
“Arsenal want to play against the best teams and Napoli are one of them.”
“Napoli have a big history like us, they’re second in the Serie A. They’re playing very well, they came from a strong group in the Champions League. They were very competitive.”
“It’s going to be difficult for us, but we have confidence. We need to be very consistent in two matches. I have great respect for every Coach and Ancelotti is top. His career is amazing.”
Carlo Ancelotti (Napoli):
“Emrey has more experience than me in Europa League. His past explains his competence and his ability to prepare this kind of games.”
“He is going to be a very difficult opponent to face, I am disadvantaged because he has more experience than me but I hope to recover quickly.”
“I want a brave team tomorrow. In this kind of games, bravery is needed or you can be overpowered by your opponents. We’ll need to be brave and have a good strategy.”
Team News:
Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny and Granit Xhaka face late fitness tests ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash with Napoli.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is doubt for the clash as he has been struggling with illness.
Napoli will have highly-rated defender Kalidou Koulibaly back after he missed his side’s last European game through suspension.
Amadou Diawara and Raul Albiol are carrying injuries, while David Ospina – on loan from Arsenal – suffered a head injury last month. He was eligible to play against his parent club.
Predicted Lineups:
Arsenal (3-4-1-2): Leno; Mustafi, Sokratis, Monreal; Maitland-Niles, Ramsey, Guendouzi, Kolasinac; Iwobi; Aubameyang, Lacazette.
Napoli (4-4-2): Meret; Malcuit, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Rui; Callejon, Allan, Fabian Ruiz, Zielinski; Insigne, Mertens.
Match Prediction:
Arsenal, quite simply, need a lead to take into next week’s second leg in Italy. The Gunners have been terrible on their travels all season, in complete contrast to their home form. Playing the second leg on home soil would have worked out better for the Londoners, but Emery’s side should at least pick up victory in Thursday’s match.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Napoli
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Photo credit to Arsenal via Twitter
