Napoli v Arsenal: Key team news ahead of Champions League opener

Napoli and Arsenal begin their Champions League campaigns with a high-profile meeting at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, with both sides facing important selection questions before the first matchday of the league phase.

The Italian club are expected to be particularly weakened in defence and midfield. Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri will be without Scott McTominay, Alessandro Buongiorno, Luca Marianucci and Giovane for the visit of the Gunners.

Napoli’s predicted line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Alex Meret

Defenders: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Rafa Marin, Leonardo Spinazzola

Midfielders: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka

Forwards: Matteo Politano, Rasmus Højlund, Noa Lang

The match represents a significant early test for Allegri’s team as they seek to make a positive start to their European campaign. Playing at home provides Napoli with an opportunity to begin the league phase strongly, although the number of absentees leaves the manager with difficult decisions to make.

Arsenal also have concerns in defence as Mikel Arteta prepares his squad for the trip to Italy. William Saliba remains unavailable for an extended period, while Cristhian Mosquera is still doubtful.

There is, however, some encouragement for the Premier League side. Jurrien Timber returned to training at the weekend, raising the possibility that he could be included in the travelling squad for the fixture.

Arsenal’s predicted line-up is:

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Defenders: Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis

The meeting is expected to be one of the standout fixtures on the opening matchday of the Champions League league phase. Both teams will be looking to establish momentum immediately, with Napoli relying on home advantage and Arsenal aiming to cope with their defensive absences.

According to the odds published by betting company 1xbet, Arsenal are favourites at 1.70 to win the match. Napoli are priced at 5.00, while a draw is listed at 3.75.

The fixture will take place at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, where Napoli will host Arsenal in their first game of this season’s Champions League league phase.