Villarreal v Naples: probable line-ups for Champions League league-phase clash

Villarreal host Naples in the second matchday of the Champions League league phase, with the tactical decisions of both managers expected to play a significant role in the outcome.

The Spanish side will be without Tajon Buchanan, who is unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury. Nicolas Pepe is also expected to miss the match because of an eye problem, leaving Villarreal without two options for the encounter.

Villarreal can still call on several established players, including Pape Gueye, Ilias Akhomach and goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. The expected line-up suggests a side built around a four-man defence, with Ayoze Perez and Akhomach leading the attack.

Villarreal predicted line-up

Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi

Defenders: Sergi Cardona, Renato Veiga, Pau Navarro, Alex Freeman

Midfielders: Alberto Moleiro, Pape Gueye, Nathan Saliba, Santi Comesana

Forwards: Ilias Akhomach, Ayoze Perez

Naples have been hit harder by injuries ahead of the trip to Villarreal. Alessandro Buongiorno, Mathias Olivera, Costantino Favasuli, Frank Anguissa, Antonio Vergara and Alisson Santos are all unavailable and remain in the club’s treatment room.

Despite those absences, Massimiliano Allegri is expected to retain his 3-4-2-1 system. The proposed defensive trio is Benoit Badiashile, Amir Rrahmani and Rafa Marin, while Noa Lang and David Neres are set to operate behind Rasmus Højlund.

That attacking combination would give Naples pace and creativity in support of Højlund, with Kevin De Bruyne and Stanislav Lobotka expected to form the central midfield partnership. Leonardo Spinazzola and Giovanni Di Lorenzo are likely to provide width from the wing-back positions.

Naples predicted line-up

Goalkeeper: Alex Meret

Defenders: Benoit Badiashile, Amir Rrahmani, Rafa Marin

Midfielders: Leonardo Spinazzola, Stanislav Lobotka, Kevin De Bruyne, Giovanni Di Lorenzo

Forwards: Noa Lang, David Neres, Rasmus Højlund

Villarreal’s meeting with Naples will be their second Champions League fixture of the league phase. The match takes place in Spain, with both teams seeking a positive result as the competition’s opening stage continues.