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Napoli vs Arsenal: Champions League Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

The 2024–25 Serie A champions Napoli welcome the 2025–26 Premier League winners Arsenal at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this Wednesday for one of the tournament’s most exciting opening matches.

Both sides are eager to improve on last season’s European runs. Arsenal narrowly missed out on the title as runners-up, aiming now to capture their first-ever Champions League trophy. Meanwhile, Napoli, who fell in the group stage last season, have their sights set firmly on advancing to the knockout rounds.

Current Form and Expectations

Visiting Naples has never been easy, but Arsenal appear strong favorites heading into this fixture. They kicked off their Premier League defense with three straight wins following a commanding victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Their recent narrow win over Chelsea shows resilience.

Napoli face a tougher moment under new manager Massimiliano Allegri, succeeding Antonio Conte. They’ve dropped their last two games, including a painful 3–2 loss to Inter after leading by two goals.

Score Prediction: Arsenal to Continue Winning Streak

Arsenal seem almost unstoppable currently. Their squad depth has grown, allowing manager Mikel Arteta to rotate without losing quality. Star players Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka have been in top form, while their defense remains rock solid.

Napoli are still adjusting tactically, and Arsenal are likely to exploit any defensive hesitations. The crowd and atmosphere won’t be enough to derail England’s top side.

  • Arsenal’s Defense: Only Morgan Rogers has scored against them this season. They've conceded just 0.9 expected goals over three Premier League matches. Injuries haven’t shaken Arteta’s backline.
  • Past Performance:Arsenal topped last season’s group stage, winning all eight matches and staying unbeaten in regulation time through the tournament, losing only in the final.
  • Head-to-Head: These teams have met four times before, with Arsenal winning three, including both matches in the 2018–19 Europa League. No previous game saw both teams score.

Predicted Score: Napoli 0–2 Arsenal

Napoli Expected Lineup vs Arsenal

Napoli will miss key midfielder Scott McTominay due to a heart procedure. Injuries also sideline Alessandro Buongiorno, Luca Marianucci, Giovane (hernia), and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (adductor). David Neres is doubtful.

Kevin De Bruyne, formerly of Manchester City, steps into midfield, while ex-Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund leads the attack.

  • Formation (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marín, Spinazzola; De Bruyne, Lobotka, Vergara; Politano, Højlund, Santos.

Arsenal Likely Lineup vs Napoli

Arsenal face defensive absences with William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera out. Jurriën Timber has recovered and may return after missing the Champions League final.

Midfield could see Martín Zubimendi and Bruno Guimarães starting, with Declan Rice resting on the bench. Viktor Gyökeres might replace Kai Havertz up front, and Eberechi Eze could take the left wing spot instead of Christos Tzolis.

  • Formation (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Guimarães; Saka, Ødegaard, Eze; Gyökeres.

Match Details

  • Location: Naples, Italy
  • Stadium: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
  • Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
  • Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
  • Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
  • VAR Official: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (Spain)

Broadcast Information

  • United States: Paramount+, ViX
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
  • Mexico: Max Mexico
  • United Kingdom: TNT Sports 2, HBO Max

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