Napoli vs Chelsea: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news, prediction

Napoli face Chelsea at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday, aiming to salvage their Champions League campaign.

The reigning Serie A champions were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Copenhagen on matchday seven, dropping outside the play-off spots.

Chelsea dug deep to beat Pafos 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, climbing to eighth in the standings – the last automatic qualification spot for the knockout stage.

Match preview

Napoli have endured a poor Champions League campaign, collecting just eight points from seven games. They are on the brink of elimination.

The Parthenopeans also lost 3-0 to Juventus in the league on Sunday, and are now nine points behind leaders Inter Milan.

However, they could still salvage their season, starting with a victory over the Premier League club.

Chelsea will be aiming for a victory to avoid the rigours of play-offs.

Liam Rosenior’s side secured a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, but had to ride their luck in the fixture.

Chelsea lost 3-1 on their last visit to Napoli en route to their 2012 Champions League triumph. They will be hoping to avoid a repeat to book their spot in the knockout stage.

Team news

Napoli will be without Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and David Neres. They join Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, and Frank Anguissa on the treatment table.

Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and forward Cole Palmer are doubtful.

Aaron Anselmino, who was recalled from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, is ineligible to feature.

Predicted line-ups

Napoli (3-4-2-1: Alex Meret, Juan Jesus, Alessandro Buongiorno, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Spinazzola, Scott McTominay, Stanislav Lobotka, Miguel Gutierrez, Eljif Elmas, Antonio Vergara, Rasmus Hojlund.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap.

Prediction

We fancy Chelsea to win 2-1.

Stats from uefa.com & whoscored.com.