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Olivier Giroud
Reuters

Arsenal host Napoli at the Emirates Stadium in round two of the group stages of the Champions League. This is one of the most anticipated games of the group stages, with the leaders of England taking on the second placed team in Serie A.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 7:45pm BST. Live coverage will be available on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD.

Overview

The Gunners have hit upon a rich vein of form, having won their last nine games in all competitions this season. A win here will make them favourites to qualify for the knockouts, having already seen off Marseille in a 2-1 victory in France. Goals from Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey sealed three important points for the Gunners who believe that seven points from their remaining five games will see them through to the round of 16.

Arsenal have already got a taste of what Napoli have to offer in pre-season, with the team invited for the Emirates Cup in the beginning of August where the Italian gave a good account of themselves. Napoli lead the first half 2-0, but the Gunners managed to stage a comeback in the second half with goals from Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny to share the spoils.

Arsene Wenger must be wary that a win here will give the Gunners some much needed confidence ahead of a potential title challenge, but he knows that a loss may also put their season in jeopardy. However, the Frenchman will be confident that his side, who are currently top of the Premier League will be able to string together a proper performance and give the visitors reason to fear their presence in what has been deemed to be the group of death.

Napoli have started their campaign in the Champions League in exemplary fashion, winning their first game against heavywieghts Borussia Dortmund in Naples and should they manage to overthrow the Gunners, will be well on their way to the knockout stages. New manager Rafa Benitez has made his fair share of changes to the squad and is taking the Italian league by storm, level on points with reigning Champions Juventus and two behind league leaders Roma.

All eyes will be on summer signing Gonzalo Higuain who was vehemently linked with a move to Arsenal this summer but Napoli swooped down on the Argentine in an opportune moment, leaving Wenger to search for other options. The former Real Madrid man has already scored four goals this season for Napoli and will be looking to show the Emirates what they have missed out on. The Gunners were not entirely disappointed by the end of the transfer window, with Mesut Ozil, Higuain's former teammate making his way to the Emirates in a £42.5m deal.

What the Managers Say

Arsene Wenger: "We would love to win it[The Champions League] as it has never been done with this club and we have flirted with it a few times."

Rafa Benitez: "I am expecting a strong team because I think Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the Premier League. They have signed good players, at this point everything going well for them. Wenger is a great manager, a great person, someone who knows the league here in England."

Gonzalo Higuain
Reuters

Form Guide

Arsenal

  • Last Five(all competitions, most recent first): W D W W W
  • Last Result: Swansea City 1 - 2 Arsenal

Napoli

  • Last Five(all competitions, most recent first): W D W W W
  • Last Result: Genoa 0 - Napoli 2

Team News

Arsenal

Injured: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(knee), Lukas Podolski(hamstring),Abou Diaby(cruciate), Santi Cazorla(ankle), Theo Walcott(abdomen), Yaya Sanogo(back)

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Probable Line-Up: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Gnabry, Ramsey, Flamini Wilshere; Ozil; Giroud

Napoli

Injured: Christian Maggio (knee)

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Probable Line-Up: Reina; Mesto, Albiol, Britos, Zuniga; Callejon, Inler, Pandev, Behrami, Insigne; Higuain

Storm Real Madrid