Napoli host Midtjylland at the Stadio San Paolo on Thursday evening in their Europa League Group D clash.
The Partenopei could secure a top spot finish in the group and qualify for the round of 32 by winning, and they come into this game after their goalless draw at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris against Genoa.
Midtjylland are suffering a dip in form that began when they hosted Napoli two weeks ago. They have lost to Brondby away and Viborg home and are now second in the Danish Superligaen. They are currently second in the Europa League group and a draw could already be a good result to keep their spot.
The first clash between the sides saw Napoli net four goals away to win their third game out of three to top Group D, thanks to goals by Jose Maria Callejon, Manolo Gabbiadini and Gonzalo Higuain.
Napoli are still clearly favourites even if Maurizio Sarri will give playing time to second choice players, which may be likely given the Azzurri’s title ambitions.
Dries Mertens is ruled out from the game due to a muscle injury, whilst Gonzalo Higuain, Jorginho, Faouzi Ghoulam and Allan are also likely to rest.
David Lopez is sure to start as Allan’s replacement, next to Mirko Valdifiori in midfield. Marek Hamsik should complete the middle trio. Christian Maggio replaces Ghoulam on the right, with Elseid Hysaj moving to the left flank.
Up front, Gabbiadini should replace Higuain, with Lorenzo Insigne and Callejon completing Sarri’s attack.
Midtjylland visit the San Paolo with little hope, but coach Jess Thorup will likely play his best XI to try and snatch a point. Martin Pusic, who scored in the first game, will likely start up front, and the number 10 will be the player to look out for.
Form Guide: Midtjylland (W-W-L-L-L) Napoli (W-W-W-W-D)
Expected Starting X1s:
Midtjylland: Andersen, Romer, Sviatchenko, Hansen, Lauridsen, Sparv, Sisto, Duelund, Poulsen, Royer, Pusic.
Napoli: Reina, Maggio, Koulibaly, Albiol, Hysaj, David Lopez, Valdifiori, Hamsik, Insigne, Gabbiadini, Callejon.
