Europa League: Napoli Have It All to Do at Home

Napoli vs Arsenal

Arsenal are just 90 minutes away from making the semi-finals of the Europa League for the second season in a row. The Gunners head to the second leg in Naples holding a commanding 2-0 lead thanks to an Aaron Ramsey striker and a Kalidou Koulibaly own goal at the Emirates.

Arsenal have had quite a torrid time on their travels this season. But the good news for the English side is that they don’t have to win and have a two-goal cushion to work with.

But Napoli have been impressive on home turf in Europe this season and will give the Gunners all they can handle in the second leg.

Talking Points

Napoli’s firepower

Napoli were pretty much outplayed in the first leg at the Emirates. They were outshot 16-9, and that was despite controlling 58 per cent possession. That match was the first time Napoli were held goalless in their last 12 matches.

They did bounce back from that poor performance as they defeated Chievo 3-1 over the weekend. Koulibaly, who scored on the wrong end in the first leg against Arsenal, put the ball in the right net twice while Arkadiusz Milik added the other.

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Manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded a very attacking formation against Chievo. He started Milik, Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne, and Jose Callejon, which might have been in preparation for how they plan to approach the Arsenal match.

Napoli have more than enough weapons to overturn their two-goal deficit the second leg. And the fact that they will be at home will obviously be in their favour.

Napoli’s Europa League 2019 results at home have been excellent; they beat FC Zurich 2-0 and Salzburg 3-0. They also went undefeated at home in the Champions League group stage as they beat Liverpool and drew with Paris Saint-Germain at the San Paolo.

Napoli will need to unsettle the visitors early and often in the second leg. And with question marks surrounding Arsenal’s defence as well as their mental strength away from home, the hosts still stand a decent chance of making it to the semi-finals.

Arsenal’s shaky away form

Arsenal haven’t quite found a solution for their away woes this season. They come into the second leg at Napoli having won just three of their last 13 away matches in all competitions.

In terms of Europa League 2019 betting, the Gunners have also been very shaky outside the Emirates. They’ve lost the away leg in the previous two Europa League knockout rounds.

Although, Arsenal did pick up a rare away win in their most recent Premier league assignment at Watford, which saw them move back up to fourth in the table.

However, they hardly looked convincing in that 1-0 victory. Even with Troy Deeney getting sent off in the 10th minute, they were unable to make the most of their man advantage. Their winning goal came off a blunder by Watford keeper Ben Foster shortly thereafter Deeney’s dismissal.

Although, the Gunners did keep a clean sheet against Watford, which was good news. It was their first clean sheet in their last eight matches away from home. The backline has been a significant question mark all season and will once again be tested in Naples.

Mesut Ozil has returned to being a regular starter for Arsenal in recent weeks, which has led to good results. The Gunners have won six of the last eight matches Ozil has started.

But since Arsenal have a two-goal lead to work with, manager Unai Emery will likely take Ozil out in favour of a more willing defender.

Arsenal are just 90 minutes away from making the semi-finals of the Europa League for the second season in a row — Arsenal manager Unai Emery at the touchline during their Premier League match versus Liverpool.

History

After Arsenal’s 2-0 win in the first leg, the home side has now won 2-0 in each of the last three meetings between the Gunners and Napoli.

Napoli have won five of their seven home fixtures against Premier League opposition, which includes their 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League group stage.

As for Arsenal, they have won six and lost six with four draws in 16 European trips to Italy.

Betting Tip

	Napoli vs Arsenal	Total Goals 4-6 @ 2.55
	April 19, 03:00 (GMT+8)

This second leg between Arsenal and Napoli will be fascinating. Obviously, Napoli have been strong at home while Arsenal have been the exact opposite away.

Napoli will need to be aggressive in attack right from the off as they need to overturn a two-goal deficit. If they can put enough pressure on Arsenal’s unconvincing defence, they should be able to pick up a goal or two. However, their quest for goals will likely leave them vulnerable to the Gunners’ dangerous counter-attacks.

This is all a long-winded way of saying there will likely be a few more goals in this tie. SBOBET tips the total goals to reach 4-6, which is priced at 2.55.