Napoli vs Chelsea: UEFA Champions League knockout fate hangs in the balance
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Napoli: The Naples-based side prepared for the worst
Napoli hold their destiny firmly in their hands. With eight points accumulated from seven games, the Italian side sits just outside the top 24 in the UEFA Champions League (league phase) standings. They are being held back by an inferior goal difference, considering they've accumulated the same number of points as the three teams above them.
Antonio Conte's men cannot afford to be careless in this game if they are to book their spot in the knockout phase playoffs. Should they win here, and results elsewhere go their way, they could climb as high as 17th place. However, some concerns need to be addressed ahead of this intriguing encounter.
Gli Azzurri's attacking output has not been very convincing in the current edition. They boast the fourth-worst offensive record (joint) with seven goals scored in their last seven games. Also, their defensive record has been unconvincing, with 12 goals conceded. Considering they are up against a free-scoring side in Chelsea, Antonio Conte is well aware of the threat posed by the upcoming opponents
One last drawback cannot be ignored. Napoli are currently dealing with an injury crisis, as many as nine players are out injured. This includes one-time UCL winner Kevin de Bruyne, whose know-how would have greatly benefited the team. Despite this, the Naples-based side remains optimistic.
Chelsea: Liam Rosenior, a breath of fresh air?
The former head coach Enzo Maresca's departure from Stamford Bridge has become nothing but a distant memory for the Chelsea faithful, who have found refuge under the new management of Liam Rosenior. Rosenior has managed five games so far, and he's already turning heads. His record reads W4 L1. That sole defeat came against fellow Premier League opponent Arsenal when his side lost 3-2 in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Barring that setback, the 41-year-old gaffer managed to register his first UEFA Champions League win as head coach, beating Pafos 1-0 at home. Now, he is tasked with making it back-to-back wins in this competition by seeing off the threat of Napoli, which would also guarantee his side's progression to the last 16. Check out what our experts have to say in our Napoli vs Chelsea prediction for more insights.
Of course, the Blues cannot afford to rest on their laurels just yet. They have accumulated 13 points in their last seven games and occupy the final top-eight spot, which guarantees automatic progression to the knockout stages. Additionally, they are level on points with five teams below them, highlighting the complexity of their situation.
