Arsenal vs Napoli
Europa League 2018-19
Quarter-final, first leg
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Date: Thursday, 11 April, 2019
Kick-off: 8pm GMT
The tie of the Europa League so far is almost here with Arsenal hosting Napoli in the first leg of their quarter-final clash tonight.
The Gunners were given a reminder of just how important this competition is to their hopes of returning to the Champions League next season after a defeat to Everton at the weekend once again intensified the race for a fourth place finish in the Premier League.
Unai Emery winning this competition for a fourth time will give them clear passage into Europe’s premier competition next season regardless of how that frantic domestic battle pans out.
Napoli meanwhile are able to put all their efforts into winning their first European trophy since 1989 with their hopes of catching Juventus in the race for the Serie A title long over.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side travel to north London off the back of a 1-1 draw with 10-man Genoa on Saturday – with the former Chelsea boss admitting his side will be in “trouble” on Thursday if they turn in a similar performance at the Emirates.
Arsenal team news and line-ups
Arsenal XI: Cech, Sokratis, Koscielny, Monreal, Maitland-Niles, Torreira, Ramsey, Kolasinac, Lacazette, Ozil, Aubameyang
Subs: Leno, Elneny, Mkhitaryan, Iwobi, Mustafi, Suarez, Guendouzi
Napoli XI: Meret; Hysaj, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Callejon, Allan, Fabian, Zielinski; Insigne, Mertens
Subs: Ospina, Malcuit, Ghoulam, Chiriches, Ounas, Younes, Milik
Score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Napoli
While their performances on the road remain a huge concern, Arsenal's home form under Emery has seen the Emirates become a fortress of sorts again.
