Arsenal in need of a draw in Naples: Preview

It's matchday 6 in the Champions a League and the Gunners travel to Naples in Italy to face Serie A side Napoli. Siting at the top of the group with 12 points, Arsenal are three clear of both Dortmund and Napoli, going into the match requiring a point to seal top spot and advance to the knockout phase. Any loss under a 3-0 would also see them go through but the top spot won't be guaranteed. The Gunners come into this game on the back of an absorbing draw against Everton on Sunday. 

In the reverse fixture, Arsenal defeated the Italian side 2-0 in some swashbuckling style with goals from Olivier Giroud and Mesut Özil. The Gunners hugely dominated the men in blue and played with real force.

Arsène Wenger will have to make a big decision on whether to gamble and rotate his squad a bit or keep the same XI he played against the Mersysiders as Le Prof looks forward to two big games against Napoli tonight and then ManCity on Saturday. 

Predicted line up: 

Wojciech Szczesny won't be given any rest as the Polish goalkeeper would see himself between the sticks in Naples. 

Ahead of him, Arsène Wenger might bring in Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen for Kieren Gibbs and Laurent Koscieleny respectively to rest them ahead of the big clash on the weekend. Vermaelen will be partnered by Per Mertesacker and Carl Jenkinson would start his third in a row after Arsène Wenger confirmed Bacary Sagna would miss out the trip to Italy.

In midfield, Aaron a Ramsey might be given a rest with Gunners' marquee signing Özil also relegated to the bench. That would then see Arteta and Flamini as the two holding midfielders with Jack Wilshere operating ahead of them in the attacking role. 

The front three might have Theo Walcott making his first start after returning from injury alongside the ever present Oliver Giroud up front. On the left wing, Santi Cazorla would fancy himself getting back to his best. 

Arsenal requiring a point to succeed to the knockout round though they could might as well come away with three from Naples. I predict a 1-1 draw with Giroud getting the all important goal. 

COYG. 

- www.itsallarsenalinhere.blogspot.com