The group stage in Europa League is swiftly reaching its climax. Most groups have already found their top two spots. Fans can relax on their couch and watch their teams play without any added pressure except one group. Group C turned out to be a bit more problematic than many would have thought in the initial stages. As all four teams go into the final day only two points stand between the top and the last spot. Each team holds their fate in their own hands. A victory will seal their place in the last 32 while a defeat leaves them at the mercy of their opponents.
Napoli against Leicester will be the eye-catcher out of the two fixtures. Both these teams were considered to hold the top 2 spots. The Parthenopeans failed to hit the mark this season in Europe despite having a bright start to the Serie A season. Leicester holds the first position with 8 points while Napoli sits in third place with 7 points. The foxes will proceed in the knockout stages with a win or a draw. The only way through which Napoli can proceed in the knockout stages is with a win a victory at Stadio Maradona in their backyard. A defeat or a draw will end their search for European glory.
Team News
Napoli
The fortune does not seem to favour their chances of victory ahead of their Europa League Clash.
Injury
Zambo Anguissa (CDM)
Victor Osimehn (ST)
Kalidou Koulibaly (CB)
Doubtful
Fabian Ruiz (CM)
Lorenzo Insigne (LW)
Some of the top talented players could be sidelined in their upcoming fixture. Fabian Ruiz and Lorenzo Insigne missed out on Napoli’s last game after they picked up a knock. It is still unclear if they will regain their fitness ahead of the tie.
Leicester City
The foxes continue to struggle with their defensive shape as their first choice players suffer from long term injuries.
Injury
Ricardo Pereira (RB)
Wesley Fofana (CB)
James Justin (RB)
Nampalys Mendy
Doubtful
Youri Telemans (CM)
Recent Form (all competitions)
Napoli : L L W D L
Leicester (all competition) : L W W D L
Dream11 Team :
(GK) K. Schmeichel
(DEF) J. Jesus
(DEF) C. Soyuncu
(DEF) T. Castagne
(MID) W. Ndidi
(MID) P. Zielinski
(MID) J. Maddison (VC)
(MID) H. Lozano
(ST) J. Vardy (C)
(ST) D. Mertens
(ST) K. Iheanacho
Match Prediction: 1-2
With the injury concerns, Napoli is unlikely to pull out a victory against Leicester. The form both these teams have displayed this season points out towards a victory for the English side. An early exit for Napoli in the European competition was never likely but as things stand it will be a long night in Naples.
