Coincidentally Arsenal and Napoli met at the Emirates in a meaningless friendly tournament over the summer, in a game that finished 2-2. Little did they know back then that they'd do battle in anger on the same turf a few months later, as now the partenopei arrive in London for a key Champions League clash with the Gunners.
Arsenal vs. Napoli: Preview and TV schedule
Arsenal and Napoli are both in red-hot form heading into Tuesday’s tasty Champions League tie at the Emirates.
More from our team blogs: Arsenal blog The Short Fuse Napoli blog The Siren's Song
Both of these sides are in great form -- Arsenal sit top of the Premier League while Napoli are still unbeaten this season -- and picked up impressive wins on the opening Champions League matchday, adding to the intrigue yet further.
Arsenal are still hampered with a string of injury problems -- the most significant meaning Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla are both still sidelined. In contrast, Napoli only have one definite absentee, with Christian Maggio unavailable through a knee injury. Gonzalo HiguaÃn -- who was reportedly subject to strong interest from Arsène Wenger over the summer -- will almost certainly start up front for the visitors.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Abou Diaby (knee), Yaya Sanogo (back), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Theo Walcott (abdomen), Santi Cazorla (ankle). In doubt: Tomáš Rosický (thigh).
Napoli injuries and suspensions
Out: Christian Maggio (knee). In doubt: None.
Projected lineups
Arsenal: Wojciech Szczęsny; Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna; Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini; Jack Wilshere, Mesut Özil, Serge Gnabry; Olivier Giroud
Napoli: Pepe Reina; Juan Zúñiga, Miguel Britos, Raúl Albiol, Giandomenico Mesto; Gökhan Inler, Blerim Džemaili; Lorenzo Insigne, Marek HamÅ¡Ãk, José Callejón; Gonzalo HiguaÃn
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: Fox Soccer Plus (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 2/HD (U.K.), Sky Sport 3 HD Italia, Sky Calcio 2 (Italy)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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