Preview: Great match guaranteed at the Emirates with two high-flying teams
When these two sides last met, there were a number of uncertainties in the Arsenal squad. Who was going to come into the squad ahead of the transfer window closing? Was Arsene Wenger going to be able to get rid of the players who have failed to impress?
Now that we are into October and the transfer window has come to a close, Arsenal fans have a permanent smile from ear to ear, but how long will that last?
Their club is first in the English Premier League, they are playing well, and their current run of form is very promising. With a 12 match win streak away from home, Arsenal will look to continue their positive results with another victory at the Emirates, this time against Rafa Benitez's Napoli side.
The Gunners defeated Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, with Welsh international Aaron Ramsey continuing his goal-scoring form. Ramsey's performances for the club have really helped the Gunners, considering some of their key injuries.
Still without Santi Cazorla (ankle), Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Abou Diaby (knee), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Yaya Sanogo (back), and Theo Walcott (stomach), the Gunners have done very well. They defeated Marseille away in their opening group match, and they will now look to make it two out of two in the Champions League.
Returning to the squad for Tuesday's match will be Czech international Tomas Rosicky. The midfielder has missed out due to a hamstring injury he picked up on international duty, but Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he will be ready for their match against Napoli.
"Rosicky is back into the squad for tomorrow and is available again," Wenger told Arsenal Player. "He has recovered from his hamstring injury. He can play in all offensive positions and I'm very happy that he's back because he is very influential in our game."
Having already met this season, the Arsenal manager is well aware of the threats Napoli could cause his side. Italian international Lorenzo Insigne will be a main focus for the Frenchman.
"He is mobile, he is not tall but quick and very good in the transition from defense to attack," Wenger told reporters at his press conference on Monday. "He is a good dribbler as well and is an intelligent mover. That makes him an interesting prospect."
Dealing with Insigne will be just one of Arsenal's concerns. The Italian outfit also has offensive threats such as Hamsik, Callejon and former Arsenal transfer target, Gonzalo Higuain.
When these two sides met for the Emirates Cup, Higuain did not score in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw. On Tuesday night, Wenger will be hoping for a more positive result, while also keeping the Italian outfit off the scoresheet.
Since his arrival at the Stadio San Paolo, Higuain has notched four goals in five appearances, with only three in Serie A. His new teammate Marek Hamsik has done better, with four goals in the domestic league, as he looks to add to his tally on Tuesday.
After defeating Borussia Dortmund in their opening match, Benitez will want to grab points at the Emirates. Earning points at home is vital, but away points could be the difference between winning the group, and coming in second.
With Tuesday being the first competitive match between both these sides, the Napoli manager knows the Gunners very well, from his time at Chelsea and Liverpool.
In his new adventure in Italy, Benitez has Napoli second in the Serie A, two points back of AS Roma. Along with his formidable offense, Raul Albiol and Miguel Angel Britos have solidified the back-line. That leaves Paolo Cannavaro out of the picture, but if anything, that shows how well the Italian outfit is playing.
Tuesday's match could have a very tactical approach from both sides, but one goal could really open everything up. Both sides have great pace and can create a lot of chances, which could make this an exciting match to watch.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Arsenal vs Napoli live on Tuesday, October 1, 2013:
In Canada at 14:45 ET on: Sportsnet World
In the UK at 19:45 BST on: Sky Sports 2/HD, Sky Go
In the USA at 14:45 ET on: Fox Soccer 2Go, SiriusXM FC, Fox Soccer Plus
Fans in Italy can follow this UEFA Champions League match on Sky Sport 3 HD Italia and Sky Calcio 2. If you are outside these viewing areas, be sure to visit the Arsenal vs Napoli match page for full TV listings.
