For third-placed Napoli, a win is crucial if they don’t want to rely on results elsewhere to dictate their fate, especially considering they could still secure a top spot in the group.
Napoli
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster end to UEFA Europa League Group C with just two points separating bottom from top ahead of the final matchday. For third-placed Napoli, a win is crucial if they don’t want to rely on results elsewhere to dictate their fate, especially considering they could still secure a top spot in the group. Given this is a clash between the two highest-scoring teams in the group, this contest has the potential to be a lively affair. The first H2H brought about four goals (2-2), and all five of Napoli’s UEFA Europa League contests so far have produced at least three per game, with four witnessing a goal inside the opening 15 minutes! No matter when the goals arrive, though, the hosts will be confident as they’ve won six of their last ten European home matches against English sides.
Leicester
Leicester City need a point to secure progression into the knockout phase, but victory would see them progress as group winners. However, amid some poor domestic form and after conceding at least twice in each of their last three competitive matches, Leicester might take a cautious approach here against a free-scoring Napoli side. That will be visitors’ first competitive trip to Italy as they search for just their fifth ever away win in continental competition, and first against any side from one of Europe’s top four leagues. On the plus side, they’ve scored in 18 of their last 19 competitive matches away from Leicester, albeit that sole failure was a disappointing 1-0 loss at Legia in Round 2 of UEFA Europa League action this year.
Elif Elmas has three goal contributions in Napoli’s last four European matches, whilst Patson Daka has scored five goals across Leicester’s last two UEFA Europa League matches, with four arriving before the 55th minute. Napoli have picked up four UEFA Europa League points from losing half-time positions.