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| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
NAPOLI  De Sanctis Aronica, Campagnaro, Cannavaro Maggio, Inler, Gargano, Dossena Hamsik, Lavezzi Cavani | CHELSEA  Cech Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Bosingwa Essien, Meireles, Ramires Mata, Sturridge, Torres |
Napoli have a largely full strength squad to choose from ahead of the clash in Naples – and most importantly, the ‘Big Three’ of Marek Hamsik, Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi are all expected to start. Uruguay international Cavani netted twice to condemn Manchester City to an early exit from the competition, and the hosts will look to their talismanic forward to fire them past another English side.
With Hamsik starting in midfield alongside Lavezzi behind Cavani, Napoli are an attacking force to be reckoned with and will likely pose a serious threat to a somewhat-beleaguered Chelsea defence.
It’s a big night for Gary Cahill, who will likely start should John Terry fail to reach full fitness, but Andre Villas-Boas will be relieved to have both Michael Essien and Ramires available for selection to shore up the centre of midfield. Frank Lampard has overcome a calf injury sustained against Norwich, and is likely to be in the squad against Walter Mazzari’s men, but Ashley Cole is expected to miss out.
Up front, both Daniel Sturridge and Juan Mata should start behind Fernando Torres, who now more than ever needs to rediscover goalscoring form if the Blues are to leave Italy with a priceless away goal.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Napoli have twice before played host to English sides – they drew 0-0 with Liverpool in last season’s Europa League group stages, before their 2-1 win over Manchester City earlier in this season’s Champions League.
- They have not lost a match at Stadio San Paolo since they returned to European competition in 2008 after a 13-year absence. The last side to record a victory in Naples was Eintracht Frankfurt, way back in December 1994.
- Part of this fearsome home record is down to their miserly defense: they conceded a goal apiece against City and group-winners
Bayern Munich, which ended a run of 573 minutes without conceding at home in Europe.
- After a run of just one win in six Serie ‘A’ matches, Mazzari’s men have recorded two wins on the bounce – the latest an impressive 3-0 success at Fiorentina.
- The much-maligned Fernando Torres (pictured right) has managed just two goals in nine Champions League games for Chelsea, whilst Napoli hitman Edinson Cavani has netted four times in six appearances in his maiden season in the competition.
- Chelsea are competing in the last 16 of the Champions League for the ninth season in a row.
- They have a disappointing record against Italian sides, having won only once in seven visits to Italy – the last a 4-0 thrashing of Lazio in the 2003/04 season.
- In knockout contests, however, their record reads much better: they have won two of three two-legged ties against Serie A opponents, against Juventus in 2008/09 and and Vicenza Calcio in the 1997/98 Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final.
- Chelsea have notched 53 attempts on goal so far in this season’s competition – only Barcelona and Real Madrid have managed more.
- Conversely, Napoli have managed just 18 – the lowest total in the competition, with the exception of Turkish side Trabzonspor.
We’ve seen some high scoring matches in the last 16 so far this season, and Tuesday’s clash in Naples should be no different. Chelsea have the pace to pose a real threat on the counterattack, particularly if Napoli stick with a back three; the hosts, meanwhile, have the attacking prowess to challenge any defence in Europe, particularly one missing their talismanic captain.
I’m expecting a lively encounter at Stadio San Paulo, with plenty of attacking flair on offer. The Blues may struggle to leave Naples with a victory, but they should have enough to grab a priceless away goal to leave the tie nicely poised going in to the second leg.
I’m expecting a lively encounter at Stadio San Paulo, with plenty of attacking flair on offer. The Blues may struggle to leave Naples with a victory, but they should have enough to grab a priceless away goal to leave the tie nicely poised going in to the second leg.
Editor's Prediction
Napoli 2-1 Chelsea 
