Arsenal vs. Napoli: Latest Team News, Form and Odds for Champions League Tie

Both Arsenal and Napoli fans have plenty to shout about.

Although early in the season, the upcoming Champions League tie sees the current Premier League leaders take on the pacesetters of Serie A, a fixture that will have mouths uncontrollably leaking across the globe.

As the Emirates prepares to host its first Champions League group stage match of the campaign, it’s time to check in on the latest team news, form and odds of these two ball-playing sides. Who has the advantage heading into the match on Tuesday Oct. 1?

Arsenal Team News

Manager Arsene Wenger faces no new injury concerns ahead of Napoli’s visit.

With Aaron Ramsey able to shake off a slight niggle in time for his match-winning performance against Swansea, Wenger’s midfield concerns have been eased. As reported by James Orr of The Independent, Santi Cazorla has ruled himself out of the fixture but could be ready to return soon.

Tomas Rosicky is set to recover from a thigh injury and should be available, per Jack de Menezes of The Independent. The Czech Republic international is unlikely to start after missing Arsenal’s last five games in all competitions.

Theo Walcott’s successful abdomen surgery has ruled the winger out until at least next month, as reported by the Express. Serge Gnabry is set to deputise after scoring in the victory against Swansea, giving Arsenal impressive cover for both Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is still on the sidelines.

Wenger understands the difficult task his side faces and is wary of Napoli’s counter-attacking threat. The 63-year-old boss highlighted Lorenzo Insigne as the visitors’ most potent threat in a recent chat with the club’s official website:

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He [Insigne] is mobile, he is not tall but quick and very good in the transition from defence to attack. He is a good dribbler as well and is an intelligent mover. That makes him an interesting prospect.

That's what struck me as well in the Emirates Cup - when they win the ball they come out very quickly with Callejon, Hamsik, Insigne and Higuain, [who] come out like bombs all the time they win the ball. The transition from our side from offence to defence will have to be very quick.

"

Should Arsenal manage to halt the creativity of players such as Insigne, Jose Callejon and Marek Hamsik, the Gunners will have a huge opportunity to grab three points.

Napoli Team News

New boss Rafael Benitez has undertaken something of a revolution at Napoli. Last season’s most hated Chelsea man responded to the departure of Edinson Cavani by capturing the likes of Callejon, Pepe Reina and former Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain.

Napoli’s strength in depth has improved the club's results already this season, as highlighted by Goran Pandev’s recent brace in the 2-0 win over Genoa. While this side used to revolve around Cavani’s ability to net, a greater array of attacking options continues to play a huge part in its resurgence.

Benitez is ready to tailor his team for every situation. With no reported injury concerns, the former Liverpool manager indicated he will pick the best side to come away from the Emirates with a decent result, per David Burgess of Forza Italian Football:

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The most important thing for me is to see the team grow, to have the same consistency from week to week.

We have to decide who takes the field in every game, and over the next three days we will judge who is right for the game against Arsenal.

Sometimes the coaches choice is different from the opinion of the fans – but what we do we do for them.

"

Rafa was unfairly treated during his brief stint with Chelsea and, with a terrific start to the season under his belt, will be confident of upsetting an in-form Gunners side.

Latest Betting Odds

Arsenal's home advantage outlines Wenger's team as favourites right now. If you're looking to make a quick wad of cash, backing the visitors for a win is where the money resides.

Should the teams play out a 2-2 draw, like they did during the preseason Emirates Cup tie, the opportunity is there to make a significant profit. Utilising odds produced by Sky Bet, let's take a look at the bets that should grab your attention:

Who do you back to win at the Emirates? Let us know in the comments section below and be sure to discuss the game with me on Twitter:

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