Prediction: Napoli vs Juventus

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: bet365

Serie A leaders Napoli and reigning champions Juventus will be involved in a classic title-race six-pointer at Stadio San Paolo, with many believing the two teams will ultimately decide the new champions. The Azzurri definitely have the psychological advantage as they are four points in front, but the Bianconeri should not be underestimated.

Napoli

Even if there were some bumps in the road early on, Maurizio Sarri has really transformed the Napoli side, who are now seen by many as the main candidates for the league trophy. The Azzurri are arguably the Europe’s most exciting side at the moment, with the attacking trio Callejon, Mertens, Insigne making life difficult for the opposition defenders. Oddly enough, Napoli also boast the best defensive record in Serie A together with Lazio, having conceded mere 9 goals in 14 games, and it is this improvement at the back that has made all the difference. However, despite recording 12 wins and 2 draws, the Azzurri are just two points clear at the league summit, and they need to continue the rich vein of form due to the fact that the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus are breathing down their necks. Maurizo Sarri’s men have been in fine form of late, winning last three matches on all fronts, and they also managed to win two of last three home games vs Juventus, while sharing spoils with the Bianconeri in the same fixture last term.

Team News

Faouzi Ghoulam and Arkadiusz Milik remain long-term casualties, but Mario Rui is set to start after recovering from an ankle problem.

Juventus

It is fair to say that Juventus eased off to each of the six consecutive Serie A trophies won between 2012 and 2017, but this season is proving to be a different story. The Bianconeri have done pretty well to take 34 points from 14 league matches, one point more than at the same stage last season, but this time the likes of Napoli and Inter, as well as AS Roma and Lazio, have been pretty impressive, and that is the main difference. The Azzurri have really raised the bar with their performances in the opening exchanges, meaning that Juventus will have to do better if they want to defend the league trophy. The Bianconeri are not in the best possible spirits ahead of the all-important clash against Napoli, having won last two of last five matches in all competitions, while Gonzalo Higuain’s hand injury is another serious problem. Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic, who has mostly been used on the wing, is ready to deputise if needed, but Max Allegri would obviously prefer to have both available for the Napoli game. After conceding in three successive matches, Juventus have improved at the back to keep clean sheets vs Barcelona and Crotone, and they will be hoping to make it three on the bounce.

Team News

Gonzalo Higuain is rated 50-50 after undergoing a hand surgery, but Giorgio Chiellini and Juan Cuadrado are fit to play.

Key Factors to Consider

• Juventus won just one of last 13 matches at Stadio San Paolo (D4 L8)
• Both teams scored in eight of their last nine meetings
• Napoli won 9 of last 11 home games in Serie A (D2)
• Juventus scored 2 or more in last seven league matches on the road (W5 D1 L1)
• Dybala and Higuain scored 20 league goals between them

Conclusion

There will be a lot at stake when the two title rivals square off at Stadio San Paolo despite the fact that it is still early in the season. We expect to see a close encounter between two evenly matched sides and believe they will ultimately cancel each other out.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: bet365