Champions League

Preview: Napoli vs. Chelsea

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 20 February 2012

Andre Villas-Boas takes his Chelsea side to Napoli tomorrow with his future under continued scrutiny. Here, Sports Mole previews the Blues' chances of success in Naples.

Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas is heading into yet another fixture where his future has come under intense scrutiny.

Some reports have claimed that the Portuguese boss could be shown the exit door if his side slump to heavy defeat in Naples tomorrow evening, although Villas-Boas has rubbished that speculation.

Villas-Boas is expected to be without John Terry for the trip because of a knee injury, while Ashley Cole is also believed to be struggling with a calf complaint. Gary Cahill and Paulo Ferreira are likely to come into the starting lineup should the English duo fail to prove their fitness.

Hosts Napoli will have to make do without the presence of coach Walter Mazzari, who is suspended for an altercation that he had during the group stages with Villarreal striker Nilmar.

All of the club's attacking talent are fit to start in the Stadio San Paolo, with their only injury doubt surrounding defender Hugo Campagnaro.

Chelsea have won only once in their last ten trips to Italy, while Napoli are unbeaten in home fixtures against English clubs.

Current form

Napoli: DLDDWW
Chelsea: WDDDLD

Possible lineups

Napoli: Rosati; Cannavaro, Britos, Grava, Dossena; Inler, Dzemaili, Maggio, Hamsik; Cavani, Lavezzi.

Chelsea: Cech; Ferreira, Cahill, Luiz, Ivanovic; Essien, Ramires, Lampard; Mata, Drogba, Sturridge.

Sports Mole says: 2-0