MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 17:35:17| >> :120:77206:77206:
[monks data]
Swansea logo
Europa League | Round-Of-32
Feb 20, 2014 at 8.05pm UK
 
Napoli logo

0-0

FT

Preview: Swansea City vs. Napoli

Sports Mole looks ahead to Swansea City's Europa League clash with Napoli at the Liberty Stadium.

Two coaches at opposite ends of the managerial scale will meet at the Liberty Stadium for a first-leg Europa League tie on Thursday evening.

Rafael Benitez, who has won the Champions League once and Europe's second tier competition twice, will arrive in Wales with his Napoli side for a clash with Swansea City, managed by novice Garry Monk. The 34-year-old's career in management has spanned just three games, with a win, a loss and a draw the outcome.

Monk took the decision to rest a number of key players for the weekend's FA Cup tie at Everton with this match in mind. As a result, the likes of Michel Vorm, Ashley Williams, Leon Britton, Nathan Dyer and Wilfried Bony should all return to the starting lineup.

Last season's leading goalscorer Michu could also be in contention following a spell on the sidelines with an ankle complaint, but if the Spaniard is included, it's likely to be as a substitute. However, the game may come too soon for midfielder Jonjo Shelvey because of a hamstring injury.

As for Benitez, he will be without defender Federico Fernandez due to suspension, while Giandomenico Mesto and Camilo Zuniga are out with knee problems.

The Italians have not won any of their four previous matches against Premier League sides, losing three. As for the Swans, this is the first time that they will come up against opposition from the Southern European country in a competitive fixture.

Recent form

Swansea: WWLWDL

Napoli: WLLWWW

Possible starting lineups

Swansea: Vorm; Davies, Williams, Flores, Rangel; Britton, Canas; Routledge, Dyer, Emnes; Bony

Napoli: Rafael; Maggio, Albiol, Britos Ghoulam; Behrami, Dzemaili; Hamsik, Mertens, Insigne; Higuain

Sports Mole says: 1-2


ID:139171: cacheID:139171:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4542:No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manager Roberto Martinez of Everton looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park on November 9, 2013
Read Next:
Preview: Everton vs. Swansea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Lazio440012
2Ajax431010
3Anderlecht431010
4Frankfurt431010
5Galatasaray431010
6Spurs43019
7FCSB43019
8Lyon42117
9Rangers42117
10Olympiacos42117
11Bodo/Glimt42117
12Midtjylland42117
13Ferencvaros42026
14Man Utd41306
15Plzen41306
16AZ42026
17Besiktas42026
18Hoffenheim41215
19Roma41215
20Fenerbahce41215
21Elfsborg41124
22Braga41124
23Porto41124
24Slavia Prague41124
25Real Sociedad41124
26Malmo41033
27FC Twente40313
28Qarabag41033
29Union SG40222
30Nice40222
31RFS40222
32Ludogorets40131
33PAOK40131
34Athletic Club00000
35M. Tel Aviv40040
36Dynamo Kiev40040


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!