No Slip-ups for Napoli
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The UEFA Champions League matches continue on Wednesday night and there is all to play for in Group C. When the draw was made for the competition, this group was always going to be exciting and so it has proved.
Napoli currently top the group with 6 points from four games played and on Wednesday they host Red Star Belgrade, who have only 2 points less than Napoli but sit bottom of the group. With Liverpool on 6 points and Paris Saint-Germain on 5 points, this is a must-win game for the home team.
However, the week did not start well for Napoli as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Chievo Verona in Serie A. That result means Napoli are now 8 points behind the leaders in Serie A and the title is once again looking out of reach.
Despite being held by Chievo, Napoli remain a tough team to beat and they are unbeaten in their last nine matches and they have lost only one in their last fifteen in all competitions. The defeat came at Juventus in Serie A.
In the Champions League, Napoli have won one and drawn three of their four games. They have defeated Liverpool at home, picked up a point at PSG and Red Star Belgrade and been held by PSG at home.
Trends show Napoli have won four of their last six home Champions League matches and scored 2 or more goals in three of those four wins.
Red Star Belgrade will be buzzing following their extraordinary win over Liverpool at home in their previous Champions League game. Nothing was expected of them in this group but that sensational 2-0 victory means they come into this match with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Much like their hosts, Red Star Belgrade were forced to settle for a point in their domestic league on the weekend as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Radnicki Nis. However, they are clear at the top of the Super Liga table and should have little trouble in winning the Serbian title this season.
If they want to progress in the Champions League, Red Star Belgrade must pick up at least a point in this game but they have been poor away from home. Red Star Belgrade have lost 6-1 at PSG and 4-0 at Liverpool and that suggests they will struggle in this game.
Team news and Napoli have concerns over Vlad Chiriches, Amin Younes and Simone Verdi who are struggling for fitness. Dries Mertens and Arkadiusz Milik compete for a place up-front.
Red Star Belgrade could be without Richmond Boakye but he is the only doubt ahead of the game for the visitors. Milan Pavkov should retain his place up-front following his two goals against Liverpool.
Napoli know they must win this game with a trip to Liverpool looming in their final match. Red Star Belgrade have been good at home but have been no match for the other teams away and the same will happen in this game, with Napoli taking maximum points.
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