Napoli vs Chelsea: Team News, Likely Line-up & Predicted Score

Chelsea take on Napoli at the intimidating Stadio San Paolo tonight in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Much of the pre-match talk has centred around the future of manager Andre Villas-Boas and of you believe what you read in the papers, the importance of this game can’t be stressed enough for the young Portuguese boss.

The Blues head into the game on the back of a five-match winless run and 34-year-old Villas-Boas will be desperate for a positive result tonight to ease the pressure after a disappointing season so far at Stamford Bridge.

Napoli have also been relatively poor domestically this season, and currently sit sixth in Serie A. However, their home form is formidable with no European defeats in eleven home ties and the Italians have been hugely impressive in the Champions League this season, winning their group that included Premier League leaders Man City.

Team News

John Terry remains a doubt for the game but if he comes through a light training session ok, he should be fit to start. Ashley Cole is also in-line to return from a calf problem.

Ramires and Mikel are both available after making successful returns from injury against Birmingham on Saturday. The big call for AVB is whether to recall Didier Drogba in place of Fernando Torres up front. Napoli are expected to have the lions share of possession so Drogba is likely to be given the nod due to his ability to play the target man role and hold up the ball.

Likely Line-up

Predicted Score

Terry and Cole’s fitness could be crucial to the outcome of this match. Their experience will be vital for Chelsea tonight and should the pair miss out it will be make the Londoners task even more difficult.

Even with the England duo in the side, Chelsea will do well to come away with anything tonight but an away goal would leave the tie well poised for the return leg at Stamford Bridge. I predict Napoli 2-1 Chelsea. Not ideal, but far from a disaster.

What are your thought on the game? Please leave your opinions in the comments section below…