Napoli faces Eintracht Frankfurt in a crucial Champions League match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The kickoff is scheduled for 17:45 GMT. This match comes amid challenging circumstances for Napoli, who recently struggled in their Serie A campaign.
Match Context
The pressure is mounting on Napoli after a lackluster 0-0 draw against Como and a disappointing 6-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven. This match against Eintracht Frankfurt is a must-win, especially following a narrow 2-1 victory over Sporting CP earlier in the tournament. With injuries affecting key players, Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte faces significant challenges.
Injury Concerns
- Lorenzo Lucca is suspended after receiving a red card against PSV.
- Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, Leonardo Spinazzola, Alex Meret, and Romelu Lukaku are sidelined due to injuries.
- Stanislav Lobotka is returning to the squad, making his first start in over a month.
- Rasmus Hojlund will play as the center-forward, while Eljif Elmas joins Matteo Politano in the attacking line-up.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Form
Eintracht Frankfurt has had a peculiar Champions League campaign, with all their matches ending in a 5-1 scoreline. They registered a win against Galatasaray, but faced losses to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. Coach Dino Toppmöller is also coping with injuries to players such as Can Uzun and Oscar Hojlund.
Key Player to Watch
Jonathan Burkardt stands out as a player to watch, having scored three goals in three Champions League appearances this season. He also boasts an impressive record in the Bundesliga, netting six goals in eight matches. Frankfurt’s squad features seasoned players like Mario Götze and Rasmus Kristensen, suggesting a solid defensive setup.
Projected Line-ups
| Napoli | Eintracht Frankfurt |
|---|---|
| Milinkovic-Savic | Zetterer |
| Di Lorenzo | Collins |
| Rrahmani | Koch |
| Buongiorno | Theate |
| Gutierrez | Kristensen |
| Anguissa | Götze |
| Lobotka | Larsson |
| McTominay | Chaibi |
| Politano | Brown |
| Hojlund | Burkardt |
| Elmas | Bahoya |
This matchup is poised to be a critical clash in both teams’ Champions League journeys. With Napoli under pressure to secure a win, fans can expect an exciting battle on the pitch.
