Arsenal v Napoli: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s Champions League fixture at the Emirates

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was keen on signing Gonzalo Higuain during the summer - before he moved to Napoli (GETTY IMAGES)

Both Arsenal and Napoli are in impressive form as they face each other this evening in the first competitive meeting between the two teams.

Under the stewardship of Rafa Benitez, the Italians have started the Serie A season notably and are currently unbeaten and placed second in the league. They also recorded a victory last time out in the competition against last year's runners up Borussia Dortmund.

However, Arsenal will come into the fixture as a team in confident mood currently sitting at the top of the Premier League and playing the sort of football Arsene Wenger's young team had promised for so long. Although they came out 2-1 winners against Marseille it remains to be seen if they can reproduce this form against the best in Europe and they are likely to face a much sterner test against Napoli.

Follow live coverage of Tuesday's Champions League action, including Arsenal v Napoli, Celtic v Barcelona and Steaua Bucharest v Chelsea

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS…

No previous competitive meetings.

STATS…

Arsenal haven't lost to an Italian team in the Champions League since 2003 when they lost 1-0 to Inter Milan.

Napoli have made an unbeaten start to the Serie A season, winning five matches and drawing one.

Arsene Wenger has won none of his four Champions League games against Rafa Benitez (2 draws, 2 losses).

Benitez has never managed to win away at Arsenal, losing five and drawing four of his visits as a coach.

ODDS…

Arsenal to win: 1.99

Napoli to win: 4.3

Draw: 3.7

TV: Live on Sky Sports 2 at 7.45pm, highlights on ITV at 10.00pm