Napoli vs Arsenal prediction 09.09.2026 | Champions League

Napoli had a very good couple of seasons behind them, winning one Scudetto and finishing 2nd in the last one. However, their performance in the Champions League last season was atrocious, as they finished 30th. The club underwent a coaching change when Massimiliano Allegri replaced Antonio Conte. After an initial win over Genoa, Gli Azzurri lost to Como and Inter. The loss against Inter was especially painful, given that they had a 2:1 lead until the 82nd minute and then conceded two goals, eventually losing 3:2. If they want to secure a positive result against Arsenal, Napoli have to do a lot better against an in-form Arsenal.

Alessandro Buongiorno, Giovane, and Luca Marianucci will all remain sidelined with their injuries. Meanwhile, their key midfielder, Scott McTominay, is dealing with heart problems. According to credible sources, the 29-year-old underwent heart surgery and will be sidelined. If recovery proceeds as planned, he should be on the pitch in October. 

Arsenal had a magnificent last season, winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final. Over the summer, the Gunners only strengthened the squad and improved the depth. Judging from the first few matches of the season, Arsenal is looking once again as the primary candidate for the title both in domestic and continental competitions. Thus far, they have won the Community Shield by defeating Manchester City 3:0 and have gone on to win all three Premier League games. 

Coach Arteta will be without William Saliba due to injury, while Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera are slowly recovering and are listed as questionable for the Napoli game. One of the biggest questions is whether Bruno Guimaraes is ready. The Brazilian was on the bench for the London derby with Chelsea and did not enter the pitch. We believe he will not be in the starting lineup and will play only limited minutes.