Napoli host Real Sociedad on Thursday night on matchday 6 of the Europa League at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Both clubs have the chance to advance to the round of 32. A win for either side will seal their progress to the knockout stage.
Gennaro Gatuso’s team are atop Group F with 10 points from 15 possible. A win or draw will send them through to the next round. Real Sociedad are in second place in the group on eight points from 15 possible.
👍🧤#UEL 💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/Qt31UB6uDH— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) December 9, 2020
👍🧤#UEL 💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/Qt31UB6uDH
The Royal are level with third-place AZ Alkmaar, who play already-eliminated Rijeka on Thursday night. Anything less than a win and Real Sociedad could end their Europa League campaign. Meanwhile, a loss for Napoli could see them eliminated as well.
These teams met on matchday 2 of the Europa League with Napoli claiming a 1-0 win away at Anoeta. The game was dominated by Real Sociedad, but they failed to take their chances and score goals. A 58th-minute Matteo Politano goal gave Napoli the win.
Real Sociedad have been on a poor run of form lately, drawing four straight games in all competitions. Their league form has seen them drop from first place and into second with Atletico Madrid going top of the table.
Manager Imanol Alguacil has five players that are expected to miss the game and all five will be big misses. David Silva is the biggest potential miss for the game as the former Premier League winner has a muscle strain.
Asier Illarramendi is ruled out with a muscle strain while Luca Sangalli is out of action due to a knee injury. Mikel Oyarzabal and Jon Guridi are also expected to miss the game with muscle injuries. Gattuso has just one injury issue ahead of the game as Victor Osimhen is ruled out with a muscle pull.
Real Sociedad have not lost away from home in all competitions this season, winning five times and drawing three. That record is in doubt this weekend due to the team‘s form and injury issues. The pressure of qualifying for the last 32 and staying near the top of La Liga is getting to them.
The Royal had matchday 4 and 5 to seal progression to the last 32, but drew both games. The door is open for AZ Alkmaar – who are in chaos as well after sacking manager Arne Slot last weekend.
Napoli should gain a low-scoring victory at home as Real Sociedad fail to score for the second consecutive game in all competitions. Napoli will win and keep a clean sheet on the night.