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Napoli vs Arsenal Champions League Predictions - Havertz goal to sink battling Napoli

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 08 Sep 2026

Simon Lewis 08 Sep 2026

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Napoli host Arsenal in Round 1 of the Champions League.
Arsenal lost to PSG on penalties in last season’s Champions League final.
Can Arsenal make it six wins on the bounce this season?

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Kai Havertz has scored 3 goals in 4 matches this season (Getty Images).

Napoli vs Arsenal Predictions

Arsenal are playing superb football and after their magnificent win over Chelsea in the Premier League on the weekend I can't see Napoli being able to hold them back as they embark on what they hope will be another successful Champions League campaign.

Napoli vs Arsenal Predictions
Head-to-Head
Napoli Form
Arsenal Form
Napoli vs Arsenal Team News & Squads

Napoli have lost their last 2 matches.
Napoli have scored 12 goals in their last 5 matches.
Napoli have scored in each of their last 11 matches.
Napoli’s Rasmus Hojlund has scored in each of Napoli’s last 2 games.
Arsenal have won their last 5 matches.
Arsenal have scored 10 goals in their last 5 matches.
Arsenal have conceded just 2 goals in 5 matches.
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz has scored 3 goals in 4 matches.
Martin Odegaard has also scored 3 goals in 4 matches

Head-to-Head

Arsenal have won three, lost one and drawn one of their last five matches against Napoli.

Napoli Form

Napoli begin their Champions League campaign under pressure after an uncertain opening to the domestic season. Massimiliano Allegri has taken over from Antonio Conte following two highly successful campaigns in which Napoli finished first and second in Serie A, but the transition has not been straightforward. They have collected only three points from their opening three league matches, suffering defeats against Como and Inter.

There were nevertheless encouraging signs in the 3-2 loss to Inter, with Napoli twice threatening to take control before late goals turned the contest against them. Home advantage should also provide confidence. Napoli have lost only three of their last 25 Champions League matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona over the past decade and have previously recorded notable home victories over Liverpool.

Their attack should again pose a threat through the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Matteo Politano and Kevin De Bruyne, while Arsenal will need to remain disciplined in what promises to be an intense atmosphere. Napoli struggled in Europe last season and failed to advance beyond the league phase, but a strong result against one of the competition favourites would provide an immediate boost to their latest campaign.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal return to Champions League action determined to go one step further after suffering an agonising penalty-shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s final. Mikel Arteta’s side were outstanding during the league phase, winning all eight matches, and their strong start to the new Premier League season suggests they remain serious contenders for European honours.

The Gunners have opened their title defence with three consecutive league victories, including Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea. However, their performances have not always been dominant, with a narrow 1-0 success at Aston Villa highlighting their ability to grind out results when required. That quality could prove particularly valuable in Naples.

Bukayo Saka has started the season brightly with two goals from three appearances, while Martin Odegaard was influential against Chelsea. Arsenal’s defensive organisation remains one of their greatest strengths, although injuries have reduced Arteta’s options at the back.

A trip to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona represents a difficult opening assignment given Napoli’s formidable European home record. Arsenal will therefore be wary of overcommitting and may prioritise control, patience and defensive solidity as they seek to begin another Champions League challenge with a positive result.

Napoli vs Arsenal Team News & Squads

Napoli will be without Scott McTominay, Giovane, Alessandro Buongiorno, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Luca Marianucci, while David Neres’ knee injury is still being assessed.

Jurrien Timber is a doubt for Arsenal with a groin injury, but Cristhian Mosquera and William Saliba will both miss the match.

Napoli (predicted XI): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Marin, Rrahmani, Spinazzola; De Bruyne, Lobotka, Gilmour; Politano, Hojlund, Santos

Arsenal (predicted XI): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz

Verdict

Napoli v Arsenal

I am backing Arsenal to win. I am also backing Kai Havertz to score for Arsenal. Rasmus Hojlund is a good bet to score for Napoli.

Arsenal Win

Result

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Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.