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Europa League | Group Stage
Nov 27, 2014 at 6pm UK
 
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Preview: Sparta Prague vs. Napoli

Sports Mole looks ahead to Thursday's Europa League clash between Sparta Prague and Napoli in Group I.

Sparta Prague entertain Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday with the top spot in Group I up for grabs.

The Czechs and the Italians are currently level on nine points, though it is Prague who sit at the head of the standings on goal difference.

However, should one of the teams lose the match, Swiss side Young Boys are just three points behind and ready to pounce in their encounter with Slovan Bratislava.

Napoli came out on top in the reverse fixture two months ago, fighting back from a goal down to ultimately win 3-1 thanks to a brace from Dries Mertens.

Rafael Benitez's side travel to the Czech Republic on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions, while Prague have won four of their previous six matches - including their last three in Europe.

Michal Breznanik, Josef Husbauer, Martin Nespor and Patrik Schick are all missing through injury for the hosts. Faouzi Ghoulam is sidelined for the visitors with a wrist problem.

Sparta Prague:

Form in Europa League: DWLWWW
Form in all competitions: WLWWDW

Possible starting lineup: Bicek; Kaderabek, Brabec, Holek, Nhamoinesu; Dockal, Vacha, Matejovsky; Konate, Lafata, Krejci

Napoli:

Form in Europa League: WWLW
Form in all competitions: WDWWWD

Possible starting lineup: Rafael; Mesto, Henrique, Koulibaly, Britos; Inler, Gargano; Mertens, De Guzman, Insigne; Higuain

Sports Mole says: 1-2


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Jack Prescott
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Napoli's Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain (C) celebrates after scoring a penalty during the UEFA Europa League Group I football match against Sparta Prague on September 18, 2014
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