Arsenal entertain Serie A side Napoli in Europa League quarter-final action this Thursday (BT Sport 2, kick-off: 20:00 BST) in fearsome form at the Emirates.
Unai Emery, who is something of a specialist in this competition having steered Sevilla to three consecutive successes in it, has seen the Gunners win their last seven across all competitions at home.
In Premier League action, meanwhile, Arsenal have a perfect 10 victories in a row in front of their own fans and that run gives them every chance of a top four finish.
This European encounter pits the second best side in Italy against only the fifth in England. That alone doesn’t tell the whole story, however, as Carlo Ancelotti’s Neapolitan team are chasing shadows cast by Juventus.
Both they and the Gunners are 20 points or so off the pace in their respective domestic title races, so the Europa League really is their only chance of silverware this season.
Home win fancied
As Napoli have failed to win eight of their last dozen away games, it’s Arsenal who appeal for victory here at a standout 7/5 price with Betfred.
It’s not as though ex-Chelsea boss Ancelotti is short on attacking talent in Naples either. Poland frontman Arkadiusz Milik, Belgium forward Dries Mertens and Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne are all in double figures for goals.
Despite that, Napoli’s away form just isn’t up to scratch. They lost on their last visit to England 1-0 when at Liverpool in the Champions League group stage and were beaten 2-0 on their only previous trip to the Emirates.
That ground has been a real fortress for Arsenal of late and, with striker Alexandre Lacazette featuring in an enhanced 11/4 wincast at William Hill, there are betting alternatives on offer besides just backing them for victory.
There is no reason to think the Gunners won’t resume winning ways now back on home soil after a blip at Everton, and Emery is clearly targeting a fourth Europa League crown for his CV.
Bet of the Day: 7/5 with Betfred, Arsenal to beat Napoli in their Europa League quarter-final first leg.
