Arguably the biggest match of the weekend across Europe is Saturday evening’s heavyweight clash between Napoli and Juventus.
Not only do the pair stand first and second in Serie A, they are both also enjoying remarkable winning streaks.
Napoli are currently on a run of eight straight league wins—a club record—while Juve could make it 15 wins out of 15 if they emerge victorious on Saturday evening.
Similarly, victory would take Juventus—who are currently two points behind their opponents—into top spot in the Italian standings.
It would represent a remarkable achievement considering Massimiliano Allegri’s side took just one point from their opening three matches and were 11 points behind then-leaders Inter Milan on the morning of October 31.
However, in Napoli, they face their sternest test of the season so far.
Maurizio Sarri’s team have the best offensive record in the division, and are in pole position to end their 26-year wait for a title. In Gonzalo Higuain—who has bagged 24 goals in 24 games—they also possess the game’s outstanding individual.
Juventus will be weakened by a series of injuries, with the likes of Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres, Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Mandzukic all sidelined.
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Sami Khedira could feature—although Allegri will be only too aware that the German’s season has been piqued by injuries since he moved from Real Madrid during the summer.
Expect Allegri to persist with a 3-5-2 formation; Daniele Rugani will replace Chiellini, completing a defensive unit containing Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Gigi Buffon.
Alex Sandro and Stephan Lichtsteiner will provide width, alongside the midfield three of Paul Pogba, Stefano Sturaro and Claudio Marchisio.
In Mandzukic’s absence, Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala will likely continue in attack.