Beşiktaş v Napoli: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Monday, October 31, 2016
Article summary
"We need to take fewer risks now," said Beşiktaş coach Şenol Güneş, his side unbeaten all season and eager not to backslide after a 3-2 win at Napoli on matchday three.
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Article body
- Şenol Güneş puts accent on caution: "We need to take fewer risks"
- Beşiktaş yet to lose in regulation time this season; unbeaten in 12 at home
- Beşiktaş edged five-goal thriller when these sides met two weeks ago
- Napoli will be through if they win and Benfica-Dynamo Kyiv draw
- This is Italian team's fourth game in ten days
Possible line-ups
Beşiktaş: Fabri; Beck, Marcelo, Tošić, Adriano; Hutchinson, Inler; Quaresma, Tolgay Arslan, Olcay Şahan; Aboubakar.
Out: Talisca (foot), Caner Erkin (Achilles)
Doubtful: Oğuzhan Özyakup (ankle), Necip Uysal (calf)
Misses next match if booked: Adriano, Caner Erkin
Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Chiricheș, Koulibaly, Strinić; Zieliński, Jorginho, Hamšík; Callejón, Gabbiadini, Mertens.
Out: Albiol (thigh), Milik (knee)
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here
Şenol Güneş, Beşiktaş coach
Napoli are a positive side with lots of attacking options, and they are like that both home and away. We need to take fewer risks now because they are a team that can punish you. We need to think about defence and attack together.
So far, our only regret is the Dynamo Kyiv game [1-1 in Istanbul] – that was one we could have won. But we are not looking too far ahead. We want to play our own game and win; or at least stay unbeaten so that we are not cut adrift of our rivals.
Maurizio Sarri, Napoli coach
I like games played in spicy atmospheres because it's easier to motivate players. My team have shown character in many difficult matches – they stood up well in Turin [on Saturday] and I am happy with their performances in other games. You can rest assured they will show character here.
I believe this group is very well balanced and every team can win points at home or snatch victories away. We made serious mistakes at home against Beşiktaş and missed several chances. I hope we can make up for that loss.
Weekend results
Gençlerbirliği 1-1 Beşiktaş (Gürler 27; Talisca 51)
Beşiktaş had won their previous three Turkish Super League games without conceding but fell behind and needed Talisca's fourth goal in five league matches to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. The scorer later cracked a metatarsal bone.
Juventus 2-1 Napoli (Bonucci 50, Higuaín 70; Callejón 54)
The Old Lady's 22-game unbeaten home run continues, Gonzalo Higuaín classily declining to celebrate his stylish low winner against his old side. Leonardo Bonucci had hammered in Juventus's opener after a wildly miscued Napoli clearance.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Beşiktaş: DWWWWD
Napoli: LWWLLL
Reporter's view: Çetin Cem Yılmaz (@UEFAcomCetinCY)
Beşiktaş are in the midst of an injury crisis, with Talisca and Caner Erkin set to be sidelined for months, and Necip Uysal, Oğuzhan Özyakup and Inler all doubtful for this match, which will be the sternest test yet of their 12-game unbeaten start to the season on all fronts. Beşiktaş's squad is not suited to a slow-paced contest, Napoli's likewise, so expect another entertaining affair.
Did you know?
The Turkish champions had not beaten Italian opposition in 11 attempts prior to matchday three. Find out more in our extensive match background.