Napoli vs. Villarreal: Complete Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and Schedule
September 21, 2011
The Champions League is well underway, and Villarreal finds themselves in a huge match in just the second game of the group stages.
Things didn't go according to plan in their first game as they failed to pick up a favorable result against Bayern Munich at home.
They now travel to Italy to take on Napoli, who is coming off a 1-1 draw with Manchester City. The draw was a convincing one for Napoli who went to England, and took on City and 44,000 fans to pick up a valuable road point.
The group of death is heating up this week, and a win by Napoli would all but put a dagger in Villarreal's coffin.
Where: Stadio San Paolo
When: September 27, 2:45 p.m. EST
Live Stream: Fox Soccer (subscription required), UEFA.com (subscription required)
Biggest Storyline: Will Villarreal pick up much needed point?
Villarreal is in a heap of trouble if they lose their first two matches. There is no easy game in the match of death, so every game is extremely important.
Napoli proved they are a force to be reckoned with after stepping up on the road against Manchester City and returning to Serie A competition to beat AC Milan 3-1.
Key Player to Watch for Napoli: Edinson Cavani
Did anyone have any doubts about this one?
Edinson Cavani is absolutely on fire right now, and is coming off a hat trick against AC Milan.
Cavani also registered the goal for Napoli against Manchester City in the team's Champions League opener.
If Cavani gets rolling in this one, it is going to be a long night for Villarreal.
Key Player to Watch for Villarreal: Giuseppe Rossi
The 24-year-old Italian striker is the best attacking threat Villarreal has to offer, and they are going to need him to come up big in this match.
Villarreal didn't get much going offensively against Bayern Munich, despite Rossi's four shots.
He has already taken 23 shots in just five games this year, but has only put two of those shots in the back of the net.
He needs to start connecting a bit more or this team is going to struggle to score goals.
Key Matchup: Villarreal defense vs. Napoli attack
Bayern Munich had plenty of chances to score against Villarreal's defense, and they are going to need to be much better against Edinson Cavani if they are going to have any chance at coming away with some points on the road.
If they falter at all, Cavani will make them pay and send them home with a loss.
Final Analysis:
Napoli looks like a serious threat to A.C. Milan in the Serie A right now, while Villarreal has been struggling as of late.
They have just four points through four matches in La Liga, while Napoli is sitting atop the Serie A through just two matches.
Napoli is a more well-rounded team, and will prove that on their home pitch in this match.
Final Score
Napoli 2
Villarreal 1