Napoli’s title defence has suffered a setback with three consecutive draws in their last three league matches.
The current Serie A champions recorded draws against Verona, Inter Milan and Parma, meaning they only gained three points out of a possible nine in their last three league outings.
However, the Neapolitans still have a good run of form, unbeaten in their last seven fixtures, winning four and recording three draws in that run.
That being said, Antonio Conte’s team are now trailing title rivals, Inter Milan, by six points going into the weekend.
A result other than a victory this weekend will further derail their title ambitions, as they could concede more ground to Inter Milan, and that would be upsetting to the fans.
That said, the hosts are unbeaten in 19 games in front of their supporters, having won 14 of those matches, and recording five draws in that run.
A victory against Sassuolo this weekend could see them go second, provided AC Milan fails to claim all three points in their fixture against Lecce.
Sassuolo, on the other hand, have endured a bad run of form, failing to win in their last six Serie A fixtures, recording three draws and three losses.
Their record of six losses in their last six head-to-head encounters against Saturday’s opponents is damning, and it will not inspire a lot of confidence ahead of this fixture.
How the bookies view it: Napoli are the favourites
Antonio Conte’s team have been backed by the bookies to claim all three points here, and they have been priced at 4/9 on Ladbrokes.
A draw has been fixed at 16/5, while a victory for the visiting side have their odds set at 13/2. Recent head-to-head: Napoli have been overwhelmingly dominant.
Napoli have been unbeaten in their last eight meetings, with six of those ending in victories for the home side.
Recent head-to-head: Napoli have been overwhelmingly dominant.
Napoli have been unbeaten in their last eight meetings, with six of those ending in victories for the home side.
Player to watch: Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund seems to have been rejuvenated at Napoli this season. Although he has found the back of the net only six times, he remains the top scorer, and he will be looking to be impactful for the current champions.
Probable line-ups
Napoli have a few injuries in their hands, with the likes of Frank Anguissa (thigh) and Kevin De Bruyne (thigh) ruled out for this encounter.
Romelu Lukaku is also ruled out with a knee injury, and he is not expected to feature here. David Neres, Billy Gilmore and Alex Meret are all ruled out of Saturday’s fixture.
For the away side, Fali Cande, Edoardo Periagnolo and Kristian Thorsvedt are all not available for this match.
Meanwhile, Dominick Berardi, Daniel Boloca, Filippo Romagna and Cristian Volpato are also ruled out for Sassuolo.
Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic, Beukema, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, Mc Tominay, Spinazolla, Politano, Elmas Hojlund
Sassuolo: Muric, Doig, Muharrmovic, Idzes, Walukiewicz, Kone, Matic, Lipani, Lauriente, Pinamonti, Fadera
Anything else that catches the eye?
Only one of the last five head-to-head meetings produced goals from both teams, and given Napoli have kept a clean sheet in three of their last five matches, a both teams to score – no could be on the cards.
GambleAware