Preview: Lazio vs. Napoli

Only one point separates Lazio and Napoli in the Serie A table as both sides try to edge closer to the top two.

Lazio will welcome Rafael Benitez's side to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday with the edge over their opponents, but they head into the encounter following a disappointing 2-2 draw with local rivals Roma last weekend.

Stefano Pioli's side took a strong two-goal lead, but a comeback led by Francesco Totti, who netted a brace, forced Lazio to leave with just one point instead of three.

The gap between Lazio, who sit third, and second-placed Roma is widening, with Rudi Garcia's men occupying a nine-point lead, while Napoli are searching for a win this weekend following their 3-1 defeat to league leaders Juventus.

Both Lazio and Napoli have been linked with the Premier League this week in relation to possible transfer activity.

The former are said to be interested in clinching controversial midfielder Ravel Morrison from West Ham United, while Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain is believed to be a target for Liverpool.

On the pitch this weekend, Lazio can stretch their unbeaten run in Serie A to seven games, but they can only move within six points of Roma should they defeat Napoli on home soil.

It was a high-scoring game the last time these two sides met, with Napoli securing a 4-2 triumph last April, and the Partenopei have dominated the head-to-heads having won four of the last five and drawn one.

Miroslav Klose, who has been linked with a move away from the club, is expected to start up front for Lazio, while Higuain should lead the line for Napoli.

Lazio:

Form in Serie A: DWWDWD Form in all competitions: WWDWDW

Possible starting lineup: Berisha; Novaretti, Radu, Cavanda, Konko; Onazi, Ledesma; Parolo, Cataldi, Keita; Klose

Napoli:

Form in Serie A: DDLWWL Form in all competitions: WLWWWL

Possible starting lineup: Rafael; Britos, Albiol, Koulibaly, Maggio; Gargano, Guzman, David Lopez, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain

Sports Mole says: 1-1