Preview: Napoli vs. Atalanta BC

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez will be hoping that his side can improve their faltering league form when they host Atalanta BC on Sunday night.

Gli Azzurri have recorded just one point from their last three fixtures to drop outside of the Champions League places, and while they only remain three points behind Lazio, they have to be wary of the teams behind them.

Much of Napoli's poor form has come on the road, but Benitez will be aware that his team must continue to extend a home record that has seen them lose just once, to leaders Juventus, in 12 games.

Changes are expected after Thursday's trip to Dynamo Moscow in the Europa League, with Gokhan Inler and Marek Hamsik likely to come back into the side.

As for Atalanta, successive goalless draws with Parma and Udinese have halted a previous run of four defeats in a row.

Those results have given the club a four-point margin above the relegation zone, but with 11 games still remaining, head coach Edy Reja will know that they need to keep accumulating points to avoid losing their top-flight status.

Giulio Migliaccio is likely to come in for the suspended Carlos Carmona for the trip to Stadio San Paolo.

Napoli:

Form in Serie A: WLWLDL Form in all competitions: LDDWLD

Possible starting lineup: Andujar, Britos, Maggio, Ghoulam, Albiol, Callejon, Inler, Mertens, Hamsik, Gabbiadini, Higuain

Atalanta BC:

Recent form: LLLLDD

Possible starting lineup: Sportiello, Drame, Stendardo, Biava, Masiello , Cherubin, Cigarini, Gomez, Moralez, Migliaccio, Denis

Sports Mole says: 3-1