Preview:Napoli vs. Empoli

Napoli will go into their Serie A clash with Empoli on Sunday hoping to extend their recent unbeaten record to nine games.

Rafael Benitez's side have proven difficult to beat since the start of the season, but too many draws have hindered their progress.

Gli Azzurri sit in third position in the league standings having suffered just two defeats in 13 outings, but five draws leave them eight points behind second-placed Roma.

Duvan Zapata could earn a start in attack after scoring against Sampdoria on Monday night, but Kalidou Koulibaly is suspended after being sent off in the same game.

Empoli travel to Stadio San Paolo in 13th spot in the table after putting together a run of four games without defeat.

However, three of those results have come at home and Maurizio Sarri's team will be up against it to cause a shock in Naples.

Sarri is likely to revert to the side that drew with Atlanta last weekend, but Levan Mchedlidze is pushing for a start after netting in the Coppa Italia in midweek.

Napoli:

Form in Serie A: WDWWDD Form in all competitions: WWWDDD

Possible starting lineup: Rafael, Albiol, Britos, Koulibaly, Ghoulam, Maggio, Inler, Hamsik, Zapata, Higuain, Jose Callejon

Empoli:

Form in Serie A: LLLWWD Form in all competitions: LLWWDW

Possible starting lineup: Sepe, Mario Rui, Tonelli, Hysaj, Rugani, Croce, Valdifiori, Verdi, Vecino, Maccarone, Tavano

Sports Mole says: 3-1