Preview: Swansea City vs. Napoli

Two coaches at opposite ends of the managerial scale will meet at the Liberty Stadium for a first-leg Europa League tie on Thursday evening.

Rafael Benitez, who has won the Champions League once and Europe's second tier competition twice, will arrive in Wales with his Napoli side for a clash with Swansea City, managed by novice Garry Monk. The 34-year-old's career in management has spanned just three games, with a win, a loss and a draw the outcome.

Monk took the decision to rest a number of key players for the weekend's FA Cup tie at Everton with this match in mind. As a result, the likes of Michel Vorm, Ashley Williams, Leon Britton, Nathan Dyer and Wilfried Bony should all return to the starting lineup.

Last season's leading goalscorer Michu could also be in contention following a spell on the sidelines with an ankle complaint, but if the Spaniard is included, it's likely to be as a substitute. However, the game may come too soon for midfielder Jonjo Shelvey because of a hamstring injury.

As for Benitez, he will be without defender Federico Fernandez due to suspension, while Giandomenico Mesto and Camilo Zuniga are out with knee problems.

The Italians have not won any of their four previous matches against Premier League sides, losing three. As for the Swans, this is the first time that they will come up against opposition from the Southern European country in a competitive fixture.

Recent form

Swansea: WWLWDL

Napoli: WLLWWW

Possible starting lineups

Swansea: Vorm; Davies, Williams, Flores, Rangel; Britton, Canas; Routledge, Dyer, Emnes; Bony

Napoli: Rafael; Maggio, Albiol, Britos Ghoulam; Behrami, Dzemaili; Hamsik, Mertens, Insigne; Higuain

Sports Mole says: 1-2