Athletic Club 3-1 Napoli - Champions League Qualification 2014/2015 Statistical Preview

Athletic Bilbao fell to a narrow defeat in their La Liga opener with Malaga but Iker Muniain's performance was a real positive and he may move into a central position off of striker Aritz Aduriz.
Benat may drop to the bench in turn with Ibai Gomez coming into the starting XI on the left.
Carlos Gurpegi and Andoni Iraola's places in the backline could come under threat from Mikel San Jose and Oscar De Marcos respectively.

After the draw last time out, having conceded an away goal, Rafa Benitez will need to choose wisely in attack and could bring Dries Mertens into the side at the expense of Insigne or Callejon.
The coach chose to deploy centre-back Miguel Britos on the left in the first leg to accomodate for the signing of Koulibaly and the former remains in competition with the more attack minded option of Faouzi Ghoulam.

Prediction

Athletic have the advantage of an away goal to their name but it's hard to see them keeping Napoli out so they too will be wary of the fact that they need to register on the scoresheet on Wednesday.
The Italians arguably have the slightly stronger side on paper so they shouldn't be written off but the influence of Iker Muniain, who has started the season in fine form, could be key.
If the visitors can nullify the youngster's threat than they could come out on top, but that could be easier said then done. This match could well go the distance.

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