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After edging past Pafos last time out, Chelsea sit eighth in the table heading into the final league phase matchday – just good enough to dodge a knock-out play-off.
The table is incredibly tight, though. The Blues are level on points with six teams, with another five trailing by three points or less.
Nothing less than a win will do, then, if they are to book a round of 16 berth, but Liam Rosenior has his work cut out for him as he challenges the vastly experienced and highly decorated Antonio Conte, himself a Premier League and FA Cup champion with Chelsea.
Their European form has not been much better. After chastening defeats by Manchester City and Benfica, not to mention a six-goal drubbing by PSV, Napoli sit 25th and, as it stands, will not be progressing from the league phase. They could rescue their chances with a result against the Blues, though.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Napoli vs Chelsea is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The match will take place at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, Italy.
Chelsea will face Napoli at one of football’s most iconic grounds, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
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Where to watch Napoli vs Chelsea
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 4, with coverage starting at 6.30pm ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dom Smith.
Napoli vs Chelsea team news
It remains to be seen whether Cole Palmer can be involved for Chelsea after he missed last week’s wins over Crystal Palace and Pafos with a minor muscle strain, though Rosenior is confident he can be involved.
“He’s got a little niggle and it is fine,” said the Chelsea boss on Sunday. “He is not quite 100 per cent, but he’s got a chance for (the Napoli match on) Wednesday. Hopefully, he is back for that.”
Injury worry: Cole Palmer has struggled for fitness throughout this season
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Elsewhere, Tosin Adarabioyo and Filip Jorgensen are the highest profile absentees, though the latter could be in the fold for Napoli. Dario Essugo remains sidelined having suffered yet another setback in his recovery, while Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill are long-term absentees.
Estevao produced one of his best Chelsea performances yet as he notched a goal and an assist against Crystal Palace, and could be recalled should Palmer fail to recover. Rosenior has also shown an affection for Andrey Santos in his time at the club, so the Brazilian will likely partner Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in midfield.
Pedro Neto’s place could be under threat as he lacked impetus at Selhurst Park, with Alejandro Garnacho in line for a recall.
Napoli are facing a wealth of injury headaches. Former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is stepping up his return from the thigh injury which has kept him sidelined since the summer, scoring in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week, but is not expected to be involved on Wednesday.
Comeback trail: Romelu Lukaku has not featured since pre-season
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Another ex-Chelsea star, Billy Gilmour, is due to miss out after undergoing groin surgery in November, though his Scotland team-mate McTominay is fit to play.
Summer signing Kevin De Bruyne is also on the treatment table next to Frank Anguissa.
Amir Rrahmani and Matteo Politano are doubts for Napoli as they recover from knocks sustained against Sassuolo last week.
On-loan Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund will likely be involved. He has two goals in six Champions League appearances this season.
Sidelined: Billy Gilmour will be denied a reunion with his former club
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Napoli vs Chelsea prediction
The early days of the Liam Rosenior era will have Chelsea supporters feeling cautiously optimistic ahead of this match.
Under his guidance, the Blues have won four of five, producing their best football yet on Sunday as they breezed by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Napoli should prove much stiffer opposition, but, as their season continues to be derailed by injuries, the door is open for Chelsea to nick the three points they need to finish in the top eight.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Chelsea and Napoli have only met twice before, when the Blues produced one of the all-time great Champions League comebacks en route to clinching the title in 2012. After losing the first-leg 3-1 in Italy, they secured their progression to the quarter-finals with a thrilling 4-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Branislav Ivanovic sent Stamford Bridge into rapture as he scored the winner when Chelsea last faced Napoli
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Napoli vs Chelsea match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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