Roma
Everything is clicking for Rudi Garcia's men this campaign. They've conceded only once, and have scored at least twice in every match. No, that particular sentence contains no typo's or falsities. This Roma team has looked nigh unstoppable, the only bone one could pick with them, if at all, is they've had difficulty scoring in the first half. That being said, I think most teams would accept that deficiency if they'd won 7 of 7 matches. Lazio and Internazionale are among the fallen as well, so it has been far from an easy start, however, Roma have had the advantage of being able to focus soley on their domestic fixtures.
Entering this week they thought they would have a full squad available sans Balzaretti, who misses out due to a suspension. Rumours, and yes they are just rumours, have sprung up regarding the fitness levels of Gervinho, Strootman, and Pjanic, the latter of the three claiming his issue is tiredness. That being said, projected lineups from Gazzetta dello Sport, and whoscored.com have all three of the above mentioned starting, which should be a good sign for the Giallorossi, as they will need to be on top form to beat Napoli.
There are a couple key's to the match, of course, the most important being the Roman wide men matched up against the Neapolitan fullbacks. Regardless of who starts for the partenopei, they have issues defending in that position from the beginning of the season. Gervinho, meanwhile, has looked like Messi's long lost cousin, thrice removed, and doubly seperated. In other words, his form is the only thing that resembles Messi, but that's really all that matters. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create from counter-attacking situations has been phenomenal after many (including myself), questioned his signing at the summer's end. Florenzi has been great as well, and with Totti looking like he is in his mid-twenties, I fully expect the Roma attack to take advantage of a somewhat suspect Napoli backline.
Expected Lineup: De Sanctis; Maicon, Benatia, Castan, Dodo; Pjanic, De Rossi, Strootman; Florenzi, Totti, Gervinho;
Out: Balzaretti (Suspension), Destro (Injury)
Napoli
Napoli also underwent a huge summer overall, and like Roma, they too are reaping the immediate benefits. Higuain and Callejon have both proved instrumental in offsetting the loss of Edinson Cavani, while Marek Hamsik has made a strong case that he was always the more important of the two anyway. Regardless, having dropped just two points in a surprise draw at home against Sassuolo, Napoli will be licking their chops at an opportunity to get to the top of the table.
Rafa Benitez's side will greatly enjoy getting Higuain back this week, as well as the option to use Maggio, despite the fact it looks increasingly like they won't use him. GdS seems to think he will feature, while other reports are indicating otherwise. Regardless, having the option of the prescence he gives going forward will be a big advantage in what could be a high scoring affair. Napoli have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7, while Roma have netted at least 2 in each of their last 8.
While there will be a fair bit of pressure on Armero and Mesto to contain Roma's wingers, it's hard to identify one way Napoli can stop I Lupi. They have been superb both counter attacking and in possession, and Totti poses a threat no matter what. The best chance the partenopei have, and I do believe it is a good one, is to use Behrami and Inler to pressure Roma when they're on the ball, and allow Hamsik to work his magic. While Mesto and Armero aren't great defensively, they will be much better off if they can defend at midfield, as opposed to deep within their own territory.
Expected Lineup: Reina; Mesto, Albiol, Britos, Armero; Inler, Behrami; Callejon, Hamsik, Mertens; Higuain;
Out: Zuniga (Injury)
Prediction: Roma 2-2 Napoli
While Roma have been dominant both offensively and defensively, Napoli have more individual talent than any side Roma have faced to date, and I think this alone will be enough to keep the Neapolitans in the game until the final whistle.