Can Napoli end Juventus's unbeaten league run?

It's far too early to be describing a match as a title decider, but the top of the table clash in Italy this Saturday is still a mouth-watering prospect. Both teams come into the game unbeaten in the league this year, and tied on 19 points, with six wins from their seven games. Of course Juventus's unbeaten run stretches back far further than that; if they can avoid defeat to Napoli they will make it 47 games since their last loss.

The two have already met in anger this season, with Juventus winning a controversial Super Coppa 4-2 after extra time in Beijing. This was Juve's partial revenge for the Coppa Italia loss to Napoli the year before, which stopped a completely unbeaten season for Conte's side.

But the Super Coppa doesn't hold the importance of the league game coming up this weekend. Both of these sides have been dominant in their matches in the league so far. Juventus have scored the most goals in the division - 17, and conceded the second fewest - 4. Napoli have scored the joint second most - 14, and conceded the fewest - 3. No one else has come close to their consistent level of performance, but you feel if Napoli were to lose in Turin, they would be vulnerable to the teams behind them. A win in Turin however, would demonstrate that they have the quality and belief to mount a serious title challenge.

As always for Napoli, Cavani will be crucial to their chances. The Uruguayuan arrived late back from an unsuccessful international duty in South America, and will have only the training session on Friday to get back into the swing of things at his club. So far this season he has scored six times for Napoli, and he scored against Juventus in both recent cup finals. Cavani will be ably supported by the superb Hamsik, and indeed all of Napoli's midfield is very talented, but you still feel that if the Uruguayuan can't find the net, the team may struggle against Juve.

Juventus have more depth to their attack, partly due to the strength of their midfield, but also partly due to their continuing inability to sign a top class striker. Bendtner came in on loan in the summer but has failed to make his mark as yet, and goals will need to come from the likes of Quagliarella and Giovinco, with Pirlo pulling the strings to create the chances.

The game kicks off at five UK time on Saturday evening. With Tottenham taking on Chelsea in the early game, and Real Madrid and Barcelona both also playing on Saturday evening, there is plenty of great football to enjoy. However Juventus vs Napoli could end up being pick of the bunch for the neutral.

image: © mitsurinho

Nick Harris

@nicksharrisGoogle+more stories from Nick Harris

I'm Nick Harris, Spurs fan and sports writer. Alongside HITC, I'm the founder, editor, writer, and fan of footballspirals.com and can be found on Twitter - @nicksharris. When I'm not watching sport I'm usually drinking coffee and checking updates on my phone in an antisocial manner.