Liverpool vs Napoli Preview:
Probable starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Keita, Salah, Firmino, Mane
Napoli:
Ospina; Maksimovic, Albiol, Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Callejon, Allan, Hamsik, Fabian; Mertens, Insigne
Liverpool won at Bournemout during the weekend and took the first place in the Premier League, one point ahead of Manchester City. Mohamed Salah was the key player on that match scoring a hat-trick. The defense lead by goalkeeper Alisson Becker was excellent too. By the way, the Brazilian goalkeeper has remained unbeaten in his opening 16 games in the Premier League as a Liverpool player, improving the club record set by Javier Mascherano in November 2007. What I want to say is the atmosphere in the squad is very good, while the players confidence is high. It is very important because this is the crucial match in the Champions League. Liverpool need a 3:1 win or any other victory with a two-goal margin. Even a narrow 1:0 win will take Liverpool into the knock-outs, but any other result will dump them into the Round of 32 of UEFA Europa League. Klopp has some injury worries ahead of this match. Joe Gomez will be sidelined at least six weeks due to a lower leg fracture. Defender Andrew Robertson played the whole 90 minutes against Bournemouth and should start again. Dejan Lovren has been absent recently due to a concussion. He skip the last two matches against Burnley and Bournemouth. Dominic Solanke and Nathaniel Clyne are back to training, though they aren’t expected to take part in this match. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is a long-term injury victim.
Napoli enjoyed a comfortable 4:0 win over Frosinone on Saturday. Coach Carlo Ancelotti rotated the players and some new names, like Alex Meret, took a part in the match. The Partenopei extend a six-point lead over Inter, as the Nerazzurri lost to Juventus in the Derby d’Italia on Friday. However, all eyes are now focused on Liverpool. The situation in Group C is very complicate. Napoli will go through with a draw or win here, but could even lose at Anfield if PSG fall in their visit to Red Star in Belgrade. There is also the possibility of all three sides finishing on nine points, meaning the goal difference could decide the first two teams. Despite the fact one point is definitely enough for Napoli, coach Ancelotti said they 'are not going to park the bus' in Liverpool. He has some injury issues ahead of this game. Raul Albiol was injured for Saturday’s 4:0 win against Frosinone, but he is available for selection now. Simone Verdi and Vlad Chiriches are definitely sidelined through injury, while Amin Younes is not on the UEFA list. Faouzi Ghoulam was very impressive on his comeback against Frosinone, his first match since rupturing knee ligaments in November 2017. It won't be surprise if he start again. Dries Mertens was rested on Saturday, but is expected to partner Lorenzo Insigne, sending Arkadiusz Milik to the bench.
Liverpool vs Napoli Prediction:
I expect both teams to score at Anfield. Liverpool play in excellent form, they have netted seven goals on the last two matches in the Premier League. Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick on Saturday showed that one of the key players in Liverpool attack is back to form. But Ancelotti said they 'are not going to park the bus' at Anfield. Napoli scored twice in Paris and showed how dangerous they could be. I believe the Italians are also able to score here.
Liverpool vs Napoli Pick: Both teams to score - Yes
Probable starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Keita, Salah, Firmino, Mane
Napoli:
Ospina; Maksimovic, Albiol, Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Callejon, Allan, Hamsik, Fabian; Mertens, Insigne
Liverpool won at Bournemout during the weekend and took the first place in the Premier League, one point ahead of Manchester City. Mohamed Salah was the key player on that match scoring a hat-trick. The defense lead by goalkeeper Alisson Becker was excellent too. By the way, the Brazilian goalkeeper has remained unbeaten in his opening 16 games in the Premier League as a Liverpool player, improving the club record set by Javier Mascherano in November 2007. What I want to say is the atmosphere in the squad is very good, while the players confidence is high. It is very important because this is the crucial match in the Champions League. Liverpool need a 3:1 win or any other victory with a two-goal margin. Even a narrow 1:0 win will take Liverpool into the knock-outs, but any other result will dump them into the Round of 32 of UEFA Europa League. Klopp has some injury worries ahead of this match. Joe Gomez will be sidelined at least six weeks due to a lower leg fracture. Defender Andrew Robertson played the whole 90 minutes against Bournemouth and should start again. Dejan Lovren has been absent recently due to a concussion. He skip the last two matches against Burnley and Bournemouth. Dominic Solanke and Nathaniel Clyne are back to training, though they aren’t expected to take part in this match. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is a long-term injury victim.
Napoli enjoyed a comfortable 4:0 win over Frosinone on Saturday. Coach Carlo Ancelotti rotated the players and some new names, like Alex Meret, took a part in the match. The Partenopei extend a six-point lead over Inter, as the Nerazzurri lost to Juventus in the Derby d’Italia on Friday. However, all eyes are now focused on Liverpool. The situation in Group C is very complicate. Napoli will go through with a draw or win here, but could even lose at Anfield if PSG fall in their visit to Red Star in Belgrade. There is also the possibility of all three sides finishing on nine points, meaning the goal difference could decide the first two teams. Despite the fact one point is definitely enough for Napoli, coach Ancelotti said they 'are not going to park the bus' in Liverpool. He has some injury issues ahead of this game. Raul Albiol was injured for Saturday’s 4:0 win against Frosinone, but he is available for selection now. Simone Verdi and Vlad Chiriches are definitely sidelined through injury, while Amin Younes is not on the UEFA list. Faouzi Ghoulam was very impressive on his comeback against Frosinone, his first match since rupturing knee ligaments in November 2017. It won't be surprise if he start again. Dries Mertens was rested on Saturday, but is expected to partner Lorenzo Insigne, sending Arkadiusz Milik to the bench.
Liverpool vs Napoli Prediction:
I expect both teams to score at Anfield. Liverpool play in excellent form, they have netted seven goals on the last two matches in the Premier League. Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick on Saturday showed that one of the key players in Liverpool attack is back to form. But Ancelotti said they 'are not going to park the bus' at Anfield. Napoli scored twice in Paris and showed how dangerous they could be. I believe the Italians are also able to score here.
Liverpool vs Napoli Pick: Both teams to score - Yes
