The defending champions Liverpool will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a visit to Italy as they brace themselves to face Napoli.
Last season it was Napoli who got the better the Reds at home by nicking a 1-0 win in the group stage. Liverpool and Napoli would most be the two teams who would want to finish on top of their respective pool, especially as they consider Red Bull Salzburg and Genk to be in the same group.
Match Details:
Date- Wednesday, September 18
Time- 12:30 AM (IST)
Venue- Stadio San Paolo
Napoli Team News:
Carlo Ancelotti’s men currently reside at the fourth spot in the Serie A and have been hot and cold this season.
Quite lately there have been issues between the manager and the builders who are renovating the changing rooms in spite of the season commencing.
As a result of the ongoing activity, Napoli had to play their first few games away from home.
With that being said, Napoli will return to their home ground to face an in-form Liverpool side.
The good news for the Italian club is that Arkadiusz Milik will be back in contention for selection, while Lorenzo Insigne has also returned to fitness.
Former Tottenham forward, Fernando Llorente who joined Napoli on free this season might also feature in the against Liverpool.
Liverpool Team News:
The Reds would be breathing a sigh of relief after getting a relatively easier pool as compared to last season where they lost all away games versus Napoli, Red Star Belgrade, and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) respectively.
It was their home form which got them through the group stages, as they eventually went on to be champions of Europe.
Liverpool is currently on red hot form this season, with five wins in five in the Premier League which cements their position at the top with a five-point cushion over second-place Manchester City.
In terms of injury concerns, Naby Keita continues to be on the sidelines due to a hip problem.
Liverpool’s frontline goalkeeper Alisson Becker is on the road to recovery but his availability against Napoli seems unlikely.
Right-back Nathaniel Clyne having sustained a knee injury in pre-season is expected to be out of action until the new year. Divock Origi was also seen limping off against Newcastle on Saturday due to an ankle issue.
Predicted Lineups:
Napoli – Meret; Di Lorenzo, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Rui, Callejon, Ruiz Pena, Elmas, Zielinski, Lozano, Mertens
Liverpool – Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Wijmaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane
Key Points:
It’s been touch-and-go between the two clubs over the past few years. In the last six games, the two sides have featured in. Liverpool has won three to Napoli’s two wins, while one game ended in a draw.
For Liverpool, their forwards comprising of Robert Firmino, Mohammed Salah, and Sadio Mane have carried on their goal-scoring run in an immaculate manner this season.
Firmino has scored two and assisted three so far, while Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane are neck-and-neck with four goals each this season.
For the hosts, Napoli, it will be the Belgium international Dries Mertens who will be expected to score against Liverpool as he’s already registered three goals in as many games so far.
Jose Callejon in midfield has impressed Carlos Ancelotti as well with two assists and a goal this season.
Prediction: Though Napoli might have the home advantage against the Reds, one can’t just deny the fact that the Liverpool at this very moment play like one of the most complete teams in Europe.
Having said that it won’t be easy for the six-time title holders, but there’s just a feeling that Liverpool might just have enough to snatch a win at Naples.
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LIV vs NAP Fantasy Team: