Liverpool’s tough run of fixtures continues this midweek when they travel to Naples to take on Serie A side Napoli. Jürgen Klopp’s side took on Chelsea this past weekend and will count themselves unlucky not to win the game despite creating numerous chances. In the end, they settled or a draw thanks to a Daniel Sturridge screamer after Eden Hazard had given the hosts the lead.
Like Liverpool, Napoli are second in the league table as well but have lost twice already as the gap to Juventus is up to six points. The defeat to Juventus a few days ago showed that the squad is still a work in progress and will take time to compete with the Old Lady.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side opened their Champions League campaign with a draw against Red Star Belgrade, so the game against Liverpool puts extra pressure on them.
Both the teams are pretty good going forward. While Napoli have managed 13 goals in seven league games, Liverpool have managed 15. Defensively, though, Liverpool edge the Italian side. The Premier League outfit have conceded just three times in the league while Napoli have conceded 10 goals already.
Napoli might have kept a clean-sheet against Belgrade, but considering Liverpool faced PSG, you can’t really take the one game into account.
The last time Liverpool travelled to Italy was in the semi-finals of the Champions League. They had a few nervy moments in the end as Roma won the game 4-2 and were a goal away from taking the tie to extra time.
Napoli vs Liverpool – Team News
Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has a pretty good squad of players to choose from. Divock Origi and Adam Lallana are doubtful and Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be available for a while. We could see a few changes in the lineup, though.
The Reds have a tough clash against Manchester City coming up as well, so Klopp could rotate. Daniel Sturridge has scored three goals already this season and is pushing for a start ahead of Roberto Firmino who might be kept fresh for the Man City tie. Joel Matip could get a start ahead of van Dijk for the same reason.
Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti will be without the duo of Vlad Chiriches and Amin Younes. The likes of Insigne and Callejon are expected to start.
Napoli vs Liverpool – Predicted Lineups
Predicted Napoli Lineup: Karnezis, Rui, Koulibaly, Albiol, Hysaj, Zielinski, Hamsik, Allan, Callejon, Insigne, Milik
Predicted Liverpool Lineup: Alisson, Robertson, Matip, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Keita, Wijnaldum, Milner, Mane, Sturridge, Salah
Napoli vs Liverpool – Odds
Napoli: 23/10
Draw: 13/5
Liverpool: 21/20
