Liverpool now turn their attention to their final Champions League group-stage fixture on Tuesday evening when they host Napoli at Anfield.
The Reds have made it to the last 16 of the Champions League after winning four of their five games. They have lost just once in their group—a 4-1 defeat to Napoli away in September—something Jurgen Klopp’s side will be out to avenge in midweek.
The Merseysiders lost their second consecutive Premier League game at the weekend, losing 2-1 to Leeds United at Anfield thanks to Crysencio Summerville’s 89th-minute winner. So, Klopp and co. will be raring to respond against a well-oiled Napoli side, who have enjoyed an unblemished Champions League campaign so far.
Liverpool Team News
Ibrahima Konate and Calvin Ramsay are available for selection against Napoli, Klopp confirmed in his pre-match presser. The game will come too soon for Joel Matip, however.
Despite having already qualified for the knockout stages, Klopp does not predict wholesale changes to the team on Tuesday.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Napoli (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker should operate in between the sticks for Liverpool. The Brazilian would be hoping to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet at home on Tuesday.
Defence
Ibrahima Konate is in line for a recall into the Liverpool lineup having been an unused substitute in the last two fixtures.
The Frenchman will replace Joe Gomez in the team to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s backline.
Andy Robertson completed the full 90 minutes against Leeds United, so Klopp could decide to freshen up things at left-back by going with Kostas Tsimikas in the Liverpool lineup.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, however, should keep his place at right-back, hoping to provide creativity and energy from his flank whilst keeping an in-form Khvicha Kvaratskhelia quiet on the night.
Midfield
In a diamond midfield, Fabinho should start at the base of it and protect the shaky Liverpool backline. In Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara, the Reds will have two No.8s who will be assigned with dictating the tempo of play and breaking Napoli’s rhythm.
At the tip of the diamond in the Liverpool lineup, Roberto Firmino must make good use of his quick feet, creative brain and movement to cause problems to the Napoli backline.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Harvey Elliot and James Milner will offer cover in midfield positions.
Attack
In a two-pronged frontline in the Liverpool lineup, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez will look to combine well, create spaces and get into promising positions to threaten Napoli. Nunez and Salah both have been among the goals of late for Klopp’s side, so the duo should lack no confidence when presented with chances in front of goal in midweek.
Fabio Carvalho may get introduced at a later stage in the game if needed.
