Liverpool vs Napoli preview, predicted XI, team news and more
Liverpool will take on Napoli in the reverse fixture of UEFA Champions League 2019 at Anfield on Wednesday, November 27. This will be a crucial tie in Group E of the competition, and might very well determine who finishes at the top of the pile.
Jurgen Klopp and his side have been in top form recently, claiming five wins in as many games. They will be full of confidence ahead of the clash, especially with the imminent return of Mohamed Salah.
Napoli, on the other hand, will be apprehensive going into this fixture, having failed to secure a win in their last five fixtures. Carlo Ancelotti will be desperate for a positive result at Anfield, especially with many European clubs – including Tottenham Hotspur – potentially looking at him as their next manager.
Liverpool vs Napoli Head-to-Head
The teams have met seven times in Europe since 2010, with each side winning three games each. The only instance wherein they shared points came nine years ago at Anfield, when their group-fixture in the Europa league ended in a goalless draw. The last time Liverpool and Napoli locked horns, the Italian side secured a 2-0 victory in their UCL fixture in September. It is the only loss Liverpool have incurred all season.
Liverpool form guide: W-W-W-W-W
Napoli form guide: D-D-D-L-D
Liverpool vs Napoli Team News
Mo Salah, who sustained an ankle injury against Leicester six weeks ago, is slowly being integrated into the first team. He was an unused sub in their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend. Klopp has said that the Egyptian will be avaliable for the UCL clash against Napoli on Wednesday.
Andy Robertson recently revealed that he has been playing through an ankle injury and is not fully fit at the moment.
Injuries: Joe Matip (knee), Nathaniel Clyne (knee)
Doubtful: Xherdan Shaqiri (calf)
Suspensions: None
Liverpool vs Napoli Predicted XI
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, James Milner, Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool vs Napoli Prediction
Liverpool have been in exceptional form this season, rolling over opponents with their potent attack and reliable defence. They have managed to snatch victories even as they appeared to struggle in certain games. Their record is spectacular, particularly at Anfield, where they haven't lost since April 2017.
However, the fact that Napoli are the only team to beat the Reds this season adds intrigue to this fixture. The first goal of the contest will be crucial.
Verdict - Liverpool 2-1 Napoli