Premier League leaders Liverpool face a tough Champions League trip on Wednesday as they face Serie A title contenders Napoli at San Paolo Stadium in Naples. The two teams have met in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League back in 2010 and Liverpool won 3-1 at Anfield after a goalless draw in Italy. Napoli have faced opponents from England on twelve occasions and have managed to win four of those meetings, while Liverpool have won 10 of their 27 European matches against opponents from Italy. However, the Reds have won just three of their eleven away matches, while Napoli have won four out of six at home.
Napoli suffered a big blow last weekend as they lost 3-1 against bitter rivals Juventus in Serie A, a tough result to swallow considering that Napoli had taken the lead in that match after just ten minutes. Their Champions League campaign didn't start too well either, they got held to a goalless draw in Belgrade by Crvena Zvezda. However, Napoli still have a perfect record at home this season, with three wins out of three in Serie A. Vlad Chiriches and Amin Younes are the only injury concerns for the home side, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti was not going to employ them in the starting eleven anyway.
Liverpool had a very intense last week, they faced Premier League rivals Chelsea twice and got handed their first defeat of the season. The Reds lost the League Cup clash with Chelsea in midweek and then at the weekend they secured a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League thanks to a late goal from Daniel Sturridge. The Reds had a great start to the Champions League campaign as they defeated Paris Sain-Germain 3-2 at Anfield two weeks ago. Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Divock Origi are the only injury concerns for manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of this match.
Probable line-ups:
Napoli: Karnezis - Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Rui - Callejon, Allan, Hamsik, Zielinski - Insigne - Milik
Liverpool: Alisson - Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson - Milner, Wijnaldum, Keita - Salah, Firmino, Mane
My prediction: Liverpool to win 2-1, the Reds are very strong and Napoli might still be affected by last weekend's defeat.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Napoli win - 3.50
Draw - 3.60
Liverpool win - 2.14
Your feedback
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
