Liverpool host Napoli at Anfield knowing victory will secure their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League. Both teams need the win to secure progress in the competition. Jurgen Klopp knows a sold-out, loud Anfield will roar his team over the line but Carlo Ancelotti’s side will have other ideas.
Liverpool Host Napoli: One Win Away from the Knockouts
Mohamed Salah Expected to Be Involved
Jurgen Klopp’s side are in terrific form having gone unbeaten since losing in Naples back in September. Napoli in contrast, are in rotten form with Carlo Ancelotti’s team winning just twice in 12 games since beating Liverpool. The pressure is slowly increasing on Ancelotti with Napoli struggling in Serie A.
Liverpool are flying high and will fancy putting more pressure on Ancelotti with victory on Wednesday night. Klopp could rotate his squad due to their hectic schedule, but he will most likely stick to the side which edged out Crystal Palace.
However, one change he will most likely make is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian sat out Liverpool’s win at Palace with Klopp wanting to give Salah as much recovery time as possible. Klopp confirmed before the Palace game that Salah was fit but the extra rest will certainly help in the long term. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will likely be dropped to the bench having started in the front three on Saturday.
In-Form Sadio Mane Faces a Tough Battle Against Kalidou Koulibaly
Sadio Mane is in the form of his life scoring crucial goals every week for Liverpool. He is spearheading their title charge with his endeavour, determination and eye for goal. His abilities on the pitch are clear for all to see and Jurgen Klopp knows he is the man he can always rely on. He will certainly start on Wednesday night but will face his Senegalese compatriot in Kalidou Koulibaly. The big defender has big admirers across Europe, but he is loyal to Napoli and only serious money will tempt Napoli to sell.
It will be a key battle on Wednesday night with Mane aiming to cause his international teammate and friend problems. Koulibaly is strong, athletic and pacey so Mane will have his work cut finding space and getting past the defender. Salah and Firmino will provide support but Klopp may choose to put Mane on the flank and place Firmino up top.
A big game under the lights of Anfield for both clubs. Napoli needs a win to spark their season and progress to the knockouts. While Liverpool will look to continue their sensational unbeaten run.
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