At first glance, the Champions League match between Liverpool and Napoli at Anfield may not seem that important. After all, both clubs have already wrapped up a spot in the Round of 16 and the result of the match is unlikely to change the group standings. But in reality, after a pair of inexplicable losses to Nottingham Forrest and Leeds United, Liverpool need to prove to themselves and their supporters that they are still a top club in European football.
Finding A Balance
While Liverpool does need a win in the worst way to restore a little order in what has been a chaotic campaign thus far, the last thing the team needs are more injuries. That's why Jürgen Klopp must find the perfect balance between trying to win the match while at the same time giving some top players some much-needed rest The boss hinted at a possible strategy during his pre-match press conference.
“We will see,” Klopp told reporters. “I think there is a good chance Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) will have a game and with Calvin Ramsay, we will have to see. If we have to shuffle a lot of payers it makes no sense to bring him on for his first senior appearance, but these kinds of things are possible.”
Serious Contenders in Serie A
Napoli is where Liverpool want to be: At the top of Champions League Group A and at the top of the table domestically in Italy. In fact, Napoli is unbeaten in league play with 10 wins and 2 draws out of 12 matches so far. They boast a high-octane offence that has scored 50 goals across all competitions this season (2.94 goals per match). They have a balanced attack as well. 8 different players have scored at least 2 goals in the year, so Liverpool can not just focus on shutting down a single superstar.
Restoring The Aura Of Anfield
Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Leeds United snapped a 29-match unbeaten streak for the Reds on their home pitch. Liverpool had not lost a home match since March 8, 2021, vs. Inter Milian in the Champions League. Liverpool had made Anfield an impregnable fortress and they need to prove it can be that once again.
LFC Globe Verdict
This match is not about improving your place in the stands or advancing to the next round of play in the Champions League. This match is all about pride. Liverpool have been humbled by back-to-back-loses in EPL play to teams, in all honesty, they should have beaten soundly. There are certainly chinks in the armour and like the Roman armies of history, Liverpool are trying to hold off the Barbarians at the gate.
I think Napoli are a perfect opponent for the Reds at this point. They are in top form and one of the toughest sides in European football. They defeated Liverpool in Naples earlier this year. If Liverpool can somehow come away with a win in this match. It will show supporters and the rest of the football world that the Reds aren't ready to relinquish their empire just yet.
Prediction- Liverpool 2 Napoli 1
Where To Watch
Kickoff is set for 20:00 BST and can be seen on BT Sport 3 American audiences can stream the action via Paramount + while Canadian supporters can watch on DAZN.
Other available Liverpool FC Streaming options.