.jpg)
Liverpool take on Napoli this evening in their opening match of the UEFA Champions League.
Napoli have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, winning three and drawing two of their five matches in Serie A.
New signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has particularly impressed, scoring the winner in their weekend victory over Lazio.
Liverpool less so, after winning two, drawing three and losing one of their games so far, they find themselves in seventh position in the Premier League.
Advert
The two sides have met each other twice before at the group stage phase, with the Reds losing on both trips to what is now known as the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
In 2018, Liverpool travelled to Naples in good form after a very successful start to their Premier League season.
They held out well for 90 minutes, but Lorenzo Insigne netted in the latter stages to give Napoli a great start. Mohamed Salah scored the winner in a pivotal reverse fixture in the season in which Liverpool triumphed in Madrid.
The following campaign, the Reds lost 2-0 with two late goals conceded from Dries Mertens and Fernando Llorente.
Advert
Here’s how we think Liverpool will line up this time around in the Italian city.
Alisson Becker
Brazilian stopper Alisson saved Liverpool on several occasions against Everton in the 0-0 draw on Saturday, and was missing last time the Reds travelled to Naples. There is no doubt he will play this evening.
Joe Gomez
Trent Alexander-Arnold would usually be a no-brainer in this scenario, but in the poor form that he is in, it may be vital to pick up some much-needed rest ahead of a tough month of Premier League fixtures.
Advert
Gomez would be the natural choice, especially after James Milner was ripped apart at Everton - and played each of his eight substitute appearances last season in that position.
Joel Matip
The Cameroonian international made his comeback against the Reds’ Merseyside rivals, and will likely make his first start tonight.
Virgil van Dijk
The Dutchman was described as playing ‘within himself’ by former Red Danny Murphy - this will be a perfect chance for him to regain some confidence to return to his rolls-royce like self.
Kostas Tsimikas
He was preferred to Andrew Robertson in the Merseyside derby - the Greek left-back will look to cement his place in the side permanently.
Fabinho
A shaky start to the season has been dealt with by the Brazilian, and was back to his best against the Toffees. One of the first names on the team sheet.
Arthur Melo
A debut for Liverpool’s deadline day signing could be in order, in a stadium he will be familiar with in his time with Juventus. He will likely be replaced by Thiago later on in the match.
Harvey Elliott
Arguably Liverpool’s best player this season, Elliott will relish the chance to play in Europe after impressing last season at Inter Milan.
Mohamed Salah
A goal is needed for the ‘Egyptian King’ after only bagging three so far this campaign - however, he still has created the most chances in the Premier League this season.
Darwin Nunez
The Uruguayan thrived in the Champions League with Benfica last season, scoring six goals across the group stage, last 16 and quarter-final.
Advert
Many will tip him to score tonight, including fellow forward Roberto Firmino, who cited his importance to the side.
Luis Diaz
Three goals this season for Diaz, too, and he struck the post in the Reds’ draw last weekend. The Colombian scored twice in the knockout rounds for Liverpool last season.
Advert
Topics: Liverpool, Napoli, Champions League
Chris Stonadge