Liverpool go into Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Napoli top of their group, having lost just once this season in the Carabao Cup, in contrast to their opponents, whose loss to on Saturday to Juventus was their second of their Serie A campaign.
The Partenopei, too, could only manage a draw against Red Star Belgrade on matchday one in Europe.
Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti knows his side need a win against Jurgen Klopp’s men, given that they have a double-header against Paris Saint-Germain to follow in the group. For Liverpool, Wednesday’s game is a chance to cement their hold on Group C, where they sit top of the table.
Here’s a look at the key tactical talking points that will determine the game.
LIVERPOOL’S PROBLEM OF PLENTY IN MIDFIELD
Jordan Henderson’s lengthy World Cup meant that he missed Liverpool’s first four games, but since then he’s started two straight league games as well as the Reds’ Champions League win over PSG. It seems clear that he’s jumped back ahead of summer signing Naby Keita to be first-choice in Klopp’s midfield.
Liverpool have a problem of plenty in that part of the pitch, as Keita is joined by fellow summer recruit Fabinho in missing out from the regular starting XI. Henderson and James Milner seem entrenched, but Georginio Wijnaldum’s spot may be vulnerable after a couple of below-par performances. Could either Keita or Fabinho get the nod on Wednesday?
Is Keita in line for a recall?
RIGHT-BACK A CONCERN FOR NAPOLI AFTER HYSAJ’S RONALDO TERROR
Liverpool’s attack is always a fearsome prospect but Napoli have a particular cause for concern. Right-back Elseid Hysaj was given a torrid afternoon by Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday – not that there’s any shame in that – and given the way Sadio Mane’s started the season, there’s a clear weakness on the pitch to exploit.
Whether he’s recovered from his weekend dressing-down will be fascinating to watch – unless he’s removed from the firing line completely. Any player can have one bad game, but the Partenopei can ill-afford a repeat on Wednesday, and they do have summer signing Kevin Malcuit waiting in the wings.
Elseid Hysaj struggled at right-back in Napoli’s clash against Juventus.
MILIK AND LONG-BALL MAY BE NAPOLI’S TRUMP CARD
Dries Mertens started against Juventus on Saturday, and scored, but Arkadiusz Milik has actually made more starts than the Belgian who was Napoli’s top scorer last season. Given that the long ball is one tried and tested way of dealing with Liverpool’s press, Milik might just get the nod on Wednesday.
The bolder call from Ancelotti would be to drop captain Marek Hamsik. Club legend though he may be, he’s been far off top form this season. Benching the Slovakian would allow Mertens and Milik to play together, with the duo having the potential to form a lethal partnership.
Milik could be Ancelotti’s ace up the sleeve.
