Europa League: Liverpool versus Napoli, Reds on the Road to Recovery
Liverpool are on a good run and they will try and continue their good form as they take on Napoli in the Europa League tonight. Despite having a poor start to the season and spending most of their time in the relegation zone, the Reds
have had two back to back domestic wins which will have given them encouragement hosting the Italian side.
According to statistics, this season was their worst start to a season in 57 years. It was mostly because of the ownership battle, which had seen off manager Rafa Benitez and had brought on Roy Hodgson in the summer. The unrest had sunk
the club in debt and new leadership was desperately needed, but Tom Hicks and George Gillett took the matter to court.
However, finally New England Sports Ventures took over from the two Americans and lifted debts and spirits at the club. Hodgson’s side responded positively to the change by winning back to back matches in the Premier League, which has
seen them move up from the relegation zone on to a more comfortable 13th place.
Liverpool boss Hodgson recently met with the new owner, John W. Henry and it was revealed that the American multi millionaire would attend his first game at Anfield when the Reds host Chelsea in the English Premier League over the weekend.
This will give the Reds something to work for, to impress the new owner and stop giants Chelsea from maintaining their lead at the top.
Coming back to the second tier European competition, Liverpool will be eager to impose their dominance once again. In their previous fixture against Naples the Reds only managed a goal less draw. The draw did enough to keep Liverpool in
the lead in Group K; however Napoli and FC Utrecht are not too far behind with three points each.
Hodgson is confident that his side has already qualified for the next round, but confirmed that he would present a strong line up against the Italian side despite playing Chelsea on Sunday. Hodgson will have to do without Joe Cole, Dirk
Kuyt, Daniel Agger and Sotirios Kyrgiakos. However, Ryan Babel is back in training after recovering from a rib injury.
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