Europa League - Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Napoli
The two sides would meet each other for the first time at Stadio San Paolo. Liverpool would be looking to overcome the disappointment of their derby defeat during the weekend and strengthen their position at the top of group K. Napoli, on the other hand
would be hoping to take advantage of an out-of-form Liverpool team and register their first win in the competition.
Long gone are the days when a Diego Maradona inspired Napoli dominated Europe. However, Napoli has made some great strides in the past few seasons, finishing 12th and 6th in consecutive seasons. The signing of Uraguayan World Cup star,
Edinson Cavani, from Palermo has been a welcome addition to the squad, who has scored 4 goals in his last 4 matches.
It could also be a chance for the former red Andrea Dossena to line up against his former club. Napoli’s Walter Gargano was in bullish mood ahead of the tie.
"It will be a fantastic game. Liverpool are a great team, but we always do well against the big sides," Gargano told a magazine.
"Teams like Milan, Inter and Juventus have always led us to play great games. Now we await Liverpool. I am convinced we will find goals and play well. We have great motivation to play them."
Napoli would be confident going into the game with no major injury concerns, however, Captain Paolo Cannavaro, younger brother of legendary Fabio, has thrown caution to the wind by suggesting Liverpool’s recent slump should not be taken too seriously.
"We can't be fooled by Liverpool's ranking in the Premier League. They have enormous experience in the international field. They are one of the most successful clubs in the world and are accustomed to challenges at the highest level. To win, we must play
the perfect game." Cannavaro explained to another sports magazine.
Europa League gives Liverpool a chance to take attention off their dismal league performances and get back to winning ways. Liverpool do not have great memories of their last visit to Italy when they were outplayed by Fiorentina by 2 goals to nil in the
Champions league, last season.
Liverpool are expected to be without their star players as Roy Hodgson has indicated that he would be resting them for the big match against Blackburn- the game which could well decide the manager’s own fate.
"I'll leave some players out, that's for sure. Some of the more important senior players won't travel because their participation on Sunday is going to be so important to us," Hodgson said.
"But it'll still be a strong team we put out there and I think it's a chance for some players who have been on the fringes, like David Ngog and others like Ryan Babel, who has had very few chances."
Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson have been ruled out for the trip to Naples. However, Hodgson can now call back Christian Poulsen, who has fully recovered and is available for selection. Dirk Kuyt remains sidelined due to his ankle injury.
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