Europa League: Napoli v Liverpool - Predictions
Both Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri, and his counterpart Roy Hodgson, know that their priority has to be their domestic form but it will not take away their desire to do well in Europa league.
Today the Italian club will host Liverpool at the Stadio San Paolo and hope to take an important step towards qualification from Group K.
Napoli’s form this season has been impressive - they are fourth at the moment in Serie A - and are much better than Liverpool, who are second last in the league standings, just above West Ham United.
Liverpool have been doing well in Europe. They have achieved five wins and a draw through so far.
Their opponents Napoli are doing their best to recapture past glories and coach Mazzarri believes facing teams like Liverpool will help them in the long run.
They drew in their opening two games against Utrecht and Steaua Bucuresti, but Liverpool possess the biggest threat they will face so far.
Despite Red’s troubles and the fact that the duo, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, has been left out from the squad, Mazzarri will take nothing for granted and try to beat Liverpool at Stadia San Paolo in this intriguing Group K encounter.
Hodgson will rest Fernando Torres, Gerrard, Raul Meireles and Lucas Leiva. English International right back Glen Johnson will also miss the trip after suffering from a hamstring injury. Daniel Agger is out with illness and Dirk Kuyt has an ankle problem. There is some good news though; Danish International mid-fielder Christian Poulsen will be making a comeback.
Hodgson admitted that his decision to rest the duo was due to the fact that Liverpool need to win against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on Sunday.
Napoli are turning out to be draw specialists. They employ five in the mid-field and play with a lone stoker. They try to keep the possession of the ball and thus limit the opposition with goal scoring chances. Their defence is sound and has experienced players.
Liverpool would have needed the services of Spanish International striker Fernando Torres but he has been rested along with England International Steven Gerrard for the upcoming league game. Liverpool will be playing with N’Gog upfront alone supported by Ryan Babel on the left and Rodriguez on the right attacking mid-field. Joe Cole will be supporting the striker playing just behind the stoker.
This match can be a dull 0-0 draw, but at the same time if an early goal is scored the match can provide with unforgettable moments for the fans.
Napoli Line-up:
De Sanctis, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Pazienza, Gargano, Dossena, Hamsik, Lavezzi, Cavani.
Liverpool Line-up:
Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Poulsen, Spearing, Jovanovic, Shelvey, Babel, Ngog
Tags: