Champions League: A final of its own when Liverpool hosts Napoli at Anfield

A short list for this team from England… An easy route to a cup or final. A long list for the Reds? How often have we seen them take the long route to reach their destination?

The destination is not one that is out of reach, though. But it is one they can see get further and further with the expensive goal-conceded recorded composed by Liverpool in this season’s Champions League run.

Klopp has admitted to fault in areas ahead of the game and knows what is needed to get his team over the group stage’s line. They sit in the driver’s seat, yes. However, the car has two drivers and anybody can take the wheel, depending on who wants it more.

If the reverse fixture is anything to go by… Then Klopp will be cautious in this one knowing they can strike a fatal blow in the embers of the tie. What the manager has called for in this one, is the famous Anfield crowd. The Anfield faithful will count as a 12th man again and is needed like they were needed when they stole the show against Klopp’s old boys, Dortmund.

“More of the same, please!” Cried the Liverpool fan. If something does spring to mind when thinking of the intense fixture coming later,  it’s Steven Gerrard’s dramatic qualifying goal verse Olympiakos. Exactly the same vibes registering in the brain box.

What to expect from Liverpool inside Anfield when they entertain Napoli?

There is no better way Klopp could have wished for Liverpool to be in before tonight’s clash. A win that pinned them at the top of the table for a week, after a convincing victory over Bournemouth and a loss endured by the champions, Manchester City.

They have a squad looking a lot more equipped to take on the December and January gauntlet. Lovren returns, giving Klopp another option. After a great performance over the weekend by Matip and Van Dijk, who do you partner with the Dutchman? Gomez got taken off in the Cherries fixture, but appears to be okay. Options, options,options for Klopp.

Up front, Salah’s been firing on all cylinders. He and a rested Mane should be in shape for this one. Napoli’s head of discussion, Carlo Ancelotti, was in full voice saying his Naples side is here to play football and not sit back.

Allen was a major asset for Napoli in the reverse fixture and will be key in this one again, along with Insigne. Dries Mertens’ spoke of not being affected by Anfield and is another player the home crowd need to watch out for. The talent in the oppositions box are batters for the top order of the lineup.

The managers have provided the cutting edge behind the mic, talking up an expectation fit for a final. Let’s hope all the players follow suit and tonight’s events fits the bill of being an amazing meeting.

The real win will be seeing PSG not progress in this prestigious cup called the Champions League.

Score prediction
Liverpool 3-0 Napoli