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Liverpool vs Napoli prediction: Preview and odds for Champions League fixture

Virgil Van Dijk has been outstanding for Liverpool: AFP via Getty
Virgil Van Dijk has been outstanding for Liverpool: AFP via Getty

Liverpool host Napoli at Anfield on Wednesday evening where a victory would ensure Jurgen Klopp’s side of a spot in the last-16 with a game to spare.

The Italians are the only side to defeat Liverpool in normal time this season, winning 2-0 in September courtesy of goals from Fernando Llorente and Dries Mertens.

However, Klopp’s side boast a formidable record at home, having now won their last 16 successive games, with their last Champions League defeat at Anfield coming way back in October 2014.

The Reds may also be boosted by the return of Mohamed Salah from an ankle injury, while Carlo Ancelotti attempts to galvanise a turbulent squad whose arguments with the club’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, have dominated headlines in recent weeks.

Here is everything you need to know about the game:

Team news

Liverpool: Mohamed Salah is in line to return after recovering from an ankle injury. Fitness concerns over Andrew Robertson have also been eased after the full back completed 90 minutes against Crystal Palace without issue.

Salah’s return could cause a positional switch for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain while Fabinho is a certainty to start having been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton due to suspension.

Joel Matip’s injury will keep him out of the game, however, Xherdan Shaqiri could return from a nagging calf problem.

Napoli: Ancelotti’s side are missing two of their key forwards, Arkadiusz Milik and Lorenzo Insigne, due to stomach and elbow issues respectively.

Their absence means Fernando Llorente could start alongside Dries Mertens, after both sides scored in the reverse fixture in Naples.

Predicted line-ups

Man City XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Firmino, Mane

Chelsea XI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly, Hysaj; Callejon, Allan, Elmas, Fabian Ruiz; Lozano, Mertens​

When is it?

The match is on Wednesday 27 November.

When does it kick-off?

The match gets underway at 8:00pm.

How can I watch the match?

The match will be available to watch and stream on BT Sport 2 and the BT Sport App.

What are the odds?

  • Liverpool to win: 2/5

  • Draw: 19/5

  • Napoli to win: 13/2

Prediction:

Liverpool have been relentless this season and, despite being forced into a pattern of grinding out late wins, the possibility of ensuring their qualification – and securing a much-needed rest for some of their senior players in their final game against Salzburg – coupled by the fiery fortress atmosphere at Anfield will haul Klopp’s side through a tricky encounter.

Liverpool 3-1 Napoli