![348f13ad823852c8_800.jpeg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/Qmc3dzs2jtzAXq7zRqavFvCeMMtApUEz4C4s9wWq53ojb9)
[Source](https://i2.wp.com/www.earlyintime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Liverpool-vs-Napoli.jpg?resize=850%2C476&ssl=1) 
Liverpool and Napoli will go head to head at the Anfield stadium of Liverpool tonight. Napoli are sitting pretty at the top of group C and they are just a point away from sealing their spot in the top 16 where as the hosts have struggled in the Champions League as they have faced three consecutive away defeats. Their two wins in this Champions League came at their home ground and they know they have to win this match to keep the qualification hopes alive. Liverpool will have a plus point of playing at home but having an opposite team such as Napoli will be a big minus.

#### LIVERPOOL
![2b5d0d862c3c1063_800.jpeg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmWPnwawGcG2NAba8r5hPH78crTPvpsXhZN8mDiKrdreXW)
[Source](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1024/cpsprodpb/E86C/production/_104700595_salahcelebrates2_getty_hero.jpg) 
Liverpool might not have a good record in the Champions League this year but they are at the top of the table in the Premier League. They recently defeated Bournemouth 4-0, thanks to a hat trick courtesy of Mo Salah. They have lost two of their last Champions League matches against PSG and Red Star Belgrade but they have looked dominant in the Premier League winning five straight matches. 

There is no doubt that Mo Salah is a very capable player and despite having a hard time recently,he came back strongly this season and showed his true worth when he scored a hat trick against Bournemouth ,he is, therefore going to be a key player in this fixture. Roberto Firmino will also be a player to watch out for as he is also in good touch and had he not scored against PSG, Liverpool would have been out of Champions League. Sadio Mane might also come back to the playing 11 .

Jurgen Klopp will be facing some issues as some of his best defense players will be absent due to injuries. Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez will both be out due to concussion and ankle injury respectively. Sadio Mane is expected to start this match in place of Xherdan Shaqiri.

#### NAPOLI
![d1e3fc91e70ad77f_800.jpeg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/Qmdvh45xCJAUWU4fQPgu1tXNf5wVX9x29Qjt6VRGbeVjRS)
[Source](http://as01.epimg.net/futbol/imagenes/2017/02/07/champions/1486468764_785921_1486477095_noticia_normal.jpg) 
Napoli have been in excellent form recently and they haven't lost a game in this year's Champions League. They have however drawn three matches winning just the two of them and a loss at the hands of Liverpool will hurt their qualification to the top 16. But even a draw here will see them through as they only need one point to progress. Napoli are undefeated in the last 12 matches across all competitions. Napoli have had the luxury of rotating players which means they will have their best playing 11 up against Liverpool. They have also done very well in Serie A and are just below the table toppers, Juventus.
Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne will be the men for Napoli in this fixture. Dries Mertens has been in great touch throughout the season scoring ten gaols and making four assists. He scored twice against the Red Star Belgrade recently in the Champions League. Lorenzo Insigne has also scored ten goals this season and he was the goal scorer when Napoli and Liverpool met last time.
Simone Verdi along with Vlad Chiriches will both miss the game as they are out long term. Alex Meret is available but Ospina has been preferred over him. Dries Mertens will return to the starting 11 in place of Arkadiusz Milik despite his heroics against Frosinone in their last fixture.

##### PREDICTION
Liverpool will not have their best defense available for this match which will create possibilities for Mertens and Insigne to pierce through and score a goal. On the other hand the deadly trio of Salah, Firmino and Mane can pierce through any defense and make ammends. I believe a score of 1-1 or 2-1 in favour of Liverpool is possible. Let me know your thoughts and predictions in the comments section.