Champions League: Naples Is Natural For Nights Like These

Champions League: Naples Is Natural For Nights Like These

Napoli vs Liverpool

Champions League nights are unique and, as the group stages of the 2019/2020 tournament begin, there is much anticipation – especially about fixtures like this one.

Both these sides created their own memorable Champions League highlights last season, none more so than Liverpool as they embarked on an adventure which saw them crowned European champions for the sixth time in June.

Now they return to Naples to launch their defence of Europe’s premier club competition in a contest which pits together two of the top managers currently in the game.

Talking Points

Carlo Ancelotti is seemingly happier with the strength of his squad this season.

Overall, Napoli may still appear slightly short of being ready to mount a sustained challenge for either this tournament or Serie A but the experience and guile of the veteran coach has ensured they can take on the best of Europe on their day, despite only having a fraction of the budget.

He has certain standards and, despite showing his frustration in the past week at building work going on at the club, he will not let his professional standards slip or affect his players when it comes to the essential matter of winning football matches.

It’s clear they need to improve their recent displays in Europe though.

Napoli are in the group stage for the sixth time – all in the last nine seasons – but have only reached the knockout stages twice in that time and have finished third in their section in the other three campaigns.

They have also only won four of their last 12 UEFA Champions League matches (drawn three, lost five) – all those victories coming at the Stadio San Paolo.

In fairness, last year they were up against big-spending Paris St Germain and Liverpool in a much tougher group than they should experience this season.

Arkadiusz Milik and Lorenzo Insigne, last year’s match winner in Naples against the Merseysiders,are not fully fit but Ancelotti can call upon Fernando Llorente, recently recruited from Spurs.

The Spaniard made his debut in their 2-0 victory over Sampdoria on Saturday night when Dries Mertens scored both goals, the second after an assist from substitute Llorente.

They welcome a Liverpool side who, under Jurgen Klopp, are in the form of their life.

They are the first team in the history of the English top flight to win 14 successive matches and score more than once in each win and are five points clear in the English Premier League after the first five matches of the season.

Not only are they in scintillating form but their front trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are at the top of their game- Mane in the Champions League has been particularly impressive, having registered 14 goals in 24 appearances to date.

Even at this stage of the season, they look a good bet to finally end their domestic title drought and have the confidence that being champions of Europe brings.

If Liverpool fans are looking for good omens, they may be pleased to know that German referee Felix Brych will take charge.

His record with Liverpool is three wins, a draw and just one defeat, most recently the 5-2 Champions League semi-final victory with Roma in April 2018.

Napoli have a rather worse history with Brych, winning once 4-2 with Benfica and losing the other two to Chelsea and Manchester City.

Whether you believe in omens or not, this should be an exciting night in Naples.

History

These teams have met four times over the past nine years – the only times they have faced each other competitively.

In the 2010 Europa League, the sides drew 0-0 in Naples before Liverpool won 3-1 at Anfield when captain Steven Gerrard scored a hat-trick in the last 15 minutes.

Then last season they met at this stage in the Champions League.

A late Insigne goal sealed a 1-0 home Napoli success.

It was the same score at Anfield in the rematch, a game which saw Liverpool qualify for the knockout stages at the expense of their opponents.

Betting Tip

Napoli Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.26

Liverpool go into the tie as favourites and you can back them 1X2 @ 2.31 with Napoli 1X2 @ 2.87. The draw, maybe a favoured prediction for many, is on offer @ 3.45.

The Asian Handicap betting odds favour Liverpool at a tempting -0.50 @ 2.31, given the Merseysiders’ form.

Napoli 0.00 @ 2.28 is another of the SBOBET Champions League betting odds with a clear appeal.

A repeat of the fixture in Naples last season – correct score Napoli 1-0 Liverpool – will payout @ 11.50.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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