Liverpool vs Napoli: How Jurgen Klopp can clear a path to victory

Liverpool are now top of the Premier League and flourishing, but a few sub-optimal performances away in the Champions League have placed them in a precarious position.

The Reds have lost in Naples, Belgrade and Paris; thus forcing them to win the final game of the group stage by a score of 1-0 or an interval of two.

One might point to Liverpool’s record at home in the CL, others might say that this could be “one of those European Nights at Anfield”, and some might want to claim that Jurgen Klopp will have the club motivated after they finally overtook Manchester City at the top of the domestic table.

However, the truth is the task that lies ahead will not be quite so simple. Napoli are a world class squad with an exceptional manager and have yet to lose in this competition.

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Ancelotti can attack Liverpool’s weakened back line, while Joe Gomez is out and Dejan Lovren is uncertain. The likes of Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne, Piotr Zielinski and Jose Callejon will charge up the pitch and likely target the right side of the Red’s back line.

Whether it is Joël Matip or Dejan Lovren playing alongside Virgil Van Dijk, Klopp may opt not to play Trent Alexander-Arnold against such a strong attack, such as was the case in Paris. If that is the choice, then James Milner or Fabinho will be in at fullback.

The task ahead was of the greatest difficulty with a fully healthy squad, the pressure is, therefore, being amplified due to these injuries.

If anyone can pick up these details, then it is certain that someone as experienced and capable as Ancelotti will recognize and exploit such a visible flaw.

Given the fierce Napoli attack, the brilliance of Ancelotti and the weak points in Liverpool’s defence, a 1-0 victory seems implausible.

Therefore, an all-out attack and hoping for a margin of victory by two goals might be the best strategy. The best lineup that most adequately suits this aggressive style of play is in the form of a 4-2-3-1.

This would be the most logical formation to funnel the offence forward and attack an equally strong Napoli defence.

Sitting back will not win the Reds anything, they need this win because dropping to the Europa League is not beneficial in any way.

As excited as fans should be, this task will be the most difficult win of the season. This just needs to be recognized by Klopp and Liverpool’s chances will be immensely increased.