As shown in the above image, the expected formations and lineups with which both teams could stride out tomorrow night. For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is almost sure to get a rest for this game, meaning Naby Keita will be back in action in midfield alongside Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner.At the moment, this trio looks the most settled of the lot when it comes to first- choice midfield combination. Keita’s creativity and ball usage give him an edge over all other midfielders, Wijnaldum’s ball protection in tight areas means he is adept in that number 6 role, while Milner is just Milner this season.The front three should start as it is without any changes. They are not far away from clicking together. If we look back at the highlights of the Chelsea game, there were moments when Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were combiningwell. The movements and pressing with the help of Sadio Mane was tuning up to a certain extent. Just the final nail is shying away from the coffin. But that will come sooner rather than later.The back-line picks itself up unless Klopp decides not to risk Virgil van Dijk for this
game. But in hindsight, an away game against an impressive Napoli deserves the
same amount of respect as the home game against Manchester City. Hence, the Dutchman must start if he is fit.For the home team, they can field themselves in two formations. We have picked the 4-4-1-1, don’t get surprised if this changes to 4 -3-3 with the use of same personnel. Carlo Ancelotti is a legend of the game and is intelligent enough to understand
the nuances of playing a team like Liverpool.Therefore, we can see flexibility in the team according to the situations of the game. The starting formation may be as shown in the image. Jose Callejon and Piotr Zielinski are not wingers by any stretch; they would instead act as wide midfielders who allow fullbacks to go forward and then cut in centrally to out- number the midfield area.Lorenzo Insigne will be in and around Milik, who is a target man striker for them. This shape can switch to 4-3-3 if Callejon goes to the right side of the attack, Insigne to the left and Milik from the middle. Zielinski will then tuck in beside Marek Hamsik and Allan to form a midfield three. Just as shown in the image below.
As far as how the game could pan out, both teams would press high to win the ball back as high as possible. To counter that, Napoli can play a long ball towards Milik and hope for a knock-down towards Insigne, Callejon or Zielinski.Hence, Liverpool defenders have to be mindful of this. Centre-backs Kalidou Koulibaly and Raul Albiol are very good at spreading long balls or diagonals. For that reason, fullbacks Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexandar Arnold must be aware.For Liverpool to win this game, they need to patient without the ball and be quicker on it. Napoli will play a high line in the wake of pressing hard. Therefore, they are liable to leave space in behind. This is where van Dijk’s distribution fromdeep areas could be critical. Keita’s mazy run in midfield could open up space in between the lines for other forwards.All in all, it will be a gruelling tactical battle with no inch given. Expect goals and entertainment galore.Article by Mizgan Masani @mizgans 
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