Napoli (H) build up thread

[DannyMan2006]

I think a draw or better will be very positive. I think we'll rest players again and if we do I think it may be unrealistic to expect us to beat them.

Especially as the likes of Poulsen are likely to start. Not sure who is injured ATM so won't go as far to attempt a guess at a line up. I'd likely rest Carra and start Kelly at RB. Bring Glen on for the last 25mins yo give some game time.

Could possibly rest one of Skrtel or Soto for Wilson, but I think that's unlikely. Hopefully another start for Shelvey and I'm very hopefull Pacheco can get some game time.

[SB]

I think Fab could be available and should start if he is

[Icon]

Is Dani P available..?

[SB]

Is Dani P available..?

I've not heard his name mentioned in ages TBH I don't think he played the friendly the other day which was weird.

[SB]

This was our Reserve side that played last night. The article said that many youngsters were away with the 1st team for the europa match. So who's missing ?

Jones, Kelly, Shelvey, Pacheco, Ecclestone, Spearing, Wilson, ???? One would think they'll be involved on Thursday but did I miss anyone?

Liverpool Reserves: Dean Bouzanis, John Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Steven Irwin, Victor Palsson, Chris Mavinga, Emmanuel Mendy, Suso, Michael Ngoo, David Amoo, Toni Silva. Subs not used: Nicolaj Kolhert, Deale Chamberlain, Jakub Sokolik, Joseph Rafferty.

[SB]

Glen Johnson could be in line for a first-team return against Napoli on Thursday - though Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger and Joe Cole are all out.

Johnson has missed our last four games with a muscle injury but after training today (Tuesday), he is likely to be involved at some stage on Thursday.

[JohnDoe]

Looking forward to another famous victory.

[SB]

I'll give it a go but won't be anywhere near right, I'm sure

Jones
Kelly
Skertel
Wilson
Fab
Poulsen
Ecclestone
Spearing
Shelvey
Jova
NGog

[Reece]

If Johnson is back, I'm be tempted to "do a Bale" and push him forward - no better game to try it in really. Kelly at RB.

I hope Shelvey starts again.

I'm sure I've read a few rumours about Pacheco falling out with Hodgson, so if true he's unlikely to feature.

I'd be tempted to put Suso and Sterling on the bench, but that's just me

[Fredo]

I'm wondering if we'll use the same tactics which were used to surrender Blackburn into submission the other day. Looking forward to Dodgson's PC today, as I'm sure he'll be asked about Rafa's comments.

[PTP]

i think

reina

kelly
carragher
skrtel
bombscare

spearing
poulsen

maxi
shelvey
jovanovic

ngog


Will be the starting XI

I predict a scrappy 1-0 win

[Shaggy]

Hodgson reveals points target

3rd Nov 2010 - Latest News

Roy Hodgson thinks four more points will be enough to earn Liverpool a place in the Europa League knockout stages.

The Reds currently lead Group K with five points - two ahead of Utrecht and Thursday's opponents Napoli.

And with two of the three remaining group games to be played at Anfield, Hodgson is confident of progressing.

He said: "We've got two home games now. I think if we can get four more points we'll be pretty much secure for a place in the next round. I can see the other games being tight.

"On paper it looked like an even group. We got one of the tougher groups with Napoli, Steaua and Utrecht but we've done what we've needed to do."

Meanwhile, Hodgson is set to make changes against a team who sit fifth in Serie A - though perhaps not as many as for previous Europa League games.

Joe Cole, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger are all out, while Ryan Babel is still struggling with a knock to the ribs sustained in a reserve friendly against Huddersfield last week.

However, Glen Johnson could return after four matches on the sidelines with a muscle injury.

"We won't rest too many," the boss explained. "It's a home game and when you're playing these European games it's the travelling that's one of the worst aspects.

"You're away for three days and you're very concerned about the way the players will react, not just to the game but also the travelling.

"At home it's a slightly lesser problem but of course we need to look at the minutes people are playing and try to keep some sort of balance there.

"Of course there are international games coming up as well and some players might get a week without a game and others won't - so we have to take that into consideration.

"We'll have a strong team out on Thursday."

One man who could be involved is Sunday's match-winner Maxi Rodriguez, who bagged his second goal for Liverpool in the 1-0 defeat of Bolton.

Hodgson is delighted with the Argentina international's form in the absence of the injured Dirk Kuyt.

"Maxi is a quiet man and his English isn't as good as some of the players, so it's not easy to have a long conversation with him. He really needs to learn this great language of ours," said Hodgson. "But he's picked up very quickly on what we want him to do and how we want him to play. In the games he's played recently he's been very good.

"He didn't get a chance from the outset because we had Dirk Kuyt playing in that position, but since he's come in he's done very well.

"It's good to see him crown one of those performances with a goal because if you're one of the front six you need to score goals.

"It was good to see him chip in with a very good goal that was brilliantly set up.

"He can play right or left very comfortably, and I think he could also play centrally."

[Roboklopp]

Hodgson reveals points target

3rd Nov 2010 - Latest News

Roy Hodgson thinks four more points will be enough to earn Liverpool a place in the Europa League knockout stages.

The Reds currently lead Group K with five points - two ahead of Utrecht and Thursday's opponents Napoli.

And with two of the three remaining group games to be played at Anfield, Hodgson is confident of progressing.

He said: "We've got two home games now. I think if we can get four more points we'll be pretty much secure for a place in the next round. I can see the other games being tight.

"On paper it looked like an even group. We got one of the tougher groups with Napoli, Steaua and Utrecht but we've done what we've needed to do."

Meanwhile, Hodgson is set to make changes against a team who sit fifth in Serie A - though perhaps not as many as for previous Europa League games.

Joe Cole, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger are all out, while Ryan Babel is still struggling with a knock to the ribs sustained in a reserve friendly against Huddersfield last week.

However, Glen Johnson could return after four matches on the sidelines with a muscle injury.

"We won't rest too many," the boss explained. "It's a home game and when you're playing these European games it's the travelling that's one of the worst aspects.

"You're away for three days and you're very concerned about the way the players will react, not just to the game but also the travelling.

"At home it's a slightly lesser problem but of course we need to look at the minutes people are playing and try to keep some sort of balance there.

"Of course there are international games coming up as well and some players might get a week without a game and others won't - so we have to take that into consideration.

"We'll have a strong team out on Thursday."

One man who could be involved is Sunday's match-winner Maxi Rodriguez, who bagged his second goal for Liverpool in the 1-0 defeat of Bolton.

Hodgson is delighted with the Argentina international's form in the absence of the injured Dirk Kuyt.

"Maxi is a quiet man and his English isn't as good as some of the players, so it's not easy to have a long conversation with him. He really needs to learn this great language of ours," said Hodgson. "But he's picked up very quickly on what we want him to do and how we want him to play. In the games he's played recently he's been very good.

"He didn't get a chance from the outset because we had Dirk Kuyt playing in that position, but since he's come in he's done very well.

"It's good to see him crown one of those performances with a goal because if you're one of the front six you need to score goals.

"It was good to see him chip in with a very good goal that was brilliantly set up.

"He can play right or left very comfortably, and I think he could also play centrally."

Is this one of your edits mate? It's just so hard to tell with Bodger.

[Kenneth]

Shaggy, have you missed out the but where he said something cringeworthy?

[Shaggy]

Is this one of your edits mate? It's just so hard to tell with Bodger.

Just that last bit about this great language of ours

Shaggy, have you missed out the but where he said something cringeworthy?

I know, I had to add a bit in myself to restore some realism.