Paul Gorst - Time to turn to Thiago
A rest could be as good as a change as far as Liverpool’s form is concerned tonight.
Away from Premier League action until the weekend, a return to Champions League action might just be what the Reds need to find their groove once more.
But just as Jurgen Klopp thought his midfield problems were beginning to subside, fresh concerns for Fabio Carvalho, Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones are worrying.
READ MORE: Arthur Melo must follow Tottenham examples at Liverpool after escaping Juventus 'passer-by'
READ MORE: How to watch Napoli v Liverpool - UK TV channel, live stream, early team news
The good news, at least, is that Arthur Melo and Thiago Alcantara are both ready for selection but I’d be amazed if both started. Given Klopp’s pre-match comments about how neither can play a full 90 minutes, I’m starting with Thiago and subbing him for Arthur.
In defence, I’m recalling Joel Matip for Joe Gomez, which is slightly harsh given he’s done well of late but Matip and Virgil van Dijk is a partnership that wins games at this level.
In midfield then, it’s Fabinho, Thiago and James Milner, who I just feel will offer more solidity and safety than Harvey Elliott, despite the teenager’s impressive start to the campaign.
Up top, it’s as you were from Saturday’s Goodison Park derby. Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson: Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Milner; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Ian Doyle - Van Dijk gets a breather
The Champions. Der der der der.
Europe's premier club competition returns for Liverpool this evening with yet another game at Napoli. And their poor record in this part of Italy indicates they will be in for a tough assignment.
What, then, is Jurgen Klopp to do given there aren't that many options available?
It will all depend on how he wants to treat new and returning players. He can't have too many in the starting line-up, but will need to select at least one of them.
First, the defence. Alisson Becker is in goal, and while it's tempting to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a rest at right-back, he remains, with Andy Robertson coming back in on the other flank. The big change is in central defence, where I'd advocate a breather for Virgil van Dijk and bring Joel Matip in to join the in-form Joe Gomez.
Midfield is tricky. Arthur Melo hasn't played since May 11 so will be on bench duty at most, but it may be that Thiago Alcantara has to come straight back in to join Fabinho. As for the third slot, I'd go for James Milner.
Up top, it has to be Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, although fully expect Diogo Jota to get more minutes than at the weekend and Roberto Firmino to feature.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Matip, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Milner; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Richard Garnett - Let's get physical
There was a time when Liverpool's first XI could pretty much pick itself. This is not that time.
Even the normally well-established back four is subject to changes at present and Jurgen Klopp will need to decide how best to keep what is likely to be a high-energy Napoli at bay in the white hot atmosphere of their bouncing stadium.
With Alisson Becker looking for what would be a very welcome third clean sheet of the season, the Brazilian is in the sticks.
Trent Alexander Arnold might be feeling a bit of heat at right-back currently, but he starts here alongside Joel Matip and Virgl van Dijk. Joe Gomez unlucky to miss out after a good showing against Everton. Kostas Tsimikas got the nod ahead of Andy Robertson at Goodison Park but I'm backing Robbo to come back here to handle the Italians in his no-nonsense manner.
With injuries galore, Jurgen Klopp has put faith in 19-year-olds in recent weeks, but this isn't the time or place for that. I'm going with a robust midfield three of Fabinho, James Milner and a debut for Arthur Melo, who's Serie A experience should come in handy here. He is unlikely to last the match however so the returning Thiago might get some minutes in the second half. Not one to risk from the start I don't think.
Up top Liverpool need outlets, so Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz keep their spots on the right and left respectively. Darwin Nunez made his name in the Champions League and after missing three matches suspended should be chomping at the bit here to get himself a goal.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Milner, Melo, Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Charlotte Coates - Jota comes in
It's not been the best of times for a Liverpool fan, but the Champions League is always a reason to be optimistic given the Reds' special relationship with the competition.
Liverpool face a tricky opener in group A as they take on Napoli in Italy and Jurgen Klopp has much to ponder with his starting XI.
In goal in Naples will be Alisson Becker. Trent Alexander-Arnold will keep his place at right-back despite coming in for criticism in recent weeks while Andy Robertson will come back in on the opposite flank.
Virgil van Dijk will be partnered by the returning Joel Matip as Joe Gomez will be rested for this one. The midfield is a tricky one for Klopp with players lacking match fitness. Fabinho will start alongside Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott. Expect Arthur Melo make his debut at some point tonight.
Up front, Diogo Jota will make his first start of the campaign after returning from a hamstring injury against Everton. Either side of him will be Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Elliott; Diaz, Jota, Salah.
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