Bet on Liverpool vs Napoli – First teamers ready for first start
Published:Under the watchful eye of new director of football Damien Comolli, Roy Hodgson will abandon his policy of playing second string players in search of Europa League qualification.
Glen Johnson is fit again and is likely to feature for Liverpool for the first time in four matches, while there could be surprise inclusions for Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
Match Odds
In Naples a fortnight ago, Liverpool laboured to a 0-0 draw in a performance that never suggested the attacking play, what there was of it, would yield a goal.
Napoli were just as dire as Walter Mazzarri’s side seemed to be overawed by the occasion, and they are likely to struggle against a stronger Liverpool side at Anfield – Napoli are 7/2 to beat Liverpool.
Liverpool are 5/6 to beat Napoli and if Gerrard and Torres play, that is an attractive price.
However considering how poor Liverpool’s performances have been despite them stringing wins together for the first time this season, the omission of Gerrard and Torres would make the draw attractive at 12/5.
Total Goals
Liverpool have struggled in front of goal under Roy Hodgson’s reign, managing just 23 goals in 18 games and with two consecutive goalless matches in the Europa League, the 4/5 offered for under 2.5 goals looks the best bet.
David Ngog is Liverpool’s top scorer in the Champions League and will be hopeful of retaining his place in the side and is 1/1 to score any time.
Steaua Bucharest vs Utrecht
Steaua Bucharest and Utrecht shared the spoils in Holland a fortnight ago and the draw is 12/5 to happen again on Thursday night.
But Steaua are unbeaten in their last 16 home games, while Utrecht have just four wins from their last 13 away trips leaving the 5/6 available for Steaua to beat Utrecht looking the value of the market.
A Liverpool win would go a long way to securing their place in the next round. See the full UEFA Europa League football betting odds here.
