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Liverpool news: The one reason Reds will BEAT Napoli and qualify for last 16 - Ian Rush
LIVERPOOL have the defensive quality to stop Napoli from scoring in the Champions League clash at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Liverpool v Napoli: Champions League match preview
That is the verdict of legendary Liverpool and Wales striker Ian Rush.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds know a 1-0 win over Napoli would be enough to qualify for the last 16.
However if Napoli were to score, Liverpool would need to win by at least two clear goals due to the head-to-head record.
The Serie A side won the previous game between the two teams back in October 1-0.
I just feel we’ve got the defensive quality and the goalkeeper now to keep a clean sheet
Rush is predicting a similar type of game at Anfield and the same scoreline, but this time in the favour of Liverpool.
“I’m going to go 1-0 Liverpool,” Rush told talkSPORT.
“Napoli beat us 1-0 over there but they were a typical Italian team, they got at us and they ruffed us up a little bit.
“I think Ancelotti will be looking to do exactly the same and will try to hit us on the break.
“But I just feel we’ve got the defensive quality and the goalkeeper now to keep a clean sheet and we’ve always had the players to score goals, so I think we’re going to win.”
If Liverpool fail to beat Napoli they could end up dropping down from the Champions League to the Europa League if they finish third in Group C.
And Rush reckons that could harm their chances of going for the Premier League title.
“It could (derail the title challenge),” Rush added.
Liverpool fan sings in support of the Red's game against Napoli
“They could finish bottom of their group and people would say that’s a great thing, they’re not in Europe and they can concentrate on the league.
“But you want to win every game.
“If they go into the Europa League they’re playing on a Sunday or a Monday and I think you’re always playing catch up then, the opposition would have played and if they win you’re just playing catch up.”
Liverpool are without Joe Gomez for the match after he suffered a leg fracture in the win at Burnley last week.