Gomez in for Trent? Wijnaldum benched? How the Reds should line up against Napoli

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The Champions League returns this week with some stellar group stage games in store, not least the Reds’ trip to Napoli.

The champions of Europe could do with a good start in the group: while nothing would be certain at this stage, a win over in Italy would make the Reds heavy favourites to secure their progression through to the knockout stages without too much hassle.

With the Premier League to focus on, too, getting through into the round-of-16 at the earliest possible opportunity has to be the aim.

Alisson is still out injured, so Adrian will retain his place between the sticks, making what will be his Champions League debut.

At the back, the big dilemma is whether to bring in Joe Gomez to deal with the threat of Lorenzo Insigne. Trent Alexander-Arnold has a lot of qualities, of course, but Jurgen Klopp often goes with the safer option away from home in Europe.

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The rest of the backline picks itself, as does the front three, with Sadio Mane fit after a slight knock sustained at the weekend and Roberto Firmino in from the start having begun the Newcastle United game on the bench.

Mo Salah, who scored against Napoli at Anfield last season, will also, of course, start.

In midfield, Jordan Henderson and James Milner missed out at the weekend and are therefore likely to come in here, while Naby Keita is not yet ready to feature as he continues to recover from injury.

At the base of the midfield, Fabinho is likely to retain his place, which would mean Gini Wijnaldum dropping to the bench. The Dutchman would then be able to come back into the side for the game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Predicted XI: Adrian; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mane

More Stories Chelsea Gini Wijnaldum Joe Gomez Jürgen Klopp Lorenzo Insigne Napoli Trent Alexander-Arnold