Liverpool against Napoli

Penalty to Liverpool! Aronica with another clumsy challenge, as he brings down Johnson in the area.

With just under five minutes remaining, it is clear that the Italians are content with a point - which would be the fourth consecutive draw in this competition.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Hamsik is taken off after a quiet night, and replaced by former Portsmouth player Yebda.

Aronica fouls Johnson on the edge of the area, and Gerrard steps up to take it. His cross sails through the area, and goes out for a throw in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ngog is replaces by Lucas, as the attacker hobbles from the pitch.

Meireles sets up Shelvey to strike from distance, but it doesn't get past the Napoli defence.

Cavani does his best to beat Carragher, and he manages to get a shot away and on target, but it's straight at Reina.

Aronica is very lucky to still be on the pitch, after a horrible challenge on Ngog. Not even a booking!

Spearing and Shelvey combine, with the latter testing his luck first time. It's a poor effort though, and well wide.

Pazienza knocks a long ball forward in hope for Cavani, but nothing comes from it, as Mazzarri must make a change in attack, if he wants to win this match.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> De Sanctis picks up a booking after reacting to the Gerrard goal.

Gerrard capitalises on a poor Napoli back pass, to beat De Sanctis to the ball, to get Liverpool back into the game. It's all square at Anfield now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Gerrard equalises for Liverpool! 1-1

Liverpool try to build from the back, as they set themselves for an intense final 15 minutes.

Hamsik, who has been very quiet tonight, tries to play in Lavezzi, but Gerrard is there to intercept.

Gerrard steps up to take it, but his effort fails to curl back enough. That's a let off for the Italians.

Maggio gives away a free kick in a very dangerous position, just 20 yards from goal. Is this the moment for Gerrard and Liverpool?

20 minutes remain at Anfield, as Liverpool win a free kick. They are going to have to get moving if they want to get back into this one.

Gerrard picks out Shelvey with a glorious long ball, but the youngster is flagged for oddside.

Meireles stirkes a bullet from distance, but it's hit straight at De Sanctis.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Kyrgiakos is now shown a yellow card for the foul on Campagnaro.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Campagnaro goes into the referee's book for requesting a card be shown to Kyrgiakos.

A poor headed clearance by Napoli falls to the feet of Ngog, who cuts it back to Raul Meireles, who somehow missed another glorious opportunity for Liverpool.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Liverpool make their second switch of the night, as Eccleston comes on to replace Poulsen.

Hodgson is preparing a couple of substitutes on the sidelines, as Napoli win a corner.

Poulsen plays it to Gerrard, but the Napoli defence make light work of the Reds skipper.

Whilst Liverpool have lifted, Napoli look just as menacing up front as they did in the first half, so if the English side do decided to throw a few numbers forward in the final half hour of this half, expect the Italians to be very threatening on the counter.

Spearing tries to play it through to Konchesky, but still the hosts just cannot execute that final ball.

Ngog picks out an unmarks Shelvey at the back post, but his header is very poor and well wide of the target.

Poulsen with options ahead of him, however his pass forward was rushed, and consequently, Napoli regain possession.

Liverpool are looking a lot more comfortable at the back in this second half, as Napoli continue to throw numbers forward.

Lavezzi is stopped in his tracks by Carragher, and that was a crucial challenge by the experienced defender.

Ngog does exceptionally well to trap the ball whilst on the ground, however Shelvey fails to control the pass from the stirker, as Cannavaro clears.

Dossena receives a harsh reception from his former Liverpool fans for the first time of the night, as he makes a promising run on the left.

Ths introduction of Gerrard has clearly changed the way of the game, as the players are playing with confidence, and the crowd have certainly lifetd in voice.

Gerrard sends a dangerous ball into the area, but it eventually is taken by De Sanctis, who is forced to contend with some physical treatment in the air by Kyrgiakos.

Ngog finds himself unmarked six yards from goal, but De Sanctis saves it! How did he not score there? Meireles cut the ball across to the unmarked attacker, however somehow he directed the shot straight at the keeper. Gerrard then blasts the rebound over the bar.

Great chance for Maggio, but his header is hit straight at Reina.

Napoli win a corner, as Kyrgiakos mishits a clearance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Dossena is booked for a challenge on Gerrard.

Campagnaro beats Ngog to the ball, denying the attacker of what would've been a great opportunity to equalise.

Gerrard has already made an impact, as he wins his side a free kick in a dangerous area to cross. The Napoli players look a little uneasy when he is on the ball.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Gerrard comes on for Jovanovic, as the second half gets underway.

Liverpool 0-1 Napoli: The Italians were certainly the better side in the opening half, and deservedly are ahead, with Ezequiel Lavezzi scoring the sole goal thus far. Join us back in 15 minutes for all of the action in the second half.

The fourth official has indicated that there will be one minute of added time in the first half.

Cannavaro hacks a loose ball out of the area, as both the players and the supporters await the half time whistle.

Lavezzi continues to work hard, as he charges at Reina, who coolly clears.

Walter Mazzarri is urging his players to get back and defend, as the boss seems content to take this one goal advantage into the break.

The tempo has dropped off, as the match enters the final few minutes of the first half.

Shelvey sends a ball in towards Kyrgiakos, but Maggio gets his head onto it first to clear. That final ball is lacking from the home side, and they will have to rectify this problem if they are to get back in the contest, in the second half.

Liverpool win a free kick in a dangerous position to cross, after a Campagnaro foul.

Cavani tries to get onto the end of Aronica's long ball, but it rolls out for a goal kick.

Ngog plays to Johnson, who strikes with his left foot from 25 yards, forcing De Sanctis into making a solid diving save. That was promising from Liverpool.

Johnson and Meireles try to get things going for the hosts, but with nine players back, deep in their defensive half, Napoli win out.

The Italians are enjoying a very long period of possession here, which Aronica eventually gives away. The home fans are stunned, as we approach the half time break.

There's a scrap in the midfield, which Liverpool eventually win, but Cannavaro does well to dispossess Poulsen, and relaunch yet another Napoli attack.

Jovanovic has been lively on the left, but has had little support from his team-mates. He sends another ball into the area, however with five on one, the Napoli defence easily clear the danger.

It's just the second goal that Liverpool have conceded in the competition this season, as they try to get themselves into the contest.

Ngog is played through on goal, and surely he'll put this effort on goal, but no. It's just wide of the target, and the score remains 1-0.

Clearly full of confidence after their goal, Napoli are on the attack immediately, as they go in search of a second.

Napoli continue to press forward. They are attacking as if they are a goal down with five minutes remaining.

The deadlock has finally been broken, as Lavezzi deservedly scores the opening goal, after being played through on goal wonderfully by Cavani.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Lavezzi scores for Napoli!! 1-0

Napoli are dictating all of the play, as Pazienza and co. continue to control the midfield.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Johnson catches Cavani, and deservedly goes into the referee's book.

Lavezzi! What an effort by the Argentine, as his effort from all of 30 yards flies just wide of the far post.

Gargano sends a wasteful ball forward, which Reina comes to meet.

Ngog gets a shot away, but it's comfortably taken at the near post by De Sanctis.

Konchesky and Jovanovic try to conjure something up on the left, but the latter is quickly closed down by two opposing defenders.

Lavezzi expertly chips a ball wide to Cavani, but the Uruguayan with time and in space, blasts his effort over the bar.

Liverpool try to maintain some possession, but are struggling to put even two or three passes together.

Hamsik tries to pick out Maggio on the right, but fails to find his man. Liverpool try to counter, but nothing comes from it, as Cannavaro clears the danger.

Hamsik and Lavezzi combine well, but the latter fails to get onto the end of the Slovak's cut back. Cavani, and the pair mentioned have been causing all sorts of problems so far.

Pazienza chips a dangerous ball into the area, but Cavani is outmuscled by Carragher.

Napoli with all the forward momentum at present. Should this continue, it won't be long till we see the Italians stun the Anfield crowd.

Dossena cuts a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but Reina does very well to rush off his line to deny the visitors.

Johnson, who has missed the last four games because of a thigh injury, makes his first contribution of the night, however little comes from it, as Napoli regain possession.

Aronica is on the end of a tough challenge by Meireles, and the Napoli players want a booking shown to the midfielder.

Gargano does well to win the ball back for Napoli, and here they go again.

Cavani is played in well by Lavezzi, but he completely mishits a left-footed effort. Wasted opportunity for the visitors, who have looked the more threatening of the two sides thus far.

Kyrgiakos gets his head onto the corner, but his effort sails well over the bar.

Aronica has made a blistering start to the gamne, working hard at both ends of the pitch. He races back to support the defence, handing Liverpool another corner.

Ngog is played through, but correctly flagged for offside.

The visiting Napoli fans have been very vocal in the early stages, as Lavezzi looks to get things going for the Italians.

Konchesky wins his side's first corner of the night, as Shelvey goes over to take it.

Dossena, on his first return to Anfield, gives up the ball with his first touch of the evening.

Jovanovic does exceptionally well to work his way past a couple of opponents, before sending a dangerous ball into the area. Well cleared by Aronica though.

Both Cavani and Hamsik have been linked to English clubs over the past couple of weeks, and the duo combine well in the initial stages.

And we're underway at Anfield.

Liverpool will assure themselves of progression from the group with a win tonight, however they certainly face a difficult task against a very strong Napoli line-up that are yet to taste defeat in this competition.

Napoli have selected the same side which drew 0-0 in Italy a fortnight ago.

Defender Glen Johnson makes his comeback, while Christian Poulsen, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey, Milan Jovanovic and David Ngog also start.

Roy Hodgson had vowed to name a strong team, but Fernando Torres is left out of the squad while Steven Gerrard is on the bench.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1024/royhodgsonnewowners20101024_275x155.jpg"><br>Roy Hodgson is keen to impress the new owners.

Join us at 20.05 GMT for Liverpool against Napoli from Anfield.

Gerrard steps up to take it, but his effort fails to curl back enough. That's a let off for the Italians.

Maggio gives away a free kick in a very dangerous position, just 20 yards from goal. Is this the moment for Gerrard and Liverpool?

20 minutes remain at Anfield, as Liverpool win a free kick. They are going to have to get moving if they want to get back into this one.

Gerrard picks out Shelvey with a glorious long ball, but the youngster is flagged for oddside.

Meireles stirkes a bullet from distance, but it's hit straight at De Sanctis.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Kyrgiakos is now shown a yellow card for the foul on Campagnaro.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Campagnaro goes into the referee's book for requesting a card be shown to Kyrgiakos.

A poor headed clearance by Napoli falls to the feet of Ngog, who cuts it back to Raul Meireles, who somehow missed another glorious opportunity for Liverpool.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Liverpool make their second switch of the night, as Eccleston comes on to replace Poulsen.

Hodgson is preparing a couple of substitutes on the sidelines, as Napoli win a corner.

Poulsen plays it to Gerrard, but the Napoli defence make light work of the Reds skipper.

Whilst Liverpool have lifted, Napoli look just as menacing up front as they did in the first half, so if the English side do decided to throw a few numbers forward in the final half hour of this half, expect the Italians to be very threatening on the counter.

Spearing tries to play it through to Konchesky, but still the hosts just cannot execute that final ball.

Ngog picks out an unmarks Shelvey at the back post, but his header is very poor and well wide of the target.

Poulsen with options ahead of him, however his pass forward was rushed, and consequently, Napoli regain possession.

Liverpool are looking a lot more comfortable at the back in this second half, as Napoli continue to throw numbers forward.

Lavezzi is stopped in his tracks by Carragher, and that was a crucial challenge by the experienced defender.

Ngog does exceptionally well to trap the ball whilst on the ground, however Shelvey fails to control the pass from the stirker, as Cannavaro clears.

Dossena receives a harsh reception from his former Liverpool fans for the first time of the night, as he makes a promising run on the left.

Ths introduction of Gerrard has clearly changed the way of the game, as the players are playing with confidence, and the crowd have certainly lifetd in voice.

Gerrard sends a dangerous ball into the area, but it eventually is taken by De Sanctis, who is forced to contend with some physical treatment in the air by Kyrgiakos.

Ngog finds himself unmarked six yards from goal, but De Sanctis saves it! How did he not score there? Meireles cut the ball across to the unmarked attacker, however somehow he directed the shot straight at the keeper. Gerrard then blasts the rebound over the bar.

Great chance for Maggio, but his header is hit straight at Reina.

Napoli win a corner, as Kyrgiakos mishits a clearance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Dossena is booked for a challenge on Gerrard.

Campagnaro beats Ngog to the ball, denying the attacker of what would've been a great opportunity to equalise.

Gerrard has already made an impact, as he wins his side a free kick in a dangerous area to cross. The Napoli players look a little uneasy when he is on the ball.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Gerrard comes on for Jovanovic, as the second half gets underway.

Liverpool 0-1 Napoli: The Italians were certainly the better side in the opening half, and deservedly are ahead, with Ezequiel Lavezzi scoring the sole goal thus far. Join us back in 15 minutes for all of the action in the second half.

The fourth official has indicated that there will be one minute of added time in the first half.

Cannavaro hacks a loose ball out of the area, as both the players and the supporters await the half time whistle.

Lavezzi continues to work hard, as he charges at Reina, who coolly clears.

Walter Mazzarri is urging his players to get back and defend, as the boss seems content to take this one goal advantage into the break.

The tempo has dropped off, as the match enters the final few minutes of the first half.

Shelvey sends a ball in towards Kyrgiakos, but Maggio gets his head onto it first to clear. That final ball is lacking from the home side, and they will have to rectify this problem if they are to get back in the contest, in the second half.

Liverpool win a free kick in a dangerous position to cross, after a Campagnaro foul.

Cavani tries to get onto the end of Aronica's long ball, but it rolls out for a goal kick.

Ngog plays to Johnson, who strikes with his left foot from 25 yards, forcing De Sanctis into making a solid diving save. That was promising from Liverpool.

Johnson and Meireles try to get things going for the hosts, but with nine players back, deep in their defensive half, Napoli win out.

The Italians are enjoying a very long period of possession here, which Aronica eventually gives away. The home fans are stunned, as we approach the half time break.

There's a scrap in the midfield, which Liverpool eventually win, but Cannavaro does well to dispossess Poulsen, and relaunch yet another Napoli attack.

Jovanovic has been lively on the left, but has had little support from his team-mates. He sends another ball into the area, however with five on one, the Napoli defence easily clear the danger.

It's just the second goal that Liverpool have conceded in the competition this season, as they try to get themselves into the contest.

Ngog is played through on goal, and surely he'll put this effort on goal, but no. It's just wide of the target, and the score remains 1-0.

Clearly full of confidence after their goal, Napoli are on the attack immediately, as they go in search of a second.

Napoli continue to press forward. They are attacking as if they are a goal down with five minutes remaining.

The deadlock has finally been broken, as Lavezzi deservedly scores the opening goal, after being played through on goal wonderfully by Cavani.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Lavezzi scores for Napoli!! 1-0

Napoli are dictating all of the play, as Pazienza and co. continue to control the midfield.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Johnson catches Cavani, and deservedly goes into the referee's book.

Lavezzi! What an effort by the Argentine, as his effort from all of 30 yards flies just wide of the far post.

Gargano sends a wasteful ball forward, which Reina comes to meet.

Ngog gets a shot away, but it's comfortably taken at the near post by De Sanctis.

Konchesky and Jovanovic try to conjure something up on the left, but the latter is quickly closed down by two opposing defenders.

Lavezzi expertly chips a ball wide to Cavani, but the Uruguayan with time and in space, blasts his effort over the bar.

Liverpool try to maintain some possession, but are struggling to put even two or three passes together.

Hamsik tries to pick out Maggio on the right, but fails to find his man. Liverpool try to counter, but nothing comes from it, as Cannavaro clears the danger.

Hamsik and Lavezzi combine well, but the latter fails to get onto the end of the Slovak's cut back. Cavani, and the pair mentioned have been causing all sorts of problems so far.

Pazienza chips a dangerous ball into the area, but Cavani is outmuscled by Carragher.

Napoli with all the forward momentum at present. Should this continue, it won't be long till we see the Italians stun the Anfield crowd.

Dossena cuts a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but Reina does very well to rush off his line to deny the visitors.

Johnson, who has missed the last four games because of a thigh injury, makes his first contribution of the night, however little comes from it, as Napoli regain possession.

Aronica is on the end of a tough challenge by Meireles, and the Napoli players want a booking shown to the midfielder.

Gargano does well to win the ball back for Napoli, and here they go again.

Cavani is played in well by Lavezzi, but he completely mishits a left-footed effort. Wasted opportunity for the visitors, who have looked the more threatening of the two sides thus far.

Kyrgiakos gets his head onto the corner, but his effort sails well over the bar.

Aronica has made a blistering start to the gamne, working hard at both ends of the pitch. He races back to support the defence, handing Liverpool another corner.

Ngog is played through, but correctly flagged for offside.

The visiting Napoli fans have been very vocal in the early stages, as Lavezzi looks to get things going for the Italians.

Konchesky wins his side's first corner of the night, as Shelvey goes over to take it.

Dossena, on his first return to Anfield, gives up the ball with his first touch of the evening.

Jovanovic does exceptionally well to work his way past a couple of opponents, before sending a dangerous ball into the area. Well cleared by Aronica though.

Both Cavani and Hamsik have been linked to English clubs over the past couple of weeks, and the duo combine well in the initial stages.

And we're underway at Anfield.

Liverpool will assure themselves of progression from the group with a win tonight, however they certainly face a difficult task against a very strong Napoli line-up that are yet to taste defeat in this competition.

Napoli have selected the same side which drew 0-0 in Italy a fortnight ago.

Defender Glen Johnson makes his comeback, while Christian Poulsen, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey, Milan Jovanovic and David Ngog also start.

Roy Hodgson had vowed to name a strong team, but Fernando Torres is left out of the squad while Steven Gerrard is on the bench.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1024/royhodgsonnewowners20101024_275x155.jpg"><br>Roy Hodgson is keen to impress the new owners.

Join us at 20.05 GMT for Liverpool against Napoli from Anfield.