Liverpool’s defence of the Champions League begins with a tricky trip to Napoli on Tuesday night.
After adding a sixth European Cup to the trophy cabinet the Reds should be confident of retaining the title and moving joint second with AC Milan on the all time wins list.
The bookmakers believe Manchester City and Barcelona are this year’s favourites, but it is Liverpool who should be considered most likely to retain the title.
A return to pot one has provided Liverpool with a much easier path to the knockout stages than in previous years. The Reds have been drawn against Napoli, RB Salzburg and Genk in a group they would expect to top.
Topping this group is not a certainty but should Liverpool make good on their Group E favourites tag they can look forward to a potentially easier route to the competition’s latter stages.
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Since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp Liverpool are unbeaten over two legs in European competition. Having lost only in the final of the Europa League and Champions League during the Germans first two years of the club. A run that shows now sign of ending.
As everyone knows European nights at Anfield are special. Even the best teams can be unraveled in front of the Liverpool crowd, just ask Barcelona.
Nothing has changed in that regard and whilst the game is going the Kop will be roaring the players on, a factor that cannot be underestimated.
This group of players are approaching their peak years. Now is the time they must win the trophies that define their careers.
It really doesn’t get any bigger than retaining the Champions League and Liverpool should be considered favourites to do just that.