Europa League as it happened

GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times BST)

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By Sam Lyon

2215: That's that from me, then, folks - top work from you all. Be just as kind to Jonathan Stevenson on Saturday and he will reward you with top level Premier League chat all day, for sure. Don't miss it.

2210: MAN CITY 3-1 LECH POZNAN
Phil Dawkes reports: "Manchester City didn't have it entirely their own way against a well-backed and spirited Lech Poznan side but they thoroughly deserved the win that leaves them in a strong position at the top of Group A."

AndySzpuk on Twitter: "Hope Adebayor does play against Arsenal - it's the kind of drama that makes the Premier League unique."

2205: Top result for Roberto Mancini's boys, then, and they go top of their Europa League Group A - keep this up and they can qualify from the group stages early and rest a few players at the back end of this set of fixtures. Timely return to form for Emmanuel Adebayor, too, with Arsenal visiting Eastlands on Sunday - he's certainly made a case for inclusion against his former team. Spicy.

Europa League Nathan: "The closest we came to a shock was in Austria where Salzburg were leading against Italian giants Juventus, but Milos Krasic's leveller shortly after the restart meant they had to settle for a point that keeps them at the foot of Group A. Manchester City now lead that group with Lech Poznan hanging on to second spot. Last season's champions Atletico Madrid pick up their first Europa League win of the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Norwegian side Rosenborg and CSKA Moscow inflict the same scoreline on Italian outfit Palermo, while Sporting rack up five against Gent."

Chocosaurus16 on 606: "Re Jonnny: Manchester United do."

2155: FULL-TIME Man City 3-1 Lech Poznan

Jonny in Thrapston via text: "Who needs Rooney?"

2152: We'll have four minutes of stoppage time - and Spurs got two goals in injury time last night, lest we forget...

2149: All of a sudden we're looking at an end-to-end ding-dong finish to this match, and City keeper Joe Hart has to get across well to tip Sergei Krivets' rasping drive around the post.

2148: Good strength from Jo as he surges at the Lech defence, but his drive at goal is straight at keeper Jasmin Buric.

2146: They don't want to take their foot too far off the pedal, though, City - Dedryck Boyata almost gifting a goal to Joel Tshibamba as he leaves his back-pass short, but Joe Hart getting out well enough to close the Lech striker down.

2145: Pablo Zabaleta comes off to be replaced by Wayne Bridge.

2144: The wind has been very much taken out of this Lech side now by the look of things, and City are more than content to play their way through these last seven or eight minutes with some training-ground passing patterns.

gunner-zp on 606: "What a goal that would have been!"

2139: Brilliant from Adam Johnson. The winger cuts in from the right, leaves two Lech defenders on their backside and curls a superb shot that rattles back off the angle of the far post and bar.

2138: City make a couple of changes with the minutes ticking down, Yaya Toure is already on for David Silva and now Jo comes on for Shaun Wright-Phillips.

2137: That's almost Emmanuel Adebayor's fourth as a long ball over the top just evades his reach as he looks to poke home.

Man City goal: Erm, no, City not looking to shut up shop. That's Emmanuel Adebayor's hat-trick but it's another goal made by the brilliance of David Silva, the Spaniard's pass into the area allowing the Togolese to slam home from 12 yards without even breaking stride. Game over?

2134: GOALFLASH Man City 3-1 Lech Poznan (Adebayor)

2133: Yaya Toure is about to come on - which gives you some idea of just how slender this Man City lead is beginning to look with just under 20 minutes to go. City looking to shut up shop?

2131: It should be 2-2. Bartosz Bosacki's wayward 22-yard shot falls perfectly for Joel Tshibamba 16 yards out inside the box, but the Lech striker snatches at his shot and drives well over with just Joe Hart to beat.

2130: Another change for Lech Poznan - this time because of a thigh injury - Manuel Arboleda replaced by Ivan Djurdjevic.

2127: It should be 3-1. Adam Johnson's pass finds Emmanuel Adebayor unmarked in the box but the Togolese's first touch is not the best and it allows the Lech defence to get back and clear for a corner. A better touch there and it would have been Adebayor's hat-trick, surely.

2125: That's an excellent driving run down the right by Adam Johnson and he feeds the influential David Silva, whose slide-rule pass is just too heavy for Pablo Zabaleta to collect bursting into the area. Johnson and Silva running things for City tonight.

2122: Another burst down the left from David Silva ends with his cross falling to Patrick Vieira, but the veteran's effort from outside the area is blazed well over.

2120: Slawomir Peszko slams goalwards with a 40-yard free-kick, it's well hit but wide. Lech going for this.

2117: Oh, lovely play by David Silva, the Spaniard showing his twinkletoes as he dances his way past a host of Lech defenders on his way into the box - but his left-foot shot is deflected behind by a back-tracking defender.

2116: Double change for Lech - who might just fancy this now - with Artjoms Rudnevs, the man who scored a hat-trick against Juventus, and Semir Stilic entering the fray.

Ian, Macclesfield via text: "I think TheSportsDirector spoke too soon!"

2113: The Lech fans have celebrated that goal by removing their shirts, almost to a man. These Poles are made of strong stuff, I tell you - it's blooming freezing out there. Cracking vocal support from the away fans, too.

Lech Poznan goal: Now then, game on? Joleon Lescott is very fortunate not to concede a penalty when he hauls Slawomir Peszko down in the City box, but the referee's refusal to give a spot-kick matters not when the ball falls to Joel Tshibamba unmarked and the striker lashes into the corner.

2111: GOALFLASH Man City 2-1 Lech Poznan (Tshibamba)

Europa League Nathan: "Plenty of goals in the Sporting-Gent fixture, 4-1 the hosts lead with Da Silva Liedson getting a couple in the first half. No major surprises elsewhere, Dynamo Kiev leading AZ Alkmaar 2-1 the pick of the 2005 kick-offs so far. Lille 0-0 Levski Sofia arguably the least inspiring."

2106: We're back up and running.

2103: The players are making their way out for the second half, can Emmanuel Adebayor go on and get a hat-trick? What a way to end a goal drought that would be. And what a case he'd be making for a start against former club Arsenal too...

TheSportsDirector on 606: "This is delightful from Manchester City, proper looking forward to the second half. Maybe the introduction of Tevez. 6-0 finish."

2058: NAPOLI 0-0 LIVERPOOL
Mandeep Sanghera reports: "Still no win for Liverpool from the last seven games but there were plenty of positives for underfire Reds boss Roy Hodgson as his second string side earned an admirable draw at a Napoli side fourth in Serie A."

2057: So a classy couple of goals from Emmanuel Adebayor puts City firmly in the driving seat with 45 minutes to go, and just in case you're joining us late, here's what happened in our earlier match between Napoli and Liverpool...

Tropical via text: "Not a City fan, and not an Adebayor fan either as a Gooner! But they are slick and the boy from Togo sure can finish."

2051: HALF-TIME Manchester City 2-0 Lech Poznan
Phil Dawkes' HT snap-shot: "With Carlos Tevez away, Emmanuel Adebayor's come out to play and his two goals have given City a half-time lead their superiority deserves. Poznan's 6000 fans are still bouncing around but it will take a major turning of the tide for them to get anything out of this game."

Imna_lkr on Twitter: "Mancini is going to start Adebayor in City's next game against Arsenal isn't he?"

2049: Nigel de Jong is another for Man City having a good night now after a somewhat shaky start, breaking up play and proving the springboard for many a Manchester City attack. His every touch and tackle is being greeted warmly by the home fans, too.

Europa League Nathan: "Dusan Svento has made a name for himself in Austria tonight. He's scored the opener for his Red Bull Salzburg side against three-time winners of this competition and twice winners of the European Cup, Juventus. It's a fairly well stocked Juve side out there too but they find themselves chasing the game in Salzburg."

2046: Lech Poznan very much restricted to long-range efforts at Eastlands - the latest blazed way off target by Dimitrije Injac.

2044: David Silva's enjoying himself tonight in a slightly freer role, and Lech Poznan are like a rabbit in the headlights every time the Spaniard gets on the ball. City looking capable of scoring every time they go forward here - despite not really creating a huge amount in the final third. Which, I guess, sounds strange - but it's true.

shivamLM on Twitter: "Want an overused, fact about Lech Poznan? They had to cancel a home match because Sting was playing at their stadium."

2038: Lech captain Bartosz Bosacki is the first man into the referee's notebook after a poor, poor challenge on Pablo Zabaleta.

Anthony, East Kilbride, via text: "Man City looking classy so far, passing is great and they will put a few past this Lech side tonight. The Lech fans are brilliant, though."

2035: That's a decent break from Lech Poznan, Slawomir Peszko just failing to get on the end of Marcin Kikut's cross on the run. Still, we're nearly half an hour in and while they haven't looked completely overwhelmed by any stretch, Lech Poznan just look utterly vulnerable whenever City pile forward.

tommythetank on 606: "This has all the look of a training session."

Europa League Nathan: "Holders Atletico Madrid, yet to record a victory in this season's campaign, go 1-0 up on Rosenborg thanks to a Diego Godin effort. Aris Salonika and Bayer Leverkusen make up that intriguing group - 0-0 between the Greeks and the Germans so far."

Man City goal: He's back on the goal trail with a bang. David Silva's clipped cross finds Emmanuel Adebayor completely unmarked and the Togolese excellently directs his header into the corner of Jasmin Buric's goal.

2030: GOALFLASH Man City 2-0 Lech Poznan (Adebayor)

2029: Jakub Wilk tries his luck from 25 yards direct from a corner, but his effort flies harmlessly over the City bar.

2027: Lech Poznan have reacted pretty positively since going a goal down, but the hosts still well in control.

2025: Not a bad effort, that, Kamil Drygas stinging Joe Hart's palms with one from range - the City keeper collecting on the second attempt.

2022: Oh pull the trigger, son. Adam Johnson works some space in the box and its crying out for a shot - instead he lays it off to Emmanuel Adebayor, who is tackled.

2020: Just the start Manchester City will have wanted, then, and Lech Poznan will be desperate to keep things tight for the remainder of the half - with the firepower the hosts have on show, the visitors certainly don't want to be chasing too early.

Man City goal: Class. Emmanuel Adebayor turns brilliantly on Patrick Vieira's pass on the edge of the area before sliding his first of the season into the corner. Clinical.

2018: GOALFLASH Man City 1-0 Lech Poznan (Adebayor)

2016: Pot shot from the left 25 yards out by Shaun Wright-Phillips - but it's wide.

2012: City bossing these early stages, and yet Lech Poznan have come close on a couple of occasions to taking advantage of some sloppy home play - particularly by Nigel de Jong. Still, the hosts looking dangerous going forward.

2009: City might fancy a few tonight if Adam Johnson is allowed that much space all night, the winger collecting Emmanuel Adebayor's lay-off and whipping a cross across goal that just evades the onrushing City strikers.

2008: A positive Manchester City start is almost undone when Slawomir Peszko slams goalwards from the angle - but it's wide.

2006: Apparently, by the way, Lech Poznan fans make up about a fifth of tonight's attendance - and it's only those that can be heard at this early stage.

2005: Manchester City kick things off... let's just hope for a bit more goalmouth action in this one, hey?

Jez on 606: "Not a City fan, but I always get a bit excited when they play now."

2001: Plenty of empty seats on show at Eastlands, but otherwise it's building to a decent atmosphere in Manchester - aided by a boisterous showing from the visiting supporters. Predictions?

Europa League Nathan: "So after a slow start the goals came thick and fast at the end of the early kick-offs. Among the big winners so far are Anderlecht after a 3-0 win over AEK Athens, Young Boys, 4-2 winners against Odense, and Porto, who defeated Besiktas 3-1 in Turkey. In Liverpool's group, Utrecht let their lead slip against Steaua so with two draws in Group K tonight, it's as you were at the midway stage."

1959: So Liverpool stay top of Group K... now what can Manchester City show us against Polish outfit Lech Poznan at Eastlands? Let's find out, shall we?

Adam, Edinburgh via text: "Promising performance from Liverpool, just a pity there's no real way to build momentum from it with so few of these players likely to feature on Sunday."

bluenose on 606: "To be fair they have lacked a bit of quality, but a draw is not bad. Keeping a clean sheet gives Liverpool something to work with."

1952: FULL-TIME Napoli 0-0 Liverpool

1951: Slight flutter of hearts among the Liverpool defence as Edinson Cavani looks to carve half a yard in the area - the cross is overhit, though.

1950: We'll have two minutes of injury time.

1948: Liverpool have really grown into this tie, and look like ending it in command of the football. There might not have been a host of goalmouth action, but Reds fans will be delighted with a point from Naples, I'm sure.

1945: As we run into the last five minutes Napoli roll the die for the final time, replacing Marek Hamsik with Jose Ernesto Sosa.

1944: MAN CITY v LECH POZNAN
Phil Dawkes reports: "Manchester City make six changes to the side that won 3-2 at Blackpool at the weekend. Carlos Tevez drops to the bench, with David Silva coming into the side. Midfielders Patrick Vieira and Shaun Wright-Phillips and defenders Micah Richards, Pablo Zabaleta, and Dedryck Boyata are the other players who come into the side. Jo has overcome an ankle problem and joins Tevez on the bench. Artjoms Rudnevs, who scored a hat-trick against Juventus earlier in the group stage, is on the bench for Lech Poznan."

1942: Walter Gargano is not a happy bunny and the toys are thrown right out of the pram as he is replaced by former Portsmouth star Hassan Yebda, the midfielder tossing his shirt and shinpads at the bench as he makes his way off the field. I'm using the handbag graphic. Sue me.

1940: Well that was almost genius from David Ngog. On the back of another long spell of Liverpool possession, the French striker chests down in the area, bamboozles a Napoli defender on the turn and only a crucial deflection prevents his stinging shot nestling in the corner.

1939: The home support getting a touch frustrated by Liverpool's long spells in possession now, though the visitors are still struggling to get in behind the home defence.

1937: MAN CITY v LECH POZNAN
Man City: Hart, Lescott, Richards, Boyata, Zabaleta, De Jong, Vieira, Wright-Phillips, Silva, Adam Johnson, Adebayor. Subs: Given, Bridge, Kompany, Milner, Jo, Tevez, Toure Yaya.
Lech Poznan: Buric, Kikut, Bosacki, Arboleda, Henriquez, Peszko, Injac, Drygas, Wilk, Krivets, Tshibamba. Subs: Kotorowski, Gancarczyk, Djurdjevic, Zapotoka, Stilic, Rudnevs, Wichniarek.
Referee: Alexandru Dan Tudor (Romania)

1936: That Babel experiment last merely a couple of minutes as Joe Cole comes on to replace him, moments after Napoli replace Christian Maggio with Juan Camilo Zuniga.

1934: Another reshuffle from Roy Hodgson - bringing Ryan Babel off the wing and playing him through the middle, with Jovanovic and Shelvey pushed into wide positions now. Do Liverpool think they can nick this?

1932: Chances just starting to come for both sides now, Ezequiel Lavezzi this time having a shot charged down inside the Liverpool box.

Europa League Nathan: "FC Utrecht, currently third behind Liverpool and Napoli in Group K, lead Steaua Bucharest 1-0 thanks to Edouard Duplan's goal on the hour. That would close things up nicely in the group, should the score remain goalless in Naples. The Dutch side would join the Reds at the top of the table at the half way stage."

MattSutton91 on Twitter: "Tonight has summed up why Ryan Babel doesn't play. He is awful. He may have pace, but nothing else!"

1929: Massive chance. Massive. Milan Jovanovic pounces on an error by Salvatore Aronica and his slide-rule pass gifts Liverpool forward Ryan Babel a clean shot on goal from the left-side of the area - but the Dutchman's side-footed effort is kept out by the keeper's legs and that has to go down as a big, big miss.

Jamie via text: "I would be very happy with a point. Draw away and win our home games and we should easily qualify? And our fringe players are getting valuable experience."

1926: Half a chance for Liverpool, Napoli keeper Morgan de Sanctis saving comfortably after David Ngog heads goalwards from Martin Kelly's cross.

1925: Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson brings Fabio Aurelio on for Paul Konchesky.

1924: Marek Hamsik is just getting in the space between midfield and defence this half and he sparks another decent Napoli attack involving Edinson Cavani - however, much like most of the match so far, the hosts show no cutting edge whatsoever and a series of misplaced passes and crosses later the Liverpool defence can clear.

1921: Napoli just starting to test the Liverpool backline a touch more now and Sotiris Kyrgiakos does well to cut out Ezequiel Lavezzi's cross on the slide.

1920: That's more like it from Napoli as Edinson Cavani powers a header at goal eight yards out from Hugo Campagnaro's precise cross - but's narrowly wide.

1918: Milan Jovanovic tries his luck from outside the area, but the shot is high, wide and - well - ugly.

1916: Booking for Michele Pazienza as he sticks his studs into Jay Spearing's face with the latter attempting a low header. The Napoli defender sticks around to offer his apologies, but it's a definite booking.

1914: Good chance for Napoli as Walter Gargano feeds Edinson Cavani in the area, but Paul Konchesky just does enough to put the striker off and the finish is easily claimed by Pepe Reina.

1913: Andrea Dossena bustles his way towards the Liverpool area but sees his driving run ended well by Martin Kelly.

redandblackT on 606: "Wow! The only thing worse than that non statement on Rooney is this match in Naples."

1909: David Ngog, meanwhile, has come out from half time with the wrong shirt on and is told to change it by the officials. That's basically the only event of note so far this half.

1907: By the way, if you give this page a cheeky refresh, you'll find audio commentary of the Napoli-Liverpool match on the right-hand side. Which is nice.

1905: The second half is under way.

1904: Back in Naples, we're about to get back up and running with Sotiris Kyrgiakos having replaced Jamie Carragher - who presumably has an injury worry - at centre-half for Liverpool.

1903: So, basically, the news from Manchester United... is that there is no news. Hhmm.

1902: BREAKING NEWS
Manchester United have released the following statement after a day of meetings between chief executive David Gill, Sir Alex Ferguson and representatives of Wayne Rooney: "We are aware that there is intense public and media interest on the club at the moment, but there are no developments of note to report today. I can confirm a number of meetings have taken place today, including with the player's representative. The outcome of those meetings will become clear in the near future. In the meantime, fans are asked to be patient."

Gerard via text: "How bad is it that I'm dropping off due to the lack of entertainment on show? I could catch up on a lot of sleep between now and May..."

AndySzpuk on Twitter: "A goal-line clearance is the highlight of the first half! Can't wait for the second half, hope I can stay awake..."

Europa League Nathan: "No major shocks so far with the majority of the Europa League big-boys heading to the break with a lead. Stuttgart, Anderlecht, Sevilla and Porto all have the advantage in their ties, although Dutch league leaders PSV Eindhoven are being held by Hungarian outfit Debrecen."

wakkalfc on 606: "Shelvey has been our best defender, best midfielder and best attacker. Best player on the pitch by a mile - pity his teammates suck."

1850: HALF-TIME Napoli 0-0 Liverpool
Mandeep Sanghera's: HT snap-shot: "Liverpool nearly blew a promising display by letting a goal in on the stroke of half-time - but other than that Roy Hodgson will be happy."

1848: And that's the last action of the half...

1847: Brilliant from Paul Konchesky - and equally as good from the officials. Marek Hamsik prods Edinson Cavani's cross goalwards but Konchesky, on the line, clears with Pepe Reina beaten. The hosts briefly claim the ball crossed the line - but replays show the officials were right to play on. Finally some incident to talk about - huzzah!

1846: Napoli work it well to Hugo Campagnaro on the right of the area, but the centre-back's shot is deflected behind.

jackdoggydogg on Twitter: "You've given us the average age of the Liverpool team - what about the average hair length??"
Yep, it would appear the Merseysiders got a special deal on hair clippers this summer. Although, Christian Poulsen clearly didn't get the memo.

1842: Martin Skrtel breaks out of defence and feeds Jonjo Shelvey, whose cross from deep towards the back post is fabulous - unfortunately for him, however, David Ngog sends it back into an empty area instead of going for goal and the chance is gone.

Europa League Nathan: "That got them going. We're finally up and running around the continent after Alexander Bukharov's 25th-minute opener for Zenit St Petersburg against Hajduk Split. Former West Ham and Spurs striker Fredi Kanoute has bagged for Sevilla away at Karpaty Lviv and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, formerly of Celtic, has put Rapid Vienna 1-0 up on CSKA Sofia. Young Boys enjoying a good start against Odense with Englishman Scott Sutter grabbing one of their two goals."

1840: Milan Jovanovic attempts to find David Ngog in the box, but the playmaker's lofted cross is too strong.

1837: This is turning into a fairly effective away European performance from Liverpool so far - although they may hope Jonjo Shelvey doesn't try any more efforts on goal from inside his own half. That attempt was about as threatening as candy floss.

1833: Liverpool shot on target! It follows some more patient build-up play from the visitors, too, but Jonjo Shelvey's 25-yarder is easily held on the dive by Napoli keeper Morgan De Sanctis.

1832: Ryan Babel has switched to the right wing in an effort to get on the ball more. It's not working so far.

Use all 3 subs Roy on 606: "That's our team in a nutshell. Babel gets it wide, runs into two players for who knows what reason, ball goes the other way and Skrtel gets a stupid yellow card. That's about it."

1828: It's fair to say this match has yet to catch fire, but I'd wager that suits Liverpool just fine for the moment. Martin Skrtel goes into the book, meanwhile, for a foul on Ezequiel Lavezzi - meaning I can brighten up this page with a lovely yellow card graphic. Small pleasures people, small pleasures.

Europa League Nathan: "Don't be alarmed, our stats haven't stopped working, there really are no goals in any of the 12 matches from the 1800 BST kick-offs so far. Tottenham were 3-0 down to Inter by this time yesterday."

1823: Fine break again from Milan Jovanovic - a man who runs like he's carrying a couple of suitcases - but his attempted through-ball towards the onrushing Jonjo Shelvey is cut out brilliantly by Salvatore Aronica. Shelvey would've been through but for the Napoli defender's sliding challenge.

tamales on 606: "What is this? Twelve matches, 20 minutes in, and no goals?!"
Erm, yep. Could be a night for the purists.

1820: Better from Napoli as Ezequiel Lavezzi drives infield to line up a long-ranger - but it's well off target.

1819: Ezequiel Lavezzi's corner causes panic stations among the Liverpool defence and Christian Maggio's snap-shot is on target before Edinson Cavani - attempting to flick it in from close range - instead contrives only to head it away from the Liverpool goal. Marek Hamsik fails to retrieve the situation at the far post and that's a bit of a let off for Liverpool.

1817: Marek Hamsik begs referee Thorsten Kinhofer to book Christian Poulsen after the Liverpool midfielder cynically takes his legs away in midfield, but the German official is having none of that and simply gives the free-kick. Nothing comes of it.

1814: Liverpool continuing to edge what has been a rather nip-and-tuck opening to this match, which will no doubt please Roy Hodgson and the visiting fans. No chances to speak of for either side yet, though.

GOON MODE ACTIVATED on 606: "The Napoli chairman predicted a 2-0 victory tonight. Looking at the Liverpool line-up I have to say that predo might be spot-on."

1810: Shame - Milan Jovanovic slips a cracking delivery into Ryan Babel inside the Napoli area, but the Dutchman's first touch is poor and his second even worse, allowing the hosts to clear.

1809: Excellent tracking back from Ryan Babel as the Liverpool winger wins back possession to halt a good break by Christian Maggio. Every Liverpool touch being greeted with a chorus of boos and whistles. Hostile.

1807: First sign of former Red Andrea Dossena in and around the Liverpool area - but the Napoli man's attempted through-ball is far too hard and it goes out for a goal kick. Home dangerman Edinson Cavani, meanwhile, is already putting himself about this Liverpool defence.

1803: Fairly encouraging start for Liverpool's inexperienced line-up, with Milan Jovanovic and Martin Kelly linking up well down the right-hand side early on. The visitors dominating possession in these early stages.

1801: Right then, with Roy Hodgson very much a man staring down the glare of the TV cameras, we are up and running in Naples.

1759: Infostrada Sports tell me, by the way, that the average age of this Liverpool team is 25 years, 257 days - so not that young.

1758: Here come the players at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples, with the atmosphere already pushing the dial towards the 'rather intimidating' marker. This will be a real baptism for Jonjo Shelvey et al and no mistake.

TheGreatestSportsman on 606: "Am I the only one? A certain source tells me this is Roy's last game in charge."

1755: No, I don't know how the Euro Club Index works either. Maths makes my brain hurt to be honest.

1753: Aha - it's that time again, stat fans, for Infostrada Live's Euro Club Index predictions. According to the whizz kids Liverpool, ranked 16th on the index, have a 44% chance of winning at Napoli (ranked 64), with the Italians' chances rated as 28%. Manchester City, ranked 18th, host Lech Poznan (ranked 162) and have 78% chance of winning compared to Lech Poznan's 6%. Napoli are roughly halfway between Fulham (54) and Blackburn (71) on the Euro Club Index so they are marginally better than Liverpool's opponents at the weekend Blackburn. Lech Poznan's nearest Premier League equivalent according to the Euro Club Index is Wigan Athletic (ranked 158).

flynnst on Twitter: "'Judge me after 10 games' - isn't that what Roy [Hodgson] said!?!"

1748: Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson: "I couldn't leave all of my first-teamers at home. You don't want to lose but playing three games, especially when one of those is away, brings its own difficulties."

1745: Napoli defender Andrea Dossena: "These are the matches you seek out in the fixture list and I cannot wait for the opening whistle. I want to point out that I had a good time in Liverpool, as it was a great life experience and I got to understand the culture. Unfortunately, at the time I was unable to show my true worth. Napoli gave me this opportunity. Now I can show Liverpool who had chosen me, who the real Andrea Dossena is. I'll hug my former teammates and friends I still have among the Reds, but then it's a crucial game that sends fire down."

Stephen, Chelmsford via text: "Re: Inbetweeners, they are currently shooting a film that picks up where the series ended. This will tie up some loose ends. Plus I have heard on good authority from Jay that Rooney is joining Crawley."

LFC_Koptastic on 606: "I'm worried about Cavani tonight. He's in great form."

F1Rookie on 606: "I don't understand what Roy Hodgson has against Pacheco. He is probably the best prospect we have from the youth team and he does not even get to the bench."

1741: Right, with plenty more Man City chat to come later, let me hit you with some knowledge ahead of the Napoli-Liverpool match. This is the first meeting between the sides in Uefa club competitions, but both sides come into it with decent records - in Europe at least. Napoli have not lost in four European matches this term, while for all their struggles in the Premier League Liverpool are unbeaten in seven European matches. Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, might be able to bring something a bit extra to the tie tonight having managed Inter Milan against Napoli six times in the recent past - his record stands at three wins, two draws and one defeat. Maybe this young Liverpool side can surprise us all after all?

Anon via text: "Apparently Lech Poznan have brought 6000 fans to Eastlands tonight, should be a great atmosphere!"

DanielCurry14 on Twitter: "Just received a 'told you so'-esque text off a friend. Roy [Hodgson] to leave tonight, press conference post-game. [Frank] Rijkaard in."

1734: MAN CITY v LECH POZNAN
Phil Dawkes reports: "In a week that has seen Manchester City thrust into the limelight as a potential suitor for a certain striker from across the city, it has been easy to forget they have a European match to tackle. Roberto Mancini's side are aiming to go nine games unbeaten at home in Europe and their chances of success somewhat depend on the mood of their Jekyll and Hyde opponents. Lech Poznan have drawn with Juventus and beaten Salzburg in this season's Europa League but are third bottom of the Polish top-flight."

1732: Before I fully focus on Liverpool for the next couple of hours, however, let's have a brief look at Manchester City's match, kicking off against Lech Poznan at 2005 BST, shall we?

riotmagazine on Twitter: "I am not a Liverpool fan, but i know Roy Hodgson is a great manager... he knows what he is doing. Liverpool will win tonight."

1729: NAPOLI v LIVERPOOL
Mandeep Sanghera reports: "Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey makes his first competitive start for the club and the 18-year-old is part of a youthful looking Reds side which also includes Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing. Christian Poulsen returns to the first XI as Ryan Babel gets a chance to impress, while David Ngog spearheads the attack and Joe Cole is on the bench. Napoli start with ex-Reds left-back Andrea Dossena in their line-up."

mrtim111 on Twitter: "Dossena, ex-Liverpool player, starts against Liverpool!!!! Wonder if he will upset his former team..."

Wayne, Bebington via text: "Re. 1707 Hello Sam!"

RonAndherSonNANI on 606: "Babel hat-trick tonight I'm thinking. Never understood why he never gets games, he is the only Liverpool player with any pace!"

1724: Meanwhile, worrying reports of further clashes between Liverpool fans and the Ultras, with the latter targeting visiting supporters with bricks and bottles as they attempted to enter the San Paolo Stadium earlier. Here's hoping that's an isolated incident.

Superdan_484 on Twitter: "By far Liverpool's finest acquisition of the summer, Jonjo Shelvey, starts. He is going to be a special player."

Gerrardswhiskers on 606: "Our line-up tonight. Please post your comments when you stop laughing."

1719: NAPOLI v LIVERPOOL
Napoli: De Sanctis, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica, Maggio, Pazienza, Gargano, Dossena, Hamsik, Lavezzi, Cavani. Subs: Iezzo, Grava, Dumitru, Zuniga, Yebda, Cribari, Sosa.
Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Jovanovic, Poulsen, Spearing, Babel, Shelvey, Ngog. Subs: Jones, Aurelio, Cole, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Wilson, Eccleston.
Referee: Thorsten Kinhofer (Germany)

James, Kent via text: "RE 1704 - Wait, that was the last episode of The Inbetweeners?"
Afraid so fella. And let's be honest - it didn't even end, did it?!

1716: LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS SNAP
Jonjo Shelvey will make his first competitive start for Liverpool, with Christian Poulsen, David Ngog and Ryan Babel also starting.

1714: NAPOLI v LIVERPOOL
Mandeep Sanghera reports: "Now that the dust has settled on Liverpool's off-field problems following the takeover by NESV the focus will switch firmly to their on-field malaise so far this season. The Reds haven't tasted victory in six games and their last win came in the Europa League when they beat Steaua Bucharest on 16 September. Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has left Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Raul Meireles and Lucas Leiva behind to rest so it's up to the club's supporting cast to try to start turning things around. It won't be easy at the Stadio San Paolo, though, as Napoli - fourth in Serie A - have lost just once in 11 outings this season."

shivamLM on Twitter: "Rooney wants to move to a bigger club. As a Chelsea fan I will say there is only one club bigger than MUFC and that's Barca."

bsideaddick on 606: "Bye bye Hodgson, surely last game in chance tonight. Liverpool have no chance without Gerrard and Torres."

1711: And here's where you guys come in. Get involved in this here commentary by texting me at 81111 (UK) and [phone] (worldwide); via Twitter @sampatricklyon or over on our 606 thread. The BBC Sport website is your playground this evening.

1707: Anyway, that's what I'm here for - to bring you good people (and Wayne Rooney, obviously - hello Wayne) the latest from this evening's Europa League action. Both Liverpool and Man City have been suggested as possible next moves for the 24-year-old striker, so what better way to impress a reported transfer target than with a European victory? Exactly.

1704: Yep, despite the Liverpool takeover, some stunning weekend Premier League results, a couple of cracking nights of Champions League football and the last televised episode of The Inbetweeners (what was that ending about, seriously?) - office talk the length and breadth of the country has focused on just one thing in recent days, Mr Wayne Rooney - though it's not yet clear if anyone's ranted about it quite so passionately and/or brilliantly than Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, that's for sure. It's looking increasingly likely Rooney's Old Trafford adventure is nearing its end - and now the questions surround where he heads next. I wonder if the England frontman will be keeping half an eye on Liverpool or Man City's progress tonight?

1700: The Manchester United-Wayne Rooney fallout. It's the story that just keeps on giving isn't it?