LASK Linz-Liverpool is a match for the first day of the group stage of the Europa League and is played on Thursday at 18:45: tv, predictions
In the last Premier League Liverpool failed to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League. Despite a resounding comeback the Reds had to settle for fifth place, snatching a pass for the less noble Europa League, a competition that Jurgen Klopp’s side have not played since the 2015-16 season.
According to the bookmakers, Salah and his team-mates are the obvious favourites to win the cup, which they narrowly missed out on in their last appearance, losing the final to the last Unai Emery-led Sevilla. Despite being the strongest on paper, it is not certain that Liverpool will go all the way: Klopp’s priority is in fact the championship – it is imperative not to miss out on Champions League qualification for the second year running – and it would not be a surprise if on Thursday the German coach decided to give space to many of the second lines, keeping the starters on the bench. Also in the Reds’ group are the Austrians of Lask Linz, Toulouse and the Belgians of Union Saint-Gilloise, who in last year’s edition surprisingly reached the knockout phase, eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool have started on the right foot in the Premier League this time round and, apart from the draw with Chelsea on the opening day, have racked up four wins in a row.
Lask players
The latest came at the weekend at home to Wolverhampton, who were beaten 3-1 in a comeback: a similar reaction to the one the Reds had had on matchday three against Newcastle, overturned despite being outnumbered. Also positive was the start of Lask, third on 14 points in the Austrian championship behind Salzburg and Sturm Graz. Thomas Sageder’s bianconeri had to overcome a playoff in order to enter the group stage, eliminating the Bosnian Zrinjski Mostar (2-1 in the first leg in Austria and 1-1 in the return).
The prediction
Klopp rejoins van Dijk (disqualified in the last two games) but should give space to many reserves, including Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo and Doak. The victory will still come in the end, even if it will be difficult to keep the goal unbroken in the Austrian away game.
LASK Linz-Liverpool line-up probables
- LASK LINZ (3-4-3): Lawal; Luckeneder, Ziereis, Andrade; Flecker, Jovicic, Horvath, Bello; Ljubicic, Zulj, Havel.
- LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Quansah, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Gravenberch; Doak, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
