Liverpool host LASK in the Europa League on Thursday night hoping to secure their place in the knockout stages.
The Reds would’ve confirmed a spot in the round of 16 had they avoided defeat on Matchday 4, but Jurgen Klopp’s side instead lost 3-2 at Toulouse. They had previously enjoyed a 100% start to their European campaign and they’re still in a very strong position to top Group E.
However, should Toulouse match or better their result on Thursday, the victor of Group E will be decided on the final matchday.
LASK still harbour hopes of reaching the knockout play-off round after beating Union Saint-Gilloise last time out, but they’re more likely to compete with the Belgian side for a place in the Europa Conference League by finishing third in the group.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Liverpool’s upcoming Europa League clash.
Liverpool vs LASK H2H record
Current form (all competitions)
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United Kingdom |
TNT Sports 1, discovery+, discovery+ app |
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United States |
Paramount+, ViX |
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DAZN |
Jurgen Klopp is expected to be without Alisson for a few weeks after he picked up a hamstring injury in Saturday’s draw with Manchester City. However, Caoimhin Kelleher was in line to start Thursday’s game regardless.
Liverpool welcomed back several players to the fold at the weekend, and a couple of those should earn starts in midweek. Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch are likely to feature from the outset.
Doubts remain over when Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara will make their respective comebacks, while Andy Robertson is a long-term absentee following shoulder surgery.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs LASK (4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch, Elliott; Doak, Gakpo, Diaz.
Tobias Anselm and Adil Taoui have both sustained devastating knee injuries and are each out for the rest of the season.
LASK could also be without Ebrima Darboe and Philipp Wiesinger due to minor knocks.
LASK predicted lineup vs Liverpool (3-4-3): Lawal; Ziereis, Andrade, Luckeneder; Flecker, Jovicic, Horvath, Renner; Ljubicic, Zulj, Havel.
LASK gave Liverpool a minor scare in the reverse fixture before the Reds eventually cruised to a 3-1 victory. There’s a distinct talent disparity, and Klopp will be keen for his side to at least give themselves a chance of winning the group of Thursday with a convincing triumph.
While Liverpool’s rotated XI struggled away from home in Toulouse, they should have no difficulties here against a wildly inferior LASK side.
Prediction: Liverpool 4-0 LASK
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90Mins
