Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: bet365
Liverpool will start their 2017 UEFA Champions League campaign against a tough opponent. One that most teams in the competition wanted to avoid during the first round. The Reds will host Sevilla in their UCL opener and even though the game will be played at Anfield Road, it appears to be a complicated fixture for Jürgen Klöpp’s men. Kick-off is scheduled at 7:45 PM BST, and Danny Makkelie will be the referee.
Liverpool
The Reds are coming off a disastrous performance where they lost 0-5 against Manchester City. However, things were not as bad as the score line indicated. Liverpool matched toe-to-toe with City until Sadio Mane was sent off, and they simply couldn’t adjust to play with 10 men after the break. They will get a perfect chance to bounce back, however, as a return to Anfield Road could be exactly what the players need to boost their morale and confidence. After all, they defeated Arsenal 4-0 the last time they were at home. Sevilla are definitively a tough team, but Liverpool have enough quality to get back to the winning column. The trio of Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino will have to be at its best if The Reds want to leave the three points at home.
Team News
Liverpool have two confirmed absentees for this match, as Adam Lallana (thigh) and Adam Bogdan (knee) have been ruled out.
The biggest doubt for The Reds lies on the availability of Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian playmaker has not played for the club this season and is lacking match fitness. His inclusion will likely be decided nearing kick-off time.
Sevilla
Sevilla are a very different team from the one that dazzled in La Liga Santander this past season. Jorge Sampaoli left the team to coach the Argentina National Team, and Eduardo Berizzo – who led Celta Vigo to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals last term – took over as his replacement. As a result, Los Nervionenses now play with a different pace and a more balanced approach, but that should not make them any less dangerous. They have several experienced players on the squad such as Jesus Navas, Nolito, and Steven N’Zonzi. And they also have a stellar defence, to the point that they have only allowed just one goal in their three Liga matches thus far. They are also unbeaten in the league, thanks to two wins and one draw.
Team News
Sevilla seem to be almost at full strength ahead of this contest.
Except for David Soria who is doubtful with a finger injury, the rest of the squad is fit and ready to go.
Key Factors to Consider
- These two clubs have met just once in their entire history. It happened in the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League, and Sevilla won 3-1.
- Sevilla are unbeaten in La Liga this season, as they have registered two wins and one draw in three matches.
- The Reds have won their three home games this season, registering nine goals scored and just two conceded this season.
- In fact, Liverpool were riding a four-game winning streak prior to their Saturday loss against Manchester City.
- Sevilla have won their two away fixtures this season: 2-1 against Basakhesir, and 1-0 against Getafe.
Conclusion
Sevilla have scored five times in three Liga matches this season, and they will face a defence that conceded five times against Manchester City a few days ago. But Liverpool have a decent share of attacking power, and will try to bounce back after the horrific loss they endured against The Citizens.
Therefore, both teams will find the back of the net in this contest.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: bet365
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