Verdict: Diogo Jota to score
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: BetUS
Liverpool is looking to rebound from their controversial Premier League defeat last weekend when they welcome Union Saint-Gilloise to Anfield for a Europa League group-stage match on Thursday night.
The Reds are currently leading Group E after a 3-1 victory over LASK Linz in the first round of matches, while their Belgian opponents played to a 1-1 draw with Toulouse in their opening group fixture. Both teams will be eager to secure a positive result as they continue their European campaign.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s 17-game run without losing in the Premier League came to a dramatic and controversial end with a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The match saw several contentious VAR decisions, including a wrongly disallowed goal for Liverpool and the controversial sending off of Curtis Jones, as well as two yellow cards picked up by Diogo Jota in quick succession. The defeat has led to frustration from Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool’s management, with the club releasing a statement expressing concerns about “sporting integrity” and vowing to explore their options to address the situation.
In the midst of the ongoing VAR controversy in the Premier League, the Merseysiders will be looking to bounce back when they resume their Europa League group-stage campaign against Union SG. Liverpool have a strong record in European competition, with 15 wins in their last 21 Europa League home matches and seven consecutive wins in group-stage games in UEFA competitions. They have also historically performed well against Belgian teams, with just one loss in their last 15 meetings with such opponents.
The Reds will hope to put the Premier League controversy behind them and continue their strong European form as they face Union SG in their first-ever clash.
Team News
Liverpool will be without Cody Gakpo, who is facing several weeks out with a knee injury sustained in their last match against Spurs. Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are also unavailable due to hip and calf injuries, respectively.
Manager Jurgen Klopp is expected to make changes to the starting lineup, with Caoimhin Kelleher replacing Alisson Becker in goal. Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas could start in the wide defensive roles, while Trent Alexander-Arnold may begin as a substitute as he recently recovered from a hamstring issue.
In the absence of Gakpo, Darwin Nunez is the likely candidate to lead the attack, given his impressive form in recent matches. Players like Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Harvey Elliott will be vying for a spot in the starting XI after being substitutes in the previous match, but Jones and Jota appear more than likely to start, given that they will be suspended for the clash against Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of the week.
Union Saint-Gilloise
Union SG managed to secure a point in their opening Group E match against Toulouse in the Europa League. Mohamed Amoura, who came off the bench, scored the equalizer in that game, continuing his good form with four goals in three games.
Since then, the team commanded by Alexander Blessin has won three consecutive Belgian Pro League matches, including a 3-1 victory over Charleroi last weekend. They currently top the Belgian Pro League table, albeit on goal difference, after six games.
While finishing above Liverpool in Group E may be a tough task, Union SG has set its sights on securing second place ahead of Toulouse and LASK Linz. They have a track record of success in away games in the Europa League and will aim to become the first Belgian club to avoid defeat at Anfield.
Union have had limited experience against English opposition, with their only previous meeting dating back to the 1958-60 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup when they lost twice to Birmingham City.
Team News
Union striker Dennis Eckert Ayensa, has been dealing with an injury and has missed the last four games. His availability for Thursday’s clash against Liverpool will depend on his fitness and assessment. Ayensa has been in fine form this season, scoring seven goals in eight appearances. If he is unable to play, Gustaf Nilsson is likely to lead the line for the visitors, with other attacking options like Mohamed Amoura, Cameron Puertas, and Lazare Amani also competing for a starting spot in the final third.
In defence, Boca Juniors loanee Kevin Mac Allister, the brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, is expected to start in a back three alongside Christian Burgess and Fedde Leysen. Alessio Castro-Montes and Loic Lapoussin could be recalled to start on the flanks for Union SG.
Conclusion
While Union’s fine away form arguably provides the Belgian side with some confidence for their trip to the north-west of England, Liverpool have significantly more quality in their ranks and the support from the Anfield stands, especially after what happened on Saturday, is likely to be booming.
Following his controversial sending off in North London, Jota is likely to be hugely motivated to get on the scoresheet.
Verdict: Diogo Jota to score
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: BetUS
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