LASK – Liverpool
Europa League Group Stage Round 1
Linz, September 21, 18:45 CET
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp clearly emphasized the championship ambitions in the Europa League this season, couple of days ago. The chance for an ideal start on the way to the finals in Dublin in the spring - is on Thursday, on the away field against LASK in Austria.
"The Reds" arrive in Linz, at the start of Group E, as absolute favorites and with a chance to achieve a convincing triumph against LASK. For many, Liverpool's extremely good start in the Premier League is a surprise. The team has no defeat in five rounds played so far, Klopp's team is in a series of four triumphs, but also impressive performances. In each of those games, against rivals who are significantly better teams than LASK, Liverpool scored at least two goals. In each of the mentioned four victories, at least three goals were scored in the game.
Liverpool have managed to pick up hugely important wins away from home this summer – most recently beating Wolves 3-1 last weekend.
LASK, on the other hand, has serious problems in defense even in the matches at home in which they managed to win. The team from Linz conceded goals in both matches of the qualifiers for the Europa League, in the last round, against the Bosnian team Zrinjski. Last weekend, in the victory away to Klagenfurt in domestic championship, the Linz team also conceded a goal (3:1). Two weeks ago, LASK also played a friendly match against Ceske Budejovice - and won 5:4.
In the last ten games, LASK conceded at least a goal in seven matches. Liverpool is in an excellent position to score at least two goals in this away game. Counting on the overall excellent form of the defense of the English giants at the start of the season - an even better bet is that the triumph of the "The Reds" will be more convincing than just one goal difference.
These teams have not played any duel so far in their history. Injuries to defender Alexander-Arnold and Spanish midfielder Thiago do not worry the visitors much. The great news for Liverpool is that the team will again have a captain, famous defender Van Dijk, who served two matches of suspension in domestic competitions. On the other hand, LASK is in trouble – Anselm, Pintor, Taoui and Wiesinger will not play due to injuries.
It is expected that some Liverpool stars will not be in the starting line-up, and that in addition to Jota and Diaz, Scottish teenager and wing-forward Doak will probably be in the attack. In the middle of the field, with the ever-improving young Elliott and Endo, Dutch reinforcement from Bayern Gravenberch will probably start. On the other hand, LASK will try to threaten the famous opponent with a 3-4-3 formation, and the hosts will be oriented on counterattacks.
In reality, any outcome in which LASK concedes less than three goals against a famous opponent is good for the Austrian home team in this match. Liverpool is in such good shape that they can be a threat to the opponent's goal during the entire 90 minutes of play.