Liverpool vs LASK tips and predictions: Rampant Reds can pick a number at Anfield
Liverpool in the Europa League
Liverpool will play host to LASK Linz in the Europa League on Thursday night and must win with Toulouse hot on their tails.
Liverpool’s surprise loss in Toulouse has done little to change their prospects as group winners, but the 3-2 reverse will keep them on their toes for a while longer.
Visitors LASK threatened a shock when taking an early lead on matchday one but goals from Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah turned things around.
A point will put them in the pot for the draw in December but Jurgen Klopp will want all three in the knowledge that even a win may not win them the group on Thursday.
Despite losing their first three matches in the group, the Austrians could yet steal second after thrashing Union Saint-Gilloise last time out.
LASK have yet to match last season’s form and find themselves third in the Bundesliga with just two away wins to their name.
This will be the first of three games in six days for the Reds so the likes of Luis Diaz, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliot and Jarell Quansah will be promoted from the bench.
Making wholesale changes didn’t stop them from thrashing Toulouse 5-1 at Anfield, allowing the German to afford late cameos to youngsters Callum Scanlon and James McConnell.
Liverpool have scored at least twice in eight of the last nine European games on this ground, while LASK have conceded 13 in four meetings with English clubs.
Putting the game to bed early will allow Klopp to rest some of the more important squad players so the changes won’t deter us from backing a heavy home win.
Team news
Thiago Alcantara, Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic and Diogo Jota are ruled out with injury while Allison Becker is a major doubt.
Ciaomhin Kelleher will deputise for the Brazilian as part of a backline that should also contain Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate.
Harvey Elliott only featured for five minutes on the weekend so he’s likely to start in midfield.
Key stats
- LASK Linz are winless in four against English sides, losing 13-4 on aggregate.
- Liverpool have scored at least two goals in eight of nine home European games.
- Liverpool have scored 27 goals while winning nine straight at Anfield.
