Liverpool will make their Champions League group stage bow against Sevilla on Wednesday night. Jurgen Klopp’s side have made their return to the elite competition after a two-year absence, and the German will be confident of progressing into the knockout phase in a relatively simpler group. Five-time UEFA Cup/Europa League champions Sevilla pose the biggest threat in Group E and Liverpool should be assured of a top-two spot unless they bottle it, with the likes Spartak Moscow and Maribor.
Previous meeting:
Jurgen Klopp’s side will surely want to forget their last outing against Sevilla which came in the 2015/16 Europa League final. The Reds led early with a goal from Daniel Sturridge, but Sevilla took the advantage thereafter to clinch a 3-1 triumph. As a result, the Merseysiders not only missed on the title but were to play an entire season without European football – courtesy of their eighth place finish in the Premier League.
Players to watch for:
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool:
The Egypt international has made a strong start to his Liverpool career with three goals in just five games. The attacker could have easily added more goals to his tally, had he taken all his chances. Jurgen Klopp is likely to favour Salah once again ahead of Philippe Coutinho, and the Egyptian’s movement will be key on the right side of the attack.
Ganso – Sevilla:
The former Santos graduate has notched two goals in his three La Liga outings this term. Ganso has had something of a revival since last season where he was restricted to just 500 minutes of league action. The midfielder was once regarded in the same bracket as Neymar, and he will be instrumental towards the Sevilla attack with Vitolo no longer in the club’s ranks.
Prediction:
Liverpool should have the advantage playing on their home turf, where they rarely lose.
Liverpool 2-1 Sevilla
Image – Getty