Focus is again back on the game of football as Liverpool hosts Union SG in the Europa League after a week of referee-related discussion.
Group E (2) matchup between Liverpool and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise at Anfield on October 5, 2023 at 8 p.m. (BST)
This fixture hasn’t gotten much attention this week, which is understandable, but now that it’s here, we’re giving it all the attention it needs.
Liverpool will be hoping to move one step closer to qualifying from Europa League Group E after a spirited three points in Austria.
Liverpool would be well on their way to taking top position with a victory at Anfield, but standing in their way is an in-form Union.
injury reports
In his press conference, Jurgen Klopp didn’t reveal much about the team’s composition, but when asked about Cody Gakpo’s health, he did respond with the firm “unavailable.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been working out since coming off the bench against Tottenham and should contribute. He participated in the pre-game press conference as well, which suggests he will play.
Stefan Bajcetic is the main area of uncertainty; Klopp has previously stated, “We have to be really careful.”
Prior to the game, he, Thiago, and Conor Bradley did not participate in full team practice on Wednesday.
returning to the lighting
Despite the absence of the Champions League anthem, Merseyside will still feel special because it is Liverpool’s first European match of the year at Anfield.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp maintains that he “didn’t miss the anthem” and that his team is playing “to compete, not give opportunities.”
As evidenced against LASK, Liverpool can actually compete and provide opportunities, but those who on the field must maintain their composure because all of the rival sides are eager to test themselves against the Reds.
Liverpool’s expected lineup
The right-back position is a tricky one to anticipate because any one of four players might start.
We decided to start Curtis Jones on the left with Joe Gomez staying at right-back since Darwin Nunez might not be risked.
Ben Doak starts in attack alongside Diogo Jota, while Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch occupy the midfield position.
Jarell Quansah should reclaim his position in the defense alongside Ibrahima Konate, with Kostas Tsimikas playing left back, following a great performance against Leicester.
Kelleher; Gomez; Konate; Quansah; Tsimikas; Endo; Elliott; Gravenberch; Doak; Jota; Jones; Predicted XI vs. Union SG
first encounter and all-red stripe
Liverpool and Union SG will play each other for the first time ever during the encounter at Anfield.
However, this is not the first time the Reds have faced a Belgian team. Liverpool has faced the side from the European country 15 times, and one of those encounters produced a momentous occasion.
Liverpool initially donned an all-red uniform in a match at Anfield versus Anderlecht in 1964. The team led by Bill Shankly triumphed 3-0 and never looked back!
a capable opponent
Union SG enters the match in strong form.
With a 3-1 victory against struggling Charleroi over the weekend, the squad rose to the top of the Belgian Pro League, and manager Karel Geraerts said his team can now “think and talk about Liverpool, an absolute highlight game.”
Union SG were thwarted to a 1-1 home tie by Toulouse in their opening group encounter. Even if it wasn’t terrible, moving forward usually requires winning at least two of your home games.
It puts more pressure on them to perform at Anfield at the best of their ability, if at all feasible.
Players “deserve a special environment,”
Liverpool fans should expect Anfield to not vibrate like Barcelona’s home stadium even though
According to Klopp, “I think our people show the love they deserve and create a really fantastic atmosphere tomorrow night. It’s going to be a completely different game.
I’m therefore eagerly anticipating a European night at Anfield.
A family gathering
Alexis Mac Allister and Kevin Mac Allister, you read that right, are two players who might be on the field.
Since they are brothers, the game on Thursday night between the two of them might be quite emotional for the family.
Will I cry when the brothers enter the field together? asked Carlos, the father of the players, according to Het Nieuwsblad. Although I hope not, it is very plausible.
It’s debatable whether Alexis plays or not. Following a couple hectic weeks filled with international football,
Examine the figure.
Since 2021, Liverpool has won 12 of its past 13 group games in European play.
On the subject of refereeing, Liverpool has had four players sent off in their last eight games, after waiting 261 games to have that happen.
Mo Salah may not start at Anfield, but he has played as a substitute for Liverpool five times in European competition, scoring five goal The referee is who?
Morten Krogh Hansen of Denmark will serve as the middle man, and Roi Reinshreiber will serve as the lead VAR.
They’ll have seen the effects of the game on Saturday, so they should be completely attentive for this one.
Dennis Rene Wollenberg Rasmussen and Steffen Beck Bramsen, Hansen’s assistants, as well as fourth official Mikkel Redder, are all of Danish descent.
10. Use TIA to keep up with the game
