Europa League Group B: Anfield arrival for Klopp in Kazan clash
Published:
Matt Haynes | October 21, 2015
Liverpool v Rubin Kazan
- Europa League
- Thursday, October 21st
- Kick-off: 20:05 BST
- Anfield, Liverpool
- Live on BT Sport 2
Klopp to revive Reds hopes in Europe
Liverpool could well have fresh impetus in Europe. With new boss Klopp at the helm, all of a sudden, players have a coach who they can believe in. A leader who they will run for. In the same way Jose Mourinho first rejuvenated Chelsea in his initial stint at the helm of the Blues, Klopp is well-backed to do similar with Liverpool.
The Reds are odds-on at 1/2 with Coral to overcome opponents Rubin Kazan and it will be interesting to see their team selection. With both sides never meeting before, it makes for an intriguing clash, though the Reds did beat fellow Russian outfit Zenit 3-1 at Anfield in February 2013.
Sharpshooter Sturridge sure-fire starter?
Klopp rested star striker Daniel Sturridge against Spurs, though has indicated that the 26-year-old could feature heavily for this match.
At 7/2 to break the deadlock, he is good value having struck two since he returned from injury and Klopp’s confidence in the player could make a huge difference.
“I know [Daniel] now since one week and for six days he was perfect in training,” said Klopp.
The Liverpool manager added: “Everything we did, he was full of power, skills. He was outstanding.”
“We need Daniel for sure and if we played this game on Thursday, then maybe he would play. No problem. I trust 100 per cent this player.”
Bilyaletdinov expecting “tough” return to Anfield
Winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov visits Anfield once more, having spent three seasons with Liverpool’s fierce rivals Everton, though the 30-year-old who is 6/1 to net anytime will no doubt be remembered by the Anfield crowd.
“For me it will be very nice to walk onto the pitch at Anfield,” he said.
“We know that the Europa League is not the most important tournament for the English teams, but I expect a tough and interesting match on Thursday.”
Also a threat for the away side, will be Marko Devic and Maxim Kanunnikov who are 11/4 and 5/1 to dispatch anytime for Valeriy Chaly’s side.
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