Europa League Group B: Reds to reach last 32 by beating Bordeaux
Published:
Holly Thackeray | November 25, 2015
Liverpool v Bordeaux
- Europa League, Group B
- Thursday, November 26th
- Kick-off: 20:05 GMT
- Anfield, Liverpool
- Live on BT Sport Europe
Liverpool eyeing Europa League last 32
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool can book safe passage to the last 32 of the Europa League by beating Bordeaux at Anfield, and Coral have priced the Reds as odds-on 1/2 favourites to do so.
Since German coach Klopp arrived on Merseyside, his men have racked up four wins, three draws and just one defeat across all competitions, with an away drubbing of Manchester City last time out the highlight of his Reds reign so far.
Unfortunately, Liverpool may be missing sidelined Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho (7/4 to score anytime if fit), after the Samba Boy starred at the Etihad alongside compatriot Roberto Firmino, who is 13/2 to keep up his fine form by firing home first.
The Reds will be eager to build on their 4-1 thrashing of the Citizens, so are an excellent punt at 2/1 to hit three or more again on home ground, with Christian Benteke (9/2 to net last) expected to return up top. Young-gun Jordan Ibe grabbed the glory in Europe last, and is also a great value shout at 2/1 in the anytime market.
Bordeaux battling injury crisis
In a boost for Klopp and co, the Girondins are missing crucial cogs of their own, with a raft of injuries meaning defenders Pablo and Nicolas Pallois plus midfield shield Gregory Sertic and attacker Thomas Toure are expected to be left at home. While, Tunisia wizard Wahbi Khazri is also suspended.
As Willy Sagnol’s Bordeaux are without a win in the group stage so far, and are yet to record a victory against the Reds despite three attempts, odds of 6/1 for an away triumph seem an unlikely shout.
Yet, Liverpool still have problems performing at Anfield and the French club rallied against Rennes to draw last time out in Ligue 1, as well as holding the Reds in the reverse, so are more enticing at 3/1 to split the spoils here again.
Should Bordeaux pull off a shock at Anfield, however, they could draw level with Liverpool in second spot with just one game to go, which would make for a tense finish.
Goal heroes from the Girondins’ previous game, Enzo Crivelli and Diego Contento, are respective 2/1 and 16/1 prices to poach again anytime.
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