Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from defeat as they host Union SG in the Europa League. After defeating LASK Linz 3-1 in game one, the Reds are currently in first place in Group E. Their Belgian counterparts drew 1-1 with Toulouse in their opening group match.
Preview (Liverpool vs. Union SG)
Liverpool’s 17-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday as they lost 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur. After Diogo Jota received two yellow cards quickly in the second half, the Reds were down to nine men. Joel Matip’s own-goal conversion in the 96th minute added insult to injury for Liverpool. Liverpool will aim to turn their frowns upside down when they resume their Europa League group-stage campaign on Thursday with a first-ever match against Union SG. They will undoubtedly appreciate a midweek return to Anfield amid the lingering VAR issue in the Premier League.
In fact, the Reds have won each of their last seven group-stage matches in UEFA competition. They have won 15 of their last 21 home Europa League games. They have also lost just one of their previous 15 matches against Belgian teams. It was a 3-1 loss to Anderlecht in the 1978 European Super Cup. Union SG is taking part in the Europa League group stage for the second consecutive year. They were able to get a draw against Toulouse at home two weeks ago. The French visitors took the lead at halftime thanks to Thijs Dallinga. Union SG forward Mohamed Amoura, came off the bench to score his fourth goal in three games.
Since then, Alexander Blessin’s team has won three straight Belgian Pro League games. Ir including last weekend’s 3-1 home victory. They keep their place at the top of the table, even though it is on goal differential after six games. In their first Europa League campaign in 2022–2023, Union SG advanced to the quarterfinals after winning their group. This time, finishing above Liverpool at the top of Group E seems difficult. They are looking to secure second place ahead of Toulouse and LASK Linz.
Team News
Cody Gakpo, a forward for Liverpool, will be sidelined for a number of weeks with a knee injury he got after tying the score against Spurs in the first half last weekend. Thiago Alcantara (hip) and Stefan Bajcetic (calf) are still receiving treatment. Jota, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Harvey Elliott will all be vying for a spot in the starting lineup after coming on as substitutes last weekend. The Spaniard has seven goals in eight games so far this season.
Gustaf Nilsson is expected to lead the line in Ayensa’s possible absence, with Amoura, Cameron Puertas, and Lazare Amani all vying for a starting position in the last third. Kevin Mac Allister, a Boca Juniors loanee and the brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is anticipated to start in a back three alongside Fedde Leysen and former Portsmouth defenders Christian Burgess, with Alessio Castro-Montes and Loic Lapoussin perhaps being called up to the starting lineup on the flanks.
Liverpool 3 – 1 Union SG
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