Europa League: Liverpool vs Braga preview
Liverpool has to reverse a 1-0 deficit and win by a pair against Sporting Braga to ensure qualification to the next round of Europa League. It looks like a tough task for the Reds as they will be missing captain Steven Gerrard after undergoing groin surgery.
What: Europa League Last 16
Who: Liverpool vs Braga
When: Thursday March 17, 2011, Time: 20:05 GMT
Where: Anfield Road, Liverpool, England
On Thursday Liverpool has to keep a positive attitude and put pressure on Braga from the start. The English team also has to keep a clean sheet because if Braga scores, Liverpool will need three goals to qualify.
The famous Liverpool fans might play a key role in this crucial game as Liverpool’s opponents tend to get intimidated by the atmosphere.
Facts and figures
The Reds have only lost twice at Anfield this season and have conceded just one goal in their last four Europa League games.
Liverpool have scored only nine goals in their eight games in the Europa league this season.
Dutch player Dirk Kuyt and Spanish Raul Meireles have scored 80 per cent of Liverpool’s home goals since Kenny Dalglish took charge of the team.
Braga enjoys a poor away record this season as they have only won three games away from home. They have also scored only 17 goals this season in their away games.
Tradition seems to favor the Reds as Sporting Braga has lost seven of their previous 11 games against English sides.
Braga’s top scorer in the league this season is Rodrigo Lima, who scored six goals for the Portuguese team.
Probable line-ups
Liverpool: Reina; Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Johnson; Maxi, Lucas, Meireles, Cole; Kuyt, Carroll.
Braga: Artur; Alberto Rodriguez, Kaka, Miguel Garcia, Silvio; Mossoro, Leandro Salino, Hugo Viana, Paulo Cesar; Lima, Alan.
Player to watch: Andy Carroll
The Braga defenders looked intimidated by Andy Carroll when he came on in the second half of the first leg. He won everything in the air and the Portuguese defenders didn’t really know how to deal with his aggressive play.
Andy Carroll feels comfortable with the ball at his feet and will definitely be a threat for the Portuguese team.
Prediction
I expect Liverpool to show their champion mentality and strength in this second leg. A home win by 2 goals looks like a good bet.
Recommended bets
Correct score: Liverpool 2-0 at odds of 5.50 on Bet365
Andy Carroll to score first at 5.25 on Victor Chandler
Tags: Braga, Europa League, Liverpool