Liverpool vs. FC Sion - Betting preview and odds

Liverpool vs. FC Sion - Betting preview and odds

October 1, 2015 20:05pm - Anfield

Europa League - Group B

Liverpool will play the last of four straight home games on Thursday night when they face FC Sion at Anfield in a Europa League Group B clash.

Stay-at-home Reds

Brendan Rodgers´ team are in the middle of a run of nine games in all competitions that includes eight matches on Merseyside. Only their Premier League trips to Tottenham and Everton will take them away from Anfield during that spell.

Having so much home advantage could be just what the Reds boss needs as he tries to convince his doubters that he is the right man to take the club forward. A recent run of inconsistent form has led to media and fan speculation about his future.

Some reports have even suggested that Liverpool´s American owners (FSG) have already decided to dispenses with the services of the Northern Irishman. But a win on Thursday followed by a weekend derby victory on their rivals turf would certainly help his cause.

There was good news for the Merseyside club last weekend when record-breaking striker Daniel Sturridge returned to scoring ways with a brace against Norwich. His fitness could be also be a vital factor in determining the future of the beleaguered boss.

The Merseyside team picked up a valuable point away to Bordeaux in their first European game but they certainly had the chances to win the game. They will need to take their chances at home games if they are going to progress beyond the group stages of this competition.

Poor domestic start for Sion

FC Sion have also had an inconsistent start to their season having lost three of their last five matches in the Axpo Super League. As a result of their league performances, Coach Didier Tholot has also been feeling the pressure. However, they did get off to the perfect start in the Europa League by beating Russian side Rubin Kazan by two goals to one in game week one. That win left them top of the group ahead of Thursday´s trip to England.

Team news

Liverpool are still without Captain Jordan Henderson but Kolo Toure should be available after recovering from an injury picked up in the first Europa League game against Bordeaux. Changes can be expected as Rodgers keeps one eye on the derby match at Goodison Park which could mean starts for Joe Gomez, Toure, Jordan Rossiter and Divock Origi.

The visiting team can be expected to play their strongest side for this clash with Moussa Konate leading the line up front ahead of a packed midfield that will attempt to stifle Liverpool´s attacking intent.

Recent form (all competitions)

Liverpool: WDDDLL

Sion: LWWWLL

Betting odds and tips

Liverpool should be taking this competition seriously. With competition for top four places hotter than ever, the Europa League offers a realistic avenue to Champions League qualification - as Sevilla proved last term.

Whatever side Brendan Rodgers chooses to field, they should have enough quality to overcome the Swiss team at Anfield. You can back a home win at 3/5 with Bet365.

In the anytime goal scorer market, Danny Ings looks like a good bet at 11/8 with Bet365. However, the former Burnley man may not start if he is in the managers plans for Sunday´s derby. A good alternative could the 7/4 available on Divock Origi to bag his first Anfield goal - also with Bet365

Go To bet365

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30/09/2015     © Frixo 2024