Liverpool vs Ludogorets – Match Preview

Liverpool make their return to the Champions League tomorrow night when they take on Bulgarian A Group Champions Ludogorets Razgrad at Anfield.

This will be the side’s first appearance in Europe’s elite Competition since 2010 and a just reward for their second placing in the Barclays Premiership last season.

Team wise, Joe Allen (knee) and Emre Can (ankle) are both ruled out whilst Martin Skrtel, although fit is not yet ready and is set to miss out also. Other than that Brendan Rodgers will have the same squad at his proposal that fell victim to Aston Villa’s dogged performance at the weekend.

Raheem Sterling is almost nailed-on certain to start, and I believe we’ll see a start for Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli, despite the latter’s relatively poor scoring record in European competition, (12 goals in 40 in all) and the former’s lack of experience. In reality though, Rodgers has little choice. I wouldn’t rule out the potential for Fabio Borini but please God, no! Adam Lallana may be spared for the weekend’s trip to Upton Park. For me personally though, I’d like to see Lallana, Sterling and Balotelli in a front three. And, one of the youngsters on the bench also, possibly Jordan Rossiter. Let’s see.

The rest of the team will remain the same. Mainly because there aren’t many alternatives at this point and it’s now apparent how thin and lacking in quality the Liverpool squad is despite the summer spending spree. The only other questions are be between Philippe Coutinho or Lazar Marković to support Jordan Henderson. Personally, I think it’ll be Coutinho being the best of an imperfect pair. And, a start for Lucas Leiva in place of Steven Gerrard? That’ll be an interesting one. At the ripe old age of 34 it’s difficult to see Rodgers using him in these games but having said that, his experience could be vital.

The opponents are known for their attacking football and will look to take the game to the hosts. Ludogorets are currently fourth in the A Group having scored 14 goals this season, conceding six and unbeaten in their last three league games – albeit drawing twice.

We’re beginning to see the worth of Liverpool’s closed-season purchases and to be honest, out of all of them, I’m really only excited about Can and Lallana. Balotelli I think will need time.

I remain optimistic for Liverpool and expect them to make a winning start to their CL campaign if they play without fear. So, without further ado let the games begin.

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