Wednesday 13th September 2017 Kickoff:1945hrs Liverpool v Sevilla Football – Europe – Champions League Liverpool had the worst possible preparation for their first Champions League game in three seasons when going down 5-0 to Manchester City in the Premier League game on Saturday. Jurgen Klopp’s men started the game well enough but fell behind before losing Saido Mane to a controversial red card. What happened from then will be a serious concern for all concerned the club as they turned in a completely abject performance. It will have done nothing for confidence going into a game against an opponent who will be one of their main rivals for getting out the group stage phase. Klopp is adamant that it will not have any sort of impact for the visit of Sevilla but the same old failings appear to be going unsolved. Poor defensive decisions and not taking advantage of situations when they are on top have plagued the Reds under Klopp and will have to be rectified if they are to make any impression on Europe. The support will be delighted to have these nights back at Anfield, however, and they are normally special occasions to savour.
Sevilla have undergone a transformation over the summer with a number of key changes in personnel. Jorge Sampaoli’s time in charge lasted just one season as he decided to take over the national team with Argentina. He has been replaced by his fellow countrymen Eduardo Berizzo who has enjoyed a solid start to life in his new job. Sevilla have seven points from their three games but it has been a relatively kind start in terms of the opposition faced. They were troubled by Istanbul FK in the playoff for the Champions League, going through 4-3 on aggregate. It means they are now competing in their third straight group stage having enjoyed great success in the Europa League. The challenge for Berizzo is to make the club a regular in the knockout phase of this competition, something they achieved last term. Their exit to Leicester having dominated the first leg was a severe disappointment, however, and highlighted their inexperience of playing at this level. With the section they have been drawn in for this season they have been presented with an ideal opportunity to at least match that progress.
Liverpool v Sevilla Betting Tip
Many feel that this is one of the weaker of the eight sections and it’s difficult to argue with it. Spartak Moscow are the highest seeds courtesy of them winning the Russia league but there’s no seasoned Champions League club within this group. It affords both these clubs with excellent chances of making it into the knockout stage but the two coaches will still be looking to get their team’s campaigns off to the best start on Wednesday.
The hosts do not have their defensive problems to seek and will be tested by a clever Sevilla team who will make them work for any result. The visitors perhaps lack the star appeal they have had in previous seasons and look a little light in terms of quality attacking options, but they will be well organised and technically very good. Liverpool have a lot of variety in their attack, though, and they can make their return to the Champions League a winning one having already thumped Arsenal and Hoffenheim at Anfield this season.
Liverpool 7/10 @ Betfred
