European juggernauts Liverpool will be looking to cement themselves as the force to be reckoned with in Europa League Group E when they face Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for the very first time on Thursday.
Liverpool got their first campaign back in the UEL since being losing finalists in 2015/16 off to a winning start, running out 3-1 victors on matchday one against LASK. They will now look to extend their superb record of losing only one of 15 meetings with Belgian sides (W12, D2).
A return to Anfield will only strengthen the Reds’ formidable and feared continental reputation, having lost just once on Merseyside in 25 UEL matches (W18, D6). Home comforts will be much sought-after for Jürgen Klopp and his men following a frustrating 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur last time out, where they were reduced to nine men and saw a goal wrongly disallowed due to VAR’s failure to intervene.
The six-time European Cup/UEFA Champions League winners welcome Union in what is only the visitors’ second-ever group-stage appearance in European competition. The Brussels outfit managed to top their UEL group last campaign, sparking a run that saw them reach the quarter-finals, but after sharing the spoils with Toulouse in their opening group game this season, avoiding defeat against Liverpool here will be imperative should they wish to replicate last term’s feats.
If Les Unionistes’ limited European presence this century has taught us anything, it’s that they’re fearless on the road, remaining unbeaten in their last six continental away contests (W4, D2). Add three victories on the trot in their recent domestic duties to the mix, and you’d imagine Alexander Blessin’s troops will be in good spirits ahead of the club’s maiden trip to England.
Key Battle
In a duel forged in the Mac Allister household’s backyard, World Cup winner Alexis could register his first Liverpool goal, should he improve his trend of netting four of his last five goals at home by scoring past his centre-back-playing brother Kevin, who’s scored the match opener with five of his last six strikes.
Ten of Liverpool’s last 11 games saw both teams score. This suggests that we could be in for a thrilling encounter, with goals at both ends.
Prediction
This is a tough match to predict, as Liverpool are the better team on paper. However, Union Saint-Gilloise are a good team and they will be looking to cause an upset. I predict a 2-1 victory for Liverpool.Read Something Similar
