Liverpool will face Sevilla in the first round of group stage of UEFA Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday. Liverpool are placed in Group E with Sevilla, Maribor and Spartak. Liverpool and Sevilla are two possible teams to go through in the round of 16 from this group but Maribor and Spartak can also provide good challenges to them.
Liverpool had lost badly this weekend against Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s team thrashed them 5-0 at Etihad Stadium. Sadio Mane’s red card was proved very much costly for them as ten men Liverpool was not able to come back in the match. They would be mentally down after that disappointing defeat against City. Despite that, the winger will be available in this match of Champions League as he will serve two match ban in the Premier League and one match ban in Carabao Cup.
The Anfield will see a Champions League match after few seasons. Liverpool are back in Champions League after 2014-15 season and they will be eager to keep a mark of their presence by defeating Sevilla in the opening match of the Group Stage.
Sevilla will be high on confidence after their win against Eibar with a 3-0 margin in the La Liga. They will come to Anfield with another boost also as they had won the final of the Europa League against Liverpool in 2015-16 season. They will also be eager to prove a point in the biggest competition of Europe. The main opponent they will face in the Group Stage will be Liverpool and Sevilla would be happy if they earn 1 point against them at Anfield.
Team News :
Liverpool :
Liverpool will miss the service of Nathaniel Clyne, the main right back of their team for a long term. Adam Lallana is also not availlable for Wednesday’s match.
Philippe Coutinho may feature against Sevilla and could be present in the squad for the match. The new signing of the summer transfer window Alex Oxlade Chamberlain could also be in the Liverpool starting line up.
Sevilla :
Former Manchester City and Middlesbrough forward Nolito will not be in the squad against Liverpool due to a thigh injury. It will be a huge loss for Sevilla as the player had an experience of playing in the Premier League. Johannes Geis will also not feature in this match.
Sevilla coach Eduardo Berizzo did not start Banega and Murilo in the La Liga match this weekend and they will be in contention to be present in the starting line up on Wednesday.
My Predicted First Eleven :
Liverpool : (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Mingolet
Defenders : Alexander Arnold, Lovren, Matip, Gomez.
Midfielders : Can, Henderson, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain.
Attackers : Salah, Firmino, Mane..
Sevilla :(4-5-1)
Goalkeeper : Rico
Defenders : Mercado, Kjaer, Lenglet, Escudredo.
Midfielders : Pizzaro, Navas, Banega, Nzonzi, Correa.
Attackers : Ben Yedder.
My Score Prediction :
Liverpool 2-1 Sevilla
Though, the Merseyside outfit did not perform at their very best in their previous game at the domestic level, they are in good form overall and will be a tough team to beat at home. The La Liga outfit will have their work cut out for them and will have to be on top of their game to take something back home from this fixture.
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