The journey to Dublin commences as Liverpool takes on LASK Linz in their first Europa League Group E match at the Raiffeisen Arena.
Liverpool’s fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season relegated them to European football’s second tier. On the other hand, LASK overcame Zrinjski Mostar 3-2 in qualifying to continue their continental campaign.
Match Preview:
Austria’s football landscape is dominated by Red Bull Salzburg, leaving LASK and Sturm Graz to compete for the “best of the rest” title. Unfortunately, LASK fell short in their quest for a runner-up finish.
Sturm Graz advanced to Champions League qualifying, while LASK entered the Europa League preliminary rounds. They defeated Bosnian team Zrinjski 3-2 to secure their spot in the group stage for the third time.
Although relatively new to European football, Sturm Graz failed to progress beyond the group stage of the Europa League in 2019-20 and 2020-21. In the 2021-22 Europa Conference League, they were eliminated in the early stages by Slavia Prague.
However, LASK’s unbeaten run of seven competitive games makes them strong contenders to challenge Toulouse and Union SG for one of the top two spots in Group E. A second-place finish guarantees a spot in the knockout round playoffs.
In their last outing, LASK secured a 3-1 away victory against Austria Klagenfurt, marking their third consecutive league win.
Moreover, they have won their previous four home games at the Raiffeisen Arena, scoring two goals in each match and conceding just one.
While LASK has been impressive at home, they face a formidable opponent in Liverpool, who aim to return to the Champions League following their disappointing 2022-23 season.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa halted Liverpool’s streak of six consecutive Champions League qualifications, consigning them to the Europa League. Liverpool has a rich history in the competition, reaching the final in the 2015-16 season but falling short against Sevilla.
Bookmakers already consider Liverpool as favorites to lift the Europa League trophy at the Aviva Stadium.
Liverpool extended their winning streak to four matches with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. They currently sit in third place in the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s objective is clear: secure a top-four finish or go all the way in the Europa League for a chance to return to the Champions League and add another continental honor to their collection.
LASK and Liverpool have never faced each other in competitive fixtures, although LASK managed to avoid defeat against an English side once, holding Tottenham Hotspur to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the 2020-21 group stage.
LASK Linz Europa League form: W D
LASK Linz form (all competitions): D W W D W W
Liverpool form (all competitions): D W W W W
Team News:
LASK Linz will be without several injured players, including Tobias Anselm, Yannis Letard, and Adil Taoui, all suffering from ACL problems. Winger Lenny Pintor is also sidelined with a muscular injury, and Keito Nakamura has departed for Reims.
Roma loanee Ebrima Darboe, the marquee summer signing, is short on fitness and unlikely to start.
Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk returns to the squad after serving a two-game domestic ban. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold is still recovering from a hamstring injury and may not be available for the match in Austria.
Joe Gomez is expected to deputize for Alexander-Arnold, while Thiago Alcantara remains sidelined with a hip problem.
Manager Jurgen Klopp may make several changes to the lineup, possibly giving summer signing Ryan Gravenberch his first start. Ben Doak could also see minutes in attack as Klopp manages Mohamed Salah’s fitness.
Possible starting lineups:
LASK Linz:
Lawal;
Luckeneder, Ziereis, Andrade;
Flecker, Jovicic, Horvath, Bello;
Ljubicic, Zulj, Havel
Liverpool:
Kelleher;
Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas;
Elliott, Endo, Gravenberch;
Doak, Jota, Diaz
Prediction:
LASK Linz 1-3 Liverpool
LASK is known for their scoring prowess at home, and they are likely to play with an attacking mindset against Liverpool. However, Liverpool’s defense has been questionable this season.
Although Liverpool may field a second-string XI, they have a strong bench to call upon if needed. With their red-hot attackers, Liverpool should secure a convincing opening victory.