The eagerly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Toulouse in the Europa League is set to take place at Anfield, pitting the top two teams of Group E against each other.
Both teams are unbeaten in the group, and this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Match Preview
Liverpool, after a brief hiccup in the Premier League, returned to winning ways by defeating Everton 2-0 at Anfield.
Ashley Young’s first-half red card played into their hands, and Mohamed Salah secured the victory with a penalty and a second goal deep into stoppage time.
Jurgen Klopp’s side is looking to build on their recent success and will face favorable league fixtures in the coming weeks.
However, they must first focus on the Europa League, where they will face Toulouse for the first time since their 5-0 aggregate win in Champions League qualifying in 2007.
Liverpool has won both of their Group E matches, extending their unbeaten run in the Europa League group stage to 10 games.
They have a strong record at Anfield, having won all six matches at home this season and only losing two of their last 15 European home games against French opponents.
A victory against Toulouse would put Liverpool firmly in control of Group E, with a five-point lead over their nearest rivals.
Toulouse, competing in European competition after 14 years, has also made a strong start in Group E.
They managed to secure four points from their opening two matches, including a 1-0 home win over LASK Linz three weeks ago.
Despite being major underdogs against Liverpool, Toulouse has the chance to record back-to-back European victories in the same season for the first time since 1987-88.
Toulouse’s form in Ligue 1 has been mixed, with two wins, two defeats, and five draws, positioning them mid-table in the league.
Team News
Liverpool will be without Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ben Doak due to injuries.
Cody Gakpo remains doubtful. Curtis Jones is available after serving a suspension, and several players are competing for starting positions.
Toulouse will miss Zakaria Aboukhlal, Oliver Zanden, and possibly Ibrahim Cissoko due to injuries.
Stijn Spierings returns after suspension and is expected to start in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool:
Alisson;
Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas;
Jones, Endo, Gravenberch;
Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Toulouse:
Restes;
Keben, Costa, Nicolaisen, Suazo;
Spierings, Sierro, Casseres Jr;
Donnum, Dallinga, Gelabert
Prediction
Liverpool should have the upper hand in this clash, although Toulouse’s unbeaten run in Group E and strong performances against top Ligue 1 teams this season make them a resilient opponent.
We predict a 2-0 victory for Liverpool, moving them closer to the knockout rounds.