Reina Set To Break European Record

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Wisdom scores in Switzerland...
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Liverpool welcome Young Boys to Anfield on Thursday evening as they look to quickly get their Europa League form back on track. With two games left in the group the Reds face a real prospect of getting thrown out if they are beaten by the away side. On a positive note, Pepe Reina is expected to start and if he does he will become the goalkeeper with the most appearances in Europe for Liverpool, overtaking Ray Clemence.

The two ties with Anzhi for Liverpool saw the Reds pick up a win at Anfield but lose in Russia. Perhaps an unexpected result but the Reds don't have time to dwell on their downfalls. A loss to Udinese hasn't helped their case either but their most comfortable performance came against Young Boys on their home turf.

It's hard to judge what sort of side Brendan will go for on Thursday evening, a clash with his old club Swansea at the weekend may discourage him from going too strong but as we have seen before he'll need some talent and experience on the field in order to record a win. Stewart Downing strangely enough has featured in every fixture in the competition so far starting 7 and coming on in the 8th game. I do get a sense that he will once again start.

I'd personally also go with Suarez and perhaps make some changes in the midfield, we're stronger in those areas and can afford to chop and change a bit more but take away Suarez and leave it too late to bring him on and we could find ourselves in danger.

As mentioned the last clash with Young Boys was a successful one for Liverpool. 5 goals from 3 different goalscorers and an own goal saw the Reds win 5-2.

Stat Sandwich

  • If Gerrard scores he will equal Michael Owen's record of 12 goals in the Europa League (UEFA Cup)
  • Young Boys have found the back of the net 9 times already in the group stages of this competition.
  • Liverpool have only lost once in their last 9 clashes with teams from Switzerland.

I personally feel Liverpool should be able to pick up all three points against Young Boys. The away performance proved that a win was possible and goalscorers from areas you wouldn't usually expect only adds to the case for a win.

The Reds aren't completely out of it if they do lose but it makes things a lot more complicated and with focus required on the league it's a distraction that we don't need.

Enjoy the match folks!