Liverpool V Sevilla [PREVIEW]

Liverpool enter the Champions League group stages on Wednesday evening for the first time since 2014. The Reds' three year absence has felt like a lifetime to most fans and after a favourable draw in the group, all eyes are on Jurgen Klopp's side to open up our European season in a winning fashion.

Liverpool are no strangers to Sevilla having faced them extremely recently in the 2015/2016 Europa League final. This is however the only time that the two sides have met. Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring on the night but the Reds ended up losing the game 3-1.



Team news for Liverpool means that Philippe Coutinho could feature for the first time since the whole Barcelona saga unfolded. I for one can't be arsed with holding a grudge, I'm perfectly happy for him to feature in the side, frankly it would be a waste not to use such a talent. Hopefully if he does start he can find the back of the net.

Thankfully for the Reds Sadio Mane will also be available, his red card picked up for the challenge on Ederson against City on Saturday does not affect Champions League performances. 

coutinho barcelona liverpool fc
Image via skysports.com
There have been several rumours in the run up to the group stages that Klopp may consider playing Loris Karius as our Champions League goalkeeper. I have no idea if this is true or not but to be honest I hope it isn't true, I have no real qualms with Karius and I totally understand he needs game time but it's too risky for me to start him in this competition, it means way too much. 

I'd prefer some consistency with Mignolet remaining in goal for the league and Champions League, Migs isn't the best keeper in the world but at the moment I still don't think Karius is any better, he's very nervous and needs some matches under his belt, for me he should be playing in the cups to build up as a real heavy challenge to Migs. 

For Sevilla, they are unable to call upon Geis and Nolito while a doubt hangs over the fitness of their goalkeeper: David Soria.

The Spanish club are entering their fifth Champions League campaign but they have never got past the round of 16. Both clubs also entered the competition via a play-off with Sevilla beating Basaksehir 4-3. Realistically, Sevilla are the main threat in the group for Liverpool so it will be interesting to see how strong Berizzo's side are at Anfield.

I think we'll be off to a winning start tomorrow, the excitement levels are going to be extremely high with an atmosphere to match as Klopp leads his team out for another hopefully memorable Champions League campaign under the Anfield floodlights. 

Enjoy the match folks, wherever you are watching!