Liverpool Begin Europa League Campaign with Trip to Austria to Face LASK
Liverpool begin their first Europa League campaign since 2016 with a trip to Austria to face LASK. Kickoff at the Raiffeisen Arena is 5.45pm (UK), the referee is Marco Di Bello.
Today’s blog is run by Adam Beattie, get involved by Tweeting @thisisanfield, @beatts94 & in the comments below.
Liverpool’s Europa League History
Liverpool have a rich history in the Europa League, having won the competition in 2001 and reaching the final in 2016. This will be their first appearance in the competition since that final, which they lost to Sevilla 3-1.
The Reds have also had some memorable moments in the competition, including a thrilling 5-4 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the 2015/16 season. They also beat Manchester United 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals of that same season.
LASK’s Europa League History
LASK are no strangers to the Europa League either, having reached the knockout stages in each of their last two appearances in the competition. The Austrian side have also made it to the group stage of the Champions League twice, most recently in 2019/20.
This will be the first time that Liverpool and LASK have met in European competition, and both sides will be looking to start their Europa League campaign with a win.
Teams
LASK: Lawal; Luckeneder, Ziereis, Andrade; Flecker, Jovicic, Horvath, Renner; Ljubicic, Havel, Zulj
Subs: Siebenhandl, Bello, Talovierov, Stojkovic, Ljubic, Ba, Kone, Balic, Usor, Mustapha, Goiginger, Darboe
Liverpool: Kelleher; Bajcetic, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch, Elliott; Doak, Diaz, Nunez
Subs: Alisson, Jaros, Robertson, Matip, Quansah, Gomez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Jota
Prediction
This is sure to be an exciting match between two sides with plenty of European pedigree. Liverpool will be looking to start their Europa League campaign with a win and will be confident of doing so against a LASK side that has struggled for form in recent weeks.
We predict a 2-0 win for Liverpool.
Follow the Match Live
Our coverage updates automatically below: