Europa League
2011-02-24 - Liverpool vs Sparta Prague
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:After a poor first leg against Sparta Prague, Liverpool will hope to improve when they take on their czech opponents on home soil at Anfield.
Last week both sides failed to provide any sparks and it was a dull affair to say the least. The visitors just need an away goal to finish off Liverpool so both sides have plenty to play for here.
Due to the ban on English teams competing in Europe during the 1980's this will be Kenny Dalglish his first European tie at Anfield as a Liverpool manager.
Dalglish is likely to play attacking football here that has been his trademark sincereplacing Roy Hodgson at the start of January. And the Reds should be confident against a side that have won just once in seven attempts in England, way back in 1983 when they triumped 3-2 over Watford.
Joe Cole is expected to make his start here after falling out with Hodgson and injury saw him fall out of the first team. It will also give him a chance to impress after arriving to Liverpool as a free agent from Chelsea.
The winner of this side will face Braga or Lech Poznan in the last 16, with the Polish side currently leading 1-0 on aggregate.
As for the team news ahead of this tie, Captain Steven Gerrard is likely to miss the game as he is still recovering from an adductor muscle injury sustained against Chelsea early in February.
However Gerrard could still get a place on the bench, but Luis Suarez will definitely play no part due to being cup-tied as he was registered for the tournament with Ajax before his deadline day move.
Martin Kelly looks set to be given a recall, meaning Glen Johnson will switch back to left-back, whilst Martin Skrtel may also be given the go ahead instead of Sotirios Kyrgiakos in a four-man defence.
Sparta have no injuries ahead of this match and they could field the same side against Liverpool last week. That means If either Tomas Repka or Kamil Vacek receive bookings they will miss the first leg of the next round should Jozef Chovanec's side upset Liverpool to progress further into the next round.
Take Sparta Prague and accept the 1 1/4 ball.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Liverpool to win 1-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Liverpool to win.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Sparta Prague and accept the 1 1/4 ball.
