After a week of refereeing debate, the focus is now back on football as Liverpool host Union SG in the Europa League.
Liverpool vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
Of course, there’s little focus on this game this week, but now that it’s here, we’re giving it all the attention it deserves.
After a tough three points in Austria, Liverpool hope to take another step closer to qualification from Group E of the Europa League. A win at Anfield would put Liverpool on course for top spot, but in their own way, Union’s SG side are in fine form.
Here are all the main things you need to know ahead of the Europa League match:
Injury news
Jurgen Klopp didn’t give much in terms of selection in his press conference, but gave a solid “not available” when asked about Cody Gakpo’s fitness.
Elsewhere, Trent Alexander-Arnold has coached from the bench for Tottenham, so that should play a part. He also held a pre-match press conference where he hinted at getting involved.
The biggest doubt is Stefan Bajcetic, about whom Klopp previously said: “We have to be very careful”.
Conor Bradley, Thiago and he did not take part in the full-squad training ahead of the match on Wednesday. Back under the lights
It will be Liverpool’s first European game at Anfield this season and although we won’t have a Champions League anthem, Merseyside will still have a chance to be felt.
Klopp insists he “didn’t miss the anthem” and that Liverpool will compete “to compete, not to give chances”.
In fact, as seen against LASK, Liverpool can create chances as well as compete, but those who enter the pitch cannot be content with any opposition looking to challenge themselves against the Reds.
Liverpool predicted XI
It is difficult to predict as any of the four players could start right back.
With Darwin Nunez possibly out of danger, we opted for Curtis Jones on the left and Joe Gomez on the right back. After a strong performance against Leicester, Jarell Quansah should regain his place in defense alongside Kostas Tsimikas at left back Ibrahima Konate.
Predicted XI vs Union SG: Kelleher; Gomez, Conate, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Elliott, Gravenberch; Doak, Jota, Jones
The first meeting and all the bureaucracy
The match at Anfield will be the first time Liverpool and Union SG have met.
However, this is not the first time the Reds have played the Belgian side. Liverpool faced Europe 15 times and one game produced a historic moment.
Liverpool wore an all-red kit for the first time in 1964 against Anderlecht at Anfield. Bill Shankly’s side won 3-0 and never looked back!
Effective opposition
Union SG will come into the match in good form.
After securing top spot in the Belgian Pro League at the weekend with a 3-1 win over strugglers Charleroi, the group said they can now “think and talk about Liverpool, the absolute top game”.
In the first group match, Union SG beat Toulouse with a 1:1 draw. While it was far from a disaster, progress usually requires winning at least two home games. That will put extra pressure on them to come to Anfield, where they can make the most of their careers.
Players “deserve a special atmosphere”
Although Anfield will not be back home like Barcelona, Liverpool supporters must be excited and eager to show their love for the team.
Klopp said: “It’s a completely different game tomorrow night, I think people will show the love they deserve and create a really special atmosphere.
“So, I’m really looking forward to a European night at Anfield.”
Family reunion
Two players who could be on the field are Alexis Mac Allister and Kevin Mac Allister, yes you read that right.
The pair are brothers and could play against each other on Thursday night in what would be an emotional occasion for the family. The brothers’ father, Carlos, told Het Nieuwsblad: “Will I shed a tear when they go out on the pitch together? I hope not, but it’s quite possible.”
Whether Alexis actually plays is open to debate. After a busy two weeks of international football, he is unlikely to start but could come on as a substitute.
What a moment that would be for the Mac Allister clan!
Look at the numbers
Liverpool have won 12 of their last 13 group games in Europe 2021.
As a referee, Liverpool have received four red cards in their last eight games, compared to 261 in their previous four games. Mo Salah may not start at Anfield, but he has made five substitute appearances and scored five goals for Liverpool in Europe.
Amazingly, that means he scores a goal every 13-and-a-half minutes on average.
If Ben Doak scores, he will become only the second 17-year-old to score for Liverpool in Europe, after Michael Owen (17 years and 276 days in 1997). Doak would be 17 years and 328 days old.
Who is the referee?
Dane Morten Krogh Hansen is over VAR and Roi Reinshreiber.
We’re sure they saw the fallout from Saturday’s game, so we should be up for this one.
Hansen’s assistants are also the Danes Dennis Rene Wollenberg Rasmussen and Steffen Beck Bramsen and the fourth referee Mikkel Redder.
10. Watch the match with TIA
Liverpool vs. Union SG will be live on TNT Sports 1 from 8pm (BST).
TIA’s fight day live blog will be live from 7.15pm and Adam Beattie will be on hand to entertain and inform you.
