Liverpool vs Young Boys Preview: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Liverpool welcome Young Boys to Anfield on Thursday night for their Europa League tie hoping to secure qualification to the knockout stages of the competition.

The two sides sit joint second on six points in Group A after four games, just a point of leaders Anzhi Makhachkala and two clear of Udinese, with all four teams still able to secure a top-two finish.

Liverpool will be guaranteed a place in the next round if they beat Young Boys tonight coupled with an Anzhi win over Udinese, so Brendan Rodgers will be keen to secure all three points this evening.

The Northern Irishman has already indicated the Europa League is not his main priority this season but they will still be taking the competition seriously while they remain in contention. The Reds ran out 5-3 victors in the reverse fixture in Switzerland so are firm favourites to collect the points tonight.

Team News

Rodgers has confirmed he will be naming a strong side for the game, with Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez expected to feature. It’s not clear if they will play from the start and be withdrawn early if the scoreline allows, or be introduced from the bench if required.

Glen Johnson and Raheem Sterling are just two names who are expected to make way as Rodgers gives some of the fringe players a chance to shine. Stewart Downing, Oussama Assaidi Jonjo Shelvey and Jordan Henderson are all pushing for starts.

Midfielder Lucas Leiva is still out despite returning to training after 2 months out with a thigh injury.

Josh Simpson misses out once again for the visitors as he continues to recover from a broken leg. Joseph Martinez and Ivan Benito are also on the sidelines. Christophe Spycher is expected to recover from a knee injury in time to take part.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

The Reds have stuttered their way through the Europa League so far this season but if Rodgers goes with a strong line-up as he’s suggested, Liverpool should run out comfortable winners tonight. Liverpool 2-0 Young Boys.

What would your team be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section.