Liverpool vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise: preview team news and prediction

After suffering their first defeat of the season against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Liverpool will face off against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday evening in the Europa League.

The Reds have started the season promisingly in the Premier League this season as they are currently only two points behind the league leaders Manchester City.

The Merseyside club had the opportunity to beat Spurs and jump above the Citizens at the top of the league table as Pep Guardiola’s side were defeated by Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. But, Liverpool failed to do that. The Reds started the game promisingly on Saturday, but after the red card of Curtis Jones, Tottenham took control of the proceedings.

Although Luiz Diaz managed to find the back of the net after Liverpool went down to ten men, the goal was wrongly choked off by the VAR and plenty have been talked about that decision over the last few days. Soon after that incident Spurs scored the opener, however, Liverpool showed their mental strength and managed to equalise before the interval.

In the second half, Liverpool found themselves on even more backfoot when second-half substitute Diogo Jota was shown a red card. Jurgen Klopp’s side defended bravely after going down to nine men.

Spurs even looked out of ideas to score goals, but Joel Matip’s own goal at the dying embers of the games forced the Merseyside club to come away empty-handed.

So, having endured that defeat, Liverpool will be keen to bounce back immediately from this encounter and continue their winning run in the Europa League.

Klopp’s side defeated LASK in the opening fixture of the Europa League last month and it is likely that Liverpool will be able to achieve back-to-back victory tomorrow as they are almost unbeatable at Anfield.

Royale Union Saint-Gilloise watch

The Belgian side have enjoyed a promising start to this season as they are currently at the top of the Pro League. They will be coming into this game off the back of three consecutive victories. So, they will be full of confidence ahead of this encounter.

Union Saint-Gilloise only managed to come away with a draw in their opening fixture of the Europa League against Toulouse so they will be hoping to win against Liverpool and place themselves on the right track to qualify for the knockout stage.

However, coming away with all three points from Anfield is an extremely daunting task for any team around the world if Liverpool are at the top of their game and they currently are showcasing glimpses that they are on the way to their best this term. So, it will be very hard for the Belgian side to earn even a point from this encounter.

Previous meetings

This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides in the European competition. Liverpool have enjoyed great success against Belgian teams in Europe as they have only lost one game in 15 previous meetings.

How to watch

The game will begin at 8 pm UK time and the match will be televised live on TNT Sports 1. The encounter can also be watched online on the TNT Sports app and website.

For those fans who want to attend the game, you can secure LFC tickets at a reputable reseller such as seatsnet.com. This could be a good opportunity for supporters who struggle to get hold of tickets for Premier League matches to watch a game in person.

Team news

Cody Gakpo is set to remain sidelined for several weeks after sustaining a knee issue in the last game against Tottenham. So, he isn’t in contention to feature in this encounter.

Along with the Dutchman, Thiago Alcántara and Stefan Bajcetic have been ruled out from this game due to injury problems. Other than that, Klopp has a relatively full squad to choose from against Union.

As for Union SG, the don’t have many injury absentees at the moment either, but their striker Dennis Eckert Ayensa is unavailable for selection due to an injury.

Predicted line-up

Klopp is expected to shuffle his squad for this game as he did in the last game against LASK. But, the German boss is set to continue with his preferred 4-3-3 formation.

Caoimhin Kelleher is set to be in goal for Liverpool, resting Allison and in front of the Irishman, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Konstantinos Tsimikas should be the back four. So, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson will get a midweek breather.

Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott could commence in midfield so Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to bel be given a midweek off.

Darwin Nunez didn’t play a single minute last weekend so he is likely to start through the middle tomorrow and on either side of the South American, Diogo Jota and Ben Doak could be the two wingers. So, Mohamed Salah and Luiz Diaz could be rested for this fixture.

Expected Liverpool line-up against Union SG

Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Endo, Elliott; Jota, Nunez, Doak

Union SG boss Alexander Blessin likes to deploy 3-4-2-1 formation and it’s likely to be the same in this game. Anthony Morris is likely to be in goal and Alexis Mac Allister’s elder brother, Kevin Mac Allister should start at the back for the Belgian’s side.

Gustaf Nilsson will lead the line, while responsibilities will be on Mohamed El Amine Amoura and Cameron Puertas to create chances and finish off opportunities if they get any.

Expected Union SG line-up vs Liverpool

Morris; Mac Allister, Christian Burgess, Fedde Leysen; Alessio Castro-Montes, Noah Sadiki, Charles Vanhoutte, Loic Lapoussin; Puertas, Amoura; Nilsson

Key players

Nunez has started the season brilliantly so the Anfield faithful will be hoping that the South American will be able to find the back of the net in this encounter and help his side win.

Jota will be looking to put his name on the scoresheet versus Union SG after letting him down last time out by picking up a red card.

Gravenberch has looked good during the cup games and he will have the onus of creating opportunities for the attackers.

Union SG will have to stop Alexander-Arnold from creating opportunities from the deep as if he manages to showcase his best then he can single-handedly help his side win the game.

Konate will have to take extra responsibility to organise the defence as he is going to be the senior partner alongside Quansah.

As for Union SG Puertas and Amoura are the two main attacking options for the Belgian side so Liverpool have to keep close attention on them in this fixture.

Prediction

Liverpool are the heavy favourites to win this game, especially given the game is at Anfield. It is going to be extremely difficult for Union SG to come away with a positive result. So, the Merseyside club are expected to earn all three points from this encounter. Liverpool 4-1 Union SG