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

 

Liverpool make the short trip north to face Hearts for the first leg of their Europa League play-off on Thursday night.

Brendan Rodgers will rotate his squad after deciding to rest several key players for the game. Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson have all been left behind with Sunday’s clash with Manchester City at the forefront of the managers mind.

Liverpool will be looking for a positive result and will hope to have a lead heading into the second leg at Anfield to ensure they have European competition to look forward to this season, having missed out last campaign.

Team News

Jose Enrique is ruled after once again after missing Saturday’s defeat to West Brom with a knee injury, and the defender will be joined on the sidelines by Joe Cole who also misses out after picking up a hamstring strain.

Daniel Agger is expected to start at the heart of defence as the Dane is suspended for the City game having been sent off against WBA.

Recent signing Oussama Assaidi is cup-tied after he played for former club Heerenven in the previous qualifying round, but the Moroccan would be available should the Reds progress to the group stages.

Rodgers has hinted that youngster Raheem Sterling will start and Jack Robinson is also pushing for a start.

David Templeton returns from suspension for the visitors but the winger may have to wait before coming back into the team.

Defender Marius Zaliukas is expected to be fit despite suffering a dead leg at the weekend, while Peter Enckelman is on stand-by to step in for regular No.1 Jamie MacDonald, who’s partner is due to give birth any time.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Hearts will be looking to avenge last seasons 5-0 thumping by Spurs at the same stage last season. While we think the Scots will fare slightly better this time round, Liverpool should still record a relatively comfortable win. Hearts 0-2 Liverpool

What would be your team? What do you think the score will be? Get involved in the comments section.

Fancy a flutter on the game? Claim your £10 welcome bonus at Sky Bet and enjoy some of the best match odds in the business.