Liverpool head to Austria on Wednesday evening looking to put a miserable weekend behind them when they face LASK in the Champions League.
Andoni Iraola suffered his first Premier League defeat as Liverpool manager on Sunday. Unfortunately, it was hardly a gentle introduction to losing.
Manchester City left Anfield with a comfortable 3-0 victory after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off. As a result, Liverpool have now won just two of their opening six league matches.
However, their European campaign started much more positively.
The Reds defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League opener. They now have an excellent opportunity to build on that result against Austrian opposition.
LASK are making their first appearance in the Champions League proper. Their route into the competition was remarkable, particularly after overturning a four-goal aggregate deficit against Celtic in qualifying.
However, their league-phase debut ended in a 1-0 defeat against AEK Athens.
The Austrian side also lost 2-1 to Sturm Graz at the weekend, leaving them with plenty to improve ahead of Liverpool’s visit.
These clubs met twice in the 2023/24 Europa League. Liverpool won both matches, scoring seven goals and conceding just once.
Iraola’s side are certainly vulnerable at the moment. However, anything other than an away victory would still be a major surprise.
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What are the best betting tips for LASK vs Liverpool?
Liverpool to win
Liverpool’s domestic form has been disappointing, but this looks an excellent opportunity to get back on track.
The Reds were comfortably beaten by Manchester City on Sunday. However, that result came against one of the strongest sides in Europe.
LASK represent a considerably different challenge.
The Austrian champions have struggled recently, losing their Champions League opener against AEK Athens before suffering another defeat against Sturm Graz.
They’ve also failed to win any of their previous six meetings with English opposition.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have a strong record against Austrian clubs. They won both meetings with LASK three seasons ago, including a 3-1 victory in Linz.
Iraola does have several injury problems to manage. Nevertheless, his squad still contains considerably more quality than Wednesday’s opponents.
LASK should make things uncomfortable, particularly with the home crowd behind them.
However, Liverpool have enough attacking talent to take advantage of their defensive weaknesses.
I’m backing the visitors to collect another three Champions League points.
Both teams to score
Liverpool might be favourites, but trusting their defence completely would take a considerable leap of faith.
The Reds have conceded seven goals across their last three Premier League matches. Sunday’s defeat against Manchester City exposed several familiar problems.
Iraola’s side have struggled to deal with quick attacking transitions. Meanwhile, injuries have limited his options across the pitch.
LASK might not possess Manchester City’s attacking quality, but they shouldn’t be underestimated at home.
The Austrian side produced an extraordinary comeback against Celtic during qualifying. That result demonstrated their ability to create chances when they play with confidence.
They also scored against Liverpool when the clubs met in Austria during the 2023/24 Europa League.
However, keeping the visitors quiet could prove even more difficult.
Liverpool scored twice against Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener. They also have several attacking players capable of making the difference.
I expect the Reds to create the better opportunities. Nevertheless, their recent defensive performances suggest LASK could find the net.
Both teams to score looks an appealing alternative to backing a comfortable away victory.
Bradley Barcola to score or assist
Liverpool’s injury problems could leave Bradley Barcola with an even greater responsibility in attack.
Liverpool could be without Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitiké remains unavailable as he continues recovering from an Achilles injury.
As a result, Barcola will be expected to live up to his summer price tag even more so.
LASK are likely to defend deep for long periods. However, that could give the winger opportunities to receive possession between the lines.
Liverpool should dominate possession and create opportunities throughout the match.
Therefore, backing Barcola to score or assist offers two ways to benefit from his attacking influence.
Provided he starts, I fancy him to contribute.
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Where can I watch LASK vs Liverpool?
LASK vs Liverpool kicks off at 5:45 pm BST on Wednesday, October 14, at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, Austria.
In the UK, the match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Supporters can also stream the action through HBO Max.
What is LASK’s predicted team?
Formation (3-5-2): Jungwirth; Mbuyamba, Alemão, Andrade; Jørgensen, Ljubičić, Bogarde, Horvath, Dibango; Kalajdžić, Lang.
Injured: Ramiz Harakate, George Bello.
Doubts: Moses Usor.
Suspended: None confirmed.
LASK have several attacking concerns ahead of Liverpool’s visit.
Harakate remains unavailable with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Usor is doubtful after suffering a shoulder problem at the weekend.
As a result, Saša Kalajdžić and Christoph Lang could lead the attack.
George Bello is also sidelined with a muscle injury. Therefore, Yvan Dibango is expected to feature at wing-back.
Dietmar Kühbauer is likely to favour a compact formation against Liverpool. However, LASK will need to offer more going forward than they managed against AEK Athens.
What is Liverpool’s predicted team?
Formation (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Koumas.
Injured: Hugo Ekitiké, Giovanni Leoni.
Doubts: Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Iraola faces several difficult selection decisions ahead of Wednesday’s match.
Isak and Gakpo remain fitness concerns, while Szoboszlai is struggling with a hamstring problem.
Meanwhile, Ekitiké continues his recovery from an Achilles injury.
Those absences could give Lewis Koumas another opportunity to lead the attack.
Wirtz should retain his place behind the striker. Meanwhile, Bradley Barcola and Rio Ngumoha could provide support from the wide positions.
Gravenberch is also available despite his dismissal against Manchester City. His suspension applies to domestic competition rather than the Champions League.
LASK vs Liverpool prediction
Liverpool desperately need a positive result after Sunday’s defeat against Manchester City.
Iraola’s side have struggled for consistency in the Premier League. However, their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid showed what they’re capable of producing.
LASK deserve credit for reaching this stage of the competition. Their comeback against Celtic was remarkable.
Nevertheless, they’ve struggled against stronger opposition recently.
Liverpool should dominate possession and create plenty of chances. However, their defensive problems could give the hosts some encouragement.
I wouldn’t be surprised if LASK make things uncomfortable, particularly during the opening stages.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s attacking quality should make the difference.
I’m expecting the Reds to return to winning ways, although another clean sheet looks far from guaranteed.
Score prediction: LASK 1-3 Liverpool
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