Udinese vs Liverpool - Europa League preview and team news
Thursday 06 December 2012
Liverpool head to North Eastern Italy in their bid to get a result that will see them through to the final stages of the Europa League.
The Reds need to beat Udinese if they are to be sure of progression, with the knowledge that a draw would not be sufficient should Young Boys win at home to Anzhi. A defeat of less than three goals for Liverpool would also see them through, if Anzhi are victorious in Switzerland.
Brendan Rodgers' side come into this clash looking to record back-to-back wins for the first time in 10 matches - two wins from 11 is a disappointing return, yet the Merseysiders will take heart from collecting all three points on their last outing, at home to Southampton on Saturday.
Udinese do not come into tonight's game in any better form than their visitors - the weekends 4-1 win over Cagliari their first for seven matches. Three Europa League defeats in a row following their win over Liverpool at Anfield, has all but ended the progression hopes of the Friuli side.
Liverpool's chances will be boosted by news that Luis Suarez is set to start his first away Europa League clash, in what will be a stronger team sent out than in previous European outings. Suarez gets the nod on the back of collecting a fifth yellow card in the Premier League, meaning he will miss the match with West Ham at the weekend. There is however no Daniel Agger and Lucas Leiva, both rested, while captain Steven Gerrard misses out with illness.
For Udinese Mehdi Benatia and Giampiero Pinzi return from injury, while defensive trio Maurizio Domizzi, Dusan Basta and Andrea Coda all miss out.
Kick-off: 6pm (UK time)
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Udinese vs Liverpool
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