Liverpool will be facing the French club, Bordeaux, at Anfield in their fifth match of the group stages. Liverpool is with their confidence high after thrashing Manchester City 4-1 at Etihad, while Bordeaux is placed 13th in the Ligue 1 points table.
Liverpool could go on top of the points table in their group if they win against Bordeaux and FC Sion loses or draws against Rubin Kazan. The chances of FC Sion dropping points are high because they will be facing Rubin Kazan away and a match in Russia is always tough.
Liverpool was always expected to top their group, but their poor start to the season raised doubts about that happening. Liverpool has revived their season after Jurgen Klopp’s arrival and has won some tough away matches against Chelsea and Manchester City. The manager and the players have been saying that they want to do the same at Anfield. Liverpool, who are already the favourites, will be looking to get a solid victory over Bordeaux.
Daniel Sturridge has returned for Liverpool and he was on the bench against Manchester City on Sunday. He has declared himself fully fit, but Klopp will not probably start him against Bordeaux. Sturridge will have to wait until Sunday to get a first team spot when Liverpool face Swansea. Jordan Henderson also returned to training, but he will not be available for team selection. Liverpool are without their key playmaker, Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian suffered a slight hamstring injury during the match against Manchester City. We expect Christian Benteke and Jordon Ibe to start for Liverpool. Also Joe Allen may get a start.
Bordeaux, on the other hand will miss their playmaker, Wahbi Kazri. He misses out through suspension, with his absence a massive blow for the French side. Their key defensive midfielder Gregory Sertic is sidelined with injury, while Nicolas Maurice-Belay is a doubt.
Predicted Liverpool Line-Up: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Milner, Lucas, Allen, Firmino, Ibe, Benteke.
Predicted Bordeaux Line Up: Carrasso, Gajic, Yambere, Pallois, Poundje, Saivet, Chantome, Poko, Jussie, Rolan, Diabate.
Liverpool Key Player: Roberto Firmino
Bordeaux Key Player: Clement Chantome
Predicted Score: Liverpool 2 – Bordeaux 0
