Europa League - Group K Preview Nov 4th, 2010
After a goal glut in the Champions League on Match Day 4, the attention will now turn to Europa League where Groups I, J, K and L will be the tightest as only Porto is the side that has maximum points from the previous 3 fixtures.
A total of 32 teams will be in action on Thursday with Group K leaders Liverpool taking on Napoli and in the same group, Steau Bucharest will face FC Utrecht.
Sevilla will face Karpaty Lviv at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan and after a 5-0 mauling at the hands of Barcelona at the weekend, the Los Plangananas will be hoping to get things back on track in Europe.
Group K:
FC Steaua Bucuresti vs. Utrecht
(Stadionul Steaua, Bucuresti - Thursday November 4th, 2010)
FC Utrecht visit Bucuresti’s Stadionul Steaua without the services of their talismanic striker, Jacob Mulenga. Jacob has been the main source of goals for the Dutch side this season and after a goal less two match days, both the sides will be looking to
register their first win in the competition.
Steau won a point two weeks ago courtesy of an own goal from Alje Schut and it was the first goal that Utrecht conceded in Europe in more than 400 minutes.
But despite a mean defence, Utrecht have failed to win a single game in the competition and currently have only two points. A win tonight will be vital for both the sides as the group is tight with the group leaders Liverpool on 5 points.
A win for either side will give them a massive boost as their prospects for qualification into the next round will be greatly enhanced. Similarly, a loss will make the task mightily difficult for them.
FC Utrecht are currently lying sixth in their domestic league and after a win at the weekend, they will be going into this match full of confidence. But, Bucharest is not an easy place to visit for any side as not many find it easy to break down the home
defence in front of their home crowd. Utrecht are aware of the situation in their group and will be leaving no holds barred.
Liverpool vs. Napoli
(Anfield Road (Liverpool) - Thursday November 4th, 2010)
Liverpool played two goal less draws in their last two games of this competition and tonight their opponents aren’t going to be any easier ones as Napoli are currently the form side in Italy.
Liverpool will be hoping that they can get a win tonight in front of the home fans but they will have to do it without the services of marauding right-back Glenn Johnson who is set to sit out with a hamstring injury.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Ryan Babel are also doubtful for this crucial game as both suffered injuries in training prior to the all important clash at home.
The going does not get any tougher for Liverpool as a clash at the weekend with the English Premier League leaders, Chelsea will be playing on Roy Hodgson’s mind and he might choose not to play all his big guns but that would be a gamble which can back fire
spectacularly if Liverpool fail to register what looks like a routine victory for a side of Liverpool’s stature.
The two sides were involved in a goal less draw a fortnight ago. Napolo coach, Walter Mazzarri says that he was pleased with his side’s performance in Naples two weeks ago and all his side was missing was a goal. He hopes that his strikers can find the back
of the net tonight.
Mazzarri has all his big guns including Marek Hamsik, Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi fit for the clash. All three of them are capable of turning any game on its head just based on their individual skill and talent. Roy Hodgson will surely be aware of
this.
Clubs
Pld
W
D
L
F
A
+/-
Pts
1
Liverpool FC
3
1
2
0
4
1
3
5
2
SSC Napoli
3
0
3
0
3
3
0
3
3
FC Utrecht
3
0
3
0
1
1
0
3
4
FC Steaua Bucureşti
3
0
2
1
5
8
-3
2
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