Liverpool have travelled to Romania in hopes of trying to earn a point against Steaua Bucharest, which will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Liverpool are currently top of Group K with 8 points and need just a single point to make it to the next round of the European competition.
All Roy Hodgson’s side needs to do tonight is avoid defeat by the Romanian side. It doesn’t seem too hard a task, considering that the Reds beat Steaua Bucharest 4-1 on match day one at Anfield. Liverpool will be hoping to repeat their success, but will
have to face a much tougher competition than last time since Steaua are also determined to make it past the group stages.
Marius Lacatus, the Steaua Bucharest coach, will be determined to lead his side to the next round. It could be possible if his side beat the Reds, provided the other two teams in the group, FC Utrecht and Napoli, end their game in a draw. Napoli and Utrecht
both have three points and the winner from this fixture could overtake Steaua for second place.
Roy Hodgson likes to utilise all of his squad, especially in Europe. He will be doing exactly that as he leaves behind Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Glen Johnson, Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky. His aim is to give the other players a chance and experience
in Europe. However, if the less experienced team fails to perform, the Reds will lose out on the chance to qualify to the next stage tonight.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and vice Captain Jamie Carragher are sidelined with injuries, which is thought to affect the team’s performance. However, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole returns for the Reds. The England international had been missing
for over five weeks because of a hamstring injury, but Hodgson claimed he was suffering from lack of confidence.
Hodgson while speaking to reporters about the underachieving midfielder, said,
“He isn't a naturally confident character. He suffers when things are not going his way. Everyone at the club has worked hard to make sure he doesn't take it too hard and take too much on himself, because he's quite happy to take responsibility.”
Possible Starting XI
Steaua Bucharest: Tatarusanu; Latovlevici, Geraldo, Gardos, Eder Bonfim; Bicfalvi, Gomes, Tanase, Stancu, Nicolita; Surdu.
Liverpool: Reina; Kelly, Wilson, Kyrgiakos, Fabio Aurelio; Poulsen, Lucas, Joe Cole, Pacheco, Jovanovic; Babel.
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