Who are Liverpool’s Europa League opponents FK Rabotnicki?
They may sound like the final-level boss from the Sonic the Hedgehog computer game series, but Macedonian team FK Rabotnicki are Liverpool’s third qualifying round Europa League opponents.
Little is known about the club nicknamed the Romantics, who are vying to reach the group stages of the Europa League for the first time in its current format. They secured their dream tie against the Reds after edging out Armenian side Mika in the second qualifying round.
Back in 2006 and 2007, Rabotnicki did manage to seal a place in the first round of the Uefa Cup – rebranded the Europa League in 2009 - but were beaten by Basle and Bolton Wanderers respectively.
However, against the Premier League side, the Macedonians held their own and certainly gave Sammy Lee’s team a few major scares. In the first leg in Skopje, a 1-1 draw offered Rabotnicki real hope of recording their best-ever European finish. In the return leg, though, they were eventually beaten by a single Nicolas Anelka goal.
Lee, who is now assistant manager at Anfield, will know all about the Macedonians after travelling to the 36,000-capacity Phillip II Arena three years ago. And his knowledge of the minnows will certainly come in use. The 2009/10 Prva Liga runners-up have also competed in the qualifying stages of the Champions League on three occasions, but have never managed to reach the group stages.
There’s no doubt that Liverpool are the favourites to advance from this two-legged qualifying tie. The first leg at Anfield will be Roy Hodgson’s first competitive match in charge, and he’ll be desperate to begin his reign with a victory. And with a host of star names at his disposal including Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, defeat for the five-time European Cup winners would be a major shock.
Even the Rabotnicki manager, Zoran Stratev, conceded that his side are the overwhelming underdogs, but promised his side’s supporters that they would do themselves justice against the English giants. Mainly comprised of players from Macedonia, Rabotnicki have become accustomed to lifting silverware in recent years. Three league titles and two domestic cups over the past five years prove that.
Along with the relatively unknown Macedonian players in their ranks, the club also has six Brazilians who could pose Liverpool’s backline one or two problems – particularly if their left-back problem is still unresolved by then.
The first leg is due to be played on July 29th – leaving Hodgson with less than a week to draft in a new full-back – with the return scheduled for August 5th.
Every major club that finds themselves competing at this stage of European competition is always wary about becoming the big name casualty of the round.
Liverpool will be no different. But giant-killing is also a common theme of qualification campaigns, and the Reds’ Macedonian opponents will be happy to play the role of potential banana skin.
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