Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool return to action having rescued a point late on at Luton Town on Sunday afternoon. Next up they face Toulouse, knowing that a victory will take them through to the knockout stages of the Europa League. Kick off is at 17:45 on Thursday, and below we have previewed the clash.
Team News
Luis Diaz could be in line for a start after his late equaliser at Luton, if Klopp believes he is in the right frame of mind after the kidnapping of his father. Meanwhile, the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Harvey Elliott and Luke Chambers could make successive starts in this competition. Thiago remains out until the end of the year, as does Andy Robertson, while Curtis Jones missed the trip to Luton with a fitness issue. Stefan Bajcetic also remains out.
For the hosts, Zakaria Aboukhial’s continued absence is hampering them, with the winger unlikely to return until after the international break. They are also without Oliver Zanden and Denis Genreau.
Match Odds
Toulouse are 6/1 to win this match, with Liverpool the heavy favourites, priced at 2/5. A draw is available at 4/1, while BTTS is 8/13. Over 2.5 goals is 4/9 and Darwin Nunez is 19/20 to score anytime.
Liverpool to win and BTTS @ 8/5
Liverpool smashed Toulouse 5-1 at Anfield two weeks ago and there is no doubting the gap in quality between the two teams. Even if Klopp makes changes, his second string are likely to overpower the French side, who currently sit 14th in Ligue 1. Toulouse have lost their last two league matches since that trip to Merseyside, and are now winless in five.
Simply put, they shouldn’t be able to compete with this Liverpool outfit, however, we can add some value to the away win. Both teams have scored in Liverpool’s last eight away games and with changes at the back expected, Toulouse may be able to find the scoresheet. The Reds have not looked that solid defensively this season, and another away trip may see them concede once more.
Toulouse 1-3 Liverpool @ 9/1
The only other way to find real value in this market is nail either a first goalscorer, or a correct score. I usually prefer to pick out an individual goalscorer, however, with Klopp likely to make multiple changes, we cannot guarantee minutes for any of the attacking options. Mohammed Salah could be rested, while Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both started at Luton and may also be benched.
I’m steering clear on this occasion, and instead plumping for a correct score. I expect Liverpool to dominate, but as previously explained, they are susceptible to conceding goals on the road. I don’t believe Toulouse have the quality to score more than one, while the Reds will want to make this game as comfortable as possible with three goals of their own. They won’t find it quite as easy as they did on home soil, but 9/1 on a 3-1 Liverpool win feels generous.
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