LASK Linz vs Liverpool Predictions

• Liverpool have seen BTTS in four of their five games this term
• The Reds have conceded the opening goal in three of their last four matches
• LASK have scored in nine of their last 10 matches

Will Reds push for European glory?

Liverpool were in a Champions League final just last year, but they begin their Europa League campaign on Thursday night away to Austrian side LASK. It’s a real change of pace for the Reds, but it may be a welcome one as Jurgen Klopp attempts to rebuild after a poor 2022/23 campaign.

Klopp took the Reds to the final of this competition in 2016 before he got them back into the Champions League. With Man City dominating, his side should take any opportunity to push for silverware. Even with some rotation, Liverpool should prove too strong for many sides they’ll come across.

However, Klopp’s side could find that the defensive issues which have plagued them of late carry over into this European clash.

Defensive issues to haunt Reds

Liverpool have conceded in four of their five games so far this term. The Reds conceded the opening goal for the third time in four games away to Wolves at the weekend, while Thursday pits them against a LASK side who have scored in nine of their 10 matches this term.

However, the Reds should prove too strong at the other end of the pitch. They have plenty of good options going forward, with Cody Gakpo a standout. The Dutchman has been a regular starter since arriving in January and he scored his first goal of the campaign for Liverpool at the weekend.

Gakpo scored in both international games this month, meaning he’s now scored in each of his last three games for club and country. Given that he’s a likely candidate to lead the line in this clash, back the striker who scored three goals in five games in this competition last term.