Liverpool take a 5-1 lead into their Europa League last-16 tie with Sparta Prague, with snug development to the quarter-finals anticipated.
Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague
Europa League Final 16 Second Leg | Anfield
March 14, 2024 | 8pm (GMT)
The Reds comprehensively outplayed the Czech facet final Thursday, placing themselves in complete management of the tie.
This week, the principle purpose for Jurgen Klopp‘s facet is to keep away from a surprising European exit – although it could take one thing extraordinary for that to occur because of a four-goal first leg benefit.
Right here’s all it’s essential know forward of Thursday’s match.
1. Greater Anfield assessments lie forward
There are some gargantuan video games on the horizon within the coming weeks, with Anfield internet hosting 5 extra Premier League video games within the title battle.
Each match is necessary between now and Klopp’s exit this summer season, however the go to of Sparta ought to (hopefully) be extra of a procession than something.
Final week’s 5-1 romp in Prague confirmed the gulf between the 2 sides and it’ll enable the supervisor to rotate his squad – as a lot as he can amid the accidents – forward of Sunday’s FA Cup journey to Man United.
Sparta nonetheless should be proven respect – one thing that Klopp will guarantee occurs – however this can be one of many extra low-key Anfield events of the season.
2. Sparta with nothing to lose
Sparta’s dwelling crowd did their finest to create an intimidating environment within the first leg, however they had been flattened by every Liverpool objective.
They should imagine that something is feasible, and dressing room footage from the primary leg suggests their supervisor, Brian Priske, won’t be brief on pre-match inspiration.
Sparta’s travelling followers have a particular journey to Anfield to stay up for, making simply their second go to to Liverpool’s world-famous floor, and they’re going to make their voices heard.
Frankly, the considered Priske’s facet going by means of doesn’t even bear occupied with from a Reds perspective!
3. Who’s out for Liverpool?
Liverpool’s harm scenario seems to be way more optimistic than it did a number of weeks in the past, as key gamers steadily return to the fold.
Ibrahima Konate gained’t characteristic in opposition to Sparta, nevertheless, with an harm suffered in Prague nonetheless maintaining him out – a return on Sunday is on the playing cards.
Ryan Gravenberch was concerned in coaching on Wednesday, although, and may very well be forward of schedule for a return from his ankle harm, a spot on the bench maybe?
Mohamed Salah is “prepared to begin”, in response to Klopp, and a spot within the XI can be the primary time since January 1.
Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota are all big-name absentees, becoming a member of Joel Matip, Thiago and Ben Doak on the sidelines.
Stefan Bajcetic is coaching away from his teammates, however the Spaniard’s comeback could nicely not arrive till subsequent season.
4. Potential Reds XI
Given the dimensions of Liverpool’s lead from the primary leg and the truth that United recreation is looming this weekend, adjustments are to be anticipated.
It might be an enormous shock if Virgil van Dijk was risked, for instance, so one other begin ought to come the best way of the spectacular Jarell Quansah.
Andy Robertson wants minutes and will begin at left-back – Kostas Tsimikas might simply get the nod – whereas children James McConnell and Bobby Clark have a great probability of that includes in midfield.
Salah may very well be within the beginning lineup, as abovementioned, and Lewis Koumas could earn one other begin after his goalscoring debut.
And dare we are saying even Adrian may very well be thought-about to provide Caoimhin Kelleher a break?
Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas; McConnell, Szoboszlai, Clark; Salah, Koumas, Gakpo
5. Sparta Prague staff information
Asger Sorensen picked up a hamstring harm within the first leg and he’s anticipated to be out of Thursday’s return fixture for the guests.
In the meantime, midfield pair Jakub Pesek and David Pavelka are each out.
On the plus facet for Sparta, centre-back Filip Panak returned to motion in his facet’s 4-0 defeat to third-placed Viktoria Plzen final weekend and he’s anticipated to be within the XI.
Potential Sparta XI: Jensen; Vitik, Krejci, Panak; Preciado, Kairinen, Solbakken, Zeleny; Birmancevic, Kuchta, Haraslin
6. Klopp had talks with Edwards – “Prime” appointment
Talking in entrance of the media on Wednesday, Klopp confirmed that he has had talks with Michael Edwards, forward of his return as Liverpool’s CEO of Soccer:
“We had a dialog, Michael and I all the time had a very good relationship, was all the time excellent on knowledgeable foundation.
“Lots of good issues occurred after we had been right here collectively, and Michael determined to do one thing else. Now he’s again, I’m actually pleased.
“I’ve mentioned it a number of instances, I wish to see the membership in the very best place after I left, every part we are able to do so long as I’m right here I’ll do.
“After that, different individuals should do it and I feel it’s a prime resolution, actually. Our dialog was nice, we spoke about loads issues, gamers, the scenario of the membership as I used to be in and he wasn’t.
“What has modified, what may need to alter. A very good discuss. I feel it’s prime information for the membership.”
7. Jurgen’s unimaginable European file
What Klopp has achieved in Europe as Liverpool supervisor has been exceptional, amongst so many different nice achievements.
The German has taken cost of the Reds in additional European video games than every other supervisor, with Thursday’s recreation his 89th outing in complete.
Ought to Liverpool progress to the quarters, will probably be the sixth time in 9 seasons that Klopp has reached that stage in Europe – 4 instances within the Champions League and twice within the Europa League.
A fifth European remaining beneath Klopp will hopefully be reached in Might and we might solely have dreamed of that tally when he arrived in 2015.
How fortunate are we!
8. Did You Know?
Harvey Elliott could nicely earn a relaxation at Anfield, however ought to he begin, his admirable file within the Europa League this season will proceed.
The 20-year-old has performed each minute within the competitors in 2023/24 so far, which is a testomony to his health ranges.
Solely Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo (each 40) have made extra appearances than Elliott (39) in all competitions this season, as he turns into extra influential by the week.
Who would have predicted that again in August?
9. Who’s the referee at Anfield?
Artur Soares Dias will take cost of Thursday’s match, with the 44-year-old refereeing a Liverpool recreation for under the second time.
The primary was the Reds’ 2-1 win at dwelling to Ajax within the Champions League group stage again in September 2022, with Salah and Matip getting the targets.
This shall be Dias’ maiden Europa League outing of the season, having overseen three Champions League video games – RB Leipzig 1-3 Man Metropolis, Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal 6-0 Lens.
10. Observe the sport with TIA
Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague is stay on TNT Sports activities 1 from 7.45pm (UK), with kickoff at Anfield at 8pm.
TIA’s matchday stay weblog shall be in full movement from 7.15pm and Henry Jackson is tasked with maintaining you firm all through the night.
Come on you Reds!
