UEFA champions league is almost ready to pack up its top 16 contenders from the group stage into the knockout stage as the English club Liverpool, the current group E winner ahead by a point to the runner-up Spanish club Sevilla is set to play against Sevilla in its home ground.
It will be a cautious game for Sevilla as all they need is to balance the game into a draw as they did previously when the game ended with 2-2 last September. Liverpool is likely to advance to the knockouts with a draw against Sevilla but is still are aiming to win the match so that they could be joining the likes of Bayern Munich with maximum points.
“We need to play a smart game to catch up to their speed. This time we cannot afford to give away the ball at any moment as Liverpool can make us pay” says Sevilla’s Argentine coach Eduardo Berizzo who insists on playing safe rather than crazy back-and-forth game.
Whereas Liverpool’s coach Jurgen Klopp says this is a tough match in the champions league for Liverpool as Sevilla is a strong team which is more efficient in its home ground. Liverpool either needs to win the game or aim for a draw and wait for Spartak Moscow to lose at home to Maribor to advance.
Jurgen Klopp and Sevilla Manager, Source: 365DM
Liverpool’s defense has been in the controversial lane since the start of the EPL season and Joe Matip will not be joining the team on the journey to Spain. On the bright side, the attacking midfielder Adam Lallana will be included in the starters after recovering from a thigh injury.
- Hemanchal Joshi