Liverpool host Maribor in Group E, Match-Week 4 in the Champions League. Liverpool have 5 points so far after a home draw with Sevilla, away draw in Moscow and a 7-nil thrashing of the Slovenian side. While Maribor has only one point from a home draw with Spartak Moscow.
Match Preview: Liverpool vs NK Maribor
Liverpool FC have been inconsistent this season, to say the least. They have struggled to maintain a good run so far. This week’s win over Huddersfield in the Premier League has eased the pressure on Jurgen Klopp after the horrendous performance and result at Wembley last week. They will be hoping to replicate the performance they had in Slovenia where they scored seven goals and arguably should’ve had more.
Jurgen Klopp’s men performances in the Champions League have been really good and many people argue they should’ve had 9 points. The first game of the group, they were scintillating in attack but as always their defensive fragilities cost them. And the game in Moscow was much the same, except this time it was their goalkeeping problems.
Should Sturridge and Oxlade-Chamberlain start?
Many people believe that Daniel Sturridge is not the same player who frightened the oppositions’ defences with his pace and deadly finishing and seemed to score every game, especially in the 13/14 season. He’s been hit with injury after injury that his once-frightening pace seems to be gone. Many wonder what could’ve been for him but for injuries.
Sturridge is a player that everyone seems to want to do well. His performances this season have been largely uninspiring. However, he scored a crucial first goal against Huddersfield this week with a great finish. He will certainly hope to keep his place in the absence of Sadio Mane and (potentially) Phillipe Coutinho.
He’s been quoted saying to the Liverpool Echo “We’ve been in the Champions League two times since I’ve been at the club. Obviously I missed out the first time but hopefully, I can play a big part in this campaign.”
The signing of Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain has certainly raised a few eyebrows. He hasn’t hit the ground running so far, but with a few inspiring cameos from the bench, he will be hoping to start on Wednesday. His only goal for the club has come in Slovenia, and a start will give him a confidence boost.
Injury news
Liverpool:
Phillipe Coutinho is a major doubt for Wednesday. Klopp said to Liverpoolfc.com “To be honest, it doesn’t look like (he will start), but yesterday he was on the pitch running. We’ll see.”
Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Nathaniel Clyne are continued absentees.
Maribor:
Luka Zahović and Denis Šme are the only absentees.
Form guide:
Liverpool: DDWLW
Maribor: DWLWW