Liverpool v Sion
Thursday, 20:05
Live on BT Sport Europe
With his constant references to "outstanding character" and his love of phrases that even David Brent would reject, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers
isn't a hard guy to parody, but no-one at Anfield is laughing much
these days. Although Rodgers appears to have the unflinching support of
the club's owners FSG, his recent suggestion that there is a conspiracy
to oust him smacks of a man who is feeling the heat.Thursday, 20:05
Live on BT Sport Europe
Liverpool's 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday has repaired some of the damage done this season, but only a string of successes will now placate a disaffected block of the fan base. Given the febrile atmosphere surrounding the club, and the fact that Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at Bordeaux a fortnight ago, this clash with Sion must be regarded with the utmost seriousness.
Luckily for Liverpool, their Swiss visitors are also having a tumultuous campaign. Sion have lost their last two matches in the Swiss Super League, prompting their often outspoken chairman Christian Constantin to declare that his players should be ashamed of themselves. Constantin has pulled the trigger on a string of coaches, and you sense the chamber is loaded for the current incumbent Didier Tholot.
Away day woes for Sion
Sion are finding life tough on the road, and have won just one of their five away games. Finding the net has been a big problem away from home, with just five goals scored.
With a Merseyside derby on the horizon, it would be a big surprise if Rodgers was to field a full-strength side, but that doesn't mean he can't select an XI well capable of sweeping aside Sion. Although the visitors do have some experienced campaigners like defender Vilmos Vanczak and attacking midfielder Carlitos, there should be nothing there to frighten even a weakened Liverpool side.
"But they needed penalties to beat Carlisle!" I hear you cry. Well yes, that was an awful display, but I think Liverpool's weekend win over Villa has injected some much-needed confidence into the group (using the word 'group' shows I've been listening to Rodgers too much). Despite Sion's win over Rubin Kazan, I just don't fancy them away from home, and I think Liverpool will have a clutch of players keen to impress ahead of that trip to Goodison Park. Liverpool's current home record doesn't lend itself to backing an Anfield victory but, man-for-man, the hosts are a far stronger outfit.
Ahead of this kind of fixture, Liverpool would normally be shorter than 1.60, so I think that's a good price for the home win. We can boost that to above evens by backing the hosts -1.0 on the Asian Handicap, which gives us our stake back if Liverpool win by a single goal, but pays out in the event of a bigger margin of victory.
Recommended Bet
Back Liverpool -1.0 on the Asian Handicap at 2.02
