Liverpool FC vs Basel - Competition: Champions League
Liverpool
have admittedly begun to turn around their poor form, and after going 4
consecutive matches without a defeat, the Reds will be in full
confidence headed into their midweek clash with Basel. However, in their
previous meeting, Liverpool were clearly missing their departed striker
Luis Suarez and their injured hit-man Daniel Sturridge, as Basel held
them to a shut out to claim a vital 3 points. But the hosts pulled
themselves back into contention with a 2:2 draw against Ludogorets,
though they admittedly blew the chance at all 3 points by conceding late
into the match. It came as no surprise to anyone who has followed the
Reds this season, as their defence has been in shambles all year. They
were able to mask their defensive woes last term with a high-flying
attack, but now they have been forced to play with Rickie Lambert and
Mario Balotelli, both of whom have shown flashes of ability but have
largely disappointed in their debut season with the club. The Englishman
will likely get the start once again, and he must be clinical against a
stern defence that has conceded just 2 Champions League goals since
getting whacked by Real Madrid 5:1 on opening day. While we like
Liverpool’s chances of advancing to the next round, they just seem
destined for mediocrity until they can get some of the new players
firing and their goal-machine striker Daniel Sturridge back from injury.
Basel team must love getting matched up with
English opposition in the UCL, where they have lost just 1
of their 9 meetings with English clubs. They have already conquered
Liverpool this year at home 1:0, as a Marco Streller goal was the
difference in a match that saw them shut down the offensively-challenged
Reds. Led by talented 22-year-old centre-back Fabian Schar, the defence
has been excellent since getting dismantled by Real Madrid on opening
day (1:5). They have conceded just 9 goals in their last 16 competitive
fixtures, including containing Madrid despite falling in defeat 0:1.
Considering how ineffective Liverpool’s offense has been this season,
the visitors will be confident of their chances at claiming 2nd place.
While they don’t need to win the match to advance, they have won on 7 of
their last 8 competitive outings, managing to keep 5 clean sheets in
the process. This match could admittedly go very badly for the Swiss
club, but with such a strong defence and an experienced striker in Marco
Streller to lead them, we fancy this match ending in a draw to send
them through to the knockout round.
Match date: Tuesday, 9 December 2014
Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT
Venue: Anfield Road, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT
Venue: Anfield Road, Liverpool, United Kingdom
