Liverpool return to the Raiffeisen Arena to face LASK, an opponent they know from their 2023 Europa League campaign. The English side won both meetings on that occasion, but the Austrian hosts will be hoping to make better use of home advantage this time.

Liverpool’s previous visit to Linz

Liverpool’s last trip to the Raiffeisen Arena came in September 2023, when Jürgen Klopp’s side were forced to recover from an early setback.

Florian Flecker gave LASK the lead after 14 minutes, putting the visitors under pressure before half-time. Liverpool eventually turned the match around through Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah, securing a 3–1 victory.

The return fixture at Anfield was considerably more comfortable. Liverpool won 4–0, with Cody Gakpo scoring twice and Díaz and Salah also getting on the scoresheet.

Those matches showed the difference in individual quality between the clubs, although LASK’s performance in the first half of the meeting in Austria demonstrated that they were capable of troubling stronger opposition.

Liverpool’s attacking quality

Liverpool have undergone considerable changes since their previous meetings with LASK. Klopp’s departure marked the end of an era, and the squad has continued to evolve.

However, Liverpool’s expectations in European competition remain high. They are accustomed to facing opponents who defend deep and attempt to frustrate them, making patience and movement in possession important parts of their approach.

Against LASK, Liverpool will want to establish control in midfield and prevent the hosts from building momentum through counter-attacks. Their ability to move the ball quickly between the lines could be particularly important if the Austrian side adopt a compact defensive shape.

The visitors also need to be alert when possession changes hands. LASK demonstrated during the clubs’ previous meeting in Linz that they can take advantage of opportunities to attack quickly.

LASK face a difficult European test

LASK’s return to the Champions League began with a 1–0 defeat away to AEK Athens in September. It was a disappointing start for the Austrian club, who now face one of the most demanding opponents in their league-phase schedule.

Their domestic form has also been inconsistent. Recent defeats against Sturm Graz and Rapid Wien, together with a 3–3 draw against Hartberg, have highlighted problems with maintaining defensive stability.

Dietmar Kühbauer’s side will need to be organised without the ball, but simply defending for 90 minutes would be a dangerous approach. Liverpool possess the quality to exploit sustained pressure, while LASK will need to find opportunities through quick transitions and set pieces.

Christoph Lang and Samuel Adeniran are among the players capable of causing problems for the visitors. Their movement and ability to hold possession in attacking areas could help LASK relieve pressure and give the home supporters something to respond to.

Liverpool looking to recover from City defeat

Liverpool travel to Austria after suffering a 3–0 Premier League defeat against Manchester City. Ryan Gravenberch’s second-half dismissal made an already difficult match considerably harder, and Andoni Iraola will want a response from his players.

The visitors also have injury concerns. Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to miss the match, limiting Iraola’s options.

Liverpool nevertheless have considerable attacking quality available. Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola will be looking to make an impact, particularly against opponents who have struggled to keep clean sheets.

Their opening Champions League fixture ended in a 2–1 victory over Atlético Madrid, giving Liverpool three points ahead of the trip to Linz.

Verdict

Liverpool should have enough quality to dictate much of the match, even with several important players unavailable. LASK’s recent defensive problems are concerning against opponents capable of creating chances through sustained possession and quick combinations. However, the Austrian side have previously troubled Liverpool at the Raiffeisen Arena and will be encouraged to attack when opportunities arise. With Liverpool looking for a response after their weekend defeat and LASK needing a positive result, there are reasonable grounds to expect at least three goals.

Tip

Over 2.5 goals