Gomel v Liverpool: Rodgers expected to pass first big test
Published:Brendan Rodgers’ first competitive game as Liverpool boss sees his side installed as the 1/3 favourites against Belarusian side Gomel.
Much of the pre-match talk has been about the future of striker Andy Carroll and tonight’s game will shed no light on the situation, with the £35million man being left behind with a groin strain.
He’s not the only forward missing for Liverpool, with Craig Bellamy and Luis Suarez both in Olympic action for Team GB and Uruguay respectively.
However, despite the absentees, Liverpool should have enough to get something out of their early season encounter…
Match odds
Liverpool are the 1/3 favourites to win this clash against the Belarus side and it’s hard to see beyond a win for Rodgers’ men.
Gomel finished last season third in the Belarusian Premier League but made it to the Europa League qualifying stages by virtue of lifting their domestic cup.
They are 6/1 to get a shock win against Liverpool in this clash but have never progressed past the first round of any European competition.
Rodgers’ style of play may take some time to bed in though and, if you fancy backing something at slightly longer odds, then having a punt on the draw at 10/3 may be worth looking into.
Other markets
With Liverpool missing several important players, expect them to keep things tight and not give much away in terms of possession ahead of their second leg encounter.
Backing under 2.5 goals looks worth a punt at 8/11.
Meanwhile, Fabio Borini may be set to make his competitive debut for the Reds and the Italian looks most likely to find the net for the visitors at 6/5.
