Liverpool v Zenit: Win may not be enough for Reds progression
Published:Heading into the second leg of this Europa League round of 32 tie, Liverpool have a mountain to climb in order to reach the last 16 of the competition.
They are 7/10 to beat Zenit in 90 minutes at Anfield, but at 2-0 down on aggregate, simply winning the match in 90 minutes may not be enough to see them progress.
The Reds were gunned down in Russia by strikes from Hulk and Sergey Semak, and the visitors’ impressive attacking options will make it difficult for the hosts to keep a clean sheet.
That is a notion solidified by the five Group A goals Liverpool conceded at Anfield prior to this stage of the tournament.
However, they have held firm in eight Premier League home games this term, and those fancying the Reds to record a much-needed shutout can back them to do so at 13/8.
It is 19/10 that Liverpool beat their Russian visitors without conceding, whilst the 2-0 home win that would force extra-time is a 15/2 shot.
Goals have certainly been prevalent throughout ‘Pool’s European campaign this season, with 20 emanating from their six group games.
Liverpool won four of those matches, and considering the average amount of strikes in their games, they look a shrewd 13/8 punt to win a game involving over 2.5 goals.
Visitors Zenit are likely to make it difficult for an Anfield goalfest to ensue however, in the knowledge that they need only a draw to advance.
The 2008 champions are 13/5 to leave Merseyside with the stalemate they require, whilst they can be backed to complete a double over the Reds at 4/1.
Perhaps most frustrating for Liverpool is the fact that they are unable to field Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, both cup-tied, after each starred in their most recent league outing.
Both scored in a 5-0 demolition of Swansea, but the goalscoring burden could now once again be set to lie with Uruguayan hotshot Luis Suarez.
The forward, eager to prove a point after wasting several chances in the first leg of this tie, looks a good first scorer option at 10/3.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
