Liverpool did not have the best of warm-ups for their long-awaited Champions League return and will be looking to shake off the frustrating loss at Manchester City by attempting to beat tough La Liga side Sevilla.

Jurgen Klopp feeling the heat

After failing to materialize most of their summer transfer dealings, Premier League Liverpool find themselves in a tough position as they begin their two-front race with a significantly weaker squad that their main rivals both domestically and internationally. The Reds have had a solid start to the new Premier League season but the 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City was a wakeup call and a warning to Jurgen Klopp who will find it hard to compete with significantly reinforced Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea for the Premier league honours. On the other side, Liverpool have been given a seemingly favourable draw in the Champions League with Sevilla, Spartak Moscow and Maribor also in the group E. First up are the Spanish side Sevilla who did great to beat Reds 3-1 in the Europa League final two seasons ago. The Reds are keen to exact vengeance for the loss that deprived of Champions League football last season and are expected to go strong with their recognizable style of play from the off.

Defender Ragnar Klavan is expected to surrender his place in the starting line-up after a terrible display against Manchester City. Dejan Lovren is expected to make his return, together with Philippe Coutinho who is expected to be reintroduced after a difficult summer which got him at odds with the supporters.

Sevilla still force to be reckoned with

They might have changed their team significantly compared to the one which defeated Liverpool last time these two sides met, but Sevilla are nevertheless a strong side which can cause plenty of problems to Reds at Anfield. Sevilla boss Eduardo Berizzo has his team playing an aggressive, man-marking and fluent brand of football he learned from his mentor Marcelo Bielsa and will not budge in front of a pressure at Anfield. Sevilla will reply with pressure when they are pressed and we should expect and openly-contested competition between two very exciting sides. Rojiblancos will look to exploit Liverpool’s defensive frailties and punish then from quick counterattacks with their strong midfielder and quick-feet attack. With the likes of Luis Muriel, Simon Kjaer, Ever Banega and former Manchester City man Nolito all arriving this summer, Sevilla are once again boasting a competitive side with players who fit perfectly in Berizzo’s style of play characterized by holding the backline high up the field and easy transition into attack.

Daniel Carrico, David Sorria and Franco Vazquez are the three unavailable players for the match at Anfield. The three of them are all ruled out with injuries and will not be able to help their team.

Verdict

Sevilla travel to Anfield on the back on an unbeaten run which stretches to seven matches on the trot. Liverpool will be kjeen to bounce back from their disappointing defeat at Manchester City and a strong response should be expected from Klopp’s men. With little to separate the two sides, goals are the best option in our opinion.

Top pick: Over 2.5 goals   1.62 (8/13) @Betfair

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – yes   1.62 (8/13) @10Bet

Alternative pick 2: Draw no Bet – Sevilla   3.5 (5/2) @Bet365