2016 UEFA Europa League Final – Liverpool Team Preview / Predictions

Liverpool (+130)

Team Strengths:

What makes Liverpool such a tough team to beat nowadays is their prolific attack. The Reds have scored 11 goals in their last six Europa League matches, seven of which have come in their recent home wins against Borussia Dortmund and Villareal. That offensive firepower enabled Liverpool to record second-leg comebacks at Anfield.

Key to the Reds’ late-season charge has been the excellent form of Philippe Coutinho. He has flourished under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, with the Brazilian nabbing 12 goals this season. Coutinho’s switch to the left flank has reinvigorated not only his career but also Liverpool’s chances in this competition. Ever since he became an attacking left midfielder, he has recorded four goals and an assist for the Reds.

Team Weaknesses:

As good as Liverpool’s offense can be, though, their defense has been problematic for them this season. The Reds’ backline have looked fragile this campaign, recording just 11 clean sheets in the Premier League this season. To make matters worse for the club, Mamadou Sakho is out for the Europa League final after failing a UEFA doping test back in March.

The pressure then is on 35-year-old Kolo Toure to hold the fort for the Liverpool defense against Sevilla. It will be interesting to see how the veteran center-back will cope with the speed of Sevilla’s attack this coming Wednesday. The Reds will take comfort in the fact, however, that he looked solid in Liverpool’s 3-0 win against Villareal. The Ivorian was a rock in defense, alongside Dejan Lovren, with his vast experience shining through on several key moments of that semifinal match.

Team Stats (During Europa League):

Category | Stat
Goals Scored Per Game | 1.29
Goals Conceded Per Game | 0.71
Goal Attempts Per Game | 16.79
Pass Completion Percentage | 89%
Ball Possession Percentage | 55%

Starting Lineup:

Position | Name (Age) | Career Appearances (Liverpool) | Goals
Goalie | Simon Mignolet (28) | 106 | 0
Defender | Nathaniel Clyne (25) | 32 | 1
Defender | Dejan Lovren (26) | 49 | 0
Defender | Kolo Toure (35) | 46 | 1
Defender | Alberto Moreno (23) | 60 | 3
Midfielder | Adam Lallana (28) | 56 | 9
Midfielder | Emre Can (22) | 56 | 2
Midfielder | James Milner (30) | 28 | 9
Midfielder | Philippe Coutinho (23) | 105 | 21
Midfielder | Roberto Firmino (24) | 30 | 10
Forward | Daniel Sturridge (26) | 68 | 43

Writer’s Prediction

Liverpool (+130) capture yet another European title with a dramatic penalty shootout win against Sevilla.

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