Liverpool plays top Romanian club Steaua Bucharest at Anfield Thursday night in the first round of the Europa League group stages. The clubs have faced off three times in the past and the last meeting was the 2003 UEFA Cup. Bucharest worked it to a 1-1 draw at home and Liverpool won 1-0 at home.
Liverpool has been average in the Premier League this season with three wins, one loss and a draw in the last five matches. They have scored just four goals in that span, while also letting in four. Steaua Bucharest has been the same with three wins, one loss and a draw in the last five fixtures. The club won both matches against the Swiss club, Grasshopper, to qualify for the Europa League group stages. Bucharest has scored five goals in the last five matches, but let in only two.
Steaua Bucharest is at the top of the Romanian League with four wins and two draw in six matches. They are coached by former Tottenham Hotspur player, Ilie Dumitrescu. Greek player Pantelis Kapetanos has provided the spark on offense with 26 goals in 55 appearances for the club, as has Godan Stancu with 24 goals in 61 appearances. Both are solid bets to score at Anfield. Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson hasn’t named his side yet, but it looks like he will be resting Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. New signing Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic should get plenty of action, as should newcomer Raul Meireles in his full debut.
Liverpool would normally have no problem getting past Steaua Bucharest, but this team has not been at its best form. We could see an upset at Anfield. To be safe, lay Bucharest to cover the draw or Liverpool win. Or, since neither teams have let in many goals, take advantage of the under 2.75 goals market. We should see two goals or less in this match.
Liverpool vs. Steau Bucharest Match Odds (provided by Party Bets)
Liverpool: 1/14
Draw: 17/2
Steau Bucharest: 50/1