Liverpool's remarkable 17-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League came to an end in a dramatic and controversial manner with a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The match saw VAR mistakenly disallowing Luis Diaz's first-half goal, followed by Curtis Jones's contentious red card after a VAR review.
Later in the second half, Diogo Jota received two yellow cards, reducing Liverpool to nine men, and Joel Matip's unfortunate own goal in the 96th minute added to their woes. Jurgen Klopp expressed his frustration with the officials, and Liverpool, currently fourth in the Premier League, issued a strong statement claiming that "sporting integrity has been undermined" and vowed to explore options to address the matter.
In light of the ongoing VAR controversy in the Premier League, Liverpool eagerly anticipates a midweek return to Anfield as they resume their Europa League group-stage campaign against Union SG, a team they've never faced before.
Liverpool has a strong record in Europa League home matches, winning 15 out of their last 21, and they've triumphed in their last seven group-stage games in UEFA competitions. Moreover, they've only lost once in their previous 15 encounters with Belgian teams, a 3-1 defeat to Anderlecht in the 1978 European Super Cup. On the other hand, Union SG, participating in the Europa League group stage for the second consecutive season, secured a draw in their opening Group E match against Toulouse.
Union SG has been in good form, winning three consecutive Belgian Pro League matches, including a 3-1 home victory over Charleroi. They currently top the league table on goal difference after six games. While finishing above Liverpool in Group E seems challenging, securing the second spot ahead of Toulouse and LASK Linz appears to be a realistic goal for Alexander Blessin's side.
Union SG aims to make history as the first Belgian club to avoid defeat at Anfield, and they have reasons to be optimistic, considering their unbeaten away record in last season's Europa League. Their only previous encounter with English opposition was in the 1958-60 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup when they lost both legs against Birmingham City.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Liverpool has encountered some injury setbacks as forward Cody Gakpo is facing an extended absence due to a knee injury sustained while scoring a first-half equalizer against Spurs last weekend. Additionally, Thiago Alcantara is dealing with a hip issue, and Stefan Bajcetic has a calf injury, both of which are keeping them sidelined.To cope with these injuries, Jurgen Klopp is expected to make some changes to the starting lineup. Caoimhin Kelleher is likely to step in for Alisson Becker in goal, and there may be starts for Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas as full-backs. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently recovered from a hamstring problem, might begin on the bench.
With Cody Gakpo out, Darwin Nunez is the frontrunner to replace him in the forward position. Players like Diogo Jota, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Harvey Elliott are all vying for a spot in the starting XI after coming on as substitutes in the previous match.
Union SG, on the other hand, has a minor injury concern regarding star striker Dennis Eckert Ayensa, who has missed the last four games due to a knock. His availability for Thursday's clash will be assessed. Ayensa has been in fine form, scoring seven goals in eight appearances this season. If he's unavailable, Gustaf Nilsson is expected to lead the attack, with Amoura, Cameron Puertas, and Lazare Amani competing for a place in the attacking lineup.
In defense, Boca Juniors loanee Kevin Mac Allister, who happens to be the brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, is likely to start in a back three alongside former Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess and Fedde Leysen. Alessio Castro-Montes and Loic Lapoussin could also return to the starting lineup to play on the flanks.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Jota
Union SG possible starting lineup:
Morris; Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen; Castro-Montes, Sadiki, Vanhoutte, Lapoussin; Amani, Nilsson, Puertas
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 4-2 Union SG
Union SG's strong record on the road is a positive sign as they prepare to visit Anfield, and they might feel confident about scoring, especially since Liverpool has allowed goals in 10 out of their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Nonetheless, Liverpool, with their abundance of talent, should prove to be a formidable challenge for the Belgian visitors, even if Jurgen Klopp opts to give some key players a break. The Reds are expected to secure maximum points without much difficulty, maintaining their flawless start in Group E.
