Liverpool will be hoping to put their tumultuous week behind them as they travel to Moscow looking for vital points in group E. Both teams drew their opening matches – Liverpool with Sevilla and Spartak with Maribor – which leaves the group fascinatingly poised. Jurgen Klopp has received criticism for the way his team has performed of late and he’ll be fully aware of the need to collect points as soon as possible.
UEFA Champions’ League Group E – Spartak Moscow v Liverpool – Otkrytiye Arena
Tuesday 26th September 2017
Kick-off: 19.45 GMT
Spartak Moscow – Best Odds – 15/4 (Bet 365)
Liverpool – Best Odds – 4/5 (Stan James)
Draw – Best Odds – 3/1 (Betway)
Spartak Moscow
Spartak are currently sat in 8th place in the Russian Premier league – 11 points adrift of early season pace setters Zenit St Petersburg. They have only won 1 of their last six games in all competitions and have conceded 15 goals in 10 league games. Luiz Adriano will lead the line for the ‘People’s Team’ and Liverpool will have to be wary of the threat he poses.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s much documented struggle of late has been down to their inability to keep clean sheets – conceding 10 goals in their last 4 games. Their midweek defeat at Leicester in the Carabao Cup highlighted the lack of strength Liverpool possess in their squad outside of their starting XI. Sadio Mane is available for European competition and will want to make an impact whilst he serves the last game of his domestic suspension.
Head to Head
These two teams have met on 4 occasions previously with both teams managing two wins each. Spartak won both legs of a UEFA European Cup Winners Cup tie in 1992 whilst Liverpool got revenge 10 years later with back to back wins in the Champions League in 2002. The reverse fixture will take place between the two sides on Wednesday 6th December at Anfield.
Odds and Predictions
Liverpool’s inability to keep a clean sheet has been a problem all season and Spartak will fancy their chances of scoring here.
Both teams to score looks good at 4/5 with Bet 365.
Liverpool need a boost and will be targeting this one as a winnable game.
Liverpool to win the match is a good punt at 4/5 with Stan James.
Sadio Mane will be desperate to make an impact in Moscow.
Sadio Mane to score anytime is a savvy bet at 9/5 with Paddy Power.
Spartak will have home support and will look to take the game to Liverpool.
Over 2.5 goals in the game represents good value at 4/5 with Bet Victor.
Score Prediction
Spartak Moscow 1 – 3 Liverpool – 11/1 with Bet 365.
Top Betting Tip
Liverpool will know the enormity of the task ahead of them here but need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
Liverpool to win and both teams to score is 5/2 with Ladbrokes.