Liverpool vs Union Saint-Gilloise: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Reds and USG will lock horns for the first time

Liverpool started their UEFA Europa League Group E matches with a comeback win against Austria's LASK last month. Winning this week can make them the favourites to move to the next round. Coming into the competition, Jurgen Klopp's side were looking to dominate their group and a win on Thursday will just ensure that.

After the controversial loss to Tottenham, Jurgen Klopp's team needs a morale boost. Liverpool believes they had a legitimate goal disallowed and has called for clearer communication from VAR in the future. A victory at Anfield can help with this, especially as off-pitch issues continue.

On the other hand, their Belgian visitors, Union Saint-Gilloise have been dominant in the Jupiler Pro League since their promotion in 2021. They've won the title once, finished second last year, and are currently leading this season.

While they are underdogs, Union Saint-Gilloise believes they can pull off a surprise at Anfield. In addition to this, they even reached the quarter-finals of the competition last season. So, it is safe to say that the Reds must not take the USG challenge lightly.

Kick-off

Thursday, 5th October 2023, 8 PM GMT

Friday, 6th October 2023, 12:30 AM IST

Location: Anfield

Form

Liverpool (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W-L

Union Saint-Gilloise (in all competitions): D-L-D-W-W-W

Players to watch

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

Many still do not realize what a talented player Ryan Gravenberch is. Similar to how he wasn't fully recognized, and not utilized, at Bayern Munich. However, since joining Liverpool, he has shown great promise. In just two starts, he has already provided two assists for the Reds. Further, Gravenberch has also secured his place in the starting XI for the Europa League and Cup games.

Mohamed Amoura (USG)

The traveling USG fans will be putting all their hopes for Mohamed Amoura to lead the attack from the front. The 23-year-old Algerian already has 4 goals in 6 games for the Belgian side, across all the tournaments. In the first group-stage game of the UEL this season, against Toulouse, Amoura equalized it for USG in the 69th minute. Saving his team from the early blemishes.

Match facts

• It's worth noting that the Mac Allister brothers might have a face-off on the field. Alexis Mac Allister is with Liverpool, while Kevin Mac Allister is with Union Saint-Gilloise.
• Union Saint-Gilloise last faced an English team in the 1958-60 Inter-Cities Fairs’ Cup, where they lost to Birmingham City in both matches.
• Liverpool's Darwin Nunez has an impressive track record in the UEFA Europa League, with eight goal involvements (6 goals, 2 assists) in eight appearances.

Injury and team news

Cody Gakpo might not play for the Reds because he hurt his knee against Tottenham. He was seen wearing a brace when he left London. So, Jurgen Klopp is expected to shuffle his team for the UEL, before the Brighton game. Meaning, Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, and Harvey Elliott are likely to play on Thursday night.

As for the away team, German striker Dennis Eckert might not play for USG because he got a knock. Other than that the squad looks at their peak. Now, whether or not Kevin Mac will get a start against his brother's side he is surely eyeing for a feature in the game.

Head-to-head

This will be the first meeting between the two sides.

Predicted lineup for Liverpool vs Union Saint-Gilloise

Liverpool Predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Gravenberch; Doak, Nunez, Jones

USG Predicted lineup (3-4-1-2):

Moris; K. Mac Allister, Burgess, Machida; Castro-Montes, Vanhoutte, Peurtas, Lapoussin; Amani; Nilsson, Amoura

Match prediction

While Liverpool are favourites to easily go past the challenge from Union St.-Gilloise, well, it is not going to be easy. USG can be seen as one of the underdogs of the UEL. Having said that, even if Klopp decides to bench the stars, they can always come and make a difference. So, we are going with a Liverpool victory.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 1 USG

Telecast details

India- Sony Sports Network

UK– TNT Sports

USA– Paramount+

Nigeria – SuperSport