Champions League
2009-09-16 - Liverpool vs Debrecen
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : UEFA : Champions League 2009/10
Wednesday, 16th September 2009 - Kickoff 19:45
Liverpool
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has made it clear on the eve of this match that the priority for the Reds this season is the Premier League and not to focus all of their energies into this competition, a criticism that has been leveled at them during the reign of the Spaniard.
Liverpool sit in 5th position in the Premier League after 5 games. They have a 2-0-1 record at Anfield where they have scored 9 goals and conceded 3. Both wins have come courtesy of 4-0 scorelines.
The Reds only suffered 1 defeat last season in the Champions League which led to their Quarter Final demise at the hands of Chelsea. Liverpool ended 4-1-1 at Anfield last season. They were 2-1-0 here in the group stages.
Dan Agger is missing again for Benitez but he has an otherwise same squad from the win over Burnley at the weekend. He is known for chopping and changing but I would be surprised if Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres do not start.
Debrecen
Debrecen are the first Hungarian side to reach this stage of the competition since 1995/96 season. It will be a big step up in class for them and I think it would be an amazing achievement if they did not finish bottom of the group also containing Lyon and Fiorentina.
Due to all of their Champions League commitments, Debrecen have played 2 games less than their league challengers this season and are in 5th position but only 3 points behind the leaders. They have a 4-0-1 record but are only 1-0-1 away from home where they have scored 1 goal and conceded 1 goal. They have won 9 games in a row in all competitions.
The Hungarian side played in the UEFA Cup last season but did not get by the Qualifying stage, losing at home and away to Young Boys from Switzerland.
There is no team news that I have access to at this moment.
Head to Head
This will be their first meeting in competition.
Debrecen have played against an English side in recent seasons. Manchester United met them in the Champions League Qualifying stage in 2005 and won both games 3-0.
Prediction
Liverpool will be very happy to start their campaign against the minnows of the group at home, although any lack of concentration may prove costly. Liverpool have looked strong at home against sides that look to defend so far in their 3 games and will feel confident of getting a positive result.
Debrecen will look to get their best results by making it difficult for sides when they come to Hungary. This is going to be a new experience for many of their players in front of a well known and respected support.
I think Liverpool are going to win this one comfortably. They perform well in Europe and while they have bigger tests on the horizon, this should be an easy 3 points.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Liverpool 4-0 Debrecen
