Live on Premier Sports: Thurs 19.00: Liverpool are 16/1 with bet365 to eventually win the Europa League and they get their campaign under way tomorrow in Belarus, where they tackle FC Gomel in a qualifying tie.
In terms of European pedigree, the Belarusian Super Cup winners are some way behind Brendan Rodgers’ side having never reached the group stage of any competition and it’s therefore not hugely surprising to see the Reds installed as emphatic 2/5 favourites by Stan James to take a lead back to Anfield for next week’s second leg.
Gomel, despite home advantage, are as high as 8/1 with bet365 to rack up a first leg advantage and it’s 7/2 courtesy of BetVictor to finish all square in the Central Stadion, a result that would benefit Liverpool more than the hosts.
Nevertheless, the Carling Cup holders should still have too much for their less illustrious opponents and they can put themselves firmly in the driving seat by cruising to victory in Belarus’ second city.
Ladbrokes post 6/5 against a victory ‘to nil’ for the Reds, who are 5/1 (Paddy Power) to card a 2-0 triumph and 5/6 via William Hill to be in front at the end of each half.
With Luis Suarez in action in the Olympics with Uruguay and Andy Carroll strongly linked with a loan switch to West Ham, new signing Fabio Borini could be given a chance to shine in attack and Ladbrokes rate the Italian front man at 9/2 to break the deadlock. BetVictor meanwhile, offer a slightly chunkier 5/1 for a Steven Gerrard opener.
Recommended Bets:
Fabio Borini to score first – 9/2 (Ladbrokes)
Compare all Europa League odds and bet at the best price.
