Match Preview: Sporting Braga vs Liverpool

Posted on 10. Mar, 2011 by Dominic Campbell in Match Reports

Liverpool have travelled to Portugal in a bid to overcome a tough SC Braga side in the last 16 of the Europa League. The tournament has come to the business end as all teams involved field their strongest possible teams in hope of being crowned Europa League champions.

Overview

This is the first time that these two teams have met in European competition and Liverpool will be hoping to vanquish some demons having failed to beat Portuguese opposition on away soil in over 5 attempts. However, having yet to face difficult opponents and struggling to break down stubborn defences, Liverpool will be boosted by the convincing win over Manchester United.

Roy Hodgson has offered his backing to the squad he once managed, while Kenny Dalglish will attempt to better his predecessor’s record by going unbeaten in Europe until the very last.

While Braga may not be the biggest name in football, they are not to be taken lightly at home as Arsenal fans will testify. The Gunners lost 2-0 at the AXA stadium earlier this season in the Champions League and only a loss in their final group game against Shakhtar Donetsk prevented The Arsenalistas from progressing into the last sixteen of the tournament.

Team News

All eyes will undoubtedly be on Andy Carroll as the club’s record signing looks to get some more minutes under his belt. The 22-year-old had a 15-minute run-out during the 3 – 1 rout of Manchester United and looks set to be more heavily involved tonight’s proceedings. He will wear the number 29 jersey, as Fernando Torres has already worn the number 9 for the Reds in European competition this season.

One key player who will miss the game is Steven Gerrard, who has been ruled out of action as reports surface that the talismanic captain may require surgery on a troublesome groin. Fabio Aurelio will also be absent after sustaining a hamstring tear over the weekend while Daniel Agger is sidelined with calf strain.

And although Luis Suarez, Martin Kelly and Jonjo Shelvey will play no part due to ineligibility and injury, the trio have all been included in the travelling squad as Kenny Dalglish looks to build a sense of camaraderie at the club.

Dirk Kuyt, who has notched 4 goals in his last 3 games, is likely to continue in his striking role with David N’gog alongside him.

The travelling squad: Jones, Johnson, Meireles, Suarez, Carroll, Cole, Pacheco, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Kuyt, Lucas, Wilson, Carragher, Ngog, Reina, Spearing, Poulsen, Shelvey, Kelly, Skrtel, Hansen, Gulacsi, Flanagan, Mendy.

Starting XI’s

Braga (unconfirmed): Artur, Miguel Garcia, Kaka, Rodriguez, Silvio, Hugo Viana, Custodio, Vinicius, Alan, Lima, Ukra.

Liverpool (confirmed): Reina, Carragher, Johnson, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Lucas, Poulsen, Spearing, Cole, Meireles, Kuyt.

Subs: Gulacsi, Pacheco, Carroll, Wilson, Ngog, Maxi, Flanagan.

Stats

0 – Liverpool have won 0 of their last 5 encounters on Portuguese turf.

6 – Both teams are currently 6th in their domestic leagues with the Europa League their last chance at silverware.

1 – Liverpool have only lost once in their last 10 games. To better that stat, they have not been beaten in Europe this season.

15 – Dirk Kuyt has scored 15 goals in Europe throughout his time at Liverpool. Most of these goals have been crucial equalisers or winners.

29 – Andy Carroll will wear the no.29 jersey should he feature. He cannot use his regular No.9 jersey as Fernando Torres has already donned the top in the Europa League this season.

Quotes

“I had a talk with the manager. I explained to him Braga had a magnificent season last campaign and finished second, even in front of Porto. With the same players and another years’ experience, I expect Braga to be an even tougher competitor. ” – Meireles gives Dalglish some pointers ahead of the game.

I know Braga very well and have played against them many times. They have a good team and the manager is a very good and always prepares his teams well at home. I expect it to be a tough match but we are ready.”  - Meireles ready for a tough encounter.

“We’re as desperate to get him on the pitch as he is. But we’ll be responsible. The games are part and parcel of his fitness and recuperation, and we’ll be as responsible as the medical people have been. Andy and ourselves will both have to be patient.” – Dalglish admitting he is desperate for Andy Carroll to play, but refuses to rush the no.9 back into action.

“I can see Liverpool going all the way in Europe – and I sincerely hope they do,” Roy Hodgson voicing his support.

Fan’s view

Prediction

1 – 2

With both teams unsure of a European place next season, I expect this game to be closely contested. Braga will want to travel to Anfield without conceding while Liverpool will be hoping to snatch an away goal or two. In saying that, I have never been the best at predictions, so knowing my luck this will probably end up being another boring encounter.

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