Newslanes Media
Image Credit: Standard.co.uk
Liverpool will host Toulouse FC in the Europa League group stage on Thursday, August 24, 2023. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST at Anfield.
Liverpool
Liverpool come into the match in good form, having won their last three games in all competitions. The Reds defeated Bournemouth 9-0 in the Premier League, followed by a 3-0 win over Rangers in the Champions League, and a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool are expected to start with a strong team against Toulouse. Jurgen Klopp is likely to rotate his squad slightly, but the Reds will still have a world-class lineup on the pitch.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Luis Diaz are expected to start in attack, with Roberto Firmino playing behind them. In midfield, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Thiago Alcantara are likely to start.
At the back, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are expected to start at center-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson playing at full-back. Alisson Becker will start in goal.
Toulouse
Toulouse come into the match in mixed form. The French club have won three of their last five games, but they have also lost two of their last five games.
Toulouse are expected to start with a defensive lineup against Liverpool. The French club will likely try to soak up the pressure from Liverpool and hit them on the counter-attack.
Aaron Leya Iseka is expected to start in attack for Toulouse, with Zakaria Aboukhlal playing behind him. In midfield, Branco van den Boomen, Stijn Spierings, and Nathan Ngoumou are likely to start.
At the back, Rasmus Nicolaisen and Anthony Rouault are expected to start at center-back, with Issiaga Sylla and Mikkel Desler playing at full-back. Maxime Dupé will start in goal.
Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool and Toulouse have never met before in a competitive match.
Prediction
Liverpool are the clear favorites to win the match. The Reds have a better squad than Toulouse and they are playing at home.
However, Toulouse are a dangerous team on the counter-attack, and they will be looking to frustrate Liverpool and catch them out on the break.
I predict that Liverpool will win the match 3-1.
Key Players
Liverpool: Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker
Toulouse: Aaron Leya Iseka, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Branco van den Boomen, Stijn Spierings, Nathan Ngoumou, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Anthony Rouault, Issiaga Sylla, Mikkel Desler, Maxime Dupé
Tactics
Liverpool are expected to start in a 4-3-3 formation. The Reds will try to dominate possession and create chances from wide areas.
Toulouse are expected to start in a 5-3-2 formation. The French club will try to soak up the pressure from Liverpool and hit them on the counter-attack.
Conclusion
Liverpool are the clear favorites to win the match, but Toulouse are a dangerous team on the counter-attack. The match is likely to be an entertaining one, with both teams looking to score goals.