As many already know, Ligue 1 and the Premier League happen to be supremely different in the style of play preferred. For Liverpool, this may be the time to take advantage of that difference specifically in speed.
On the wings, seeing good interplay between Roberto Firmino, Nathaniel Clyne, and potentially Jordon Ibe, will mean that the pacey line can push forward ahead of the typically sluggish side, who have been on a run of shaky form for the last six weeks.
Sitting rather meekly at 13th in the table, Bordeaux recently drew 2-2 with Rennes in a match that saw Enzo Crivelli put a goal away before half-time. This performance, directly contrasted by their 3-1 home victory over AS Monaco a few short weeks earlier is tried and true a representation of the ups and downs the club has faced in recent times.
After the 1-1 draw with the French outfit back in September, the Kop will be looking to capitalise upon the recent 4-1 shellacking of Manchester City to extract a full three points and move closer to the top of the Group B table, in direct competition with Sion.
Who to watch
At Bordeaux, there is a lack of a true, prolific scorer leading the charge which has lead to a wealth of contribution across the pitch towards results. Wahbi Khazri is a name to consider as he is their leading goal-tallier at the moment. But perhaps more importantly for the Liverpool attack is recognising the presence of Diego Contento who brings a worldly taught and educated footballing mind to Bordeaux’s back line.
With Philippe Coutinho being out, at least for the Thursday match, it’ll be important to see who steps in to fill his shoes for the midweek fixture. Ibe could see a significant run of form, what with Jurgen Klopp’s paternal love-fest and all, and Firmino seems poised to continue his brilliant run as of late as well.
A win would bring Liverpool to nine points in the table and guarantee their qualification for the next round; a sight and result that all supporters of the Redmen will be cautiously optimistic about achieving.
