Hearts v Liverpool: Reds can gain solid footing in Scotland
Published:Liverpool travel to Scotland to take on Hearts for the first time ever in a Europa League qualifying play-off.
And the Reds look good to assert their dominance over the SPL side by recording a victory at 8/15.
Despite suffering a disappointing opening-day defeat to West Brom, the quality within the Merseyside outfits’ ranks is far superior to their hosts, and it should show at Tynecastle.
Punters who do fancy the home side though can have 11/2 about a Hearts win, and their unbeaten domestic record thus far will encourage those taking that price on.
Their two draws from three league games may also lead some punters’ attentions to the 11/4 about a stalemate, which wouldn’t be the most disastrous result for either side.
As aforementioned, the sides haven’t previously met, but it could be worth noting that Liverpool drew their last two matches on Scottish soil, both in this competition in its old format.
Meanwhile, the last time the Reds took part at this stage of the competition two years ago, a 2-1 away victory was the result.
It is 8/1 about a repeat of that scoreline here, but the nine clean sheets Liverpool kept in their last effort in this tournament may turn punters to other options.
Brendan Rodgers’ men are 6/1 to claim a 2-0 triumph, whilst those fancying a more dominant win will take an interest in the 10/1 about a 3-0 away win.
Similarly, the latter type of punters could also be tempted to take on the 11/10 for Liverpool to lead this match at both half-time and full-time.
If they are to do so, it is likely that Luis Suarez will play a key role, and the Uruguayan is 10/3 favourite to open the scoring in Scotland.
New signing Fabio Borini is a 9/2 hope, a price also attributed to penalty taker Steven Gerrard notching first for the visitors.
For the home side, John Sutton looks the main danger, and the physically imposing striker is 7/1 to break the deadlock.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
