Liverpool v Young Boys: Win vital for Reds’s qualification hopes

Group A is one of the tightest in this season’s Europa League with all four teams still in contention with two games remaining.

Liverpool have to put in a similar performance to the one which they churned out in Berne to beat Young Boys 5-3 with a difficult trip to Udinese to round off the group-stage. Understandably, home advantage has played a big part in the pricing; minnows such as Young Boys claiming the spoils at the footballing Mecca of Anfield is difficult to envisage and their odds of 5/1 reflect that.

Fielding a strong side should ensure the Reds collect the win that could ensure progress in the competition and is available at 4/9, while the stalemate can be had at 11/4.

There’s every chance of Liverpool unleashing some big guns on the Swiss side having avoided defeat in seven Premier League games. Although their league position is not anywhere near where it should be, some of the pressure their disastrous start created has been alleviated and a good run in Europe would do Brendan Rodgers’ ever-rising stock no harm at all.

Whoever lines up for the hosts, young or old, they will need to be wary of Raul Bobadilla who will lead the Young Boys’ forward line. He’s the second-highest scorer in the competition to date with four goals and Udinese know all about his qualities.

He bagged all four of his goals against them as Young Boys chalked up successive surprise wins over the Serie A outfit. He can be backed at 9/4 to continue this rich vein of form on Merseyside, while he’s a 7/1 shot to break the deadlock.

Assuming he propels Young Boys into a shock lead, the 15/2 that says Liverpool will come from behind to win the game represents excellent value.

This bet would’ve copped in the return fixture and with the Reds definitely in need of three points they’re going to be aggressive from the off regardless. Going a goal down will only see them amp this up and then the game will become a test of Young Boys mettle, which was called into question in the opening group game.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date