Europa League Double

Europa League Group A is all set for a grandstand finish with Liverpool and Young Boys vying for the right to join Anji in the knockout stages. Interestingly, the margins are so fine that victories for both would mean progression for the Reds but losses for both would send the Swiss side through instead.

I think the former is more likely to prevail and wins for Liverpool and Young Boys constitute a 7/2 double with WilliamHill. For the Merseysiders there is a trip to Udinese who are already out with nothing to play for but pride. Crucially, Brendan Rodgers is travelling with his strongest side in this competition for the first time.

Kingpin Luis Suarez will make his first European appearance for the club away from Anfield. The Uruguayan is suspended for this weekend’s Premier League’s match with West Ham which makes the manager’s decision straightforward. He will be looking to add to his 13 goals in all competitions already in 2012-13.

Young Boys host Anji who qualified despite failing to win either of their other away matches in the group. The Swiss team have scored 11 goals so far, that’s nearly twice as many as the Russians (6) who have relied heavily on their defence.

However, with limited incentive, the visitors may struggle against the form team in the group. Young Boys have taken seven points from their last three encounters. When you consider that those clashes included trips to Udinese and Liverpool, they have really found their feet when it matters. It’s a shame that they could be heading out with 10 points.