Austrian side LASK hosts a team of European pedigree in Liverpool on Wednesday, as the latter looks to bounce back from a heated weekend game against Manchester City.
Liverpool suffered their first defeat under Andoni Iraola at the weekend, ending Iraola's personal unbeaten run from his time as Bournemouth manager. The defeat needs context, as the Reds were reduced to ten men after a second yellow card for Ryan Gravenberch; up to that point, Liverpool had managed injury problems well in the absence of several key players. The dismissal shifted the game in favour of the rampant Citizens, as Manchester City won 3-0 at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola's focus will now switch over to the Champions League, as the Reds will look to continue their unbeaten start. Liverpool were 2-1 winners in a comeback victory against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Despite the defeat to Manchester City, Liverpool are still in relatively good form with three wins from their previous five matches, with the defeat on Sunday their only blemish. Away from home, Liverpool have won 66% of their matches this season, following consecutive victories over Ipswich Town and AFC Bournemouth.
Their opponents are Austrian Bundesliga champions LASK. The home side have already suffered a Champions League defeat, losing last time out away to AEK Athens. LASK are in poor form, admittedly, with three defeats in their last five matches in all competitions, and the home side are without a clean sheet in seven games. At home, though, Liverpool could expect a test of some sort, with LASK winning five of their last six on home soil.
Liverpool had injury problems at the weekend, but this game could see the likes of Rio Ngumoha be awarded an opportunity to shine. The young starlet played 60 minutes against Atletico Madrid and was a late substitute against City, so he will most certainly be available.
LASK 0-3 Liverpool
