Liverpool and Newcastle are in European action on Thursday night as they look to cement their place in the group stages of the Europa League. The Reds have already seen off Belarusian outfit FC Gomel to reach this round and will hope for a similar result when they face Scottish outfit Hearts. Meanwhile, the Toon travel to Greece looking to achieve a positive result against Atromitos Athens.
Atromitos Athens v Newcastle 6pm
Newcastle fans haven’t seen their side in European action for over five years so will be eager for the Toon to continue their recent revival when they travel to Greece. The Magpies were one of the teams of the season last term as they finished fifth, ahead of the likes of Chelsea, Everton and Liverpool.
Alan Pardew’s men look to have picked up from where they left of last season if Saturday is anything to go by, beating Tottenham 2-1 at St James’ Park in their Premier League opener. However, punters can expect Pardew to field a much-changed team in the Greek capital having left Demba Ba and Cheick Tiote at home.
New boys Vurnon Anita, Gael Bigirimana and Romain Amalfitano could get their first starts, while Steve Harper, Mike Williamson and Ryan Taylor could also feature. Teenage striker Alan Campbell is also part of the squad but isn’t expected to start.
Thursday’s opponents have yet to get their season underway but certainly shouldn’t be underestimated after finishing fourth in the Greek Super League last season. However, they are without their top goalscorer Konstantinos Mitroglou, who banged in 17 goals while on loan from Olympiakos.
With Atromitos lacking a goal threat and given Newcastle’s good defensive record you’d fancy the Toon to at least get a draw. Newcastle are 6/5, with the Greek’s 9/4 and the draw 23/10.
Hearts v Liverpool 7:45pm
The Reds faithful will be desperate to forget about Saturday’s disastrous start to the Premier League season following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to West Brom. Much like Pardew at Newcastle, Brenadan Rodgers have opted to make wholesale changes for the trip north of the border.
Skipper Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson, Joe Cole, Oussama Assaidi and Jose Enrique won’t travel to Edinburgh, with Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey and Andy Carroll all in line to start.
Liverpool’s opposition have made a solid start to the SPL season with a win and two draws but should be no match for the Reds. Hearts have had another tough summer, with ten players leaving the club and two joining as their financial issues continue. The Jambos have managed to keep hold of Andrew Driver, John Sutton and David Templeton, and that trio will be key to Hearts if they are to pull off what would be a huge upset.
A draw wouldn’t be the worse result for Liverpool but Rodgers will be desperate to secure a win ahead of a huge test against champions Manchester City on Sunday. Hearts are 6/1 to win the match, with the Reds 8/15 and the draw 11/4.
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