The Reds drew their opening Europa League fixture against Bordeaux and will now be looking for all three points when they face Swiss outfit Sion. Liverpool have been struggling as of late but put forth a better showing last time out as the returning Daniel Sturridge scored twice as Liverpool scored a 3-2 win over Aston Villa.
The mood among the kop faithful has definitely been lifted with the former Chelsea man showing his worth and his manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful that his star striker can maintain his fitness.
"Players like that make the difference," Rodgers said.
"We haven’t scored three goals since he last started a game [against Tottenham in February].
"He gives you a big opportunity to win games and compete at the top end of the table. He is a fantastic talent and now the job is hopefully he can stay fit."
The Reds were unable to qualify for the Champions League after finishing sixth last season and Rodgers claims that Sturridge's absence had a big part to play in that.
"Yes, because he is in that elite band of player that we’ve seen here," he added.
"We've seen here the brand of football we can create when we have that talent available.
"He played a massive part in that, so if he stays fit and others come into the reckoning we can piece together an exciting team again.
"Those players make the difference."
It was a goal frenzy the last time Sion visited Anfield which was back in October 1996 as Liverpool recorded a 6-3 win over their counterparts.
Sion on the other hand made a promising start to their European campaign picking up a 2-1 win over Rubin Kazan as Konate struck a brace.
Liverpool are poised to be without captain Jordan Henderson (foot) as well as Christian Benteke (hamstring), Dejan Lovren (ankle) and Roberto Firmino (back). Adam Lallana on the other hand is expected to return to the side.
Match facts
- Last time Liverpool went head to head against Swiss opposition was against Basel last year in the Champions League, drawing 1-1 at Anfield and losing in the away fixture.
- The defeat at the hands of Basel was Liverpool's only against Swiss opposition in the last 11 European encounters.
- Sion have conceded 20 goals in their last five UEFA Cup away games.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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