While the football season is still almost three weeks away, most clubs are heavily involved in football friendlies. For Liverpool, the time for being friendly is over as they prepare for their first game in this season’s Europa League. Betting odds on the friendlies have been less than friendly to say the least, especially when favourites perform well below their best. On Thursday, Liverpool run out as 1/4 favourites and the question is – are they worth the odds?

Under new manager Roy Hodgson, the Reds have been less than impressive and while their first game is against lowly Rabotnicki, the Reds will be away from home – always a difficult ask at the start of the season. Liverpool may also be without star midfielder Javier Mascherano who seems keen to follow former Reds manager Rafa Benitez to Inter Milan.

Rabotnicki are quoted at 12/1 in early betting with the draw at 5/1. It is hard to see the hosts defeating Liverpool, but this early in the season anything can, and often does, happen. Liverpool are a class above Rabotnicki and online bookmakers are well justified in pricing them at 1/4. However, this early in the season, I would prefer to look on and see what sort of form Liverpool can develop before the bookies see any of my money.

Liverpool struggled last season despite finishing second in the Premier League the season before. It’s because they struggled that they now have to play in these elimination rounds in order to make the major competition. It’s early days – football teams are still sorting themselves out so be careful and consider their betting odds with caution. Our tip is for Liverpool to win – but I won’t be backing them this time out.