Liverpool are red hot 1/10 favourites to win their first serious home game this season despite a feeling of tension and unease surrounding the club. The Reds are hosting Rabotnicki in the second leg of their Europa League http://www.ukbettingcentral.com/blog/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=759qualification round having secured the away leg 2-0. Tonight’s game should be a breeze playing at home – don’t be surprised to see a Liverpool goal feast – those betting odds are pretty good value if you compare the return to current interest rates.
Of course, away from the field things are not looking so bright. The club is surrounded by takeover rumours with up to five different parties looking to take control. Add to this player disquiet and things are not quite so rosy for the club. Roy Hodgson may well rue his move from Fulham to Liverpool in the off-season. At least he knew where he was going with Fulham, and it was all in the right direction too.
The Reds look set to lose both Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres, both international match winners. Mascherano is reported to be unhappy in England, and also unhappy about the change in managers. He is trying to follow former manager Rafa Benitez to Inter Milan.
Fernando Torres is at least a little more secure. However, Liverpool have admitted that if a decent price is offered, they would have to seriously consider it. When we talk about decent prices, we are talking in the realms of £60m – big money in anyone’s books. Much will depend on Liverpool’s record over the next few months. If, like last season, they fail to fire then players of Torres’ calibre will actively look to play elsewhere. Champions League football is his aim, this season at least, he will have to settle for Europa League – and for an international of his standing, that’s like playing in a second tier league.
Liverpool to win today, but until things settle down at Anfield, don’t expect big things from them. Bookmakers have them well down in betting and, for the first time in many years, don’t have them in their top four – that’s a huge drop for such a prestigious club.