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| Carra played his 700th game in Belarus... |
The first leg ended in a Liverpool win after Stewart Downing found the back of the net but it wasn't an easy victory for the Reds as Gomel provided the defence with several problems. Perhaps the unpredictability played into their hands but it is always dangerous to underestimate the opposition.
With the home crowd behind Liverpool though and the magic of Anfield you have to feel the home side will wrap this one up and in a more successful manner.
Last time out Brendan had Borini up front but with Suarez back from the Olympics after Uruguay were knocked out there is a possibility the number 7 may feature. It will also be interesting to see whether Daniel Agger features in this one too, last time he didn't travel supposedly because he had to work on his conditioning back at Melwood but with the rumours flying around that he could be off a missing Dane will not help things.
Craig Bellamy is also now back from his Olympic efforts but Brendan has admitted talks are open with Cardiff and so I doubt we'll see the Welshman. I'd like to see a full 90 minutes of Gerrard and Lucas personally to get them settled just before the new season, it's a good opportunity but I'm still struggling to suss out what exactly Brendan's plans are for the midfield.
My prediction for this one is 2-0, I think now both the lads and Brendan have seen Gomel in action they will be better prepared and the Anfield crowd will certainly spur them on to grab a couple of goals. Would be great to see Borini bag one.
Enjoy the match folks!