Saturday 26th Feb – kick off 18:00
Liverpool head to Urziceni for the second leg of their Europa League encounter against the Romanian champions
History
This is Unirea’s first year of European football, so the only time the teams have was last week. Despite being the better team in that game, Liverpool have the slenderest of leads following the 1-0 win at Anfield.
The night proved to be a nail-biter for Liverpool fans; firstly the goal that they deserved refused to come until the 81st minute, then Unirea woke up and started to put pressure on the Reds’ back line. Luckily, we held out to keep the crucial clean sheet.
According to Voetbal International, the young Bulgarian goalkeeper has been signed on a free transfer. Mihaylov has been on loan at Twente since 2007 but managed only 3 appearances and has now signed a permanent deal until July 2012.
Steve McClaren sees Mihaylov as a good replacement for the ageing Sander Boschker who is likely to retire in the next 18 months.
Liverpool FC have yet to confirm this transfer.
Saturday 6th Feb – kick off 12:45
An early kick off sees Everton make the short trip across Stanley Park in the 212th Merseyside derby.
History
This is one of the most famous derby matches in world football. Apart from cup competitions, these clubs have never met outside of the top tier of English football. Last season, Liverpool won at Goodison Park and drew at Anfield.
Liverpool have named their squad for the forthcoming Europa League fixtures, including several youngsters. Maxi is ineligible, having played in Europe for Atletico Madrid.
The first game will be at Anfield against Unirea Urziceni on Thursday 18th February.
Pre-match
Both teams went into this match in pretty average form. Bolton were sitting in 15th at kick off – only a point above the drop zone, even after the win over Burnley last time out.
Liverpool have had a poor season so far and good performances have been swiftly followed by a bad ones – win against Man U then lose to Fulham; outplay Spurs then fail to turn up against Wolves. The only time we have strung consecutive wins in the league this year was four games in August and September. Although we never played any top teams in that time, the first victory was against Bolton and the Reds will be hopeful that today’s win will be the start of another run; one that will lead us to that all-important 4th place.
Liverpool picked an attacking line up with only Mascherano sat in front of the back 4, as Aquilani came in for Lucas. Kuyt moved to the right wing as Maxi made way for Ngog – presumably Rafa thought his pace would be an asset. Bolton made one change – Mark Davies, the victim of the infamous Gallas tackle, came in for Klasnic as Owen Coyle looked to add a bit of security for his back line and played with Kevin Davies as a lone striker; a strategy many teams use at Anfield, to some effect.
