Liverpool Vs Debrecen: Champions League Preview

Liverpool vs Debrecen

Wednesday 16 September 2009, Anfield, Kick-Off: 19:45

Liverpool

Liverpool will welcome Debrecen to Anfield for their first group stage match of the 2009-10 Champions League season coming from a dominant performance against Burnley on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez will be happy with the 4-0 victory over the newcomers and hope that his team takes a head of steam into the match against Debrecen.

Yossi Benayoun scored a hat trick for the Reds and has looked sharp since being given the confidence to start with regularity. Dirk Kuyt scored the other goal as Liverpool peppered the Burnley goal for the majority of the afternoon. Benitez’s men won the shots on target statistic 15—3.

Emiliano Insua continued at left back in place of Fabio Aurelio, although it is believed that Aurelio should be available for the upcoming Champions League match against Debrecen on Wednesday.

Alberto Riera played 90 minutes for the Reds at left midfield, while Ryan Babel was left out of the squad.

Debrecen

Debrecen’s Champions League run has already been going on for nearly two months. That’s how long it has taken the Hungarian champions to reach the group stage of the Champions League.

It all started in July when Debrecen entered the second qualifying round of the Champions League and were paired up against Kalmar of Sweden. Debrecen went through on away goals and then went on to face Levadia of Estonia. After beating Levadia 1-0 in both legs, they were then drawn Levski Sofia of Bulgaria, who they disposed of 4-1 on aggregate.

So, now, two months later, Debrecen has thoroughly deserved its place in the Champions League group stage.

The club is unquestionably smaller than nearly every other club competing at this stage of the tournament, however, they do have a few interesting players worth noting.

Gergely Rudolf, a former Nancy striker, has been scoring with regularity for the Hungarians having netted 20 goals in 41 appearances since his return to Hungary.

Lorant Olah has also been fairly effective in front of goal, netting at a rate just under a goal every other match.

Debrecen also have a trio of young Brazilians at the club who are well thought of.

Prediction

Unfortunately for Debrecen, it looks to be one-way traffic here. Liverpool should win, and win comfortably, or pigs may start flying over Anfield.

Liverpool vs Debrecen Prediction: Liverpool 4—Debrecen 0

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