Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague: Europa League Preview

European action is back in the world of football and it serves to remind the Reds what they’re fighting for—the Champions League.

But enough about the League table for now.

Liverpool takes on Sparta Prague in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 32 on Thursday in Prague.

Since this is Dalglish’s first time managing in the Europa League, we don’t quite know whether he will rotate his squad or what his tactics will be for the away game. This first tie will go a long way in showing how Dalglish will balance the Europa League and Premier League.

The Reds flew through their qualifying group, but here’s the twist—Kenny Dalglish wasn’t in charge for the qualifying round. So how will his tactics differ from new West Brom manager Roy Hodgson’s?

Hodgson heavily rotated his squad for Europa League matches—especially away games—and while it resulted in some pretty dull games, it got the job done, so no one was complaining.

Now that the knockout rounds have begun, Reds fans will want to see some more excitement.

The Reds are coming off a six-game unbeaten streak with a four-game win streak in the middle and have only conceded three goals in all six games, while scoring 10.

Wigan came to Anfield Saturday and held the Steven Gerrard-less Reds to a 1-1 draw to put a slight damper on the elated mood around the Red half of Merseyside.

However, Gerrard should be fit to travel to Prague, as should defender Daniel Agger. Jonjo Shelvey was used frequently in the Europa League in the first half of the season but is now out with a long-term injury and Scouse-born Jay Spearing is still working his way back.

Given that the Reds do not have a match between this and the return leg at Anfield next Thursday, Dalglish does not need to worry about over-exerting any of his players. However, he did complain that the mid-week friendlies last week took a toll on his players and they were obviously tired against Wigan.

He could make some big changes to his squad by handing starts to the likes of Joe Cole—who has not played since he scored the winner against Bolton before the New Year and was even sent to the Reserves under Dalglish—as well as Milan Jovanovic, David N’Gog and Scottish international Danny Wilson.

This would allow players like Dirk Kuyt, who has played tirelessly all season, and man of the moment Raul Meireles, who was suffering from a slight virus against Wigan, some respite, though they should at least be on the bench.

Dalglish also confirmed that new No. 7 Luis Suarez is not totally match-fit and probably should not have stayed on for the full 90 minutes against Wigan. He could very likely be on the bench for the first-leg tie in Prague and Spanish youngster Dani Pacheco could take his place, which would delight Liverpool fans.

Or Dalglish may decide to play his best 11 every time out, since the Reds really don’t have an overloaded schedule from now until the end of the season.

Because the return leg is at Anfield, Prague cannot really afford to sit back and try to hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw Thursday. The Reds should also have everyone available to put out a three-man back line and have Gerrard back in the midfield dictating play, so it could turn out to be an exciting match with plenty of attacking play.

Many players brought to Liverpool under Hodgson have failed to inspire the Reds faithful or merit a place on the team and will really need to show their worth in the Europa League if they are to remain Reds next season.

Liverpool should be expected to make it at least to the semifinals of the competition like last season and have a very good chance of going all the way to the final in Dublin.

For now, Dalglish and his charges are likely just thinking about this first tie with Prague and then will be back fully focused on the Premier League.