Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague: Europa League Round of 32, Second Leg Preview

Liverpool traveled to Prague last Thursday for the first leg of its Europa League Round of 32 matchup and came back with a 0-0 draw, but it was not really unexpected.

It would’ve been nice if the Reds could’ve gotten the job done away from home and then could’ve used the second leg to rest, but they don’t exactly have a fixture pile up to worry about.

Sparta Prague now comes to Anfield Thursday for the deciding tie, but they should be facing a different Liverpool side. Reds skipper Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger both missed the trip last week because of slight injuries, but both should be fit for the return and eager for some playing time after a couple weeks out.

Kenny Dalglish took several youngsters to the away leg and gave a rare start to center forward David N’Gog, who scored plenty of goals in the early rounds of the Europa League, and Scottish international 19-year-old Danny Wilson.

Dalglish adopted a more defensive style for the away leg and says he is satisfied with the result because he knows his side can take care of business at home. With Agger and Gerrard both back, he can play a three-man backline and throw full backs Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson forward more.

This should also allow Gerrard and Liverpool to control the ball throughout and give the in-form Raul Merieles plenty of chances to keep his scoring streak alive.

New signing Luis Suarez played for Ajax earlier this season in the group stages of the Champions League, and because Ajax did not advance to the knockout stages and is now in the Europa League, Suarez is cup-tied.

Personally, I think that is absolutely ridiculous. Suarez has not played for any club in the Europa League this season, so he should be eligible for Liverpool. I also do not see why Fernando Torres is eligible for Chelsea in the Champions League after playing for Liverpool in earlier Europa League matches if Suarez is not.

Alas, the absurdity that is UEFA.

Even without Suarez, the Reds should have the firepower to contend with Sparta Prague. Dirk Kuyt played very well as a lone striker against both Stoke and Chelsea, and despite not scoring himself, he created many opportunities by keeping the ball up well and getting into dangerous positions.

Meireles is scoring goals from everywhere of late and should be over the slight virus that forced him off against Wigan at Anfield.

This could also be a chance for Dalglish to give some of Liverpool’s youngsters, who are flying so high in the Academy and Reserves, a run out. Raheem Sterling’s five goals against Southend two weeks ago earned a seat on the plane to Prague, but not an appearance on the field. Dani Pacheco has not been given many minutes this season but is without doubt a fantastic player. Young players like them could benefit greatly from some low-pressure situations like what Thursday night should be.

Following the Europa League match, the Reds travel to woeful West Ham Sunday in what should be a very easy game. As I stated earlier, a fixture pile up is not a problem for the Reds right now, so they can afford to go all out.

When they get the ball, Sparta Prague will have to go for everything, and this should give Liverpool many opportunities on the counter attack in addition to creating their own chances from what should be a possession-dominating performance.