Another famous European night at Anfield

21Feb 2013

Europa Liga

Liverpool trail 2-0 from the first leg in Russia against Zenit St Petersburg but Paul Robinson thinks there is value to be had in laying the Russians to qualify at short odds.

Liverpool had a bad three days last week; a 2-0 home defeat to West Brom in the league followed by a 2-0 away defeat to Zenit in the Europa. They put those results behind them on Sunday though by thrashing Swansea 5-0 and while the Swans fielded an under strength team, it was still a dominant performance. In truth, the Reds controlled a lot of the play against West Brom and Zenit the week before, but they just couldn't take their chances.

The big negative for Brendan Rodgers is that Daniel Sturridge is ineligible tonight and he gives the side a much needed balance. It is worth noting though that he wasn't involved when Liverpool beat Fulham 3-0 and Sunderland 4-0 not so long ago.

Zenit had been playing friendlies before the match last week as the Russian league is on their winter break. They haven't exactly set the world alight this season as they're only third in their domestic competition and were knocked out of the Champions League from what was a relatively weak group.

Luciano Spalletti spent a lot of money on signing Hulk from Porto and while he scored in the first leg, that was only his fifth goal since joining. The Blue-White-Sky Blues as they're known in Russia were thrashed 3-0 in Malaga in the Champions League and even lost at Anderlecht. They did manage to beat AC Milan at the San Siro but the Italians had already qualified at that point and didn't play a full strength team.

The first goal is all important here and Liverpool are bound to begin at a high tempo as the Kop roars them on. If they can get an early breakthrough then it's game on and the 1.32 about Zenit qualifying will look very short indeed. I'm taking a chance on that happening, and that's why, at the prices, I have to make it my lay of the day.

This match is live on ITV 1 ITV HD and STV at 20:05