Liverpool welcome Udinese – Or the ‘Little Zebras’ as they are affectionately known – (thanks Wikipedia) to Anfield on Thursday night for their Group A Europa League Clash.

Liverpool are big favourites at a best price 4/6 with Betfred while Udinese can be backed at 5/1 with Sky Bet and the draw can be found at 11/4 with Betway.

The Europa League is a strange competition; some teams see it is a great opportunity whilst others often see it as a hindrance and an opportunity to play their Under 14’s squad. Liverpool seem to have started the competition with the latter attitude, and I can’t see them fielding the strongest team this Thursday, although they may show a little more respect to Udinese than they did to Young Boys (I’m resisting any cheap jokes) last time out.

There is of course only one ‘Stevie G’… and he’s writing this article. Liverpool apparently have a namesake that is a decent player but enjoys confrontations with Nightclub DJ’s? Gerrard should be free to spend his Thursday night in his favoured Southport club as Rodgers will more than likely rest the midfielder. If Rodgers decides to field his Captain however he can be backed to score first at 7/1 with Coral.

Even with a weakened squad Liverpool are still the bookies favourites, and for good reason with Udinese not having a single win in their last five games. Udinese have managed to score in each of those games however and Both Teams to Score looks a great bet at evens with William Hill, especially with the amount of goals Liverpool have shipped so far this season. Antonio Di Natale came on as a substitute and scored a late equalizer against Anji and can be backed at 8/1 with William Hill to score last on Thursday night. The more tempting bet for me though, again with William Hill, is Di Natale to score anytime at 11/4.

It is difficult to predict the outcome of a Europa League game, especially this early in the competition, however Liverpool’s priority will most certainly be their League and Udinese could prove good value for the upset at 5/1, personally I’m predicting a score draw, with maybe Liverpool sneaking the win.

Liverpool vs Udinese Tips

Both Teams to Score (Evens – William Hill)

Antonio Di Natale to score anytime (11/4 – William Hill)

Correct score – 1-1 (7/1 – Ladbrokes)

Liverpool vs Udinese Free Bets (click the bookmaker to get the offer): 

William Hill – free £25          Ladbrokes – £50          Coral – free £30          Bet365 – free £200           Betway – free £25

By Steven Goulding (@gouldin87)