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Michael Lintorn expects Liverpool to prove too strong for their Belarusian hosts but not humiliate them...


Gomel v Liverpool, Thursday 19:00, Premier Sports, Match odds: Gomel 10.5, Liverpool 1.41, The Draw 4.7

The first opportunity to check out Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool in a competitive environment arrives on Thursday evening as they visit Gomel, the third-placed team in the Belarusian Premier League, in a Europa League qualifier.

It seems reasonable to assume that the side put out by Kenny Dalglish's successor won't offer an entirely accurate impression of what to expect in 2012/13 though, as only one signing has been completed so far and three of his four senior strikers won't be involved.

While Fabio Borini, who has more cause than the rest of the travelling party to be genuinely excited about this match given a past affinity to the city, is available, Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy are away on Olympics duty and Andy Carroll hasn't travelled, reportedly due to a groin strain.

In addition to being enthused by the opportunity to compete in European competition for the first time in his brief managerial career, Rodgers is hopeful that an early start to the season will help Liverpool, allowing them to adjust to their new style before the domestic business begins.

Though far from household names, Gomel possess a fair amount of continental experience. They have participated six times before but this is the first occasion that they have progressed through two rounds, conceding only once in the process.

The Reds have scored just six goals in their last ten Europa League away games - and never more than two in one fixture in that period - so though they should justify short odds on them triumphing, this is unlikely to be an emphatic success.

Under 2.5 goals is an appetising 1.93 and the 2-0 scoreline that they won both legs by at this stage two years ago against Macedonian club Rabotnicki is 7.2 to be replicated.

Best Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.93
Other Recommended Bet: Back Liverpool to win 2-0 @ 7.2


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