Not since 2003 have
Liverpool FC failed to qualify for the final 16 of the
UEFA Champions League. As a result, the Merseyside club will have to settle for an attempt at the 2nd most important trophy in Europe. Their performance has been quite low this year compared to their usual lofty standards. After dropping points in the Premiership during the first half of this season's campaign, they are left scrapping with the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City for a spot in the Top Four. They have shown signs of improvement recently and will need it if they are to grasp their last chance at silverware this year.
Rafa Benitez will continue to be without the services of Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson. Vice-captain Jamie Carragher picked up a slight knock in Liverpool's last match against Arsenal and is a doubt for this clash.
A first place finish in Romania's Liga I last season saw
Unirea Urziceni join the Champions League as major underdogs. They had several good performances and were able to upset some large clubs including Sevilla and Glasgow Rangers. In the end it was not enough and Unirea join the Europa League in the same fashion that Liverpool have. The Romanian side are also doing well domestically as they are tied for 1st place with fellow leaders CFR Cluj and Steau Bucharest. They are still on winter break and may be a little to rusty to compete with a European giant like Liverpool.
Roni Levy is the team's new manager and will lead the team onto the pitch at Anfield in hopes of furthering their European aspirations this year.
Liverpool know how important this tie is because it is their last chance at getting silverware this season. The Reds have an important away match against top four rivals Manchester City, so Benitez will want his team to win convincingly and bolster their confidence.
Unirea Urziceni have not played a match in almost 2 months and will be rusty, so expect this to be an easy victory for the Reds at Anfield.
Liverpool FC vs Unirea Urziceni
Thursday February 18, 2010
Kickoff: 9:05 PM (CET)
Venue: Anfield Road (Liverpool)
Tip: Liverpool (1x2)
Best Odds: 1.34 @ Betsson
