Liverpool vs FC Midtjylland

Kick Off: 8pm

Anfield

BT Sport 3

27th of October 2020

The Champions League resumes tomorrow evening with the Reds facing FC Midtjylland, the 2019-2020 Danish Superliga winners; ahead of the match, I wanted to explore the similarities of both teams.

The Danish side are the poster child for using data metrics in player assessment and team structure -the so-called Moneyball effect. It wasn’t so long ago that the idea of any club using analytics and statistical algorithms would have left many football fans bemused. But when the Reds host Midtjylland tomorrow night, it won’t only be a meeting between the champions of England and Denmark, but between two clubs that advocate and deploy sports analytics.

Midtjylland began in 2014 using metrics- such as expected goals, pre-assists, metres covered- to better evaluate player’s performances and find undervalued transfer bargains. They wanted to shatter perceptions and create a new narrative for the club.

Many observers were quick to sneer at their new approach and questioned the club’s decision for example, to hire a dedicated ball-striking coach and throw-in coach to their coaching staff. Winning three Danish Superliga titles in six years and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time this autumn has clearly yielded results.

Liverpool adopted a similar strategy, following the acquisition by Fenway Sports Group in 2010. Their highly regarded research department has earned significant credit for its recruitment of top quality players for the Reds. In 2018, Jurgen Klopp headhunted Midtjylland’s throwing coach, Thomas Gronnemark. Since his arrival, Liverpool statistics for retaining possession from a throw in has increased from 45.4% to 68.4%. This has taken the Champions from the one worst in the Premier League to the second-best in Europe.

Midtjylland suffered a heavy 4-0 home defeat on Game Day 1 to Italian side, Atalanta, Liverpool are clear favourites ahead of tomorrows meeting. But if they have any chance of unsettling the Reds, it may evolve from set-pieces, the Danes are statistically ranked one of Europe’s most successful at converting set-play opportunities.

Liverpool will just be focused on securing a second win. We hope to see Thiago Alcantara return, after his injury in the Merseyside derby. Joel Matip could be back after his absence at the weekend, with Allison coming straight back into the side after our win against Sheffield United.

Klopp may well one once again use a 4-2-3-1 formation, but may also see this match as a good opportunity to rest key players, perhaps Sadio Mane given Jota’s current form.

My Score Prediction : Liverpool 3-0 FC Midtjylland, it is difficult to see past Liverpool winning this match, comfortably. Watching the highlights of Midtjylland against Atalanta, they were a distant second best and, Liverpool at Anfield will be a greater challenge for the Danes.

With the possibility of Klopp resting some of the star names, the Reds I think will have more than enough squad depth to secure the victory!

Categories: UncategorizedTags: Champions League