Last season Liverpool did not retain the title, but this was due to an epidemic of injuries in the team and a loss of motivation after winning the Premier League. This year the management has indicated the most serious intentions for the tournament, especially since Jurgen Klopp has a serious team of top-level performers. The Lersisides started confidently in the Champions League, where after four rounds they chalked up the maximum performance, having four wins and early access to the next round of the tournament. Especially indicative are the two victories of the red over the champion of Spain (3:2 and 2:0). It should be noted that the hosts reached the League Cup quarterfinals, where at the last stage the second squad defeated Preston (2:0). In the English Championship Liverpool chalked up six wins and four draws after 11 rounds, which brought 22 points and fourth in the standings. After a draw with Brighton (2:2) the away team lost to West Ham (2:3). Jones, Firmino, Elliot, Gomez, Keita, Mane, Milner and Henderson will not be able to play today.
Last season Espanyol was headed by Vicento Moreno, who was entrusted to return the most Spanish team to La Liga, with which the specialist coped brilliantly. After a short break in La Liga, the “parrots” are trying their best to gain a foothold in the elite championship, which is quite good for the team. For 13 rounds of the current championship, the guests’ assets are absolutely equal with Barcelona’s indicators and equal to four wins and five draws, which brought 17 points. The indicators in the attacking line look very weak, as they scored only 14 times. After the defeat to Getafe (1:2), the Catalan team beat Granada (2:0) at home. Today Barra and Zhil, who have knee problems, will not be able to help their team.
