Liverpool await Bordeaux

Liverpool, Tottenham can clinch knockout spots with wins in Europa

Liverpool can clinch their place in the last 32 with victory over Bordeaux at Anfield on Thursday. The Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool is still in its infancy but the German’s arrival is already helping transform the Reds, who thumped erstwhile Premier League leaders Manchester City 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

“I would love to win a game like that at Anfield. That’s our next challenge,” Klopp said, having seen his side knock off champions Chelsea and City in successive away games. Bordeaux are third in Group B, three points behind Liverpool.

The timing of Thursday’s trip to Azerbaijan is not ideal for Mauricio Pochettino’s side with the visit of Chelsea just three days later. However, Tottenham can wrap up qualification for the knockout phase with a win against Group J rivals Qarabag, although the Azerbaijani champions are unbeaten at home in Europe this term.

Meanwhile, Neither Celtic nor Ajax can afford a false step when they meet in Glasgow as both bid to overhaul Fenerbahce for second place in Group A.

Swiss champions Basel can claim their place in the next round by completing the double over Fiorentina La Viola can do likewise with a win combined with a draw between Belenenses and Lech Poznan in the other match of the group.