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Europa League: 5 reasons Liverpool will beat Borussia Dortmund

By Tom Bogert

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool shakes hands with Dejan Lovren of Liverpool after the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on January 30, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool shakes hands with Dejan Lovren of Liverpool after the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on January 30, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool (15) and team mates look dejected in defeat after the Capital One Cup Final match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 28, 2016 in London, England. Manchester City win 3-1 on penalties. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool (15) and team mates look dejected in defeat after the Capital One Cup Final match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 28, 2016 in London, England. Manchester City win 3-1 on penalties. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

3. It’s all Liverpool have left

With apologies to the most optimistic of Liverpool fans, and those who continue to insist that “until you’re mathematically eliminated, there’s still hope,” the Europa League is all Liverpool have left.

The Reds lost the Capital One Cup final and they are nine points off fourth place in the league with just nine matches remaining. They can still qualify for the Champions League, but they will need to do it by winning the Europa League.

If they get past Dortmund, they’ll be considered favorites heading into the semi-finals.

But they certainly won’t face the dilemma Tottenham did against Dortmund. Tottenham have been a real life, functioning football side in the Premier League this season, and as a result are challenging for the title. This meant their manager had a decision to make, and he decided to prioritize the league over the Europa League, benching most of his starters sat against Dortmund, who dominated the reserves.

It’ll be the opposite for Liverpool. If Klopp thinks his starters need rest, they’ll sit in Premier League matches. Whoever he picks in two legs against Dortmund will be his strongest available XI.

The players know they have little to play for other than the Europa League. And with Klopp reportedly planning a summer rebuild, it could well be their performances in Europe that determine their futures at the club.

Next: 2. Samba boys

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