Can Liverpool tighten up in time for Valerenga?
Kenny Dalglish's side have shipped 12 goals in four matches, although Valerenga are still outsiders in bwin's betting market.
Liverpool are 17/50 favourites to win their latest friendly match despite 3-0 defeats in their two previous outings.
As early as their first pre-season fixture against Guangdong on 13th July, the Reds’ defence has been identified as a problem.
On that occasion, the Chinese side’s manager, Cao Yang, said Liverpool’s defence looked “loose” in conceding three goals in a 4-3 win.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was typically dismissive of the comment, noting: “They were looser than we were. They conceded four.”
| Champions League | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dortmund | 1-1 | Bayern Munich | £150.00 | (13/2) |
| Dortmund | 1-2 | Bayern Munich | £160.00 | (7/1) |
| Dortmund | 0-2 | Bayern Munich | £175.00 | (31/4) |
| Dortmund win | £84.00 | (16/5) | ||
| Draw | £82.00 | (31/10) | ||
| Bayern Munich win | £34.00 | (7/10) | ||
However, having been breached three times in each of their three subsequent friendlies – including in 3-0 defeats to Hull City and Galatasaray in their last two matches – it appears there may be something in Cao’s assessment.
With this in mind, betting on Valerenga to heap more misery on Liverpool when they entertain the five-time European Champions in Norway this evening looks to offer good value at odds of 23/4.
A successful £25 free bet on Valerenga to beat Liverpool, available to new customers who sign up for a bwin account, would return £168.75.
Valerenga’s chances are also boosted by the fact that they are mid-way through the Norwegian Eliteserien, while Liverpool are still moving towards full fitness ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
As such, Valerenga should be sharper than their opponents, who will play Valencia in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday.
However, a recent poor run of form from the Norwegians could yet allow Liverpool to record a morale-boosting win.
The Oslo-based side have won just twice in their last five matches, losing the remaining three.
Nevertheless, with a Liverpool victory offering such low returns, a punt on Valerenga to win or draw in the double-chance market could still be worth the risk at odds of 37/20.
New customers can register here to claim a £25 free bet.
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