Liverpool vs Bordeaux preview: Willy Sagnol's Ligue 1 side prepared to go for the jugular

Only a win will do for the French side who have never scored, let alone won, on English soil

Bordeaux manager Willy Sagnol (Getty Images)

It would seem that Liverpool could not hand pick a better opponent for tonight’s match as they endeavour to confirm qualification for the Europa League knockout stages.

The French side have never scored a goal on English soil, let alone won a game. Add to that their disappointing league form as they struggle in their first season at the uniquely built (but unimaginatively named) Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, and it would appear that Liverpool should have an easy route to the next stage of the competition.

Yet former Bayern Munich stalwart, and manager of tonight's visitors to Anfield, Willy Sagnol remains bullish on their chances of causing an upset.

If the Girondins overcame Liverpool, it would lever them up into second place in Group B, ahead of their opponents. Anything other than a win will point to elimination. Sagnol is well aware of the fact that his side have to go for the jugular, but a side with nothing to lose can often pose a threat.

The former right-back declared that he was delighted to have the opportunity to manage a side at Liverpool’s historic ground, but that they were not there to make up the numbers. His side do have the tools to harm the Reds - their fluid 4-3-3 has the potential to test Jürgen Klopp's reshuffled pack.

Winger Wahbi Khazri will spend his evening teasing Alberto Moreno with pace and guile, while Czech Republic international Jaroslav Plašil provides a dynamic presence in the centre of midfield, and he will be a vital component in the attempt to avoid Klopp's signature gegenpressing. In goal, Cédric Carrasso is enjoying a purple patch, and his confidence will have soared after saving a point for his team with a penalty save against Rennes last weekend.

Sagnol stated that this feeling is ubiquitous amongst his side, commenting on how motivated his players were on the plane journey. The Frenchman joked that his team would have a genuine chance "if they put as much effort into the game as they did with Mario Kart."

Liverpool – you have been warned.