The feel-good factor seems to be returning to Liverpool at the right time with expectations rising ahead of the new season. With Roy Hodgson installed at the top, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard committing their future to the club, Joe Cole on board from Chelsea plus the imminent possibility of new ownership, the positivity seems to be flowing back to Anfield by the day.

They hold a 2-0 first-leg advantage too from their Europa League qualifying first leg clash against Rabotnicki and the bookmakers now go a best price of 1/10 for another victory on Thursday night at home.

Visting coach Zoran Stratev admitted after last week's defeat in Macedonia that he felt his side were somewhat in awe of their rivals even against some of the second-string players.

They have little pressure on them for the rematch but it is hard to see them not feeling just as intimidated once again stepping out at Anfield.

Liverpool managed to fit in another pre-season friendly over the weekend against Borussia Moenchengladbach where Cole and Gerrard both took part and there is every indication they will be involved once again as they sharpen up ahead of the Premier League opener against Arsenal.

With Torres still only back in light training following the World Cup and a groin problem, it will not be a surprise to see Hodgson stick with a similar line-up to Skopje.

He was wholesome in his praise for frontman David Ngog, who has endured his fair share of criticism in the past.

But two goals in the first leg meant he was the match-winner so the tension may just ease a little for him.

Hodgson will be hoping that the Frenchman can now boost a strikeforce that has little top-class quality behind Torres currently.

He is 11/4 to open the scoring and 8/13 for a goal anytime and those sort of odds just about reflect a match where it is difficult to find an angle in.

The advice is not to expend too much energy finding a bet and wait for the better stuff at the weekend.

Verdict:
Liverpool 3 Rabotnicki 0 (BEST PRICE @ 7.50 at Bwin)

Picks:

• Liverpool -2, 2.5 hcp (1.515 at Bet365 )
• Liverpool to win at Half time (BEST PRICE @ 1.33 at Bet365 )
• Over 2.5 goals (BEST PRICE @ 1.48 at Bwin)
• Liverpool to win half time/full time (BEST PRICE @ 1.50 at Bwin)