Augsburg manager Markus Weinzierl wishes Liverpool were still in the midst of an injury crisis as he prepares for the clubs' Europa League meeting in Germany on Thursday.
Liverpool have Jon Flanagan back in their squad for the first leg, with the marauding full-back joining Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho in making a recent return from injury, but Augsburg boss Weinzierl believes that his team would have had the edge if this game had happened before the return of the Reds' injured trio.
"I would have preferred to play against Liverpool six weeks ago," Weinzierl said. "They are getting better each week and their injured players are coming back.
"With these players Liverpool are a much better team with high quality.
"We are expecting a very good opponent, who has the ambition to win this competition. Our goal is to play well and fight for a good position before the second leg."
Thursday's tie will be the first time that Augsburg have ever faced English opposition in a competitive fixture and Jurgen Klopp's side are narrow favourites to take a lead back to Anfield.