Match Preview
On Wednesday, RB Leipzig and Liverpool will face off in a much-anticipated Champions League match at the Red Bull Arena, both teams guided by the tactician Jurgen Klopp. The Reds have already recorded convincing victories against Bologna and AC Milan in this year’s new-look competition, while Leipzig is still searching for their first points.
Liverpool’s resurgence under Arne Slot is evident, as they recently overcame a significant test in the Premier League. On Sunday, the Reds emerged victorious against Chelsea, with Mohamed Salah converting a penalty and Curtis Jones finding the net to secure a 2-1 win. This victory allowed Liverpool to maintain their one-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the league, marking their impressive record of 10 wins from 11 matches under Slot.
In their Champions League campaign, Liverpool has shown consistent form, including a 3-1 win over AC Milan and a 2-0 triumph against Bologna. Despite some fortunate moments, particularly against Bologna, the Merseyside giants are riding high, aiming for an eighth consecutive win across all competitions. Remarkably, they have not lost to a German team in the Champions League away since the 2001-02 season.
In contrast, RB Leipzig has struggled in the Champions League, currently sitting at the bottom of their group after two losses to Atletico Madrid and Juventus. Despite a strong performance in these matches, Leipzig was unable to secure points, falling short against formidable opponents. Their recent Bundesliga form offers a glimmer of hope, with back-to-back wins against Mainz 05 and Heidenheim, where they kept two clean sheets.
Team News
For Liverpool, the win over Chelsea came with a cost as Diogo Jota was substituted after just 30 minutes due to injury. Alisson Becker (hamstring) and Harvey Elliott (foot) are also sidelined, while Federico Chiesa remains a doubt. Joe Gomez may step in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is also under scrutiny.
On the Leipzig side, Lois Openda, their top scorer, is dealing with a knock, although he has downplayed the injury. Alongside him, Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko, who has netted all three of Leipzig’s goals in the Champions League, are expected to lead the attack.
Possible Starting Lineups:
RB Leipzig: Gulacsi; Orban, Klostermann, Lukeba; Geertruida, Haidara, Vermeeren, Nusa; Simons; Sesko, Openda
Liverpool: Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez
While Leipzig has improved defensively since their collapse against Juventus, Liverpool presents a different challenge. It’s anticipated that this match could be decided in the latter stages, especially given Leipzig’s history of conceding goals late in Champions League matches.
Liverpool is favored to extend their excellent run under Slot, and as the teams prepare for a thrilling encounter, all eyes will be on the Red Bull Arena.
