Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
A pointless RB Leipzig host a red-hot Liverpool who have racked up five goals and six points from their opening two games in the league phase.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Wednesday October 23rd 2024: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – TNT Sports 1 / US – CBS Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+
RB LEIPZIG PREVIEW: DEFENSIVE STRUGGLES COSTING LEIPZIG IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
You’re always going to struggle putting points on the board in a competition of this magnitude when conceding a minimum of two goals a game. That’s currently the case with RB Leipzig, who are without a point following consecutive defeats to Atletico Madrid and Juventus respectively, having conceded at least twice on both occasions.
Marco Rose’s side tasted victory last time out, beating Mainz by two goals to nil away from home in the Bundesliga. Xavi Simons was on the scoresheet, which will please Rose greatly as the Dutchman looks to increase his production this season when it comes to attacking returns.
LIVERPOOL PREVIEW: ITALIAN JOB COMPLETE, NOW ONTO GERMANY
Both of Liverpool’s league phase victories have been achieved against Italian opposition. After defeating AC Milan 1-3, the Reds were forced to work very hard by Champions League newcomers Bologna. But Liverpool got the job done at Anfield, winning 2-0 in the end through goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah.
Since then, Liverpool have won two more games, this time in the Premier League and both against London opposition. A 0-1 victory over Crystal Palace was backed up by a 2-1 win vs Chelsea last Sunday.
RB LEIPZIG TEAM NEWS: RAUM, SCHLAGER AND SEIWALD AMONG MEN ABSENT
Benjamin Henrichs could move over to the left-side of defence in the absence of David Raum with Geertruida on the opposite side. Kevin Kampl is a contender to partner Haidara in central midfield as both Schlager and Seiwald are out injured.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-2-2): Gulacsi; Geertruida, Orban, Lukeba, Henrichs; Haidara, Kampl; Nusa, Simons; Openda, Sesko
UNAVAILABLE: Ouedraogo (Injured), Raum (Injured), Schlager (Injured), Seiwald (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS: SLOT REFUSES TO RULE OUT JOTA
Arne Slot has not definitively ruled Diogo Jota out of this game, but the chances of the Portuguese star starting here are extremely slim. Instead, Nunez should play up top with Salah, Szoboszlai and Diaz backing him up. Kelleher will continue to fill in for the injured Alisson in goal.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
UNAVAILABLE: Alisson (Injured), Chiesa (Injured), Elliott (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Jota (Injured)
KEY STATS
RB LEIPZIG VS LIVERPOOL PREDICTION
Liverpool’s excellent record this season since Slot’s arrival must be taken into account and how well they have done away from home in particular. As it stands, it’s played five and won five in all competitions on the road and the defensive steel installed in the team by their new Dutch coach has no doubt made a big impact. You always expect goals with the likes of Salah in the team and if the Liverpool backline can maintain the high levels of performance we’ve seen from them across this campaign so far, then the Reds may well get over the line again in this game. Back Liverpool, but via the safety of the draw no bet market.
RB LEIPZIG VS LIVERPOOL TIP: LIVERPOOL DRAW NO BET