Liverpool head to Germany on Wednesday determined to tighten their grip on a top eight spot in the Champions League league phase. A win at RB Leipzig would also go a fair way to proving that Arne Slot’s side are worthy of ranking among the most serious contenders to win the competition outright, a task that would become more manageable if they could retain the spot above the playoff places that they found themselves in at the start of the week,
The pressure is arguably greater on Leipzig, beaten by the old goal against Atletico Madrid and Juventus so far in the competition. With one of the toughest fixtures of any side in the league phase, Die Roten Bullen will feel the pressure to get what they can on home soil, even against some of Europe’s toughest opposition. Here is how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
Viewing information
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Red Bull Arena — Leipzig, Germany
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: RB Leipzig +290; Draw +300; Liverpool -118
Team news
Leipzig: The absences of Nicolas Seiwald and in particular David Raum will be deeply felt by Marco Rose as he puts a plan together to wrestle control away from Liverpool. The former has been struggling with muscle problems while Raum, so often a one-man flank on the left, has an ankle issue. For the weekend win over Mainz, young Norwegian winger Antonio Nusa came in for Raum. Would repeating that approach be too much of a gamble for Leipzig?
Possible Leipzig XI: Gulacsi; Klostermann, Orban, Lukeba; Geertruida, Vermeeren, Haidara, Nusa; Simons, Sesko; Openda
Liverpool: The ongoing absence of Alisson means Caoimhin Kelleher retains his spot in goal but a more notable concern before flying off to Germany was the absence of Diogo Jota. The Portugal international came off in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea following a collision with Tosin Adarbioyo and was not part of training on Tuesday. Nor was Federico Chiesa, meaning the door was wide open for Darwin Nunez to lead the line.
Possible Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez
Prediction
With tough games coming thick and fast for Liverpool, they will surely slip up at some stage. Away to a very impressive Leipzig side might just be the moment. PICK: Leipzig 2, Liverpool 2
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