RB Leipzig vs Liverpool: Champions League Preview, Latest Team News and Predicted XI’s | OneFootball

RB Leipzig v Liverpool – Champions League Preview

Date – 23rd October 2024

Venue – Red Bull Arena

Kick off – 20.00hrs

The weekend ended with Liverpool sustaining their position at the top of the Premier League table, as they overcame a much-improved Chelsea side with a deserved 2-1 victory. The momentum gained by that home win will hopefully propel them towards a positive result next Sunday, where Arsenal will host the reds in perhaps the biggest encounter of the 2023/24 season so far.

Before that trip to North London a journey must be undertaken to Germany, where planes, trains, and automobiles, will see the six-times European champions arrive for their midweek clash with RB Leipzig. The revamped opening stage of the Champions League currently has the reds in 5th place (joint top) on maximum points, however, their Bundesliga opponents are yet to secure a single point and languish in 29th position.

Photo: IMAGO

A draw would probably suit both teams at this stage, though the hosts may have to throw caution to the wind given their home advantage, something which could lead to an enthralling night at the Red Bull Arena.

RB Leipzig Team News

In terms of availability, Xaver Schlager, Assan Ouédraogo, and David Raum, are all out for Marco Rose.

Regarding early season form, the German club were victors at Mainz at the weekend, as they ran out 0-2 winners. Prior to the international break another away day ended in success, by overcoming Heidenheim with a 0-1 scoreline. Their last Champions League outing ended in defeat, as visiting Juventus beat their hosts 2-3 at the Red Bull Arena. The German outfit currently sit 2nd in the Bundesliga on 17-points.

Photo: IMAGO

A predicted line up for the home team is listed below, in a 3-4-3 formation, one which has allowed for an only mild alterations from the weekend.

Péter Gulácsi, Benjamin Henrichs, Willi Orbán, Castello Lukeba, Antonio Nusa, Amadou Haidara, Kevin Kampl, Lutsharel Geertruida, Xavi Simonsm, Loïs Openda, Benjamin Šeško

Liverpool Team News

In terms of injures, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined until early November, as he recovers from his fractured foot, whereas Diogo Jota may be out until December with a suspected fractured rib. Alisson Becker is a few weeks away from his return, whilst Federico Chiesa may be back for the weekend. Conor Bradley has been confirmed as unavailable for the next fortnight due to an undisclosed injury.

Photo: IMAGO

Regarding recent form, Arne Slot’s men beat Chelsea at home on Sunday (2-1), to reaffirm their position as Premier League leaders. Prior to the most recent international window, a successful trip to Selhurst Park ended in a 0-1 away win, with Liverpool overcoming a stubborn Crystal Palace side. A 2-0 win over Bologna (in the reds most recent Champions League tie) came days after a visit to Molineux and a subsequent 1-2 victory over Wolves.

Below is the team I believe the Dutch boss, Arne Slot, will start for this next European tie. The incoming weekend will bring a trip to north London for a huge battle with Arsenal, therefore, I expect some rotation and the full use of in game changes for this encounter.

Predicted Lineup

Caoimhin Kelleher. Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk (c), Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endō, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz

How Will This Contest Play Out

Liverpool will look to control this game without over exerting themselves. Leipzig are excelling in the German top flight this term, which should make for an interesting contest that promises goals. The balance between the sides should see a fine contest ensue, one that I believe will end in a score draw. Benjamin Šeško is certainly a player to watch for the hosts, whereas the reds Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, will surely be keeping a close eye on Castello Lukeba.

Player to watch – Wataru Endō

Score Prediction: RB Leipzig 2 – 2 Liverpool