RB Leipzig v Liverpool – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

RB Leipzig hosts Liverpool Both previous clashes between these sides ended 2-0 in favor of the Reds. While both clubs are near the top of their domestic leagues, the Red Bulls have lost both of their European matches so far this season.

RB Leipzig Form

RB Leipzig has lost both of their Champions League matches so far. In the Bundesliga, they remain unbeaten this season (five wins, two draws) and are joint-top of the table. After a fortunate 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen (outshot 26-8), they drew 0-0 at home to Union Berlin. A last-minute 2-1 loss followed against Atletico Madrid.

A 0-0 draw away at St. Pauli came next, before smashing Augsburg 4-0 at home. In their last European match, they squandered a 2-1 lead at home against a ten-man Juventus, suffering a shock 3-2 loss. Since then, they’ve won two consecutive away Bundesliga matches: 1-0 at Heidenheim and 2-0 at Mainz.

RB Leipzig Team News

RB Leipzig has a slight doubt over top striker Lois Openda, but he is expected to shake off a knock to start. Left-back David Raum is ruled out with a ligament injury.

Central midfielders Nicolas Seiwald and Forzan Assan Ouedraogo are set to miss this match. Xaver Schlager is another absentee in midfield due to a cruciate knee ligament injury.

RB Leipzig Motivation

Marco Rose’s side is expected to attack Liverpool. After losing twice already in the Champions League, they need a win or at least a point.

If they take the lead, they could switch to a back five and withdraw a forward to secure the result.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool has won ten of their 11 matches this season across all competitions. A 3-0 win at Old Trafford was followed by their only defeat, a 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest where they produced just 0.94 xG. Since then, they have won seven matches in a row, including a 3-1 victory at AC Milan and a 2-0 home win against Bologna in the Champions League.

Before the FIFA break, Liverpool won 1-0 at Crystal Palace, outshooting the Eagles 16-9. On Sunday, they beat Chelsea 2-1 at home, generating 1.94 xG from nine shots, including a penalty, despite only having 42% possession at Anfield.

Liverpool Team News

Arne Slot is without Alisson Becker, so Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in goal. Harvey Elliott is ruled out, Diogo Jota went off injured on Sunday, and Federico Chiesa remains a doubt.

Curtis Jones will hope to keep his place in the XI ahead of Alexis Mac Allister. There could be some rotation with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Kostas Tsimikas potentially starting.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool has a huge league match against Arsenal on Sunday, so they will likely have one eye on that fixture, especially with six points already secured in the Champions League.

While they will play to win this match, a draw wouldn’t be disastrous. Avoiding injuries and conserving energy will be key.

Key Stats

RB Leipzig has lost 2-0 in both of their previous meetings with Liverpool.

RB Leipzig has lost 6 of their last 11 UCL matches (24 goals conceded).

Liverpool has won 10 of their 11 matches this season (25 goals scored).

Liverpool has won 9 of their last 10 away Champions League matches.

Verdict

The Reds may be slightly distracted by their upcoming trip to Arsenal, but they should still win this match. A win to nil for the third time in a row against the Red Bulls looks like great value.