Liverpool make their long-awaited return to Champions League action tonight with a trip to Budapest to face RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Round of 16 ties against the German outfit.
Despite their poor form in the league this season, the Reds have been able to keep strong in the European competition with them winning their group ahead of Atalanta, Ajax, and FC Midtjylland, with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss which came in their final group game against Midtjylland in Norway. Let’s take a little look at the two sides, shall we?
Liverpool
Besides this freak loss which was more down to Liverpool using the game to rest some of their stars due to a packed schedule of games, Jurgen Klopp’s side has shown more than once during the group stages that they are still strong contenders for the Champions League trophy.
From their six games in the group stages, the Reds have only conceded three times which is impressive given their injuries in defence this season. However, they face a Leipzig side that have been impressive domestically this season in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.
RB Leipzig
Julian Nagelsmann’s side are currently second in the league and finished second in their group behind PSG despite being level on points. This was due to their poor record in defence where they conceded 12 goals and scored 11, but results somehow still went their way and they manage to edge above Manchester United to second to qualify.
One of the interesting things about Leipzig is that after losing their star striker in Timo Werner in the summer to Chelsea, they never properly replaced him and have instead divided the attacking responsibilities to near enough the whole squad – with no player scoring more than 4 goals in the league so far this season, with 15 different scorers as cited by WhoScored.
Can Liverpool beat RB Leipzig tonight?
Yes
No
Predictions
In regards to Liverpool, I think that we will see our front three enjoy a better game than what they have so far this season. With us facing an opponent that has a track record of conceding goals this season in Europe and with the Reds facing a relatively new territory in Leipzig, I feel as though Mané, Firmino, and Salah will be all guns blazing from the get-go tonight.
I think from Leipzig’s perspective, they will be hoping to control the tempo of the game from very early on, and with the resurgence of Angeliño and the great form of players such as Dani Olmo and Christopher Nkunku – they will be a threat all across the pitch even with their poor conceding record in the tournament so far.
Overall I think it will be a great game and Liverpool will be facing one of the most tactically versatile teams left in the competition according to The Athletic’s Michael Fox and Tom Worville. Despite this, I am going for a 2-0 victory in favour of Jurgen Klopp’s side, so fingers crossed they will be on form tonight.
What do you think Liverpool fans, what are your score predictions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…