Liverpool eye three UCL wins after hard-fought Chelsea victory.

2024-10-17

As RB Leipzig seek redemption against a high-flying Liverpool side, both teams head into their Champions League showdown with contrasting fortunes; Leipzig aim to avoid a historic third consecutive UCL collapse while Liverpool, under the astute leadership of Arne Slot, looks to continue their perfect European campaign amidst a sentimental return for former Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai.

RB Leipzig

Leipzig are one of eight teams yet to register a point in the revamped edition of the UEFA Champions League. The German club scored first but let the lead slip in their opening two matches, conceding a 90th-minute goal to lose 2-1 against Atlético Madrid on Match Day 1. They then went ahead twice, only to lose 3-2 against ten-man Juventus on MD 2.

The Red Bulls will be hoping to avoid a repeat on Wednesday, as this would make them the first-ever side to lose in three consecutive UCL games under such circumstances. Marco Rose's side heads into Wednesday's clash after a 2-0 Bundesliga win over FSV Mainz on Saturday, with the defeat against Juventus being their only loss in the last five matches across all competitions [DWLWW].

Leipzig and Liverpool met in the last 16 of the 2020-21 UCL season, with the German side losing both legs by a 2-0 scoreline. Additionally, the Red Bulls have lost six of their last eight games against English sides [1W, 1D, 6L], while conceding 32 goals in their last 10 such games.

A 3—4—2—1 formation with Loïs Openda in attack is expected from the home side, with the striker insisting he is fit to play despite picking up a knock against Mainz last time out.

Liverpool

Liverpool are enjoying life under new manager Arne Slot, currently sitting atop the English Premier League table and winning their two UEFA Champions League games so far. The Reds picked up a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in an incident-packed weekend encounter, extending their winning streak across all competitions to seven matches.

This impressive run includes their 3-1 and 2-0 wins over Italian sides AC Milan and Bologna in the Champions League. Slot will hope his side can extend this streak when they visit Germany on Wednesday.

Liverpool have won seven out of their 10 Champions League meetings with German opposition, securing six clean sheets in the process. It will be a return to familiar ground for former Leipzig player Dominik Szoboszlai, who described the upcoming encounter as special for him. "The match is of course special for me; RB made me the player I am today," the midfielder said ahead of the clash.

A 4-2-3-1 formation with Darwin Núñez leading the attack is expected, as Diogo Jota is likely to be sidelined after an injury against Chelsea. Caoimhín Kelleher will remain in goal, with Alisson Becker currently injured.