Verdict: Liverpool win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their 100% Champions League record on Tuesday evening, Liverpool will travel to the Estadi Montilivi when they meet Girona.
Girona
Starting with the hosts, while Girona might have sprung a famous upset last season as they booked a maiden Champions League ticket, Michel’s men have drastically struggled to find a similar level this time around. Last seen over the weekend falling to a routine 3-0 loss at the hands of Real Madrid, the Blanquivermells have shown some real issues on either side of November’s international break. Shockingly watching their Copa del Rey adventure come to an end last week as they suffered penalties heartbreak against fourth-tier outfit UD Logrones, Girona are without a win from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Last seen in Champions League action getting hit with a 1-0 defeat away at Strum Graz, Tuesday’s hosts are desperate seeking some kind of fluidity in the final third. Facing what looks set to be another monumental challenge at the Estadi Montilivi, Michel’s side have drawn a blank in three of their last four outings.
Girona Team News
Yet to make a single appearance since returning from November’s international break, midfield talisman Yangel Herrera remains on the sidelines. However, after serving a one-match suspension against Strum Graz last month, Aranu Martinez will make a full return in midweek.
Completing a permeant move from Manchester United over the summer, Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek will start in the middle of the park. While former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski might still be waiting to open his Champions League account, the North Macedonia international will lead Girona’s attack.
Liverpool
As for the visitors, watching their Merseyside derby get scrapped on Saturday lunchtime due to the adverse weather conditions across England, Liverpool would have appreciated an extended break. Embarking on what has become a sensational rise since Arne Slot’s arrival at Anfield over the summer, Tuesday’s guests are in the midst of what has become a remarkable flurry. Still holding a commanding four-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table, the former Feyenoord boss finds the mood in his camp at a famous high. Collecting a sensational European scalp last month as they claimed a deserved 2-0 victory against defending champions Real Madrid, Liverpool are certainly firing on all cylinders. In fact, confident of laying down another marker on Tuesday night, Slot’s men have won each of their first five Champions League appearances this season and they are the only club that can boast a 100% start to proceedings.
Liverpool Team News
While the trio of Alisson Becker, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota might be inching towards respective first-team returns, they will all miss out on Tuesday night. Likewise, after picking up a costly Champions League booking against Real Madrid last time out, Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will serve a one-match suspension here.
Bagging a brace at St. James’ Park last time out and already recording 21 direct Premier League goal contributions, Mohamed Salah will play a leading role in the final third. Irish shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher will keep his spot between the sticks here.
Girona vs Liverpool Key Factors to Consider
- Liverpool have won each of their first five Champions League appearances this season by an aggregate score of 12-1.
- The Premier League giants are the only club that can boast a 100% Champions League record.
- Girona have drawn a blank in three of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
- Liverpool have recorded a trio of goals in each of their last three appearances away from Anfield.
- Mohamed Salah has recorded 21 direct Premier League goal contributions so far this season.
Conclusion
Winning each of their first five Champions League appearances so far this season and the only club that can boast a 100% start, Liverpool will be smelling another golden opportunity here. Firing on all cylinders and with the mood around Anfield at a red-hot high, the English giants are rightfully pencilled in as a leading European contender this season. Really gaining a fearsome reputation for their clinical performances in the final third, Liverpool will be confident of cashing in on a Girona squad who are in the midst of a wobble.
Verdict: Liverpool win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
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