Prediction: RB Leipzig vs Liverpool

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to extend on their 100% Champions League record on Wednesday night, Liverpool will travel to RB Leipzig.

RB Leipzig

Starting with the hosts, while RB Leipzig might have continued on a real Bundesliga romp on either side of October’s international break, the Red Bulls are desperately seeking a much-needed European boost. Getting their Champions League adventure underway with a real collapse away at Spanish giants Atletico Madrid as they fell to a 2-1 loss Marco Rose’s side will be bracing themselves for another heavyweight clash here. Last seen in European action getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat against Juventus on October 2nd, Leipzig will also be concerned by their most recent battles against Liverpool. Including a 2-0 defeat when they welcomed the Premier League heavyweights to the Red Bull Arena back in February 2021, they lost both of their Round of 16 showdowns by an aggregate score of 4-0.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season and still dealing with a long-term knee injury, RB Leipzig will once again be without Austria international Xaver Schlager on Wednesday night. Missing out against Mainz over the weekend with a recent ankle issue, Rose’s side are once again sweating over the fitness of ex-Hoffenheim defender David Raum.

Heavily linked with a Premier League switch over the summer and already registering four Bundesliga strikes so far this season, Belgium marksman Lois Openda will play a leading role here. Completing another season-long loan switch from PSG, 21-year-old sensation Xavi Simons will partner Openda in attack.

Liverpool

As for the visitors, while fans around Anfield might have been left heartbroken over the summer following Jurgen Klopp’s exit, Liverpool have embarked on a sensational rise under the guidance of new boss Arne Slot. Marking their return from October’s international break with a stellar 2-1 win against Chelsea over the weekend, the former Feyenoord manager has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the continent. Retaining their spot at the top of the Premier League table and with the mood around Anfield at a red-hot high, Wednesday’s guests will be looking to lay down another statement here. In fact, along with getting their Champions League adventure underway on September 17th with a 3-1 romp away at AC Milan, Slot’s side have won 10 of their first 11 appearances across all competitions.

Team News

Limping off against Liverpool over the weekend after sustaining a first-half blow, Portugal international Diogo Jota is seen as a real doubt heading into Wednesday’s showdown. Likewise, forced to withdraw from Brazil’s squad during October’s international break after picking up a hamstring injury, the Reds have confirmed that Alisson Becker will not feature over the next month.

While Harvey Elliot might be inching towards a return from his long-term ankle injury, the former Fulham starlet will not travel to Leipzig in midweek. Notching four goals in his previous five appearances on either side of October’s international break, Mohamed Salah will play a leading role in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When RB Leipzig and Liverpool met in the Round of 16 stage back in February 2021, the Reds won their back-to-back showdowns by an aggregate score of 4-0.
• Liverpool have won 10 of their first 11 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
• Likewise, Slot’s high-flying squad have won their opening two Champions League showdowns by an aggregate score of 5-1.
• RB Leipzig have lost their opening two European battles by an aggregate score of 5-3.
• Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah has recorded four goals in his previous five appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Marking their return from October’s international break with a stellar 2-1 victory against Chelsea over the weekend, Liverpool have continued on an astonishing rise since Slot’s arrival. Flying out of the traps since opening up their Champions League adventure and looking to extend on their 100% tally, they will also be excited by their most recent battles against Wednesday’s hosts. Winning their Round of 16 showdowns by an aggregate score of 4-0, the English giants will be desperately seeking another European statement here.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet