Prediction: Red Star vs Liverpool

Verdict: Liverpool to Win to Nil

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365

Liverpool will be looking to remain at the top of Group C as they travel to Belgrade for the return leg of the Champions League against Red Star. The hosts are currently on a fantastic home run which they will attempt to exploit against the Reds.

Red Star

Serbian champions Red Star are back in the Champions League after a quarter of a century but their return to the glimmering stage has not been that glorious. Pitted against the likes of PSG, Napoli and Liverpool, the Belgrade behemoths have been given a mission impossible by UEFA.

Halfway through the group stage Red Star are sitting rock bottom with a respectable point gained against Napoli at home and there is no doubt that Vladan Milojevic’s men will be extremely keen to try to do (at least) the same against Liverpool on Tuesday. The Rajko Mitic stadium has been an unbreakable fortress for little over a year now and Red Star are definitely hoping to extend their 23-match unbeaten home run across all competitions. It will be easier said than done, however, but with the help of their notoriously loud and fanatic supporters, Red Star have had their share of miracles before. A 1-1 draw against Napoli back in September definitely fits in that category. Red Star will be looking to make amends for the 4-0 beating at Anfield and are likely to adopt a more cautious approach and try to catch Liverpool on a break.

Team News

Red Star goalkeeper picked up a knock against Proleter in the Serbian Super Liga and missed the training at the weekend but should be fit to stand between the stick for Liverpool.

Striker Richmond Boakye is the only player Vladan Milojevic will not be able to call upon for the forthcoming clash.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s men arrive in Belgrade on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Arsenal. The Reds were somewhat unfortunate not to get all three points from the match at the Emirates and could use the upcoming trip to Belgrade to refill their morale and get back to winning ways.

Klopp’s charges recorded a comprehensive 4-0 win over Red Star last time out at Anfield but should be in for a more difficult challenge this time around. Rajko Mitic stadium is a noisy and a frightening venue where 50,000 of Red Star fans carry their team throughout the full 90 minutes. Liverpool are a more quality side however and should have enough about them to see off any potential threat and get the much-needed three points. The Reds currently have a one-point advantage ahead of Napoli at the top of Group C and will be keen to make another huge step towards the next stage of the competition with PSG and Napoli going against each other again.

Team News

Jurgen Klopp decided to leave Xherdan Shaqiri in Liverpool in order to avoid any political strains between the Serbian fans and the Kosovo-born winger turned midfielder.

Jordan Henderson and Nathaniel Clyne will also remain at Melwood due to lack of fitness and illness, respectively, while Naby Keita and Dejan Lovren are among those travelling to Belgrade.

Key Factors to Consider

• Red Star are unbeaten in 23 consecutive home games in all competitions
• Red Star conceded 10 goals in three Champions League group stage matches
• Liverpool lost only 1 of their last 13 matches on the road
• The hosts are back in the Champions League for the 1^st time in last 25 years
• Liverpool managed to keep 1 clean sheet in last 6 away matches

Conclusion

Red Star have yet to be beaten at home in more than a year and Jurgen Klopp’s men are coming to Belgrade to put an end to a formidable stretch spanning across 23 matches. The Belgrade giants are rock bottom in Group C but the Champions League finalists Liverpool should nevertheless be wary ahead of their match at the Rajko Mitic stadium.

Verdict: Liverpool to Win to Nil

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365