RB Leipzig vs Liverpool: Champions League Clash Preview, Team News, and Predictions

Liverpool is set to face RB Leipzig in a crucial Champions League match on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. The Reds, under new manager Arne Slot, are aiming to extend their perfect start in the European competition, having already secured victories over AC Milan and Bologna.

Liverpool comes into this match fresh from a 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League, which kept them at the top of the table. Despite the impressive form, the team will be without key players such as Diogo Jota, who was injured during the Chelsea match, and Alisson, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Caoimhin Kelleher will replace Alisson in goal, while Darwin Nunez is likely to lead the line in Jota’s absence.

RB Leipzig, managed by Marco Rose, have had a mixed start to their season. While they are unbeaten in the Bundesliga and sit second in the table, they have lost both of their Champions League matches so far, against Atletico Madrid and Juventus. Leipzig will be without several key players, including Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, Assan Ouedraogo, and David Raum. Lois Openda is expected to recover from a minor injury to feature in the front line.

The predicted lineups for the match see RB Leipzig likely to field a 3-4-2-1 formation with Peter Gulacsi in goal, supported by a defense that includes Lutsharel Geertruida, who previously worked with Slot at Feyenoord. Liverpool, on the other hand, are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kelleher in goal and a strong midfield presence including Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

The match is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off and will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 in the UK and Paramount+ in the US. Liverpool are slight favorites to win, given their strong form and Leipzig’s struggles in the Champions League so far.

The head-to-head history between the two teams favors Liverpool, who won both matches 2-0 during the 2020/21 season. However, Leipzig’s home form and their formidable attacking unit, including Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko, could pose significant challenges for the Reds.