Liverpool head into their fourth Champions League match of the season in a superb place, however Bayer Leverkusen current their hardest take a look at but at Anfield.
Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Champions League (4) | Anfield
November 5, 2024 | 8pm (GMT)
After beating Brighton and leapfrogging Man Metropolis onto the highest of the Premier League, Liverpool at the moment are seeking to prolong their successful run in Europe.
A win towards Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen would see Liverpool, at a minimal, stay joint-top of the Champions League league part league desk – absolutely there’s a greater title for it than that.
1. The Champions League state of play
Liverpool have been excellent to date in Europe this season, beating AC Milan and RB Leipzig away, in addition to Bologna at house.
Solely Aston Villa can declare to have a document matching the Reds, successful towards Younger Boys, Bayern Munich and Bologna at house additionally.
Such is the character of the league part, although, Liverpool are nonetheless solely two factors above Arsenal who sit ninth, one place beneath the automated qualification locations for the spherical of 16.
Whereas computerized qualification received’t be assured for any aspect till the final couple of matchdays, the Reds are wanting good to remain to complete within the prime 24 of the league, which might qualify Arne Slot‘s aspect for the play-off spherical.
With three factors from three matches, AC Milan are the staff at present in twenty fifth place.
2. Xabi Alonso again at Anfield
Earlier than leaving for Actual Madrid in 2009, Xabi Alonso was a agency favorite amongst Liverpool supporters for his floppy hair, soccer mind and above all, sensible passing potential.
When he swapped Merseyside for Madrid, the midfielder was 28 years previous and would go on to win 4 league titles and a Champions League throughout his time in Spain and at Bayern Munich.
He by no means confronted Liverpool as a participant and, now managing Leverkusen, will return to Anfield to a heat reception.
It isn’t actually his first time again, although – the Spaniard has performed in Liverpool Legends matches over the previous few years.
On the weekend, Alonso mentioned: “It’s an enormous recreation. To play within the Champions League at Anfield. It might’t get a lot better than that, the ambiance is tremendous.
“They’re considered one of finest groups in Europe, they’re dominant so it’s an enormous problem, they’ll make it tough for us.”
3. Ibrahima Konate is okay after wrist harm
Having been compelled off simply earlier than half time towards Brighton together with his arm in a makeshift sling, followers feared Ibrahima Konate was going through a spell on the sidelines.
Fortunately, there was no break to his wrist and he’s already again in coaching and, in accordance with Konate himself, accessible to play towards Leverkusen.
On Monday, he wrote on-line “My harm isn’t severe fortunately. I had a scan as we speak and it confirmed there is no such thing as a break. I’ll be prepared for the subsequent recreation.”
4. Liverpool staff prediction
As typical, arguably the largest choice conundrum for Slot comes on the left wing as he should resolve whether or not to play Cody Gakpo or Luis Diaz.
Given the latter didn’t begin towards Brighton on Saturday, the chances are that he’ll come again in for the Leverkusen match.
The identical could possibly be mentioned about Curtis Jones, who additionally made an affect from the bench on the weekend, whereas in defence, Konate won’t be risked regardless of being “utterly recovered,” in accordance to Slot.
Predicted XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
5. Caoimhin Kelleher experiencing Anfield first
Regardless of having made 53 appearances for the Reds, Caoimhin Kelleher has by no means performed a Champions League recreation in entrance of supporters at Anfield.
Requested in regards to the upcoming event, he mentioned: “It will likely be fairly cool. Clearly I’ve been there and skilled fairly just a few nights of Champions League – I didn’t play clearly however I used to be right here.
“The ambiance is at all times electrical on European nights so yeah, will probably be a particular second tomorrow and one I’m wanting ahead to for certain.”
6. 1 win in 4 for Leverkusen
Whereas Alonso could also be returning to Anfield as an unbeaten Bundesliga-winning supervisor, the present season hasn’t truly gone too effectively.
After successful the DFB Pokal, Bundesliga and reaching the Europa League ultimate, Leverkusen went into the present marketing campaign with excessive expectations.
With 9 matches performed, although, they’ve 16 factors, 9 fewer than at this stage final season.
As well as, they’ve received simply considered one of their final 4 matches, together with a 1-1 draw towards Brest within the Champions League, a contest by which they’ve seven factors from three video games towards Feyenoord, AC Milan and Brest.
7. “An enormous European tie,” says Arne Slot
Whereas Liverpool might lose this recreation, and probably one other couple, and nonetheless progress to win the trophy outright, Slot thinks that is nonetheless “an enormous European tie.”
The Dutchman mentioned: “It’s a large European tie which is nearly at all times the scenario should you play Champions League, even within the new format, though there could be possibly one or two or three groups that aren’t as generally known as all the opposite groups which are within the competitors.”
“In Europe final season, they had been unimaginable in fact. This season, in my view, they’re nonetheless the identical. Simply pretty much as good however a bit extra unfortunate in the case of outcomes.
“So, a recreation to look ahead to for many individuals who love this recreation.”
8. Wonderful house document towards German groups
Mo Salah is one purpose away from recording 50 within the Champions League – he has scored extra within the competitors than every other African participant in historical past.
Liverpool have by no means misplaced to a German aspect at Anfield in Europe, having confronted them 20 occasions in whole, successful 16 video games and drawing the opposite 4, protecting 14 clear sheets within the course of.
Every of Liverpool’s six objectives within the Champions League this season has come from a unique scorer: Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez and Salah.
9. Who’s the referee?
The match can be refereed by an all-Dutch officiating staff, led by Danny Makkelie on the pitch and Rob Dieperink within the VAR sales space.
Their compatriots, Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries, are the assistant referees, whereas Clay Ruperti will help Dieperink on VAR.
The fourth official is Allard Lindhout. Hopefully, Slot can appeal the officers in his native Dutch language!
10. Observe the match with TIA
Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen is dwell on Amazon Prime Video with kick-off at 8pm (GMT).
TIA’s matchday dwell weblog can be up and working from 7.15pm, with Henry Jackson tasked with protecting you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
