Liverpool and RB Leipzig clash in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday night.
The two teams return to the Puskas arena in Budapest, where the first leg was played. Both games are being played in Budapest due to Covid-19 restrictions in England and Germany.
This time out, Liverpool will be considered the ‘home’ team, following their 2-0 ‘away’ victory three weeks ago.
Last time out
In the reverse fixture, Liverpool triumphed 2-0, securing two vital away goals courtesy of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
The quick-fire double from the duo gave Liverpool the advantage, punishing some poor Leipzig defending.
Team news
For Liverpool, Roberto Firmino looks set to miss the game, due to a knee issue. As a result, Diogo Jota looks set to fill in for the Brazilian in Liverpool’s misfiring attack.
For Leipzig, Captain Marcel Sabitzer and defender Marcel Halstenberg are avaiable for selection once again. However, Angelino is suffering from a muscle injury and will miss out.
Additionally, Dominik Szoboszlai and Konrad Lainer will miss out for the German side.
Recent form
Liverpool’s recent form has left a lot to be desired.
At the weekend they fell to their sixth home league defeat in a row, losing 1-0 to struggling Fulham in the Premier League.
Since their victory first leg victory, Liverpool have won only once.
They beat Sheffield United, who sit bottom of the league, 2-0 away from home. With those two goals the only ones they’ve scored since they last face Leipzig.
For Leipzig however, their form has been promising.
At the weekend, their 3-0 victory against Freiburg was their sixth consecutive league win. They currently sit second in the Bundesliga, two points behind Bayern Munich
Editor’s picks:
- Thomas Tuchel sets new record as he remains unbeaten as Chelsea manager
- Valerien Ismael has Barnsley dreaming of the Premier League
- “Christian Pulisic should be patient” says Tuchel
- Ole plays down Manchester United title charge
Prediction
The game will be tight, there’s no doubting that.
Liverpool will be looking to put their poor league form behind them, whilst Leipzig will come in with nothing to lose.
Liverpool have a two goal lead, with both goals being ‘away’ goals – giving them the advantage over Leipzig.
The two main questions are, Can Liverpool’s makeshift defence handle Leipzig’s attack? and can Liverpool’s front three return to the scoresheets.
If they can, Liverpool should win and advance to the quarter finals. If they cannot, Leipzig stand a very good chance of turning the tie around.
Prediction: 1-1 (Aggregate: 3-1) Liverpool advance to the quarter finals
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