2019-20 UEFA Champions League: Group Stage: Liverpool vs Red Bull Salzburg

After losing at Napoli a fortnight ago, Liverpool are looking to register their first win in Group E as they welcome Red Bull Salzburg to Anfield. 

A win will send the Reds into the top two whilst Salzburg could extend their lead to six points if they can get a shock victory here. 

 

Team news

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Joel Matip is a doubt for Liverpool after picking up a knock during Saturday’s win at Sheffield United.

Alisson and Xherdan Shaqiri are ruled out with calf injuries alongside Nathaniel Clyne, who is still recovering from a knee injury. 

Salzburg could be without star striker, Erling Haaland due to illness as he faces a race to prove his fitness, having scored 10 goals in 17 appearances already this season. 

Antoine Bernede (shin) and Alexander Walke (foot) are just two definite absentees for Salzburg. 

 

Stat Attack

  • This is Liverpool’s first ever meeting with Red Bull Salzburg. 
  • Liverpool are unbeaten in two previous meetings with Austrian opposition, beating Austria Wien 5-2 on aggregate during the 1984-85 UEFA European Cup. 
  • Salzburg haven’t lost any of their last eight away trips in all European competitions (W5, D3). 

 

Prediction

Having faced a tough test at the weekend in Sheffield United and won, Liverpool should be confident of a win here but they need to tighten up in midfield if are to stop Haaland if he starts. 

I therefore am going for a home win but can see Salzburg giving them an almighty scare given their European away form. 

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Red Bull Salzburg

Result: Liverpool 4-3 Red Bull Salzburg

 

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