Holding a two goal lead from the first leg, Liverpool and RB Leipzig once again meet at the Puskas Arena, Hungary, on neutral territory in the second leg.
Liverpool know that a win, draw or 1-0 defeat would see them progress to the Quarter-Finals, whereas RB Leipzig need two goals to force extra time or at least three goals to book their spot in the last eight.
Team News
Roberto Firmino is set to return for Liverpool after a knock kept the Brazilian striker out of Sunday’s Premier League loss against Fulham.
Caoimhin Kelleher (knock) and Ben Davies (fitness) could feature but Jordan Henderson (adductor), Joel Matip (ankle), Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk (both knee) remain absent.
RB Leipzig could be without Angelino after the left winger missed their last three matches with a thigh injury.
Marcel Sabitzer (calf) and Willi Orban (hand) are also doubts but Konrad Laimer, Marcel Halstenberg (both knee) and Dominik Szoboszlai (adductor) are ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Liverpool are unbeaten against RB Leipzig after winning their first-ever meeting 2-0 in the first leg last month (W1).
- RB Leipzig have won just one of three designated ‘away’ matches against opposition from British Isles (W1, L2).
- Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are yet to fail to win against a Red Bull owned club in all competitions (W3).
- RB Leipzig are unbeaten in three of their last five ‘away’ Champions League matches (W2, D1, L2).
- Liverpool are yet to score a first-half goal in a ‘home’ Champions League game this season.
Prediction
Following a sixth consecutive home defeat at Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool will be glad that this game is being played on neutral territory because they just looked shot of any confidence in attack and defence were simply outclassed even at set pieces.
RB Leipzig meanwhile have it all to do if they’re to find two goals to force extra time let alone three or more goals to win this tie on away goals, but this does look a plausible task given how emotionless Liverpool look in their play at present.
I however can see Liverpool coming out fairly refreshed after several regulars were left on the bench on Sunday, which might be enough for a draw to secure their spot in the last eight given that winning this tournament is their best shot now at Champions League football next season.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 RB Leipzig
Result: Liverpool 2-0 RB Leipzig (Liverpool win 4-0 on aggregate!!)
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