The second leg of this matchup will once again be played at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, after the Germans were denied from traveling to Anfield. The first leg was played at the same venue where Liverpool won 2-0, a scorline that Leipzig must overturn if they want to qualify. Who will triumph in the 2nd version? This is Liverpool Vs RB Leipzig – Will Budapest Be A Blessing For The Reds?
Match Preview
Liverpool might not feel so bad about the venue change, after all they can’t seem to get a good result at Anfield as of late. Tomorrow, they will hope to put their domestic difficulties aside and book a place in the quarter-finals. On the other end, a flawless Leipzig side that bounced back after the 1st leg defeat will be waiting. Who’s got what it takes to go through? Let’s take a closer look at both sides as we approach kick off.
Liverpool FC
The Reds are definitely happy that this game is not taking place at Anfield. Despite being once a fortress, in now a liability after they lost their last 6 straight matches. What could have possibly went wrong for them? Injuries of course, but can we use it as a scapegoat to cover for something else? How come their strikers are not finding the back of the net anymore? We know that the whole build up play got affected by the many injuries they have, but still it’s a question worth asking. In fact, after their most recent defeat against Fulham 1-0, Liverpool are now still without a goal from open play at home this calendar year. Their only home goal in their last seven matches was a penalty in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City. A bit worrying don’t you think?
However, The Reds will look to put their domestic struggles aside and focus on the Champions League. Their recent run of bad form is truly worrying. Six defeats from their last eight matches across all competitions, and nine losses already in 2021. In addition, losing their last six straight matches at Anfield is the worst run in the club’s 129-year history. Klopp will hope that the CL will provide some sort of a breather, as they will be desperate to hold on to the 2-0 advantage to go through.
RB Leipzig
Standing in Liverpool’s way is a German team that’s been in fine form lately. In fact, after the 1st leg defeat, Leipzig have won four games in a row, scoring 11 and conceding just two. That run has seen them keep the pressure on Bayern in the league, with only two points seperating them, as well as advancing to the DFB Pokal semi final. Can they keep it going in the Champions League? Who knows? After all, they gifted Liverpool both goals through errors. If they can learn from that they might have a big chance of turning it around.
In order to do that, Nagelsmann’s side will have to overcome two away goals, meaning that a 3-0 scorline just like their most recent match will be enough. But can they keep the Reds from scoring? A question that we don’t have a solid answer for. Sure, Liverpool’s strikers are struggling recently, but with the quality of Salah and Mane, you always have a chance to create scoring chances. Despite making it to the semi final stage last year, this might be Leipzig’s most difficult match yet. They will face a Liverpool side that have nothing but the CL to play for. In other words, winning this year’s competition might be more realistic than finishing top 4 in the league for Klopp. But in the end, no matter how small the % is, Leipzig still have a chance to go through. Will they take it?
Team News
Klopp made several changes during the loss against Fulham last week. Could this mean that he is nor prioritizing the CL over everything? Fabinho, TAA and Thiago were all rested as Klopp looks to put his strongest starting XI together. Diogo Jota finally returned to action in a much needed time for the Reds. However, Firmino and Kabak are facing late fitness tests ahead of tomorrow, as both missed the Fulham game due to injuries. Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all remain long-term absentees. Keita is finally back though, as he will be keen to start against his former side. The most asked question this season remains the same for Liverpool: Who will start as CBs?
On the other hand, Leipzig could be without one of their most influential players. Angelino, who has scored eight goals and registered 11 assists in 31 appearances for RB Leipzig this season, could miss the game due to injury. Marcel Sabitzer and Willi Orban are also doubts for Nagelsmann’s side, while Marcel Halstenberg, Konrad Laimer and Dominik Szoboszlai are all sidelined. On the birhgt side, Frosberg is now fit after he missed the 1st leg, as he looks to make an immediate impact on the team.
Prediction & Current Odds
Liverpool Vs RB Leipzig – Will Budapest Be A Blessing For The Reds? Bottom line is, both teams will be eager to progress to the next round. However, one of them looks more prepared and might take the advantage. Liverpool have lost six of their last eight games, while RB Leipzig have lost just one of their last nine matches, which was the 1st leg against the Reds. The German side look in a much better form, both in scoring and defending. On the other hand, it’s difficult to back Liverpool to even score, the way things are going so far. Nonetheless, you can never underestimate the heart of a champion, and we will not. That being said, we expect Leipzig to win the game but eventually Liverpool will go through on aggregate.
- Over 2.5 goals: 1.72
- Both Teams to Score: 1.57
- Leipzig Win: 2.90
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