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Introduction
Liverpool are set to face RB Leipzig in a crucial Champions League league-phase encounter, with both teams entering this contest under different circumstances. For Arne Slot’s Liverpool, it’s a chance to build on their recent positive form, while Marco Rose’s Leipzig are looking to collect their first points in the competition after a tough start. Here’s a detailed look at the team news and what to expect from this exciting matchup.
Injury Concerns for Liverpool
Liverpool will be without several key players for their trip to the Red Bull Arena, making Slot’s team selection a bit more challenging. Most notably, Diogo Jota has been ruled out after suffering an injury in Liverpool’s recent 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea. During the post-match press conference, Slot provided some insight into Jota’s injury. “He got a knock, like we all saw, when he was trying to go to goal, brought down,” Slot explained. “That was not the biggest problem, but I think the other player fell onto him, and that hurt him so much that he couldn’t continue to play.”
It remains unclear how long Jota will be sidelined, with Slot adding that the injury is a bruise, and the club will need more time to assess the full extent of the damage. In addition to Jota, Liverpool will also be without their star goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, and Conor Bradley. The absence of Chiesa, who joined Liverpool in the summer, has been particularly disappointing for fans. Slot addressed the issue during his pre-match briefing.
“He missed a complete pre-season, I said this many times,” Slot commented. “Going to a league where the intensity might even be higher than the Italian league makes it difficult for him to make the step towards the intensity levels the rest of the team is at. It’s clear that Liverpool’s depth will be tested in this fixture, especially in the forward areas where Jota and Chiesa’s absence will be felt.
Key Players Set to Return
Despite the injury setbacks, there’s good news for Liverpool fans as several key players are available and ready to make an impact. Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai are set to face their former club, RB Leipzig. Both players have been crucial to Slot’s pressing system, and their familiarity with the Red Bull Arena could be an advantage. However, Konate will need to be cautious, as he is one yellow card away from missing Liverpool’s next Champions League fixture. His physical presence and defensive prowess will be important in keeping Leipzig’s attack at bay.
Szoboszlai’s ability to control the midfield and link up play with Liverpool’s attacking trio will be key in breaking down Leipzig’s defense. His vision and creativity will be essential in what promises to be a high-intensity match.
Leipzig’s Injury Woes
On the other side, Marco Rose’s RB Leipzig are also dealing with injury concerns. David Raum, Xaver Schlager, and Nicolas Seiwald are all unavailable due to injuries, leaving Leipzig short of some key players. However, there’s some positive news as Assan Ouedraogo is gradually being reintegrated into team training, while Kevin Kampl and Benjamin Henrichs made their comebacks in Leipzig’s 2-0 win over FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday. These returning players could provide a timely boost for Leipzig, who are desperate to get their first points in this revamped Champions League format.
Marco Rose on the Importance of the Clash
Leipzig’s head coach, Marco Rose, was candid about the significance of the upcoming clash against Liverpool. Having suffered defeats to Atletico Madrid and Juventus in their opening two matches, Leipzig are under pressure to get a result. “To lose is never good, we are not relaxed,” Rose admitted. “We could have won more points with maybe a better performance and with more luck. Now we face Liverpool, another great team. It is our third match with five more coming up, also against strong opponents.”
Despite the pressure, Rose remains optimistic and views the Liverpool game as an opportunity to relieve some of the tension and build momentum in the group stage. He praised Liverpool’s physicality and their ability to press high up the pitch. “Still, Liverpool are very strong in pressing situations, they defend very well, it is an intense game,” Rose stated. “They are a very robust team, physically strong on and off the ball.”
Liverpool’s Previous Performance
Liverpool head into this match on the back of a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo securing all three points. Arne Slot fielded a strong starting XI in that fixture, with Kelleher in goal, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, and Robertson in defense, and a midfield trio of Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and Szoboszlai.
The absence of Diogo Jota will require some adjustments in the attacking department, with Salah, Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez likely to lead the line. Slot’s ability to rotate his squad effectively has been a feature of Liverpool’s success this season, and this match against Leipzig will be another test of his tactical acumen.
Leipzig’s Last Outing
RB Leipzig, on the other hand, are coming off a 2-0 win away at FSV Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga. Goals from Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko helped secure the victory, and Leipzig will be looking to carry that momentum into their Champions League campaign. Rose’s team is built on a solid defensive foundation, with Gulacsi in goal, and a backline featuring Geertruida, Klostermann, Orban, and Lukeba. Their midfield, anchored by Vermeeren and Haidara, provides the platform for dynamic wingers and forwards like Nusa, Openda, and Sesko to cause problems for opposition defenses.
Despite their struggles in the Champions League so far, Leipzig’s attacking talent is more than capable of troubling Liverpool’s defense, especially with Konate one yellow card away from suspension.
A Must-Win for Leipzig
For Leipzig, this match is crucial in their pursuit of qualification from the league phase of the Champions League. With defeats in their opening two matches, they cannot afford to drop more points, especially with tougher fixtures still to come. Rose’s side has shown glimpses of their potential, but they will need a complete performance against Liverpool if they are to come away with anything. The pressure will be on their key players like Openda and Sesko to deliver in the final third, while the defense must remain organized and compact to deal with Liverpool’s high pressing and vertical play.
Conclusion
Wednesday night’s clash between RB Leipzig and Liverpool is set to be a high-stakes encounter with both sides needing a result for different reasons. Liverpool will be eager to extend their unbeaten run in the Champions League, while Leipzig are desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat in the group stage. With key players missing for both teams, this match will test the depth and resilience of the squads. Whether it’s Liverpool’s pressing game or Leipzig’s counter-attacking threat, fans can expect an intense and exciting 90 minutes of football. As Marco Rose noted, this match may not be decisive, but it will be important in shaping the remainder of the Champions League campaign for both teams.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com