After a disappointing draw to Manchester United over the weekend, Liverpool will now travel to face Genk in the Champions League group stage.
The Reds currently reside at the third spot in Group E with three points on board. They started their title defence with a 2-0 defeat to Napoli followed by an enthralling 4-3 victory over Red Bull Salzburg.
Genk, on the other hand, suffered a hefty 6-2 defeat to Red Bull Salzburg. They were then involved in a goalless draw with Napoli. With just a point in the group, the game against Liverpool becomes a must-win for the hosts.
Match Details
Date- Thursday, October 24 | Kick-Off- 12:30 AM (IST) | Venue- Cristal Arena
Genk
Genk will be without goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic who’s out due to an Achilles injury. Neto Borges is also on the sidelines because of a foot issue. After a 0-0 draw to Napoli, Genk could opt for the same starting eleven. Coucke to keep guard of goal, while Maehle, Lucumi, Cuesta, Uronen be in charge of defence. Hrosovsky and Berge could come in as the two holding midfielders.
Bongonda, Hagi and Ito will play in attacking positions, while Samtta should remain up top.
Liverpool
Mohammed Salah missed out in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United due to an ankle injury. Salah’s involvement in the Champions League still remains in doubt as Jurgen Klopp could once again persist with Divock Origi in attack with Sadio Mane and Robert Firmino. Though Adam Lallana scored the equalizer against United, it’s unlikely that he’ll start versus Genk. However, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could get the nod ahead. Fabinho should be accommodating central midfield with the likes of Wijnaldum and Milner.
Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip and Robertson could be persisted with at back four, while Alisson retains his spot as the goalie.
Predicted Lineups
Genk- Coucke; Maehle, Lucumi, Dewaest, Uronen; Heynen, Hagi, Berge; Ito, Samatta, Bongonda
Liverpool- Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Key Points
Liverpool has been winning at both half time as well as full time in five of their last seven Champions League fixture.
Genk has failed to register a win since the last eight Champions League games.
Top Picks
Mbwana Samatta could be the man who makes a difference for Genk at centre-forward. The 26-year-old has scored one goal in the two Champions League appearances so far.
Sadio Mane got close to scoring against Man. Utd over the weekend and will be eager to get his name back on the scoresheet for Liverpool. Mane has scored six goals in 11 appearances for the Reds.
Divock Origi is another candidate who loves Champions League nights. Though Origi hasn’t scored yet, there is a possibility of him getting on the scoresheet against struggling defence.
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