RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite their strong start to the domestic season, Leipzig have looked vulnerable in this competition and it feels as though Liverpool will be very well positioned to take advantage of that, particularly their high-pressing style that will leave space for Liverpool's quick transitions.

Liverpool now have six wins in a row and have conceded only four goals in their last ten games, making them ruthless operators at both ends of the pitch.

They've won both of their head-to-head meetings with Leipzig and have a very good record against German sides in Europe, so another three points here looks firmly on the cards for Arne Slot's men. Leipzig 1-3 Liverpool.

The upcoming Champions League clash between RB Leipzig and Liverpool promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams heading into Wednesday’s fixture with contrasting fortunes in Europe so far.

• Date: 23/10/2024
• Kick-off time: 20:00
• Location: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig

Leipzig’s Champions League journey this season has not gone according to plan. Two losses in their first two games have left them on the back foot, and while it’s still early in the group stage, the German side will be aware that time is running out to turn things around. These results are a stark contrast to their excellent domestic form, where they sit second in the Bundesliga, level on points with perennial champions Bayern Munich. Under the guidance of manager Marco Rose, Leipzig have established themselves as one of Germany’s top sides, and despite their stumbles in Europe, they’ll feel confident that they can still make an impact in the competition.

Rose’s Leipzig are a team full of attacking talent, and this firepower will be crucial if they are to get back on track in the Champions League. Belgian striker Loïs Openda has made an impressive start to the season, scoring four goals in the Bundesliga, while Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško has also contributed with two goals and two assists. Both players have proven to be effective options in the final third, and their ability to stretch defences with pace and movement will be key against Liverpool’s backline.

Perhaps the most exciting player in Leipzig’s ranks is Xavi Simons, the 20-year-old Dutch attacking midfielder. Simons, widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Europe, has been a standout performer for Leipzig since his arrival on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. His creativity, vision, and dribbling ability provide Leipzig with a dynamic edge in midfield, and he’ll be central to their hopes of unlocking a resolute Liverpool defence.

Despite Leipzig’s wealth of attacking options, their poor start in Europe cannot be ignored. Losses in their opening two games have left them with an uphill battle, and they will need to show far more resilience and composure if they are to avoid an early exit from the competition. However, given their strong domestic form, Leipzig will believe that a victory against Liverpool could be the turning point they need to spark a European revival.

Liverpool’s return to the Champions League after a one-year absence has gone as well as they could have hoped. Two wins from two games have placed them in a strong position to progress from the group, and their overall form under new manager Arne Slot has been highly encouraging. The Dutchman, who took over in the summer, has overseen a rejuvenation at Anfield, with Liverpool playing a more fluid and attacking style of football that has thus far translated well from the Premier League to European competition.

After missing out on the Champions League last season, Liverpool will be determined to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. For a club with such a storied history in Europe, including six Champions League titles, last year’s absence was a disappointment, and they are clearly eager to make amends. Their performances so far have shown intent, and they’ll travel to Leipzig full of confidence.

Two of Liverpool’s senior players, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, have been instrumental in their success this season. Both 33 years old, Salah and Van Dijk continue to perform at an exceptionally high level despite their advancing years. Salah, as ever, remains Liverpool’s talisman in attack. The Egyptian forward’s pace, finishing ability, and work rate have been pivotal in both the Premier League and Champions League campaigns, and Leipzig will need to keep a close eye on him to avoid being punished.Van Dijk, meanwhile, anchors the Liverpool defence with his commanding presence and leadership. The Dutch centre-back has rediscovered his best form after a dip in recent seasons and will be crucial in marshalling Liverpool’s backline against Leipzig’s attacking threats. His duel with Leipzig’s forwards, particularly Loïs Openda, promises to be a fascinating aspect of the game.

Liverpool’s history against German opposition is also worth noting. The Reds have a strong record against teams from the Bundesliga, winning 23 of their 42 encounters in European competition, with 13 losses and six draws. This includes two victories over Leipzig in the 2020/21 Champions League campaign, when Liverpool won both legs 2-0. While much has changed since then, with both teams undergoing managerial and squad changes, Liverpool’s positive history against German clubs could provide an additional psychological boost heading into this fixture.

This game will be televised live to UK viewers on TNT Sports 1.

RB Leipzig Team News:

RB Leipzig will once again be without David Raum, Assan Ouedraogo and Xaver Schlager, all of whom remain out injured.

Following a comfortable win at the weekend, Marco Rose could name the same starting XI for the second week running.

Predicted lineup: Gulácsi; Klostermann, Orbán, Lukeba; Geertruida, Vermeeren, Haidara, Nusa; Simons; Šeško; Openda.

Liverpool Team News:

Leipzig's form is strong heading into this game, with the club from Eastern Germany having lost only one of their last five games. At the weekend, Leipzig took on Mainz away from home and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. Marco Rose's side took an early 2-0 lead through Xavi Simons and Willi Orbán and from there they saw out the win in a professional manner.

That result followed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Heidenheim, where a second-half goal from Loïs Openda proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Before that, Leipzig lost 2-3 to Juventus in the Champions League in what was a very frustrating defeat. With the scores level at 1-1, Juventus were reduced to ten men, and despite Leipzig subsequently taking a 2-1 lead, Juventus went on to win the game 3-2 with an 82nd-minute winner from Dušan Vlahović.

Prior to that, RB Leipzig beat Augsburg 4-0 and drew 0-0 with St. Pauli.

Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in what was a game where the scoreline did not give a true reflection of the game, where Liverpool dominated the play despite Diogo Jota's goal being all they had to show for it.

That result was preceded by a 2-0 win over Bologna in the Champions League where Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah provided the goods to secure a big three points.

Prior to that, Liverpool beat Wolves 2-1 thanks to Ibrahima Konaté and Salah, a result that followed a 5-1 win over West Ham United in the EFL Cup.

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