A very special moment awaits Xabi Alonso, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, as he will meet his former club, Liverpool, in a highly anticipated match in the UEFA Champions League. Playing five seasons at Liverpool and winning one Champions League trophy, Xabi Alonso is set to return to Anfield but as a rival! His side, Bayer Leverkusen, will face off against Liverpool tonight at Anfield in a crucial Champions League game.
“For sure it feels great. After a few years, to be back here is always special. You notice the development of the club, I see the new Anfield Road Stand, it looks pretty amazing. And for sure tomorrow we have a big game, coming here in the Champions League against Liverpool. They are in a great moment. It doesn’t get much better than that, and we are looking forward to tomorrow,” said Xabi Alonso ahead of tonight’s game.
Stats & Facts
- Bayer Leverkusen lost three of their four meetings with Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and won the remaining one in the 2001-2002 season.
- Bayer Leverkusen have won only one of their last 11 games against English clubs in European competitions away from home.
- Meanwhile, Liverpool have lost only one of their previous 21 matches in the European competitions against German clubs.
- Since losing to Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 13 European matches against German clubs.
- Arne Slot has won his first three games in a row with Liverpool. He would only be the second Liverpool manager to win the first four consecutive games in the Champions League.
Team News
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has to deal with several injury cases. Defender Ibrahim Konate picked up a serious injury during the match against Brighton and was taken off in the second half. But fortunately, he recovered quickly and is all set to play tonight.
However, Liverpool will be without Alisson Becker, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, and Diogo Jota due to their respective injuries.
As for Leverkusen, winger Nordi Mukiele picked up an injury and will be out of the squad until the international break. The German champions will also miss the service of Amine Adli, Jeanuel Belocian, and Martin Terrier due to their injuries.
Possible Lineup for Liverpool:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez
Possible Lineup for Leverkusen:
Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Wirtz; Boniface
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Leverkusen
Liverpool are flying under their new coach, Arne Slot. They are now the Premier League leader and also have won their first three games in the Champions League. Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, had a fantastic season last time. They also have been doing well in the UCL this season. So we expect a high voltage match between the two sides. However, Liverpool have a better chance to win tonight as they are the home side.
Betfair Odds
Liverpool: 1.72
Draw: 4.15
Leverkusen: 4.54
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