Liverpool will look to get back to winning ways in the Champions League when the host Red Star Belgrade at Anfield. Jürgen Klopp’s side suffered a late defeat at the hands of Napoli on matchday two and the performance was far from what is expected of the team.
The Reds just couldn’t deal with Napoli’s aggression as they were pinned back for large spells in the game before Napoli finally struck the goal late on to pick up their first win of the group. The result now sets up the group nicely.
A couple of games against Red Star present the Merseyside giants with the perfect opportunity to put a bit of pressure on Napoli and PSG who will take on each other next. Napoli could only manage a draw against Red Star in their opening game, so Liverpool very much are in control of their own destiny.
With four games to go still, it’s pretty open and even the Serbians can qualify if they manage a string of upsets. However, they suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of PSG who put six past the helpless Milan Borjan, the Red Star custodian.
Vladan Milojević’s side are doing well in the Serbian Super League, though and are on top of the table. They have dropped just two points in 12 games and have a goal difference of 26! Liverpool will have taken notice of their defensive performances of late, though. The Serbians have managed just one clean sheet in their last six games in all competitions.
Liverpool vs Red Star Belgrade – Team News
Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp admitted that the Reds have adopted a more patient approach this season compared to last season’s all-out pressing approach. Part of the reasoning was to protect the back four a bit more and that has reflected well on the table as they have conceded just thrice in nine games.
Klopp has a few injury issues to deal with, but the squad is deep enough. Midfield duo, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita, are expected to miss out, so we could see Fabinho getting a start. The Brazilian is being integrated slowly into the team and played for more than 15 minutes against Huddersfield Town.
Red Star manager Milojević doesn’t have any injuries worries.
Liverpool vs Red Star Belgrade – Predicted Lineups
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Moreno, van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold; Milner, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Mane, Firmino, Salah
Red Star Belgrade XI: Borjan; Rodic, Degenek, Savic, Stojkovic; Jovicic, Krsticic, Simic, Causic, Marin; Fardou Ben
Liverpool vs Red Star Belgrade –Odds
Liverpool: 1/14
Red Star Belgrade: 33/1
Draw: 12/1