Liverpool will look to get their Champions League campaign back on track when they take on Red Bull Salzburg later today.
The Reds were beaten by Napoli in their opening game of group E, but the early defeat is likely to only make them stronger for the rest of the games.
The Champions League holders will have home comfort this time, and the Reds are yet to lose a game at Anfield in the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp, so the fans will be hopeful of three points.
Liverpool managed to grind out a result against Sheffield United last Saturday, but will be up against a more proactive side against Salzburg, who will not sit back as the Blades did.
Salzburg began their Champions League campaign in fine fashion when they beat Genk 6-2. They are an in-form team, having won nine of their last 10 fixtures in all competitions.
Liverpool vs Red Bull Salzburg – Injury News
The hosts will be without the duo of Xherdan Shaqiri and Joel Matip for the clash against Salzburg. Matip picked up the injury on Saturday, and his absence means Joe Gomez might get his chance to impress.
For Salzburg, Antoine Bernede is unavailable, so there will be a change in midfield by manager Jesse Marsch.
Liverpool vs Red Bull Salzburg – Predicted Lineups
Liverpool Predicted Lineup: Adrian; Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold; Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Henderson; Mane, Salah, Firmino
Red Bull Salzburg Predicted Lineup: Stankovic; Ulmer, Ramalho, Onguéné, Kristensen; Junuzovic, Mwepu, Szobozlai, Minamino; Haaland, Hee-Chan
Liverpool vs Red Bull Salzburg – Match Prediction
Marsch has already admitted that the clash against Liverpool will be tough. Before the game, he revealed: “It is a terrible match-up for us in one sense because all the things we do well they are better at.”
The midfield battle will be crucial as the Reds will press the away side early on, but Salzburg are no slouch themselves. The 4-2-2-2 is ideal for counter-pressing, and if they can manage to upset the Reds while the hosts are in possession, expect a close game in the opening few minutes.
Having said that, fitness will be key in the game, and that’s where the Reds are better than any team in Europe, so expect Jurgen Klopp’s side to come through and win the game.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Salzburg