Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen – Preview, Predictions and Live Stats – Champions League Round 4

Bayer Leverkusen’s European form has been a bright spot in an otherwise mixed start to the season, but Xabi Alonso’s side now faces the intimidating task of taking on the continent’s in-form team, Liverpool.

While Leverkusen has drawn their last two Bundesliga matches, they won two games in the Champions League and drew once. Their resilience was on display in the 1-1 draw at Brest last time out, a result that kept their unbeaten European run intact.

Now, Alonso will hope his side can channel that continental momentum against a Liverpool team that is extremely in form, beaten only once by this season’s surprise in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest. Arne Slot’s men have won all three of their Champions League group games so far, most recently edging out RB Leipzig 1-0.

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Live Stats

Follow real-time stats for Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen, including the main events and lineups! The data is updated every minute!

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Injuries

Thankfully, there are no huge injuries on either side. Liverpool’s main absence is Diogo Jota, which means we will see Darwin Nunez leading the charge in this one. There was not much success in Liverpool’s latest acquisition, as Federico Chiesa is still to show up big for Liverpool and will also sit this one out.

On the other side, Xabi Alonso will have to do without Amine Adli in the forward role, as he is out with a broken leg and not expected to return until March or April. The other main absentee is Leverkusen’s new defender Jeanuël Belocian, transferred this summer.

Liverpool:
– Alisson – Hamstring Injury
– F. Chiesa – Muscle Injury
– Diogo Jota – Chest Injury
– H. Elliott – Broken ankle

Bayer Leverkusen:
– A. Adli – Shin Injury
– J. Belocian – Broken ankle

Bayer Leverkusen Struggle to Protect Leads, Liverpool Bounce Back in Comeback Wins

Both teams employ a possession style philosophy, although Bayer Leverkusen has had some issues in this season. One major problem for Xabi Alonso’s men is protecting their lead and converting winning positions into actual wins. Against Bremen, they conceded a last-minute equaliser that left them with only one point. Against Holstein Kiel, after scoring two quick goals in the first 10 minutes of the game, they conceded twice and walked away with one point. Again.

Liverpool, on the other side, has made a great comeback against Brighton, where The Seagulls scored 15 minutes in, and Liverpool came back in the second half. Their first goal was lucky, but Salah was completely unstoppable. Leverkusen will need to watch the wide areas of the pitch, as Liverpool boasts Salah on the right wing and Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz on the left. All being fast, technical players who pose immense trouble to defenses.

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Predictions

The OPTA Supercomputer predicts Liverpool to come out on top with a chance of 53,2% while a draw or Leverkusen win is hovering around 23%. Arne Slot had a dream start of the season, with only one loss domestically and three straight wins.

Both teams are strong contenders, with Liverpool currently expected to finish first in the group stages, while Leverkusen is likely to end up in fourth place. Yet Liverpool has the home advantage in this one and boasts an incredible form. Leverkusen struggles to replicate their success from last season. Here are a few predictions for this game.

• Liverpool to win or draw: First, The Reds have an excellent record against Bayer Leverkusen. They lost this matchup only once, back in 2002. Although they haven’t played each other in over 10 years, their last meeting was in 2012. But based on their form in the domestic competitions, I expect the trend of outstanding records to continue for Liverpool.
• Over 2,5 goals: Both teams scored at least one goal in their Champions League games this season. Also, both teams are in the top 5 teams by goals scored in their domestic leagues and have an impressive attack. Yet Liverpool has a better defensive record conceding only 6 times in the Premier League. Leverkusen might break through, but Liverpool will definitely do.
• Bet on Salah: This might be a bold one, but if you think about it, it’s not really that bold. Salah has been brilliant this season. And apart from being brilliant, he was reliable. He brought the win against Brighton and is leading the Premier League in goals + assists. Seeing him contributing with a goal or assist in this one might not be so surprising!