Liverpool must avoid defeat against Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday to book their place in the Round of 16. The reigning European champions are top of Group E, but a 1-1 draw with Napoli in the previous round has left the English club with plenty of work to do.
Salzburg have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Champions League this season, and the Austrian outfit have thrilled everyone with their attack-minded soccer.
As we head into the final round of group stage fixtures, only Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur have scored more goals so far in the competition.
Despite being one of the tournament’s smaller clubs, Salzburg have gone toe-to-toe with their Group E opponents. They hammered Genk 6-2 in their opening game, before beating the Belgian side again in the previous round.
Furthermore, an impressive away draw with Napoli on Matchday 4 means Salzburg still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are on a remarkable domestic run. The Reds are unbeaten in the Premier League in 2019/20, and currently sit eight points clear of second-place Leicester City.
Liverpool have been unstoppable on home soil, but it hasn’t all been straightforward for Klopp’s men in Europe this season.
Liverpool kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Napoli. The English side then narrowly edged Salzburg in a seven-goal thriller, before registering back-to-back victories over Genk.
However, Napoli came to spoil the party again on Matchday 5. A 1-1 draw with the Italians at Anfield means Liverpool will have to qualify for the knockout stages on Matchday 6 for the second consecutive season.
The Reds currently sit at the top of Group E – one point clear of second-place Napoli. A draw would be enough to see Liverpool progress, but Salzburg are likely to make it difficult.
Erling Braut Haaland has played a starring role in Salzburg’s eye-catching campaign. The teenage striker is second only to Robert Lewandowski in the Champions League goalscoring charts, while his tally currently stands at 28 in 21 appearances in all competitions in 2019/20.
Still, Liverpool’s squad is packed with players who are used to performing in big games and high-pressure situations, so their know-how in this competition should give the English side the edge.
Salzburg will put up a fight, but Liverpool look set to claim all three points. Forebet predicts a tight game, but the away side are likely to outscore the home team.