Liverpool vs Genk
Champions League
Date: Tuesday, 5 November 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Anfield (Liverpool).
Napoli could really make matters complicated for the defending champions. Against expectations, the Italians are placed at the top of the table, and they have already defeated Liverpool in the first match-day of the competition.
This Tuesday, with the weight of Anfield behind them, Jurgen Klopp’s men are easily the favorites. They cannot, however, take this fixture lightly, and seriously mess their chances to become group champions, or even worse, to progress to the next round.
Some good news for home fans is the fact that opponents Genk has failed to match their performances in the preceding campaign so far. Not only have they suffered in the CL, but they are currently placed seventh in the Belgian First Division A.
Liverpool vs Genk Champions League preview
Two weeks ago, Liverpool handled Genk in Belgium 4-1. The Belgiums had opportunities and played with purpose, but ultimately Liverpool’s offensive firepower won the day.
Jurgen Klopp rotated his line-up that match, inserting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita at midfield. Ox netted a brace and looked superb. It was Keita’s best match for the Reds since coming to the squad last year. Since then, Ox has continued to look sharp. Keita has been his maddeningly inconsistent self. Regardless, expect both to start again.
In general, expect Klopp likely to roll out the same line-up as he did in Belgium. The one potential regular who could be rotated is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian was off against against Aston Villa and may need some time for his ankle to fully heel before their crucial match-up against Manchester City on Sunday. If Salah sits, Divock Origi should find his name on the team sheet.
Even with Joel Matip out with injury and Virgil van Dijk nowhere near the form as last season, Genk simply don’t have the weaponry to give themselves a shot at Anfield. For Liverpool fans, the hope is the Reds go up early and can give rest to Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Andy Robertson in the second half.
Even though Liverpool don’t play City until Sunday, another game where the Reds lean on their opponent all match but don’t break-through until the closing minutes isn’t ideal. The lads need to rest those tired legs.
Liverpool vs Genk Head-to-head (h2h)
- The sides’ only previous meeting came in matchday three of this season’s group stage, with the Reds winning 4-1 in Belgium.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Genk
Klopp will rotate with one eye on Sunday’s huge Premier League clash against Manchester City, and while it may take the Reds a while to get going, expect another win.
