Liverpool are set to travel to Belgium to face KRC Genk in the Champions League. After their shaky start to the title defense, the Reds look to gain some momentum by taking the away win.
KRC Genk on the other hand are also struggling to produce much in Europe as they managed only one point from their first two group stage matches.
It may seem to be an easy fixture for Liverpool but it may get challenging due to the games that surround this fixture. After dropping points against their bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League and having to face the prospect for going against Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham in the next few weeks might just take a toll on them.
Genk also have a lot to look forward as if they manage to get a win against the defending champions, there will certainly be a lot of talking points and with their excellent home record in the Champions League, anything is possible.
Injuries and Suspensions
The only concern for Liverpool is the fitness of Mo Salah. The Egyptian missed the trip to Olf Trafford on the weekend due to an ankle injury he suffered against Leicester just before the International break and it cost Liverpool two points. Divock Origi will have the opportunity to fill in for Salah if he is sit this one out as well. Origi aws the part of Genk’s youth system before making abreakthrough on the big stage. Joel Matip has also suffered an injury against Manchester United and has not traveled with the team along with Trent Alexander Arnold who seems have an illness.
Genk are set to play without their first team Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic yet again. Neto Borges is also out for the game as a result of a foot problem. Only these two changes are expected from the Genk manager while most of the squad will remain same from matchday two.
Pregame Stats
This is the first time these two teams are meeting each other in Europe. Genk’s previous English opponents were Chelsea in the 2011-2012 season.
The last five outings of Liverpool against Belgian side in the Champions League have all resulted in Liverpool winning.
Genk have the youngest squad of all the teams in Champions League as the age average being 23 years and 148 days.
Previous Five Meetings
This the first time these two teams are facing each other.
Players to Watch Out
KRC Genk: Ianis Hagi
The Romanian has been brilliant for Genk ever since his signing in the summer window. He has scored thrice and assisted two goals in his nine appearances this season. His prowess on the field has been quite admirable and has been a real ray of sunshine for the Belgian side.
Liverpool: Roberto Firmino
Jurgen Klopp will expect his striker to deliver if in case Mo Salah misses out. The Brazilian had an exceptional last season in the UCL and there is no reason why he shouldn’t this season either. Firmino will in fact look to end his dry spell as the last time he scored or assisted in a game was against Chelsea very early in the season and his assist came in the Champions League tie against Salzburg.
Lineups
KRC Genk: Coucke; Maehle, Lucumi, Dewaest, Uronen; Heynen, Hagi, Berge; Ito, Samatta, Bongonda
Liverpool: Alisson; Gomez, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Milner, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Prediction
It is high time Liverpool won a game away from home in the Champions League and this match seems like the perfect opportunity to get it. Even though Genk have an exceptional home record I am thinking with the attacking prowess of the Reds, Liverpool will win it and with a sense of comfort. 2-0 to Liverpool unless Genk show resilience and manage to somehow upset the European Champions.
