Liverpool have won seven of their last eight Champions League matches against German opposition, unbeaten in 13 overall, dating back to 2002 when they were dumped out by Leverkusen. So, can Bayer become the first-ever Bundesliga side to leave Anfield victorious?
Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview
Will Liverpool continue their perfect start to this Champions League campaign? So far, it's played three and won three for Arne Slot's side, first beating both AC Milan at San Siro and then Bologna on Merseyside, before victory on German soil, with Darwin Núñez's poke from mere picometres out securing victory over RB Leipzig. Speaking of perfect, Saturday could hardly have gone any better for the Reds. Title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City both lost, while they came from a goal down to beat Brighton, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah with quick-fire goals, seeing them reclaim the summit at the top of the Premier League table, Slot's side have won 13 of 15 matches across all competitions, losing only once, so come into this one in red-hot form, seeking another victory.
Bayer Leverkusen meantime were crowned Bundesliga champions for the very first time last season, hoisting aloft the DFB-Pokal too following an unbeaten domestic season, now seeking to make their mark at Champions League level, having tasted defeat in May's Europa League Final. Well, die Werkself have made a pretty impressive start to this new-look league phase, smashing Feyenoord 4-0 in Rotterdam before beating Milan at the BayArena, although their flawless start was halted by Brest a fortnight ago, held to a 1-1 draw at Stade de Roudourou. Domestically, as Xabi Alonso's side seek to retain the Meisterschale, they're fourth, seven points adrift leaders Bayern Munich, frustratingly drawing four of their last five, most-recently playing out a goalless stalemate with Stuttgart on Friday night. Nevertheless, die Schwarzroten are still one of the strongest teams around, so can they claim just a second-ever win in England, with this set to be their 12th visit?
Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 4.
- Liverpool Wins: 3. Draws: 0. Bayer Leverkusen Wins: 1.
Liverpool Team News
Ibrahima Konaté was substituted at half time on Saturday with a suspected arm injury, which he himself describes at "not serious", but one would imagine either Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah will be rotate in for this one. Caoimhín Kelleher will continue to deputise for Alisson in goal, while Slot keeps chopping and changing his left-back, so did Kostas Tsimikas do enough at the weekend to keep his place, or will Andy Robertson return? In attack, in Diogo Jota's absence, Darwin Núñez, the match-winner in Leipzig, will continue to spearhead the attack. Both the aforementioned Konaté and Alexis Mac Allister would miss the clash with Real Madrid later this month if booked.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen: (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Núñez, Luis Díaz.
Liverpool Player to Watch vs Bayer Leverkusen
Mohamed Salah's strike on Saturday takes his tally to nine for the season, now seeking to add to his 45 Champions League goals.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Given that Xabi Alonso made 210 appearances for Liverpool, this'll be an emotional night for him, set to deploy his tried and trusted 3-4-3. Jeremie Frimpong, who's one caution away from a Champions League suspension, will continue to be utilised in a more advanced position, chosen over Nathan Tella. During his time at Arsenal, Granit Xhaka has never won at Anfield in eight attempts, losing six of them, sent off there in January 2022, so will he enjoy his latest visit to Merseyside rather more?
Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup vs Liverpool: (3-4-3): Hrádecký; Tah, Hincapié, Tapsoba; Mukiele, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Frimpong, Wirtz, Boniface.
Bayer Leverkusen Player to Watch vs Liverpool
Florian Wirtz's is Bayer's undisputed star man, scoring seven times already this season, on target during both Champions League away games so far, netting twice in Rotterdam before breaking the deadlock against Brest two weeks ago.
Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction
This promises to be an entertaining, high-quality affair, but we're backing Liverpool to make home advantage count and claim another impressive victory: Liverpool 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen FAQs - Champions League
How to watch Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Champions League game on TV channel?
Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Champions League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video
- USA: Paramount+ & ViX
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Champions League game on live streaming?
Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen Champions League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video
- USA: Paramount+ & ViX
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League?
Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen takes place on Tuesday 5 November 2024, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PST).