Alonso’s Leverkusen faces Liverpool under the lights as both teams push for Champions League progression
Xabi Alonso is set for an emotional return to Anfield as he leads Bayer Leverkusen against Liverpool in Tuesday night’s Champions League league phase. The former Liverpool star and current Leverkusen manager arrives with a team eager to keep their strong European run going.
Matchday 4 marks the midway point of the new Champions League format, with Leverkusen in a strong position, having beaten Feyenoord and Milan before drawing away at Brest. The Bundesliga champions are firmly in the top eight, though their Bundesliga form saw them held to a draw by Stuttgart on Friday. With Bayern Munich pulling seven points ahead in the domestic league, Alonso’s focus will be firmly on making an impact at Anfield.
Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, have enjoyed a stellar start to the season. The Reds sit atop the Premier League following a 2-1 comeback win against Brighton over the weekend, bolstered by Manchester City’s slip against Bournemouth. Slot’s side has lost just once in all competitions and remains perfect in the Champions League.
However, the Reds are not without setbacks. Defender Ibrahima Konate was injured during the Brighton match but could return on Tuesday after scans revealed no fracture. Liverpool will still be missing Diogo Jota, Alisson, and Harvey Elliott until after the international break, and Federico Chiesa’s ongoing muscle injury continues to sideline him. For Leverkusen, key summer signing Martin Terrier may be available after missing Friday’s game, but Nordi Mukiele will be out until late November, with Jeremie Frimpong stepping in at wing-back.
Despite Liverpool’s strength at Anfield, Leverkusen has reason to hope. With three wins from their opening three games, Liverpool isn’t desperate for points, providing Leverkusen with an opportunity to challenge for a result in what’s expected to be a tightly contested match.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
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