The Reds are all set to host Hoffenheim at the Anfield in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. Liverpool won the first leg played between the two side. Jurgen Kloop will be hoping he can see off the Bundesliga side on Thursday. In the previous meeting that took place last week, between the two sides Liverpool emerged victorious, as they beat Julian Nagelsmann’s boys in their own backyard 2-1, to gain the advantage in this fixture.
However, Hoffenheim gave a neck to neck competition to Liverpool, but the Reds somehow managed to secure the victory and will be high on morale, as they have two important away goals now in their kitty.
Jurgen Kloop will hope that his side have more than enough quality to beat the German side and secure a place in the group stages of Europe’s top Cup competition.
Due to this fixture the former Borussia Dortmund manager decided to rest few key first team members, to keep them fit ahead of this vital qualifying fixture which will decide if they will play in the converted competition.
Team News-
Liverpool :
The Reds have four main injury concerns at the moment. Adam Lallana has been ruled out for a long period due to a thigh strain, which is not good news for the Anfield faithful. Philippe Couthino will miss out on this fixture once again due to a back injury and is doubtful that he may not be able to return to the playing eleven, before next week. Right back Nathan Clyne will also miss the game, as he has a hamstring injury and may return after the international break, which will add to the problems at the back.
A Bogdan has also picked up an ACL injury and is ruled out for quite some time, which is more bad news for the German coach. Apart from these, there are no fresh injury concerns for Jurgen Kloop’s side at the moment and he still has plenty of options to choose from.
Hoffenheim :
The Bundesliga side has only one injury concern, which would mean that they would more or less be at their full strength and will try to knock the Reds out of the competition, at such an early stage. Midfielder Florian Grillitsch will sit out for this fixture due to a foot injury and is recovering day by day. Julian Nagelsmann too has no fresh injury concerns and will field his strong eleven in order to qualify for the UCL.
Predicated Eleven :
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet.
Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno.
Midfielders: Emre Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum.
Attackers: Salah, Firmihno, Sadio Mane.
Hoffenheim (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper: Oliver Baumann.
Defenders: Bikacic, Kevin Vogt, Hübner.
Midfielders: Kaderbak, Lukas Rupp, Kerem, Zuber,
Attacking Midfielders: Kramaric, Serge Gnabry.
Forward: Sandro Wagner.
My Prediction:
Liverpool 2 – 1 Hoffenheim.
