Genk vs Liverpool
Champions League
Date: Wednesday, 23 October 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Luminus Arena (Genk).
Match Preview
It has been a topsy-turvy start for Liverpool's sixth European Cup / Champions League defense, with the defeat in Naples on matchday one was followed by a remarkable game against Red Bull Salzburg at Anfield.
The Reds appeared to be cruising after scoring three goals in the opening 36 minutes, only for Salzburg to withdraw from their host species comeback has become famous for the restore parity on the hour mark.
Mohamed Salah's winner 21 minutes from time was greeted with great relief around the stadium, especially considering that Liverpool home form that took them through the group stages of a trip to the title last season.
Indeed, Jurgen Klopp side trip to Belgium looking to end a run of four straight defeats away at this stage of the competition, while the 7-0 defeat of Maribor in 2017 their only victory in their last 10 games are.
Of course, there has been much glory in Europe further down the line has reached the last two finals, but they will be hoping to make their progress to the latter stages easier this time with a victory on Wednesday night.
It is a fixture that most would expect them to win, but it may be made more difficult by the game surrounding it; Liverpool face rivals Manchester United just three days ago, while Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester City, who came in three of their next five outings.
Klopp will surely want a response from Sunday's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, the results in the context of history looks decent but one that England will be much happier with had it been offered before the start of the match.
Adam Lallana's 85th-minute equalizer at least ensure Liverpool avoid defeat, but it was the most disappointing performance levels than the fact they failed to equal the all-time record of 18 English top-flight wins in a row at their home the biggest enemy.
Liverpool's previously perfect early means that they still boast six points clear at the top of the Premier League, though, and with them the two main rivals in Group E faced in the other match on Wednesday night they will be hoping to climb to the top of the Champions League as well.
Anything other than a win over Genk will raise eyebrows, with the Belgian champions after playing a Champions League record of 14 games without a win in the competition proper.
A 6-2 hammering at the hands of Salzburg on matchday one gets their campaign to an inauspicious start, but there is a big improvement on matchday two as they held on for a goalless draw against Napoli spirit.
the deadlock was only the second time in 32 major European event Genk those who have failed to find the back of the net, so that they can be sure to get in the Liverpool defense which has been uncharacteristically leaked in Europe this season, conceding five goals in two games.
There is more reason for optimism for Genk when it comes to their home form, having gone six games unbeaten Champions League in front of their own fans including qualifying - a run that stretches back to 2007 - and lost only one of their last 17 home European event.
Domestically things have not gone well for the defending champion so far, sit sixth with 12 points less than at the same stage of last season following Saturday's defeat to rivals Standard Liege.
Genk vs Liverpool Prediction
Jurgen Klopp's men have been raging for the last few years. Especially the arrival of Virgil van Dijk at the back have strengthened them beyond belief, and they are eligible to target win back-to-back in the European arena today.
Currently, they are in the running to win five games and has recorded victories in 11 of their 12 matches former. In addition, where they have fared surprisingly been in the domestic circuit. With a 100% winning record in the Premier League, the squad holds an eight-point lead at the top and threatened to end their long wait for domestic glory.
They are able to obtain the confidence of a persistent streak is no laughing matter, and taking into account that the opponent is part of the First Division A, guests can really make an impact this Wednesday.
In addition, the Smurfs holds sixth position in the table and the country has struggled to replicate their run in the previous campaign.
They also won in seven of their thirteen former overall match-up, and in the group stage of the CL, the unit is placed dead-last in the table, and have conceded the most goals so far.
Taking these observations into account, relying on the British cavalry to come out on top at the end of the tie.
In terms of goals though, the Reds, in spite of their impressive performance in the Premier League, have failed to make a significant impact on the way in relation to Europe. So far, they have conceded five goals in their two games in the tournament until now and lose a single game as they are.
Consequently, the opportunity for guests to keep a clean sheet is very low which is match-day.
Genk vs Liverpool Betting Tips
Liverpool -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.60 (3/5)
Both Teams Score @ 1.75 (3/4).
