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Liverpool haven’t had the greatest record in away matches in Europe, especially in the group stages, losing their last four at this stage on the road.
With Liverpool on three points and Genk on one, the two sides vacate second and fourth in Group E, perhaps unexpectedly considering the away side are European Champions.
The Reds lost their way in Naples as two late goals condemned them to defeat at Stadio San Paolo, but regained three points in an unconvincing manner as they beat RB Salzburg 4-3 at Anfield.
Goals from Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane set the Reds on cruise control, but the Austrian outfit fought back. Hwang Hee-chan, Takumi Minamino and Erling Haaland netted thrice to bring the Bulls level, only for Salah’s second to deny them an incredible comeback.
The Belgians, much alike Liverpool in parts of their second match, were torn apart by Salzburg. Six goals, including a hattrick from Haaland secured a 6-2 drubbing and an embarrassing start to the group for Felice Mazzù and his side. They regained considerable credibility though with a determined stalemate at home to Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli.
Team news
Barring Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold left at home for calf problems and a virus respectively, Liverpool should be okay first-team wise for a strong starting eleven. Xherdan Shaqiri and Nathaniel Clyne are longer term injury woes. Mo Salah has travelled with the squad but is unlikely to start in Belgium.
Striker Mbwana Samatta had an injury scare last time out on international duty with Tanzania, but should be fit to face the Reds.
Mazzù praises Reds but not worried about Salah return
“When a team like Liverpool take 25 points from 27 and they play like they play I think they are one of the best teams in Europe, probably the best,
“They have a lot of players with maturity, they have a high press and like to play at one end of the pitch. We must be attentive.
“When Salah is missing, on the pitch, the movement of the strikers is a little bit different. I don’t know if Salah will be there tomorrow.
“The Manchester United system played with a five-man defense. It was a good thing for them. We have a lot of options so we will see tomorrow.”
Klopp on ‘promising’ Salah and missing Trent Alexander-Arnold
“Yesterday we weren’t sure, today it looks good but we won’t take any risks. We will see how Mo does overnight.”
“I hope he [Alexander-Arnold] will be okay later this week. He’s ill, I was told. We had contact this morning, that’s how it is. These things happen at this time of year to all people, football players as well. He won’t be the last player to be ill.”
Head-to-head
These sides have never met before – however the Reds did face Standard Liege, another Belgian side, in their 2008 Champions League qualifiers. They featured a side including future Premier League stars Maraouane Fellaini and Dieumerci Mbokani.
