Bayer Leverkusen boss, Xabi Alonso, will be back on his old stomping ground when the Bundesliga champions pay Liverpool a visit at Anfield in one of the top-billing games of Match-day 4 in the UEFA Champions League.
Alonso was a Liverpool player between 2004 and 2009, winning the Champions League title in 2005, as well as the FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup during his five-year spell with the Reds.
He returns a Bundesliga title winner as coach, and a Europa League finalist. But now, the Spanish tactician will be looking to get a result against his old friends.
Leverkusen are sixth on the Champions League table with seven points, two points behind second-placed Liverpool that will be aiming to making it four wins from four matches to further boost their chances of reaching the next stage of the Champions League via the automatic slots.
Head-to-Head
In two previous matches at Anfield, Liverpool have come out winners against Leverkusen, with the Reds also winning three of the last four meetings between both clubs in the competition.
Possible Line-ups
Liverpool XI: C. Kelleher – T. Alexander-Arnold, I. Konate, V. Van Dijk, A. Robertson – A. Mac Allister, R. Gravenberch, D. Szoboszlai – M. Salah, C. Gakpo, D. Nunez.
B. Leverkusen XI: L. Hradecky – E. Tapsoba, J. Tah, P. Hincapie – J. Frimpong, A. Gracia, G. Xhaka, A. Grimaldo – J. Hofmann, F. Wirtz – V. Boniface.
Prediction
Liverpool have shown consistency and resilience throughout the season so far to lead the Premier League and be one of two teams left with a 100% record in the Champions League.
Should Arne Slot’s side keep up that form, it can prove the difference against a Leverkusen side that is capable of getting a result at Anfield. Tuesday night may not be one of those nights for the German side on Alonso’s homecoming.
Bank on Liverpool to win here.