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Champions League Fantasy Tips: RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool

Match Details:

Date: 17th February, 2021

Time: 1:30 AM IST

Venue: Puskás Aréna, Hungary

News Updates: SportsTiger App

Preview

Champions League returns on Tuesday after nearly 2 months. RB Leipzig lock horns with Liverpool in Budapest in the first-leg of Round of 16. The tie will staged in Hungary due to coronavirus travel restrictions in Germany. RB Leipzig are flying high and are only 4 points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. On the other hand, the Reds have just two wins from their last ten Premier League matches and are going through a difficult patch at the moment. This match will be hugely significant for both the teams and Champions League is the only competition where Liverpool have a realistic chance of going all the way.

Team News

RB Leipzig

Emil Forsberg, Dominik Szoboszlai, Konrad Laimer and Benjamin Henrichs are all unavailable. While Marcel Sabitzer, Dayot Upamecano and Alexander Sorloth were rested against Augsburg and the trio will be raring to go on Tuesday.

Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Naby Keita and Diogo Jota will all miss out here as they recover from long-term injuries. Meanwhile, James Milner, Fabinho are also doubtful for this clash.

Key Players:

Analysis

Liverpool’s injury problems have hampered their season with Virgil van Dijk’s absence hurting them the most. Alisson Becker has been poor in the last 2 games and his sloppy passing and decision-making has cost Liverpool dearly in their last two games against Manchester City and Leicester City. However, the Brazilian is a class player and he will be itching to improve upon his mistakes. On the attacking front, the front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane have had sub-standard campaigns and will need to be at their best to create chances against a strong Leipzig defence.

Leipzig have delivered exceptional performances over the last couple of seasons. They reached the Champions League semi-final last year and coach Julian Nagelsmann has assembled a strong squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. Dani Olmo, Angelino, Christopher Nkunku and Upamecano will be the key players for Leipzig here. This will be a tough match for both teams as they have a compact system with technically proficient players.

Liverpool will be slight favourites to win this match. However, Leipzig will also have a good chance to win if they can convert their chances. If we see an early goal in this game, the game could open up and could turn into a high-scoring affair. The best captain and vice-captain options for this match will be Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Olmo, Angelino; Christopher Nkunku and Alexander Sorloth.

Probable Playing XI:

RB Leipzig:

Peter Gulacsi; Dayot Upamecano, Willi Orban, Marcel Halstenberg; Tyler Adams, Marcel Sabitzer, Tasende, Olmo, Angelino; Christopher Nkunku, Alexander Sorloth

Liverpool:

Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ozan Kabak, Jordan Henderson, Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Georginio Wijnaldum, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane

Team 1

 

Team 2

 

Best 14

Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Dayot Upamecano, Willi Orban

Midfielders: Sadio Mane, Marcel Sabitzer, Olmo, Angelino, Curtis Jones

Forwards:  Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Christopher Nkunku, Alexander Sorloth

Disclaimer: The fantasy tips and facts expressed within this article are personal opinion of the author. They do not reflect the views of SportsTiger. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.