Liverpool vs Red Star Preview | Duo Ruled Out | Expected Line-Ups | Prediction

Liverpool will be looking for a win when they take on Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League at Anfield this evening. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side warmed up for the match with a narrow 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town at the weekend that kept them level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and continued their excellent start to the new season.

However, they’ll be focussed on European matters tonight and the Reds head in to the game sitting second in Group C, level on points with Paris Saint-Germain and one point behind leaders Napoli after losing to the Italians last time out in the competition.

With a double-header coming up against unfancied Red Star Belgrade, Klopp knows his side have to take a maximum six points or they risk missing out on qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Team news

Liverpool have been boosted by the return of Sadio Mane after he missed the trip to Huddersfield on Saturday having undergone surgery on a broken thumb that he sustained while on international duty.

James Milner is also in contention despite being substituted at the weekend with a muscle problem while Goeriginio Wijnaldum is also available after shaking off a minor knock.

However, Naby Keita remains out with a hamstring injury that he sustained while away with the Guinea squad earlier this month while Jordan Henderson is also ruled out with his own hamstring complaint.

Klopp has suggested that Fabinho will be given a chance to impress in midfield while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino are expected to be recalled.

Red Star are sweating over the fitness of winger Marko Marin while Jonathan Cafu, Vujadin Savic and Filip Stojkovic are expected to miss out this evening through injury.

Expected line-up

Red Star XI: Borjan, Sumaila, Degenek, Babic, Rodic, Ebecilio, Jovicic, Ben, Krsticic, Marin, Boakye

Predicted Score

Liverpool 3-0 Red Star: The Serbs have won just one of their last nine away games against English opposition – which coincidentally came against Liverpool way back in 1973. However, I don’t see a repeat result tonight as Liverpool should win this game comfortably. European nights are special at Anfield and as long as Klopp fields his strongest side, I can see the Reds securing a 3-0 win.