Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen – UEFA Champions League – Preview, Team News and Updates

Arguably the most highly anticipated clash of the UCL ‘league phase’ is finally upon us. Yes, I’m talking about Liverpool’s home clash against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard’s Merseyside homecoming has set the stage for what promises to be a mouthwatering match-up between two of the most in-form teams in Europe.

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen have each kicked off their Champions League campaigns in fine form. Liverpool are one of only two clubs to win their first three matches this 2024/25 season, securing second place in the standings with a solid nine points—just behind Aston Villa, who lead on goal difference. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen aren’t far off the mark; after three games, Die Werkself hold fourth place with seven points. With only two points separating these two contenders, tonight’s face-off feels like a potential six-pointer. The stakes are high, so who will come out on top in this thrilling showdown? 

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen – Match Preview 

Transitioning one of the most legendary managers in the club’s history into a new era is never a straightforward task – just look at Manchester United, who’ve cycled through five managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. However, it seems Liverpool and Arne Slot have pulled off a textbook example of how to navigate such a shift. Liverpool fans couldn’t have asked for a better start to life post the Jurgen Klopp-era. The Dutchman has assimilated with ease at Kirkby. His tactics and coaching methods have reinvigorated a Liverpool squad that looked disheartened after yet another failed attempt to wrestle away the Premier League title from Manchester City. However, three months into the new season, Liverpool are back to their dominant best. 

Eight wins from ten Premier League fixtures means that Arne Slot’s men are currently perched atop the Prem table with 25 points. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah handed the Reds a crucial win over Brighton, and more importantly, a narrow advantage over Manchester City at the top of the table. But that’s not all—Liverpool has been nothing short of spectacular on the European stage as well. Victories against AC Milan, Bologna, and RB Leipzig have set them up beautifully for a strong push to qualify directly for the Round of 16 in the revamped Champions League. 

However, a new challenge awaits as they prepare to face Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. This clash could prove to be Arne Slot’s toughest test yet as Liverpool’s boss. Before Slot took over, Liverpool had their eyes set on hiring Xabi Alonso as Klopp’s successor. However, Alonso stayed put at Leverkusen to the dismay of Liverpool fans. For Die Werkself, it was a moment to rejoice, as the man who had led them to their first Bundesliga title was staying for at least another season. And so far, Xabi Alonso and his men haven’t disappointed. Two wins against AC Milan and PSV and a disappointing draw against Brest means that Leverkusen currently occupy the fourth spot in UCL standings.  

Despite this impressive start, Die Werkself haven’t hit the lofty heights they reached last season. They are currently seven points behind Bayern Munich in Bundesliga after drawing four out of their last five games. While their failure to secure a win is worrisome, Leverkusen’s 0-0 draw against Stuttgart took their unbeaten run to 11 games. However, Xabi Alonso’s men need to be at their best if they want to pull off a famous win over Liverpool at Anfield.  

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen – Team News and Updates 

Leverkusen wing-back Nordi Mukiele suffered a thigh injury in the recent draw with Stuttgart and is set to be sidelined until after the international break. He joins Amine Adli, who is out with a broken leg, and Jeanuel Belocian, nursing a foot injury, in the treatment room. Martin Terrier is also unavailable, having missed Friday's Bundesliga match and the trip to England. Despite these setbacks, Xabi Alonso can call upon Jonas Hofmann to bolster the attack, with Frimpong stepping in on the right to cover for Mukiele. Meanwhile, attacking talent Florian Wirtz is on the brink of making history—if he scores, he’ll become the third player under 21, after Erling Haaland and Manor Solomon, to net in each of his first three away Champions League matches. 

On Liverpool’s side, it was a tough first half against Brighton, where everything that could go wrong did. Key defender Ibrahima Konate had to be subbed off at halftime due to a painful arm injury. Fortunately, he’s bounced back quickly and will be part of the squad on Tuesday. However, they will be without Alisson Becker (hamstring), Harvey Elliott (foot), Federico Chiesa (fitness), and Diogo Jota (abdominal). 

On a brighter note for the Reds, Mohamed Salah recently overtook Robbie Fowler to claim eighth place in the all-time Premier League scoring charts. Now, he has the chance to become the first player in 21 years to score in six consecutive Champions League home games for an English club, a feat last achieved by Ruud van Nistelrooy with Manchester United in 2023. 

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 6th November 2024 (Wednesday) at Anfield in Liverpool. The match will kick off at 1:30 AM (Indian Standard Time). 

Also Read: Real Madrid vs AC Milan – UEFA Champions League – Preview, Team News and Updates