Liverpool could be on their way to claim a spot in the Champions League for the new season when they face the German side Hoffenheim in their second leg qualifier match-up in their own backyard. The Reds won the first leg by 2-1 and will be looking to repeat the performance to confirm their arrival in the most prestigious club tournament to be played in Europe.
The Merseyside club, inspired by their new look forward line, spearheaded by Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, put two past the German Bundesliga club in the first leg. However, Hoffenheim also pulled one back, before eventually bowing out by a 2-1 scoreline.
While the Reds will have to play to the best of their potential to make sure that they get at least a draw under their belt to advance to the first round of the Champions League, Hoffenheim will also be looking to get the result in their favour and make it a night of disappointment for Liverpool at Anfield.
Team News-
Liverpool-
Liverpool does not have any injury concerns so far and will be playing with the same line-up that they have been playing with, for the last few matches in the Premier League as well as European matches. They are once again expected to be without their talismanic forward Phillipe Coutinho, who is still nursing a back injury. Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana will remain on the treatment table.
Hoffenheim-
The German outfit will also look not to make any changes in their line-up for the next match. as they will be desperate to claw their way back into the tie by trying to win the next match, making it difficult for the Reds to qualify in the Champions as the fifth team from the Premier League after Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United for the new season.
Predicted Lineup-
Liverpool-
Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Hoffenheim-
Baumann, Kaderabek, Bicakcic, Rupp, Demirbay, Wagner, Zuber, Hubner, Vogt, Kramaric, Gnabry.
Key Men-
Liverpool-
The Reds will be looking forward to their attacking trio, especially Sadio Mane, who is in red-hot form and also scored in their last match against Crystal Palace in the Premier League to win the match for his club. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah will also be crucial for Liverpool, as they are looking to book a place in the Champions League first round.
Hoffenheim-
Serge Gnabry, the German starlet, who was a part of the Premier League giants Arsenal before making a move back to Germany, will be the main man to lead the attack against the Merseyside club in the return leg.
Odds-
Liverpool win– 3/5
Draw- 16/5
Hoffenheim– 4/1
