By Emmanuel Ebimoh
The UEFA Champions League holders, Liverpool could be facing a potential early exit from the competition tonight when they face Austrian side, Red Bull Salzburg in what would be a thrilling European encounter.
Liverpool are top of group E with 10 points, followed by Napoli with 9 points, while Salzburg are third in the group with 7 points. However, with a superior goal difference of five, in contrast to Liverpool’s three, a win for Salzburg tonight could mean that the reigning European giants would be kicked out of Europe’s most elite football competition in the group stage.
In the reverse fixture in November, Liverpool were pushed all the way by Salzburg when the Austrian side clawed back a three-goal deficit before Mohamed Salah struck the winner late in the match.
Liverpool defender, Dejan Lovren is likely to miss out on tonight’s cracker after picking up an injury during Saturday’s victory against Bournemouth, although Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana are expected to be available having been out for a week. However, Fabinho and Joel Matip remain long-term absentees.
Salzburg would also have a few key members of their squad out. Seydou Koita, Patrick Farkas and Antoine Bernede have been ruled out, although goalkeeper Cican Stankovic should be available after recovering from a thigh injury.
Liverpool need just a draw against Red Bull Salzburg to go through to the next stage of the competition, but they could also qualify if Napoli lose at home to Genk, who are bottom on the table.
FC Salzburg striker, Erling Haaland, who is second top scorer so far in the competition just behind Robert Lewandowski, has scored in all five of his UEFA Champions League games this season, scoring eight goals and averaging a goal every 37 minutes. No player has ever scored in their first six appearances in the competition. The Austrian side have also been formidable at home, scoring 50 goals at home this season so far in all competitions.
No doubt, regardless of the outcome of tonight’s match, it’s going to be another thrilling UEFA Champions League night.
