Champions League: Liverpool Facing a Battle in Belgium

KRC Genk vs Liverpool

Liverpool’s 100 per cent record in the Premier League finally came to an end over the weekend as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to Manchester United.

The Reds, who were missing talisman Mohamed Salah, looked far from their best as they struggled to break United down. They will now look to bounce back in the Champions League as they travel to Belgium to take on Genk.

The Belgians have had a disastrous time in their domestic competition and also suffered a drubbing in their Champions League opener. But they recently upset the Champions League 2019 odds by holding Napoli to a draw at home, and they will be eager to do the same against the reigning European champions.

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Talking Points

Genk hoping for another strong home showing

It’s been a trying season thus far for Genk manager Felice Mazzu. After winning their first Belgian league title since 2011 last season, they currently find themselves all the way down in sixth through 10 games this campaign.

They have struggled to recover from the departures of their top stars in winger Leandro Trossard and midfielder Ruslan Malinovskiy.

Genk suffered yet another defeat over the weekend to second-place Standard Liege, which snapped their modest three-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

That includes their surprising 0-0 draw at home against Napoli. They more than held their own against the Italian side; they had 14 shots to Napoli’s 18 and just lost out the shots on target battle, 3-2. Although, they did ride their luck as Napoli hit the frame of the goal twice.

Still, that result was a massive improvement from their opening match, which saw them get smashed 6-2 away to Red Bull Salzburg.

Genk’s home form this season has actually been quite good. They’ve lost just one of their six home assignments to date as opposed to four away from home.

Genk are unlikely to create many Champions League 2019 highlights, but perhaps they might be able to frustrate a Liverpool side which will be sorely missing Salah’s cutting edge.

Reds’ possible rotations

Liverpool finally dropped their first points of the season as they drew with Manchester United at Old Trafford. It was a somewhat disappointing showing from the Reds, who were missing Mohamed Salah after he picked up an ankle injury while on international duty.

Liverpool clearly missed their Egyptian superstar as they struggled to break down a resolute United defence. They had just 10 total shots and four on target. Sadio Mane was held without a single shot.

Salah could still take part against Genk, but it’s hard to see him be risked, especially with a showdown against Tottenham looming on the weekend. Manager Jurgen Klopp is also likely to make some other changes to his squad ahead of that Champions League final rematch.

Champions League: Mohamed Salah could return for Liverpool against KRC Genk — Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is back in training with the team after suffering an ankle injury

Adam Lallana, who scored the crucial late equaliser against United, could be in line for a rare start, as could Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, who also came on as substitutes.

Liverpool have found it difficult away from home in the Champions League over the past few seasons. They’ve lost seven of their last nine away assignments, including four in a row in the group stage after their 2-0 defeat to Napoli.

And with their attacking depth once again set to be tested with Salah’s possible absence, it remains to be seen how effective they will be even against a Genk side which has been struggling this season.

But with Genk’s lack of a top-quality goal scorer on the side, the Liverpool defence will fancy keeping their first clean sheet of the Champions League campaign, especially with goalkeeper Alisson back.

History

This will be Liverpool and Genk’s first time facing each other in a competitive fixture. Genk have faced English opposition two other times, while this will be Liverpool’s first match against a Belgian foe in over a decade.

Liverpool have won four of their last five matches against Belgian teams. Their most trip to Belgium was back in 2008, which ended in a goalless draw against Standard Liege.

Betting Tip

	KRC Genk vs Liverpool	Under 3.50 Goals @ 1.76
	October 24, 03:00 (GMT+8)

SBOBET odds have Liverpool installed as massive 1.28 favourites to win this match, with Genk priced at 8.50 and a draw at 5.80 on the 1X2 market.

But while I agree that Liverpool should win, it’s probably not going to be quite as easy. As Napoli found out the hard way, Genk have been much more competent at home. Meanwhile, Salah’s absence could once again have a significant effect on their attack.

With those factors in mind, I see this being quite a cagey, low-scoring affair in Belgium, with the total goals going under 3.50.