Liverpool vs KRC Genk preview, predictions & confirmed team news
Liverpool will look to put one foot in the Champions League knockout rounds when they face RKC Genk at Anfield on Tuesday.
The Reds currently sit second in Group E with six points from three games but a win over their Belgian opponents, coupled with a Napoli victory against RB Salzburg, would leave them six points clear of third with two games remaining.
Although Genk can still qualify themselves, it is likely to be a chase for a Europa League spot for them between now and the end of the group stages.
Read on for Liverpool v KRC Genk predictions, preview, team news and TV coverage information.
When is Liverpool vs Genk and where can I watch live?
Competition: Uefa Champions League
Venue: Anfield
Date: Tuesday, 5 October 2019
Kick-off: 8:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): BT Sport 3
Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool’s ‘late shows’
Recent form
Liverpool
02/11/19: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
30/10/19: Liverpool 5-5 Arsenal (Carabao Cup)
27/10/19: Liverpool 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)
23/10/19: KRC Genk 1-4 Liverpool (Champions League)
20/10/19: Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Goals scored: 14 Goals conceded: 9 Form: WDWWD
Genk
02/11/19: Eupen 2-0 Genk (Belgian Pro League)
30/10/19: Genk 2-2 Antwerp (Belgian Pro League)
26/10/19: Genk 1-0 Cercle Brugge (Belgian Pro League)
23/10/19: Genk 1-4 Liverpool (Champions League)
19/10/19: Standard Liege 1-0 Genk (Belgian Pro League)
Goals scored: 4 Goals conceded: 9 Form: LLWLL
Ones to watch
Liverpool: Sadio Mane
It’s hard to argue with Sadio Mane being referred to as anything other than Liverpool’s best player right now.
The Senegal international has already bagged 10 goals in 15 games across all competitions this season, and both scored and assisted in Liverpool’s 2-1 comeback win over Aston Villa at the weekend.
Genk will have a hard time stopping the Ballon d’Or candidate if he comes off the bench.
Key stat: Mane has completed more dribbles (10) than any other Liverpool player in this season’s Champions League.
Genk: Jhon Lucumi
Key to Genk’s extremely slim chances of taking anything from Anfield will be their ability to soak up intense pressure and, where possible, disrupt Liverpool’s play.
Centre-back Jhon Lucumi will, therefore, play a huge role for the Belgian side at the heart of their defence, being tasked with keeping the likes of Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi at bay.
Key stat: Lucumi has made more interceptions (11) than any other Genk player in this season’s Champions League.
Team news
Liverpool
Liverpool remain without Joel Matip who is expected to be sidelined until after the international break with a knee injury, while Xherdan Shaqiri and Nathanial Clyne remain long-term absentees.
Jurgen Klopp left Fabinho out of the win over Aston Villa to save him from suspension but the Brazilian has returned for this one, with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Andrew Robertson dropping down to the bench.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Gomez, Milner; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Origi, Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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Genk
First choice goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is out with an Achilles tendon injury, so Gaetan Coucke will deputise. Top scorer Mbwana Samatta also starts after being rested at the weekend.
Predicted XI: Coucke; Maehle, De Norre, Lucumi, Cuesta; Heynen, Hrosovsky, Dewaest, Berge; Ito; Samatta.
Liverpool boss Klopp defends ‘diver’ Mane
Squawka prediction
Liverpool will almost certainly have one eye on their clash with Man City at the weekend but should still have far too much firepower for Genk here even if they name an unfamiliar side.
Expect a rotated squad to get the job done at Anfield, all but sealing their place in the Champions League knockout rounds once again.
Scoreline prediction: Liverpool 5-0 Genk
