Opposition Analysis: Liverpool Face ‘Outstanding’ Bayer Leverkusen in UEFA Champions League Clash | OneFootball

Liverpool Hosts Bayer Leverkusen: A UEFA Champions League Preview with Tactical Insight

Liverpool’s upcoming UEFA Champions League face-off against Bayer Leverkusen has fans and analysts buzzing, as both sides grapple with contrasting forms and league dynamics. With Liverpool in good form under new manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp in May 2024, the stage is set for a challenging yet promising clash at Anfield. On Anfield Index’s “AI Scouted” podcast, analysts Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett dissected the Leverkusen matchup and explored how Liverpool might exploit their rivals’ vulnerabilities.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Defensive Struggles

Dave Hendrick raised an essential concern about Leverkusen’s defensive form, stating, “Last season, defensively outstanding… conceding only 24 goals. This season, through nine games, they’ve already conceded 15.” Such figures highlight a stark difference from Leverkusen’s defensive solidity in previous campaigns, where they conceded two or more goals in only six games across the Bundesliga season. This season, however, their backline has shown signs of weakness, conceding multiple goals in five games already, casting doubts over their ability to hold off Liverpool’s forward line.

According to Hendrick, much of the defensive decline can be attributed to key player transfers and internal instability. He explained, “Last season, they had constant high-level performances… this year, Xhaka has dropped off massively, Ezekiel Palacios is injured again, and Alex Garcia hasn’t settled.” With a defensive unit missing familiar coordination, the prospect of Liverpool capitalising on such gaps becomes increasingly likely.

Leverkusen’s Midfield and Attacking Limitations

Liverpool’s opportunity to dominate midfield is one of the main themes Hendrick and Matchett discussed. As Matchett observed, “Their midfield, if it’s Xhaka and Andrich, is quite slow-footed… we should be able to maybe overwhelm them a little with pace and speed of play.” By pressing a midfield that lacks mobility, Liverpool may find significant openings to break through and bring their pacey forwards into play.

Photo: IMAGO

In addition to their midfield frailties, Leverkusen’s attacking output has also diminished. Last season, the club relied on contributions from players like Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo, whose combined tally accounted for 26 goals across competitions. However, Hendrick noted the sharp decline in productivity: “This season so far, only three goals between them in all competitions.” With a comparatively lacklustre attack, the pressure on Liverpool’s defence may be less than anticipated.

Liverpool’s Lineup and Tactical Approach

The episode explored Liverpool’s likely approach to securing a favourable result. While discussing tactics, Hendrick highlighted the advantage Liverpool’s pace in midfield could bring: “I think Arne [Slot] will keep it strong… we should be able to take advantage of the space between their midfield and defence.” With Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez likely to feature prominently, Liverpool’s forward line could exploit this gap and create scoring opportunities against Leverkusen’s unsettled defence.

Furthermore, Slot’s recent rotations suggest Liverpool might avoid predictable patterns, enabling them to surprise Leverkusen’s formation. Hendrick hinted at possible tactical adjustments, noting that “Gravenberch and Curtis [Jones] in deeper roles with Alexis [Mac Allister] ahead might be nice to see… it could help us unlock that midfield space.” This approach, combined with Liverpool’s high-pressing game, could prove challenging for Leverkusen to counter.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Despite Leverkusen’s shaky form, Hendrick acknowledged the quality of certain Leverkusen players, including Florian Wirtz. Hendrick described him as “the one truly generational talent they have… he’s always capable and outrageously good.” However, Wirtz’s form has also shown fluctuations, which might give Liverpool an edge.

Predictions from the “AI Scouted” hosts suggested a Liverpool win, with Matchett predicting a 2-1 victory, and Guy Drinkel expecting a narrow 1-0. Hendrick himself felt confident, opting for a 2-0 scoreline, indicating confidence in Liverpool’s defence to keep a clean sheet against Leverkusen’s inconsistent attack.

This matchup not only presents a test of Liverpool’s adaptability under Slot but also offers a view into Leverkusen’s response to early season struggles. With a strong start, Liverpool could ensure Champions League progression and establish themselves as strong contenders under the new leadership.