5 reasons why Liverpool could get knocked out by RB Leipzig | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Liverpool beat Leipzig 2-0 in the first-leg
Liverpool beat Leipzig 2-0 in the first-leg

Liverpool host RB Leipzig at Anfield for the second-leg of their Round of 16 tie in the 2020-21 Champions League on Thursday.

The reigning Premier League champions beat their Bundesliga counterparts 2-0 in the first leg in Budapest last month, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane combining to secure a huge away win.

However, considering their recent indifferent form, especially at home, Liverpool are on shaky ground. So despite their significant advantage, the tie is not over just yet.

On that note, let's have a look at five reasons why Leipzig could turn this tie around and eliminate Liverpool from this season's competition.


#5 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp looks bereft of ideas

Jurgen Klopp has hit an all-time nadir in his managerial career.
Jurgen Klopp has hit an all-time nadir in his managerial career.

Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool boss, has cut a listless figure on the sidelines, as his team have gone from one disastrous result to another. At the moment, the German tactician seems to have run out of ideas, something that augurs well for Leipzig's hopes of a win in this tie.

Klopp has also made some questionable calls lately. He took out his main target man when Liverpool were a goal down with just a few minutes left on the clock; he also threw on a defensive-minded player when Liverpool needed a creative spark.

Liverpool's woeful run this calendar year seems to have shaken Klopp's confidence. So the Premier League champions could be there for the taking when Leipzig visit Anfield.


#4 Leipzig's blistering run of form

Leipzig came from 2-0 to beat Gladbach 3-2 in the league.
Leipzig came from 2-0 to beat Gladbach 3-2 in the league.

In their last nine games, RB Leipzig have won eight times, scoring 21 goals and keeping six clean sheets. Their only defeat during this run was the 2-0 reverse to Liverpool in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.

Leipzig have been in incredible form lately, and Liverpool will count them out at their own peril.

Leipzig's attackers have been on song and could be a huge menace to Liverpool's fragile defence, while the likes of Nordi Mukiele and Dayot Upamecano have been rock solid at the back.

It could take a Herculean effort from Liverpool to stop the Bundesliga side.

#3 Liverpool's big three is not firing at the moment

The prolific Liverpool triumvirate has been lacking bite lately.
The prolific Liverpool triumvirate has been lacking bite lately.

In stark contrast to Leipzig's in-form attack, Liverpool have gone off the boil, especially their attacking triumvirate of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

In fact, the trio has scored just four times for Liverpool in their last eight games in all competitions, which includes one penalty.

In their four most recent outings, they've scored none.

This goal drought has cost Liverpool the Premier League title and probably a European place next season. If Salah, Mane and Firmino do not come to the fore on Wednesday, it might as well end Liverpool's Champions League campaign too.


#2 Leipzig enjoy being the underdogs

Leipzig only recently pulled off an amazing comeback.
Leipzig only recently pulled off an amazing comeback.

In a pre-match press conference, Leipzig star Angelino said:

"I would say the pressure is more on Liverpool than on us. We're the underdogs."

While he obviously alluded to Liverpool's poor run of form, the Spaniard also hinted that Leipzig would enter the contest unfazed despite trailing against the Reds. That's because Leipzig don't give up easily and have shown great character in such situations in the past.

In fact, more recently, Julian Nagelsmann's side fought back from two goals down against Borussia Monchengladbach to win 3-2 in a Bundesliga game.

It's not just the quality in the side but also their desire to succeed, which makes Leipzig so menacing, even without a certain Timo Werner leading their line.


#1 Liverpool are at their lowest ebb

Is this the worst Liverpool side under Klopp?
Is this the worst Liverpool side under Klopp?

This has to be the weakest Liverpool side in years.

Not since, arguably, the Brendan Rodgers days have Liverpool looked so frail, toothless and uninspiring in all facets of their game. After playing their absolute best in the last two seasons, Liverpool have now run out of steam, while injuries haven't been kind to them either.

So, even a 2-0 advantage doesn't look safe for Liverpool. Going by their dismal home form, the Reds could face a tall task seeing off the Bundesliga high flyers.

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Edited by Bhargav
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