The Champions League qualifying second leg matches take place this week, and many eyes will be on Liverpool as the five-time winners of the competition hope to seal passage to the group stages.
Liverpool defeated German side Hoffenheim in Germany, 2-1, a week ago. However, Liverpool gave up a late goal to Hoffenheim, which could come back to haunt the English side. Although Hoffenheim was difficult to breakdown, Liverpool was the better side during the first leg. Pressure will be high on the Reds back on Merseyside, as fans are hungry for the team to make the Champions League group stages for the first time since 2014-15.
Liverpool is currently 13/20 to win the tie, while a draw is at odds of 10/3. A 1-1 draw, or nil-nil, would be enough for Liverpool to go through to the next round due to the Reds winning the first match 2-1. But Hoffenheim is a strong enough team to cause Liverpool stress on Wednesday night.
Both clubs played in their domestic leagues over the weekend, and both teams picked up victories. Liverpool just edged out Crystal Palace, 1-0; while Hoffenheim won by the same scoreline against Werder Bremen.
Liverpool has been dealing with one major external issue and that is the possible transfer of star player Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian has had his head turned by Spain’s Barcelona, and the Spanish outfit has offered more than €100 million for his services. Liverpool don’t want to sell him, but can’t risk playing him until the issue has been resolved. Due to this, Liverpool has looked shaky in its first two English Premier League games this term.
ZCode System’s scores predictor has favored Liverpool greatly in this fixture. The scores predictor believes Liverpool is nailed on for a 3-0 win. This prediction seems much too flattering to the Reds. This game will be much closer as Hoffenheim will throw everything at Liverpool. The prestige and money available to the Germans is quite high, so expect this to be much closer.
This is such a big game for both teams, I expect Liverpool to be a bit nervous. Add in that the team is playing at home at Anfield, and the pressure of its home fans will be immense. Hoffenheim really have nothing to lose. The team is playing in Europe for the first time in its history. On the other hand, Liverpool has everything to lose.
Liverpool is a strong favorite in the moneyline reversal, and sharp bettors have favored the English side to pull through with a win. If the Reds can get an early goal, they will pretty much be assured of a route into the group stages. The team’s two goals from the first leg set them up perfectly, as away goals count as double in the Champions League. Even if Hoffenheim win 1-0 on the night, Liverpool will progress into the group stages. Due to that possibility, Liverpool is 1/12 to qualify while Hoffenheim is 7/1.
The Champions League group stages are just around the corner, and Liverpool should be a part of it with a win on Wednesday night.
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