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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Elliott Jackson

Pundits predict Liverpool vs Genk with the Reds tipped for Champions League success

Liverpool return to Champions League this week knowing three points will all-but seal their place in the knock-out round of 16.

Having lost their opening Group E match against Napoli, the Reds have beaten Red Bull Salzburg and Genk in their last two outings.

And it's the Belgian side who visit Anfield on Tuesday, seeking revenge from their 4-1 defeat last time out.

Jurgen Klopp attends a press conference at Anfield ahead of the Champions League game between Liverpool and Genk (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

After their dramatic win against Aston Villa, another victory for Liverpool would make a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League a near certainty.

However, if the European holders want to ensure they top their group, they can't afford any slip-ups with Napoli still one point ahead of them.

With a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City looming on Sunday too, will Jurgen Klopp resist the urge to rest some of his big stars?

Here's a round-up of what the national media's pundits are predicting for the Reds.

Charlie Nicholas - Sky Sports

"I watched the Liverpool game at the weekend. It was a cracking game and end-to-end with drama too.

"Liverpool are not at their best. People might suggest that once they get going, they will be ruthless, but they are getting away with it currently. The Napoli and Manchester United matches were reality checks, but they could have been two or three down by the time they rescued things at Aston Villa.

"Liverpool have a dramatic amount of games coming up. Mohamed Salah was really average at the weekend, as was Roberto Firmino, so Jurgen Klopp may leave a couple out and change it up. The full-backs will stay the same and you have to leave Sadio Mane in, but Fabinho could also come back in.

"It is normally Firmino who he rests, but I would leave him in with Mane and leave Salah out. He may not like it but it needs to happen. Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will come in and I think it will be a fairly comfortable night nevertheless for Liverpool."

CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-0

Michael Owen - BetVictor

"Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 23 home European games (W17 D6) and it would be a major surprise if Genk – struggling midtable in the Belgian First Division – were able to stop the Reds from going into Sunday’s vital league game with Manchester City on the back of another comfortable home win.

"Jurgen Klopp’s side won the reverse fixture 4-1 in Belgian on Matchday 3, but I can’t see the visitors finding the back of the net at Anfield."

Tip: Liverpool to win to nil 

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