Liverpool have made a better-than-expected start to the season, beating AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig in the Champions League group stage and finishing just behind Aston Villa in the table.
In the most recent match, Liverpool came from behind to win against Brighton and returned to the top of the Premier League. It was also the 10th win in the last 11 matches under coach Arne Slot. Stability is being maintained amid a tight schedule.
On the other side, Bayer Leverkusen are also having a smooth start. Coach Xabi Alonso and his team have got 7 points thanks to victories over Feyenoord and AC Milan, along with a disappointing draw against Ligue 1 team Brest in the Champions League.
But in the Bundesliga, they have drawn three of their last four games, leaving them seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich. However, that has extended Leverkusen's unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 games. Alonso's side have not even lost away from home this season (W4 D3).
Liverpool are rated higher, but fatigue is inevitable due to the tight schedule. This will be an opportunity for the German champions to gain points at Anfield in this confrontation.
This is also a special trip for coach Alonso as he spent 5 years playing for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, scoring in the victory over AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.
Expected lineup:
Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Boniface
