The Round of 16 is about to kick off, and we’re staring to take a look at these upcoming games that will define the road to the finals. For this preview, we’re taking a look at the matchup between Leipzig vs Liverpool.

This will be the first time these two teams will face each other, so many things can happen when it’s a first encounter. One recent change in the matchup is that they won’t play in Germany, due to recent COVID-19 restrictions. We’re going take a look at both teams’ recent history, along with the latest 2021 UEFA Champions League odds and expert pick.

Leipzig vs Liverpool Game Info

• When: Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 | 3:00 PM ET
• Where: Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary
• TV: ESPN / Fox Sports
• Live Stream: UEFA.tv
• Champions League Odds Odds: RB Leipzig +231 / +0.25 (+102) / Over 2.5 (-152) | Liverpool +100 / -0.25 (-125) / Under 2.5 (+120) | Draw +276

READ MORE: Barcelona vs PSG 2021 Champions League Odds and Preview

Why is RB Leipzig a safe bet in Game 1?

Leipzig is fairly new in the European football competition. The club was founded in 2009. There were able to participate in the 2017-18 Champions League. They returned to the tournament for the 2019-20 season, in which they lost until the semifinals against PSG. They have the experience in getting far in the tournament and being able to stop more well known teams.

When we take a look at their previous opponents in the past and for this season, Liverpool is the third English team they face since the start of 2020. They took out Tottenham last season in the Round of 16 and took a win against Manchester United in the group stage this season.

If we put stats into play, they’ve done pretty well. Taking a look at the past, in their past 22 Champions League games, none has ended goalless. They also conceded 12 goals in their six group games this season, making them the only team to have more than any of the other teams qualified to the knockout stage. One final note, they’ve allowed 8.9 passes on average before the defense intervenes, making it the lowest average this season.

Recent Performance

• Form: WWWLW
• Latest: Win, 0-3 vs. Schalke (02/06)
• Current Standing:: 2nd place of Bundesliga

Possible Line-Up

• Gulácsi
• Orban
• Upamecano
• Halstenberg
• Mukiele
• Kampl
• Sabitzer
• Angeliño
• Haidra
• Olmo
• Forsberg

Why is Liverpool a safe bet in Game 1?

The Reds have made it to the Round of 16 for the fourth straight year, but there has been a bit of inconsistency, both in this tournament and the domestic, due to injuries in the defense. They have obtained great wins, but odd losses. For example, when they faced Atalanta, the first match ended 5-0 in Liverpool’s favor, while they lost to the same team three weeks later, 2-0.

Their current performance in the Champions League has been good, taking the first place in Group D, winning first place. But can they shake off last year’s loss in the Round of 16 against Atletico Madrid? They came into last season’s tournament as defending champions, though they came two goals short of keeping the title defense alive.

Statistically, Liverpool has done fairly well as an away team. They’ve won two of the last three away games in the UCL. They’ve averaged goals scored to 1.67 per game and have conceded goals to 0.50 per game.

Recent Performance

• Form: LWWLL
• Latest: Loss, 0-1 vs. Brighton (02/03)
• Current Standing:: 4th place of Premier League

Possible Line-Up

• Alisson
• Alexander-Arnold
• Fabinho
• Matip
• Robertson
• Wijnaldum
• Henderson
• Thiago Alcántara
• Mané
• Salah
• Firmino

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool Champions League Betting Trends

• RB Leipzig has won 4 of the last 6 matches.
• RB Leipzig is unbeaten in the last 6 home games in the Champions League.
• RB Leipzig have two clean sheets in the 10 home games in the Champions League.
• Liverpool has won 2 of their last 6 matches.
• Liverpool is unbeaten in the last 5 away games against German teams. The last defeat against a German team was back in April 2002 vs. Bayern Leverkusen.
• Liverpool are the only team not to concede a goal in half-time this season.

Leipzig vs Liverpool Betting Prediction

This matchup is one that is intriguing. It’s the first time these two meet, so we don’t know what to expect or how each team will perform with their respective strategies.

But, just by looking at the stats, Liverpool might have had a better outcome in the group phase, but might not be able to bring their A game for the knockout round, especially with the pressure of losing so early last time. Leipzig, on the other hand, made it to the semifinals last year, their best performance to date. So they are definitely hungry to make it again and head to the finals.

The fact that the game is placed elsewhere could affect Leipzig not having the home field advantage, so to say. Though I don’t think it will be much of a factor. Their recent performances and results have been better than Liverpool’s, in my opinion.

I think this game will be in favor of Leipzig, winning 2-1.

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READ MORE: 2021 UEFA Champions League Odds (January)