THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE continues on Wednesday as Liverpool entertain Red Star Belgrade at Anfield. Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) shares his betting thoughts.
Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade | Wednesday 24th October 2018, 20:00 | BT Sport
Liverpool entertain Red Star Belgrade at Anfield on Wednesday evening in what promises to be one of the greatest mismatches in this season’s Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are unbeaten in their last 16 home games in major European competitions, scoring 39 goals in the process.
In Red Star, they face a side who were hammered 6-1 by Paris St Germain in their last game in this competition and were very fortunate to draw 0-0 at home to Napoli. Against PSG they faced 34 shots on goal with an incredible 17 on-target while Napoli also managed 22 attempts against them.
The Serbian side are finding their domestic league a doddle this season – winning 11 of their 12 games to date and scoring 33 goals in the process, but the Champions League is an altogether tougher proposition.
I expect Liverpool to win this game comfortably but a best price of 1/12 is obviously not something to get involved in. Instead, I will back Liverpool and Over 4.5 Goals (6/4 Coral).
The PSG hammering is fresh in my mind and while I am slightly concerned about Liverpool’s recent goal rate – they have just two in their last four – it is worth noting that three of these four matches came against Chelsea, Napoli and Manchester City.
Liverpool made short work of similar sides in last season’s competition – putting 10 past Maribor across two games – and I wouldn’t rule out a goal from the away side.
Red Star managed two when qualifying away to Red Bull Salzburg and their league record suggests there is some attacking talent there. Liverpool have conceded just three goals in the Premier League this season, but Expected Goals statistics suggest that number should be nearer seven.
4-1, 5-1 and 5-0 would be near the top of my correct score predictions and they would all ensure we enter the winners circle here.
Best Bets
Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade – Liverpool to win and Over 4.5 Goals (6/4 Coral)
