Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen: UEFA Champions League preview

A manager who was previously linked with succeeding Jurgen Klopp, former Reds star Xabi Alonso is set for a return to Anfield as his Bayer Leverkusen side take on Liverpool on Wednesday morning.

Having guided Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title last season, Alonso was understandably linked with a return to Anfield before Arne Slot was handed the reins at Liverpool.

The Reds have made a flying start under the Dutchman and have a perfect record in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Here we take a closer look at Wednesday morning’s game at Anfield and look ahead to Thursday morning’s heavyweight showdown between Inter Milan and Arsenal.

Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen betting preview

Draw specialists head to Merseyside

While Leverkusen will be eager to shake off this tag, the Bundesliga champions have become draw specialists ahead of their trip to England this week.

With four draws in their last five games in the Bundesliga, Alonso’s side have ground to make up if they are to get back to the summit of the German top flight.

Wednesday provides the welcome distraction of a mammoth European tie, as Leverkusen look to cause an upset at Anfield.

The Reds are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table after beating Brighton at the weekend, while title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City both suffered defeats.

Liverpool have been able to cope with recent injury problems, with the likes of keeper Alisson and forwards Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa currently sidelined.

Leverkusen have been ruing recent domestic draws in the Bundesliga but would perhaps take a stalemate against a Liverpool side challenging for major silverware in Slot’s first season in charge.

Inter Milan v Arsenal betting preview

All eyes on the Stadio San Siro

In one of the most anticipated games in Week Four of the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal will fancy a mighty challenge when they take on Inter Milan at the Stadio San Siro.

The Gunners go into this game off the back of a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United, which means Arsenal have won just one of their last five away games in all competitions.

Inter drew at Manchester City in their opening European game of the campaign, before beating Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys in their last two outings in the UEFA Champions League.

Mikel Arteta and his side will have their title credentials put to the test by the Nerazzurri in what should be an intriguing contest in Milan.

Read more soccer previews on site.

Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen odds

Liverpool - 1.70
Draw - 4.20
Bayer Leverkusen - 4.33

Inter Milan v Arsenal odds

Inter Milan - 2.60
Draw - 3.10
Arsenal - 2.90

View the full market and more odds for Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen on site.

View the full market and more odds for Inter Milan v Arsenal on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.