The Reds, the Champions League holders, are heavy favourites to win on Wednesday night but boss Jurgen Klopp has warned that the Austrian side have the potential to “surprise” them.
German coach Klopp said: “It’s a proper unit - a young exciting team, full of power and excitement [for them] to be part of that opportunity. Really strong, really good opponent and well organised.
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“Salzburg will surprise a lot of people. The way they play is made to surprise other teams. But if anyone knows the way they play it’s probably me.”
Mane: we respect Salzburg
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane previously played for Salzburg and he agrees with his boss that the Austrians have a talented team.
Senegal star Mane said: “It is important for us to be careful. I think they have a good team and the boys are hungry to get better. Great players.
“I started with that team and I learned a lot. They are a really good team and are doing well. I can say they are top of the group and we respect them a lot before the game.”
Haaland a proper threat - if he plays
Salzburg have one of Europe’s in-form players in their attack - Erling Braut Haaland. The teenage striker netted a hat-trick in the 6-2 win against Genk on matchday one but could miss Wednesday’s game with illness.
If Haaland is fit to play then he will be a threat. Klopp said: “He’s a wonderful player, very confident, quick and focused. A proper threat. He looks like a decent player and is in the perfect place.
“As a younger player it’s important to play as much as possible at the highest possible player. He’s not the only threat but he’s a proper one.”
The 19-year-old Norwegian, son of former Manchester City player Alfe-Inge Haaland, has scored 17 goals already for Salzburg this season.
TV and live stream details
The group E clash will be live on BT Sport 3 and BT Sport Ultimate. Coverage starts at 7.15pm and the match kicks off at 8pm. The broadcaster will also show a live stream of the game at sport.bt.com.
KRC Genk host Napoli in the other group E fixture (5.55pm, live on BT Sport 1).
Team news and starting XIs
Liverpool team news
Defender Joel Matip suffered a knock in the 1-0 win at Sheffield United last weekend and will be assessed before the clash at Anfield.
Playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, goalkeeper Alisson Becker, midfielder Naby Keita and right-back Nathaniel Clyne remain on the sidelines.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: “Joel Matip obviously got a slight knock at Sheffield, we have to see how exactly it will be.
“Apart from that, everybody should be fine. Of course, we have the players who weren’t available last week - that means Shaq is still out; Alisson is very close but for sure not for [Wednesday]. I think that’s it pretty much.”
RB Salzburg team news
Uefa.com reports that midfielder Antoine Bernède is out of the clash with a tibia injury. Star striker Erling Braut Haaland is also a doubt because of illness.
How the teams could line up
Liverpool possible starting XI (4-3-3): Adrián; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mané
Salzburg possible starting XI (4-4-2): Stankovic; Kristensen, Ramalho, Wöber, Ulmer; Szoboszlai, Junuzović, Mwepu, Minamino; Hwang, Koita
Pundit predictions
Charlie Nicholas, Sky Sports: Liverpool 3 Salzburg 0
“I remember Red Bull Salzburg from them playing Celtic a few years back. There was a lot going on with the brand and funding - they had to be building for a few years. They are going to one of the grounds with the best atmosphere in Europe on Champions League nights. Liverpool are getting the job done at the moment. If I were Jurgen Klopp I would change a couple of things. Joe Gomez could come in and James Milner may get a start. Adam Lallana could get an opportunity, too. It will be a very comfortable night, regardless. Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Salzburg.”
Mohamed Moallim, Squawka: Liverpool 3 Salzburg 1
“Liverpool are near unbeatable at home. They are currently on a 24-match unbeaten streak at Anfield, spanning just over a year, since Chelsea left with a 2-1 win in last season’s League Cup third round. Red Bull Salzburg will no doubt arrive on Merseyside with a nothing to lose mentality, however their front-footed approach could play into Klopp’s hand. Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Salzburg.”
Barney Corkhill, SportsMole: Liverpool 3 Salzburg 1
“Haaland fired a warning to Liverpool that Salzburg would be ‘fearless’ at Anfield, but that may just be music to the home side’s ears. If the visitors try to play their usual attacking game then it is likely to play right into Liverpool’s hands as not many teams can match the Reds going forward. Salzburg’s attacking numbers mean that we are backing them to get a goal at Anfield, but they have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six games and Liverpool could enjoy themselves in what should be a more open match than they are used to at Anfield. We say: Liverpool 3-1 Salzburg.”
Ed Alexander, 90min: Liverpool 4 Salzburg 1
“Salzburg are no pushovers, but they will need to be pitch-perfect to leave Anfield with even a point. A solid performance at Anfield probably won’t be enough to avoid defeat as Liverpool look to open their account in group E. Victory is the only option for the Reds and they will go all out to get it. Prediction: Liverpool 4-1 Red Bull Salzburg.”
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