Frank Christian
Xabi Alonso returns to face his former club, Liverpool, as Bayer Leverkusen competes in the UEFA Champions League on November 5.
In early 2024, Alonso was rumored to be rejoining Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from the club, prior to Slot’s hiring.
Choosing to stay with Leverkusen has put Alonso’s team in a strong position for a potential Bundesliga title, as he is contracted until 2026.
Amidst shifting dynamics between Leverkusen and Liverpool, there are hints that Alonso might look towards a future with Real Madrid, especially with Slot’s successful start as the new manager.
Liverpool has won all three of their Champions League matches this season and currently leads the Premier League, maintaining a two-point advantage after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1.
Leverkusen has yet to lose in the Champions League, gathering seven points from three matches, but they are currently 13 points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, having managed only one victory in their last five league games.
Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen lineups and team news
Slot has confirmed that Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, and Alisson Becker will be absent until after the international break.
Despite an elbow injury that forced him out at halftime during the match against Brighton, Ibrahima Konate is expected to start.
Kostas Tsimikas is set to start at left-back over Andy Robertson, joining Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo in supporting Mohamed Salah at the front.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Kelleher (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas — Jones, Gravenberch, Mac Allister — Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.
Injured Players: Chiesa, Alisson, Jota, Elliott
Suspensions: None
Alonso will miss Nordi Mukiele and Jeanuel Belocian due to injuries, while Amine Adil is a long-term absence.
Granit Xhaka, a familiar face for Liverpool fans, will play alongside Argentina’s Exequiel Palacios in the Leverkusen midfield.
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-3): Hradecky (GK) — Tah, Tapsoba, Hincapie — Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo — Wirtz, Boniface, Frimpong.
Injured Players: Mukiele, Belocian, Adil.
Suspensions: None
Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen how to watch
Here’s how to catch the Champions League fixture in various regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | — | Paramount+, ViX |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | — | Amazon Prime Video |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| India | Sony Ten 2, 3 | Sony LIV, JioTV |
