This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
With Liverpool's Premier League dominance, it's surprising to see the European champions struggling to keep clean sheets this season. The Reds have now gone 14 games without a clean sheet, a worrying trend that could be exploited by their next opponents, Salzburg.
Salzburg, led by the top scorer in the Champions League, Erling Braut Haaland, have been on a goal-scoring spree this season, netting 87 goals in 24 games across all competitions. The Norwegian wonderkid has been instrumental in their success, scoring 28 goals in just 21 appearances.
Despite their impressive form, Salzburg's first meeting with Liverpool in October ended in a thrilling 7-0 win for the Reds, with Mohamed Salah scoring the winner. However, the hosts will be wary of Salzburg's ability to come back from behind, as they did in that match.
For Liverpool, the injury to Dejan Lovren has added to their defensive woes, with Joe Gomez set to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence. The Dutchman has been instrumental in Liverpool's success over the past two years, but even he has struggled to stop the flow of goals against in recent months.
"He's not the only threat from Salzburg, but he's a proper one," said Jurgen Klopp of the danger posed by Haaland ahead of the sides' first clash.
Salzburg need to win to make the last 16 on their first appearance in the group stage in 25 years, while a point would be enough for Liverpool to progress. However, the Reds need to win to secure top spot in Group E ahead of Napoli.
Given Liverpool's paucity of clean sheets and Salzburg's thirst for goals, attack may be the best form of defence for the European champions.
