Liverpool v Genk: Hosts' leaky defence the key to profit

Jurgen Klopp's side should make it three wins from four in this season's competition on Tuesday night but a clean sheet is far from guaranteed, writes James Eastham...

Liverpool vs Genk
Tuesday 5 November, 20:00 GMT
Live on BT Sport 3

Genk weaker in goal

For Liverpool, Joel Matip is still out. Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez are the contenders to replace him at the heart of the defence alongside Virgil Van Dijk. Fabinho is expected to return in midfield after being rested for the 2-1 weekend win over Aston Villa. No.1 goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is missing for Genk, increasing the visitors' chances of conceding a goal.

Reds to romp to victory

Liverpool ran out 4-1 winners in the reverse fixture in Belgium a fortnight ago and there's no reason to expect anything other than another Reds win this time. Liverpool were far too strong for the Belgian champions in all areas of the pitch and that should be the case again, even if Jurgen Klopp decides to rest players in certain positions.

Liverpool are 1.10 to win, with Genk 38.00 to pull off what would be a massive upset, and The Draw 13.50. With the odds on a Liverpool win so short, the best way to support the hosts would be on the Asian Handicap. By backing Liverpool -2.5 Asian Handicap at odds of around 1.80, for example, you'll make a profit as long as Liverpool repeat their feat of the first leg by winning by three or more goals. For a full guide to Asian Handicap betting, click here.

Both teams set to concede

One of the features of Liverpool's games across all competitions this season has been their inability to keep clean sheets. We saw this when Genk scored in the first meeting between the teams a fortnight ago, and results on all fronts bear this out: Liverpool have conceded in 15 out of 18 fixtures in all competitions.

The only three teams Liverpool have managed to keep a clean sheet against are Burnley, Sheffield United and MK Dons - and, significantly, all three of those games were away fixtures. Liverpool have conceded in all nine games of the games that have taken place at Anfield so far this season. With the Reds almost guaranteed to score, and the hosts so consistently leaky at the back, backing 'Yes' in the "Both teams to Score?" market is an attractive proposition. This selection is available at 2.50 and worth a small investment.

High-scoring encounter likely

Another goals market worth considering is Over 3.5 Goals. Genk have conceded 10 goals in three games in the competition this season, which tells you everything you need to know about their defensive capabilities. Liverpool have a full complement of attacking players available, which will make them potent from kick-off and also dangerous off the bench in the later stages of the game.

Liverpool's home games have been especially high-scoring this season: six of their nine fixtures at Anfield have featured four or more goals, including their 4-3 win over Red Bull Salzburg in their previous home outing in this competition, plus their sensational 5-5 draw against Arsenal in the League Cup last week. Over 3.5 Goals is available at 1.75.