Liverpool head to Austria on Wednesday night to resume their Champions League campaign against LASK at the Raiffeisen-Arena in Linz. The fixture carries an intriguing subplot involving two players with Nigerian heritage on contrasting paths, though only one will feature on the pitch.
The travelling squad for the Reds features Rio Ngumoha, an 18-year-old winger of Nigerian and Guadeloupean descent who has swiftly earned the trust of manager Andoni Iraola this season. Meanwhile, LASK forward Moses Usor—who celebrated a goalscoring debut for Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Madagascar just last month—has been sidelined by injury, stripping the home side of one of their sharpest attacking outlets.
Match Overview
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2026/27 — League Phase, Matchday 2
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Kick-off: 17:45 BST / WAT
Venue: Raiffeisen-Arena, Linz, Austria (Capacity: 19,080)
Referee: Tobias Stieler (Germany)
Domestic Standing: LASK (3rd, Austrian Bundesliga) · Liverpool (9th, Premier League)
Previous Clash: Liverpool 4-0 LASK (November 2023, Europa League)
Current Form
Liverpool’s start under Andoni Iraola has shown plenty of promise despite a few domestic bumps. Positioned ninth in the Premier League after collecting three victories, a draw, and a single defeat from five outings, the Merseyside outfit kicked off their European journey with three points on Matchday 1. Although their attack remains prolific, their defensive structure has looked vulnerable, shipping goals in four of their last five matches across all competitions—a flaw LASK will be keen to test on the counter.
In contrast, LASK find themselves in a precarious patch under Klaus Kuhbauer. The Linz-based club have dropped three of their previous five competitive outings, managing only one draw and a lone derby victory over Blau-Weiss Linz. Furthermore, their historical Champions League record provides grim reading, with nine straight defeats hanging over them. Overturning that momentum against elite opposition will require a career-best collective display.
Past Encounters
The teams previously crossed paths during the 2023/24 Europa League group stage, where Liverpool dominated both ties. After falling behind in Austria, the Reds rallied for a 3-1 victory before cruising to a comprehensive 4-0 win at Anfield two months later. With a 7-1 aggregate deficit from those fixtures and an upgraded Liverpool roster arriving this week, the hosts have a massive hurdle to clear.
Key Storylines and Battles
The Nigerian Connection: Rio Ngumoha and Moses Usor
Born in London in August 2008, Ngumoha qualifies for Nigeria through his family alongside his Guadeloupean heritage. Despite declaring allegiance to England—earning three senior caps since his June 2026 debut—he retains strong ties to his Nigerian identity. Having made 29 appearances in 2025/26 and finished the campaign with three straight league starts, the teenager has transitioned from top prospect to an established first-team asset contending for a starting role on the flanks.
Conversely, Usor developed his craft in Nigeria before moving abroad and joining LASK in 2024. The 22-year-old has compiled 24 goals and 19 assists over 118 appearances for the Austrian side, earning an international call-up and a memorable debut strike against Madagascar. A muscular problem, however, prevents him from testing himself against the English powerhouses this week.
Christoph Lang vs Liverpool’s Backline
LASK’s primary avenue to goal lies with Christoph Lang. The Austrian marksman has hit the ground running with five goals in eight games this term, averaging 0.82 goals per 90 minutes. His sharp off-the-ball runs will test the coordination between Benoît Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk. While Van Dijk’s positioning and Jacquet’s pace offer strong protection, Liverpool have occasionally been exposed when tracking runners on fast breaks.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
LASK manager Klaus Kuhbauer must navigate several selection headaches. Aside from Usor’s confirmed absence, wing-back George Bello remains out, while Bence Jorgensen and Marko Horvath face late fitness evaluations.
LASK Predicted XI (3-4-3): Jungwirth; Andrade, Mbuyamba, Alemao; Jorgensen, Ljubicic, Bogarde, Dibango; Adeniran, Lang, Horvath.
Liverpool travel without Federico Chiesa, who was not registered for the league phase. Ryan Gravenberch is set to partner Alexis Mac Allister in central midfield, with Florian Wirtz pulling the strings behind the frontline. Cody Gakpo’s ankle knock will determine whether Ngumoha earns a start or begins as an impact substitute, while Alexander Isak should feature despite a minor knock.
Liverpool Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Muñoz, Wirtz, Barcola; Koumas.
Prediction: LASK 1-3 Liverpool
Liverpool’s remarkable consistency in the tournament—having scored in all 82 matches played and won 19 of their last 22—contrasts sharply with LASK’s nine-game European losing slide. While Lang has the sharpness to exploit any defensive lapses, the visitor’s overwhelming firepower should guide them to a comfortable win away from home.