Liverpool will commence their European campaign as they welcome Champions League at Anfield Stadium when Wednesday comes around. The Reds come into the midweek games after what has been a perfect start to the Premier League campaign. We have seen the Merseysiders pick up 12 points from their first four games and are riding high on momentum as Liverpool welcome Atletico Madrid to L4.
Diego Simeone’s side are still trying to find some consistency in La Liga after a mixed start to the season.
Arne Slot’s side will be looking to use this game as a message, a message that this time around they will be ready at L4. That exit against PSG in the Round of 16 last season still stings, and this is the time to show everyone that the Reds won’t be pushovers in continental games this time around.
Anfield Stadium is usually a fortress in European games, given the Reds have won the last 14 home games in UEFA competitions. And of those, the Merseysiders have scored two or more in 13.
Liverpool vs Atletico Team News
Alexander Isak pushes for Liverpool switch as Reds prepare record-breaking offer, leaving Newcastle frustrated and scrambling for alternatives.
Arne Slot will have an Isak decision to make going into game vs Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool
For the Reds, marquee summer signing Alexander Isak was not in the squad in the weekend’s win against Burnley. And Slot spoke about how the Swede is out of touch and still needs to have pre-season-like training and get his fitness back. If he does make his debut tomorrow, it would most likely be a late sub appearance off the bench.
Alexis Mac Allister was taken off at half-time against Burnley on Sunday. This was after a strong challenge from Ugochukwu. But it looks like the substitution might have been just precautionary rather than due to a serious injury. And he might be available.
Curtis Jones remains doubtful.
And Andy Robertson could come into the left-back slot.
Atletico Madrid
The visitors have a few hangovers from their 2-0 win over Villarreal, with star forward Julian Alvarez not travelling because of some discomfort in his knee. Alongside the Argentine, the duo of David Hancko (ankle) and Robin Le Normand (back) were among those forced off at the weekend, and their participation at L4 tomorrow is also in doubt.
Thiago Almada and Alex Baena remain on the sidelines alongside José Giménez, who is serving the treatment table with some calf issue.
So Atleti come to L4 with a side which is under-strengthened in a few positions.
Key Players
Gravenberch
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch believes that the team could do better after conceding two goals due to complacency. The Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-6 despite the two goals they conceded.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch need to marshal those second phase spaces in Liverpool vs Atletico.
Atletico Madrid have been known to have this really hard-working midfield under Simeone. And they will surely make sure they don’t give much of a breathing space in the second phase at L4 tomorrow. And this is where the Dutchman comes in, worth his weight in gold. He has the capacity to not only dominate those midfield duels but also ensure that his releases are at a time when the others around get more time to express themselves with the ball.
And defensively, his dominant frame and agility to get back quickly to help the defenders will be equally important given how the Spanish giants like to attack at pace.
Predicted lineups
Liverpool (likely 4‑2‑3‑1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Atlético Madrid (likely 4‑4‑2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Sorloth
Prediction
The Reds should be the favourites going into this game. Coming unbeaten from the league and playing at Anfield Stadium, complemented by the injuries in this Atletico side, Slot should get this one over the line.
Liverpool 2 – 0 Atletico Madrid