Liverpool maintained their 100 per cent winning record in the Premier League by overcoming Burnley thanks to a stoppage time penalty from Mohamed Salah last weekend and will be looking to take their form onto the continental stage as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.
The Reds were not afraid to splash the cash during the summer transfer window, with Alexander Isak becoming the most expensive acquisition in British history following his £125million switch from Newcastle United on deadline day, and boss Arne Slot is focused on adding to the trophy cabinet this season.
Atletico Madrid, who sealed a 2-0 victory over Villarreal in La Liga last time out, are the first side standing in Liverpool's way in the league phase of the Champions League. GIVEMESPORT has taken a look at how the Spanish heavyweights and their Merseyside hosts are expected to line-up.
Liverpool Team News
Alexander Isak
Isak's wait for his Liverpool debut could come to an end on Wednesday as Slot has already revealed that the Sweden international will be involved in the matchday squad for the meeting with Atletico Madrid despite being overlooked for the Premier League clash against Burnley last weekend.
Jeremie Frimpong made his return from injury at Turf Moor, coming off the bench, and he is pushing to be given the nod at right-back. But fellow summer recruit Milos Kerkez's place is at risk after he was hauled off and replaced by Andy Robertson in the first half following a yellow card for simulation.
Curtis Jones was the biggest name absentee for Liverpool when they grabbed three points in Lancashire, with the injury he sustained against Arsenal last month keeping him out of contention, and the central midfielder will not be involved even though it is not thought to be a long-term issue.
Slot Drops Team News Update
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Slot has confirmed that big-money acquisition Isak will be included in the matchday squad against Atletico Madrid, unlike when Liverpool headed to Turf Moor a matter of days ago, but insisted he will not complete the full 90 minutes due to his current fitness levels. During his pre-match press conference, the former Feyenoord boss said:
"There is definitely a chance because he's in the squad and there is a chance to play. I would usually say I'm 99.9 per cent sure, but I can say I'm 100 per cent sure he will not play 90 minutes, but he's part of the squad.
"It's already a Champions League game to look forward to but if people look forward to his playing time that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well."
Liverpool Predicted XI
Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Liverpool Predicted Substitutes: Mamardashvili (GK), Woodman (GK), Gomez (DEF), Kerkez (DEF), Bradley (DEF), Leoni (DEF), Mac Allister (MID), Endo (MID), Isak (FWD), Ngumoha (FWD).
We think Frimpong could come back into the XI in place of £55m man Alexis Mac Allister, with Dominik Szoboszlai reverting to his usual midfield spot. £70m duo Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili are also set to start from the bench.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Julian Alvarez in action for Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have been forced to contend with a significant blow ahead of their clash with Liverpool as World Cup-winning former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has been ruled out after being forced off with a knee injury during their La Liga triumph over Villarreal last weekend.
United States international Johnny Cardoso has also been sidelined, while David Hancko and Robin Le Normand were withdrawn with ankle and back problems respectively when they bagged three points at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday. Nicolas Gonzalez was taken off with cramp, which could leave the door open for Conor Gallagher to start.
Experienced central defender Jose Maria Gimenez has missed the entirety of the season and did not boarded the flight to Merseyside. Thiago Almada and Alex Baena have also been nursing injuries, meaning head coach Diego Simeone is in danger of having a threadbare squad to select from.
Simeone Drops Team News Update
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone passing instructions onto his players
Simeone refused to use an expanding injury list as an excuse ahead of facing Liverpool in the opening fixture of the league phase. After landing on Merseyside with his Atletico Madrid squad, the Argentinian tactician conducted a press conference at Anfield on Tuesday and said:
"We need to look at the positive side. The players coming in have a chance to show what they can do. Missing players is part of the game. We are focused on the ones who can play.
"We play against an extraordinary opponent in a magnificent stadium with unbelievable fans and a coach that took his team to the top level. They competed very well in the Champions League last season and won the league.
"We have a tough opponent but we will try to hurt them in the game whenever we can."
Atletico Madrid Predicted XI
Antoine Griezmann in action for Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid Predicted XI: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Sorloth.
Atletico Madrid Predicted Substitutes: Musso (GK), De Luis (GK), Molina (DEF), Hancko (DEF), Pubill (DEF), Galan (DEF), Martin (MID), Raspadori (FWD), Gonzalez (FWD).