5 key things to know for the UCL clash between Liverpool & Atletico
Liverpool will host Atletico at Anfield and try to seal a spot in the UCL round of 16 and are in fine form to do so.
Last time, Klopp’s side allowed Brighton to fight their way back into the game, resulting in points dropper 2-2 stalemate.
Liverpool battled hard to grind a win at the Spanish capital. Thus, now the Reds would be looking for a historic double over Rojoblanco’s side.
The Reds will be looking to keep their grasp in group B, who are also currently the toppers of group B.
With a triumph, The Reds have a chance to book their spot in the last 16 for the sixth time in the competition.
With two games remaining in the group stage, Atletico’s point capacity would be capped at ten. Thus forcing the Spanish club to contend with Porto for the last berth.
Key insights for the UCL clash: Liverpool vs Atletico
1. Rojoblancos form
Since their last meeting, Simeone’s side has picked up five points in the last nine matches, while scoring seven and conceding four. The Rojoblancos travelled to Levante, who conjured up a comeback against Real Sociedad before they let a lead go.
While their recent form has been mixed, they are coming off with a 3-0 win over Real Betis. Goals from Carrasco and Joao Felix, and an own goal, helped them bolster their confidence.
2. Injury boost for Liverpool
Good news for the Reds in the name of Fabinho and Thiago, who both completed their return to training without difficulty. The German boss insisted that the midfield duo is “in contention” to play.
The Brazilian is more likely to start, who was missing only two weeks of activity compared to Thiago’s six. Meanwhile, Keita’s hamstring will keep him out “for a while,”. Thus, summarising it as two back and one out in the Reds’ midfield.
3. Atletico’s lineup
Due to the Frenchmen’s red card in Madrid, Atletico will play without Antoine Griezmann, who scored both the goals in the first match for the Colchoneros.
Rodrigo De Paul, Carrasco, Angel Correa, and Luis Suarez have all been pulled from their most recent encounter, suggesting that they will be involved. While Joao Felix just played the final 20 minutes to ensure he is all fresh for the trip to Anfield.
Possible Atletico Madrid lineup:
Oblak; Felipe, Gimenez, Hermoso; Trippier, De Paul, Koke, Carrasco; Felix, Suarez, Correa
4. A chance to break a record
Although the draw with Brighton was disappointing, it did extend the club’s current undefeated streak to 24 games in all competitions.
That’s one short of the club record of 25, which was established in 1982 by Bob Paisley, and Klopp’s side now has the chance to equal it and create the groundwork to smash it.
This group has long talked about authoring their own history, and now they have another opportunity to do it.
5. Same Ref to spice things up
The match will be refereed by Danny Makkelle of the Netherlands, but the hope is that it will not unfold in the same way the last time he presided.
Makkelle was in charge of the final game between the two clubs before the epidemic brought the world to a halt, a match that Atletico fought back to win 3-2 in extra time.
It was one of Liverpool’s better displays, but lapses in concentration at the back were punishing, and one can only hope that this does not repeat itself on Wednesday.
