UEFA Champions League: Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Match Preview
European nights at Anfield are always special for Liverpool. And this time it is Liverpool against the mighty Atletico Madrid, who will be facing each other in a group B clash in the UEFA Champions League.
Previously in the away fixture, Liverpool battled hard to grind a win at the Spanish capital. Thus, now the Reds would be looking for a historic double over Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool are unbeaten in all competitions and in extreme goal-scoring form so far in this season. But their performance at home this season has been inconsistent with three wins and three draws in all competition.
Meanwhile, Diego Simeone is still looking for the right balance in the Atletico Madrid side. This season Simeone’s team is looking a little more open at the back, which is an unusual site of Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Match Preview
Last month, the Reigning champions of Spain hosted Liverpool for a crucial fixture in Group B of the UEFA Champions League. The match turned out to be a classic and Liverpool won 3-2.
This time the tables have turned, as Anfield will host the Spanish giants. Jurgen Klopp’s side is sitting comfortably at the top of the table and a win against Atletico will guarantee a place in the knockouts.
Last time, when Simeone’s side visited Anfield for a Round of 16 fixture Atletico dramatically won the fixture and knocked Liverpool out of the competition.
It would be interesting to see how Atletico approaches the game this time.
The first 15 minutes of the game will be crucial for Liverpool. The Reds have scored in the first quarter of the game in their previous games against Atletico, AC Milan, and Porto.
However, Liverpool will come to this game after a disappointing draw against Brighton last weekend in Premier League. But the result also meant Jurgen Klopp’s side is without a defeat for the 24th consecutive game.
But Liverpool always have concerns against the Spanish sides at home. The Reds have won just twice in thirteen games against Spanish teams. Although one of the two wins came under Jurgen Klopp’s regime when they defeated Barcelona 4-0.
With the current form of Liverpool forwards Atletico will have to be at their very best to keep them quiet. And interestingly, The Reds have scored at least two goals in their last 12 games across all competitions.
Moreover, Anfield on a European night is one of the toughest tests an away team can face.
Team News
Naby Keita, James Milner, and Harvey Elliott are injured and will not be available for this game.
Fabinho looks doubtful but Thiago Alcantara could return to the squad following his return to training last week.
Klopp would continue to play Henderson as number six alongside Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Curtis Jones in midfield.
And Diego Jota could replace Firmino in the attack. While Matip is likely to play alongside Van Dijk at the back.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade Chamberlain, Henderson, Jones; Salah, Jota, Mane
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Prediction
Both sides have flaws at the back and still figuring out for defensive stability.
The absence of Griezmann will definitely hurt the visitors following his red card in the previous fixture. On the other side, Liverpool’s front men are tearing apart teams.
The magnificent functioning of Liverpool’s attack and specifically breathtaking form of Mo Salah holds a slight edge over Atletico Madrid.
And not to forget it’s a European night at Anfield, won’t be surprised if it again ends up in the Reds favour as Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid.
