Liverpool thumped five goals past Watford in the Premier League on Saturday but their next game is not going to be as easy since they take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
This is going to be one of the mega-events of this week’s Champions League fixtures, more so since both these sides have been in stellar form in their respective domestic leagues.
The Anfield outfit missed several players during the weekend’s win but most of them are expected to come back into the squad in midweek. This means we are likely to see a few rotations to the first XI which started vs the Hornets.
Atletico though have gotten some additional rest after their game against Granada on Saturday was postponed so Simeone’s players are expected to come out all guns blazing. It’s very difficult to predict the outcome of this match but since the momentum is with Liverpool, we expect the EPL side to nick this one.
Liverpool team news vs Atletico Madrid:
Alisson Becker missed the Watford game as he was playing for Brazil on Friday but the manager has more or less confirmed that he will take part in their Champions League clash.
Van Dijk and Joel Matip have reinstated their positions in the starting line up and Jurgen Klopp is going to stick with this pair in midweek. TAA and Andy Robertson will start as the two full-backs.
Thiago remains sidelined with an injury and the Spaniard is not expected to be fit in time for the Atletico Madrid clash. Thankfully, Fabinho will be available for selection so the Brazilian will start in the defensive midfielder’s role.
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The return of Fabinho means Jordan Henderson will move further up the pitch while Naby Keita is expected to hold onto his place from the weekend. Keita put in a fine shift on Saturday but some pundits think Klopp should use James Milner as he’s more experienced.
Milner though is 35 years old so we are not sure if he can play two matches in such quick succession.
Curtis Jones is still recovering from a groin injury and is not expected to be fit for the Atletico Madrid game.
Mo Salah and Sadio Mane were top class against Watford and they are guaranteed starters against Atletico Madrid. But the Liverpool boss has a decision to make regarding his centre-forward’s role.
Firmino scored a hat-trick on Saturday but it will not be a total surprise if Klopp decides to rest him vs Atletico and bring in Diogo Jota. Liverpool take on Manchester United next weekend which is why he might rest Bobby Firmino keeping that game in mind.
Stats via Fotmob.
