Europe Europe League Quarterfinals - 1st Leg

[spkutano]

 

[spkutano]

Liverpool vs. Atalanta Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Atalanta:
Musso; Toloi, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners; Lookman, Scamacca

Liverpool will welcome Atalanta to Anfield for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal tie. The Reds were furious in the previous round, winning twice against Slavia Prague. Even Klopp admitted the result wasn't realistic and Slavia played solid on both matches. Liverpool first won 5:1 in Czech Republic and then 6:1 at Anfield. Darwin Nunez scored a brace in Prague, while Codi Gakpo did the same at Anfield. However, the atmosphere in the squad is not at desired level. The reason is connect with the domestic results. Liverpool visited Old Trafford twice in just three weeks and both times left home disappointed. First they lost 4:3 after extra time in the FA Cup, while last weekend dropped two points, playing 2:2 in the Premier League. The draw left them below new leaders Arsenal on goal difference. Klopp has some additional issues as three important players are still recovering from injury. GoalkeeperAlisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota took part in Tuesday;s training session, but this match comes too soon for all of them. In addition, Joel Matip, Ben Doak and Thiago Alcantara remain out injured.

Atalanta have eliminated Sporting Lisboa, the club coached by the Jurgen Klopp's expected successor, Ruben Amorim,. Atalanta played a creditable 1:1 draw in Portugal before winning 2:1 at the Gewiss Stadium in the second leg. It was a difficult victory as Sporting took a lead thanks to Pedro Goncalves's first-half strike. But Atalanta didn't give up and turned out the result. Ademola Lookman and Gianluca Scamacca were the most deserved for the victory as they scored the goals. Interesting to mention, Atalanta and Sporting Lisboa also faced in the group stage of the competition. Atalanta were more successful, winning 2:1 in Portugal and drawing 1:1 in Bergamo. La Dea will play to their third European quarter-final in the last five seasons. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini also has European experience. He is between rare coaches that have recorded a victory at Anfield. His Atalanta did prevail 2:0 at Anfield in the 2020-21 Champions League group stage, albeit only after a home catastrophe in which Klopp's side won 5:0 in Italy. Mr Gasperini has most of his key players available, but centre-back Giorgio Scalvini is sidelined through injury. The 20-year-old defender recently hurt his hamstring and is also expected to sit out the second leg too. In addition, Charles De Ketelaere is rated as doubtful with an adductor issue, but the medical team is optimistic and the Belgian will probably start from the first minute. Teun Koopmeiners will try to impress as he is linked with a summer move to Liverpool.

Liverpool vs. Atalanta Prediction:

Atalanta are expected to have tough time at Anfield in this clash against Liverpool. The Reds will attack from the first whistle and I believe they will score. Liverpool have scored on every game in 2024. But at the same time they have a problem to kept their own net untouched. Just three times Alisson or Kelleher have registered clean sheet. Furthermore, Liverpool have scored and conceded on each of the last seven matches across all competitions. I expect the series to continue.

Liverpool vs. Atalanta Pick: Both trams to score - Yes @ 1.76 with Pinnacle