Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Trippier, Savic, Felipe, Renan Lodi; Saul Niguez, Partey, Koke, Joao Felix; Correa, Morata
Liverpool welcome Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The first match played at Wanda Metropolitano finished with a narrow 1:0 win for the Spanish outfit thanks to Saul's early goal. The Reds played poor on that match and failed to register a single shot on target. However, Liverpool will not give up and they try to win with two goals at Anfield. But the actual form isn't at desired level. Jurgen Klopp's men have lost three of the last five matches across all competitions. After the defeat in Madrid, the Reds suffered a 3:0 loss at Watford. It was the end of a series of 44 Premier League fixtures without a defeat. Last Tuesday brought another disappointment. The Merseysiders were eliminated from Chelsea in the FA Cup after losing 2:0 at Stamford Bridge. It is clear Liverpool are in some sort of crisis. The last two victories were all but convincing - Liverpool had big difficulties against relegation candidates West Ham and Bournemouth. In addition, Klopp has lot of injury problems ahead of this match. He will be missing the first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker due to a hip injury. His absence is a huge handicap. Captain Jordan Henderson has missed the last four games since limping off in the first leg with a hamstring injury and he is rated as doubtful. Left-back Andrew Robertson should be available after missed the weekend's fixture against Bournemouth with a slight injury. Xherdan Shaqiri and Nathaniel Clyne remain long-term absentees.
Atletico Madrid are struggling in domestic La Liga this season. According to me, it is quite normal in these circumstances. The Rojiblancos have lost several key players during the summer, like Antoine Griezmann, Rodri, Lucas Hernandez and Diego Godin. However, they are still quality side and shouldn't be underestimated. This is their 10th Champions League campaign and their 8th appearance in the knockout stages. Atletico have reached two Champions League finals and three Europa League finals in the past decade. It is clear they are very experienced side. Nevertheless, the away form isn't at desired level. The Rojiblancos are yet to win a match on the road in 2020. That includes a shameful defeat to lower league outfit Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey. Simeone's men have won just one of their last 13 away games in all competitions. But the majority of those games have finished with draws, which is quite acceptable here. Even a narrow defeat could be enough for progress in case they scored. Simeone also has some injury issues ahead of this match. Full-back Kieran Trippier is rated as doubtful after limping off in the weekend's 2:2 draw with Sevilla. Thomas Lemar and Alvaro Morata are also injury doubts. The latter left the Saturday's match after 68 minutes to be replaced by Diego Costa. The record signing Joao Felix, who missed the first leg, should start at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Prediction:
Liverpool will try to overcome a one-goal deficit from the first match, but they are in crisis. The Reds were unable to keep clean sheet on the last five matches across all competitions. To be worse, the first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is sidelined with a hip injury. I expect the guests to score at Anfield which should be enough for progress.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Pick: Atletico Madrid to qualify @ 1.79 with
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