Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Preview:
Probable starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Jota, Mane
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Felipe, Gimenez, Hermoso; Trippier, De Paul, Koke, Carrasco; Felix, Luis Suarez, Correa
Liverpool will try to complete a double over Spanish champions Atletico Madrid when they welcome the Rojiblancos to Anfield. As You probably know, the Reds won 3:2 at Wanda Metropolitano in the previous round. Klopp's men have secured an early two-goal lead through Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita, but Atletico managed to equalize thanks to Antoine Griezmann's brace. The France star was then shown a straight red card early in the second half and that was the key moment of the match. Liverpool scored the winning goal in the 78th minute when Salah converted a penalty awarded for a clumsy barge on Diogo Jota by Hermoso. The Reds are first in Group B with maximal nine points and another victory here could guarantee the knock-out phase.
Liverpool are unbeaten on the last 24 games in all competitions and have scored at least two goals on the last twelve. However, the atmosphere in the squad isn't at desired level after dropping two points against Brighton in a frustrating manner. Klopp has some other issues as five important midfielders are struggling with injuries. Naby Keita, who suffered a nasty injury against Manchester United, unexpectedly started on Saturday. It was a big gamble from Klopp that didn't paid off as the Guinea international was taken off after 19 minutes with a hamstring issue. He will go for a scan to determine the severity of the injury, but typically expect a number of weeks out of action, at the very least. James Milner and Harvey Elliott are also out injured, while two more are rated as doubtful - Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho. The Spaniard has returned to team training, but after more than six weeks without a competitive game it is expected to start from the bench. The Brazilian, meanwhile, made a return to team training on Monday and Klopp is desperate to see him at the pitch.
Atletico Madrid have four points and a balanced record of one victory, one draw and one defeat. They started the Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Porto at Wanda, but then won 2:1 against AC Milan at San Siro. The former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez scored a winning penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Previously Antoine Griezmann equalized in the 84th minute. Since the defeat to Liverpool in the reverse fixture, Atletico have drawn two and won one of their three matches in Primera Division. They shared the points with Levante and Real Sociedad, while won 3:0 against Betis. For this match Simeone will be missing the suspended Griezmann. Marcos Llorente is unlikely to be passed fit for this match, while Thomas Lemar has been ruled out by Simeone. Finally, Geoffrey Kondogbia remains doubtful due to concussion. Luis Suarez should lead the line in Griezmann's absence.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Prediction:
Liverpool won in Madrid and they are big favorites in this match. The full Anfield will surely be the 12th player. However, Atletico are able to produce lot of problems, even as guests. In fact, seven of their 10 victories in all competitions this term have come away from home. In addition, the last time at Anfield they sealed a 3:2 victory that knocked the Reds out of the competition. However, the key reason for my pick is connect with Liverpool. Klopp is facing a midfield crisis at the moment and Atletico could take advantage from that fact.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Pick: Atletico Madrid +0,5 AH @ 2.38 with 188bet