Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid
Liverpool hosts Atlético Madrid in a clash of former champions. The Reds have won all 4 of their Premier League games (albeit often late winners) and boast a fortress Anfield – they’ve won their last 14 home European group games. Atlético, champions of Spain in 2021, are famed for Diego Simeone’s defense-first style and struggle for consistency. The teams last met in the CL in 2021, a 2-0 Liverpool win; overall head-to-head is balanced (2 wins each, 2 draws).
-
Team News: Liverpool may hand record signing Alexander Isak his debut (he’ll likely come off the bench). Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is doubtful (he took a knock). Curtis Jones is out, so Szoboszlai would drop into midfield, and Frimpong starts at right-back. Atlético were boosted by weekend wins: Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa, and Robin Le Normand should return, but David Hancko (ankle) is out and José Giménez is doubtful.
-
Players to Watch: Mo Salah (18 goals in his last 20 European games) will spearhead Liverpool’s attack, supported by Wirtz and Gakpo. Atlético will rely on veterans like Antoine Griezmann and a fit-again Morata.
-
Probable Lineups: Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké .
Atlético (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Barrios, Koke, Savić, Pino; Morata, Griezmann. -
Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Atlético Madrid. The hosts’ home form and firepower should edge this tightly contested match.
