One of the most intriguing matches of the first day of the Champions League maxi-group is between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, who have often played balanced and entertaining matches on this stage, even in the knockout phase. The Reds, who left only crumbs in the League Phase last year – seven wins and one defeat – have got off to a flying start in the Premier League: they are the only team with a perfect record, with four wins out of four, curiously all coming in the last ten minutes of play.
Last Sunday, captain Salah settled the match against newly promoted Burnley, who had managed to hold their own against the English champions until the 95th minute before the Egyptian star converted a penalty (0-1).
The “Cholo” without Julian Alvarez
In any case, Arne Slot has almost an obligation to aim for the big-eared cup this year, especially after one of the most expensive transfer campaigns ever (over €500 million spent on the market).
Atletico Madrid also intends to go a long way. In 2020, shortly before the outbreak of the pandemic, they eliminated the Reds from the Champions League at the end of a doubleheader that Colchoneros fans will not easily forget (victory in both the first and second legs). Cholo Simeone’s men are coming off their first league win: after a disappointing start—a defeat in their opener against Espanyol and draws with Elche and Alavés—the Madrid side broke their duck by beating Villarreal 2-0 thanks to goals from Barrios and former Juve player Nico Gonzalez, who arrived in the final hours of the transfer window. At Anfield, Simeone will have to do without Alvarez: the Argentine striker will not be risked and has not even traveled to Liverpool. Griezmann and Gonzalez are expected to play in attack. In addition to Alvarez, Thiago Almada, Baena, and Gimenez will also be missing.
Odds comparison
Liverpool’s victory is priced at 1.48 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 1.50 on Snai. The “Under 2.5” bet is priced at 2.20 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 2.25 on Snai.
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The prediction
Atletico Madrid still seem to be struggling to find their form and are traveling to Liverpool without several key players: it will be very difficult to avoid defeat against a Liverpool side who, after conceding four goals in their first two Premier League games, have sorted out their defense and kept two clean sheets, including one in their clash with Arsenal.
Probable lineups for Liverpool-Atletico Madrid
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Nico Gonzalez.
Will Liverpool manage to keep a clean sheet?
Yes (65%, 71 Votes)
No (35%, 39 Votes)
Total Voters: 110
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0