Liverpool will take on Atalanta in their third game of Group D in the Champions League, and we could be in for a thrilling game as both sides like to play exciting, attacking football.
Jürgen Klopp’s side are in-form despite losing some key personnel in recent weeks, and it is a testament to their mentality that they have now strung together four wins in a row after suffering their worst defeat in the Klopp era, and a frustrating draw against Everton where a victory was snatched away from them.
This will an important week for Liverpool ahead of the international break. Games against Midtjylland and West Ham United were very winnable, but in Atalanta and the Manchester City in the Premier League, the Reds’ resolve will be tested.
Ahead of the key encounter against Atalanta, here are three burning questions the Liverpool fans will ask:
3 Burning questions ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Atalanta
#1 Will Minamino get another chance?
The Japanese international was handed an opportunity against Midtjylland, but he struggled to stamp his authority on the game. He dropped deep at times to collect the ball, but just didn’t have the composure to turn and find a pass or make things happen, and was dispossessed far too often.
In terms of his runs, he got into some good areas, but failed to take advantage of that. He got the end of a sublime Trent Alexander-Arnold pass, but could not direct his header towards goal.
Considering Klopp his rotating his squad, Minamino might get another chance to impress against Atalanta, but time is running out with Naby Keita now back as well.
#2 Jota and Shaqiri – Will we see the duo play together?
While Diogo Jota has been in sublime form and has hit the ground running after signing for Liverpool, Xherdan Shaqiri has impressed as well. The Swiss international has played a major impact in the last two games, and it will be interesting to see how his chemistry with Jota develops further.
Diogo Jota is expected to start against Atalanta (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP)
Liverpool’s front three do a lot of running, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Klopp rotates his attack once again. Both deserve a start against Atalanta to see how they can perform against a side who don’t sit back and like to attack. They could find more space to work with.
#3 Should the full-backs be given a breather?
Liverpool’s defence has suffered quite a lot of injuries this season, and the fans will be hopeful that the duo of Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson stay fit this season.
The two have played quite a lot of games this season, and need to be used carefully, especially with an important clash against Manchester City coming up.
Neco Williams has done reasonably well, and Kostas Tsimikas is back in training after his injury and is in contention, though he not be 100% match-fit. Is it time the preferred full-backs are given a breather or at least used sparingly in the mid-week game?
