After a hard-fought victory in the Premier League to return to the top of the table, Liverpool will return to Champions League action on Tuesday and face Atalanta in Bergamo.
Jürgen Klopp’s side are currently top of Group D, and will hope to retain their place there. However, a tricky clash awaits them as Atalanta have picked up their form in the last week or so after a few indifferent results.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have won their last two games in all competitions, and will be up for the game against Liverpool. Their high-intensity and pressing style has pretty much redefined Italian football as many teams have tried to replicate the blueprint, and with Liverpool not at their full strength, we could be in for an entertaining game.
The Reds though will be in confident mood after winning their last four games in all competitions despite being without their best defender, and several other key players.
Liverpool Team News
Nathaniel Phillips was handed his full Premier League debut against West Ham United on Saturday, and the 23-year old did exceedingly well. However, he isn’t in Liverpool’s Champions League squad.
Klopp confirmed on the official Liverpool website that Joel Matip and Naby Keita have returned to training, but it remains to be seen if they will be involved against Atalanta, especially the latter. Kostas Tsimikas is also back in training, but might have to wait to get some playing time as he needs to re-build his fitness again.
Matip may not be rushed back into the Liverpool lineup, and could be saved for the clash against Manchester City on Sunday instead. Thiago Alcantara is yet to return to training, so he will not be available for the clash against Atalanta. Fabinho continues to recover from his hamstring injury.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Atalanta
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker has added a degree of calmness to the backline after his return, and his presence is crucial in goal.
Defence
Considering Matip has just returned to training and Phillips has not been registered, we could once again see young Rhys Williams at the back alongside Joe Gomez in the Liverpool lineup.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have played a lot of football of late, and need a bit of a breather. We expect Neco Williams to get some playing time at right-back against Atalanta, while Robertson could continue at left-back.
James Milner is an option at left-back for Klopp, should he decide to give Robertson a breather in the second half to keep him in good condition before the Manchester City clash.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum are expected to start in midfield against Atalanta. The two will have to be at the top of their game against a hard-working and quality Atalanta midfield.
Takumi Minamino is one player who is yet to really impress consistently, but he needs more games to get acclimatised to the system and style. He could play in the number 10 role.
Attack
Roberto Firmino didn’t have the best of outings against West Ham on Saturday, but is expected to get another chance to impress as the forward in the Liverpool lineup.
Diogo Jota has had a fine start to life at Liverpool, and could start on the left, while Xherdan Shaqiri could complete the lineup on the right flank.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Atalanta
Klopp could give the likes of Mane and Salah some playing time in the second time, as rotation will be key ahead of the blockbuster clash against Manchester City next Sunday.