Liverpool return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they host Atlético Madrid in their opening league phase encounter of the campaign.
The Reds have tasted victory in all four of their Premier League games this season but have required late winners to avoid slip-ups against Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Burnley. The reigning champions now turn their attention to their first continental battle since March.
Atléti will pose a significant challenge despite their stuttering start to the season, with Diego Simeone’s side renowned for their mastery of the dark arts and their ability to thrive in hostile environments.
Arne Slot will require a convincing performance from his team but has several selection headaches ahead of Atléti’s visit.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Alisson was nothing more than a spectator at Turf Moor on Sunday, keeping his second successive clean sheet without even making a save. Atléti will be certain to keep him far busier.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Frimpong made a swift impact from the bench on his return from injury at the weekend. The Dutchman’s attacking presence at right back eventually undid Burnley and he will cause Atléti similar issues.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—The Frenchman could be playing for Atléti’s rivals come next summer as links with Real Madrid persist, but for now he’s certain of his starting berth in a Liverpool defence light on centre back numbers.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Liverpool’s skipper will be glad to see Julián Alvarez missing for Wednesday’s encounter, although he will still have to thwart Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sørloth at Anfield.
LB: Andy Robertson—Milos Kerkez was hooked before half time against Burnley as he walked perilously close to a red card, with Robertson likely to replace the Hungarian against Atléti to earn a first start of the season.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—The 23-year-old was typically excellent against Burnley and will be expected to help Liverpool dominate the midfield battle against the experienced Koke and lively Pablo Barrios.
DM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Alexis Mac Allister is fit despite being on the end of a crunching tackle on Sunday that saw him substituted at half time, with Szoboszlai perhaps preferred to allow the Argentine some rest.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Liverpool’s Egyptian king was their late hero on Sunday with a last-gasp penalty, but the forward was otherwise disappointing at Turf Moor. He remains some way from the standard he set last season.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Another operating below expectations is Wirtz, who’s yet to click since his £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. He will be desperate to end his goal and assist drought for the Reds midweek.
LW: Cody Gakpo—The Liverpool winger has been impressive since earning his place as an undisputed starter on the left-hand side, managing a goal and three assists for club and country this season.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Atletico Madrid: Changes Expected for European Opener.
