Liverpool take to the pitch at Anfield tonight as they host Atletico Madrid in their first game of this season’s UEFA Champions League and we take a look at how Arne Slot will line up his side.
The Reds will be looking to continue their winning start to the campaign and keep their one hundred percent record after beating Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Arsenal, and recently Burnley, all in the Premier League.
Liverpool will be boosted by the return of Jeremie Frimpong [who won the penalty in their hard-fought win at Turf Moor] and Conor Bradley. Curtis Jones, meanwhile, will miss out after only training once with his teammates.
There is also a surerity of Liverpool fans seeing their record signing in action for the first time tonight as Arne Slot has confirmed the Swedish striker will play a part in tonight’s game, whether it be in the starting line up or from the bench.
Diego Simeone will be without former Manchester City’s Argentine forward Julian Alvarez, Alex, Baena, Thiago Almada, and Johnny Cardoso.
Binge Football Editors share their thoughts on Liverpool’s probable starting line up tonight by entering into Arne Slot’s head.
Joseph Agbobli
I think Arne Slot will start Alexander Isak tonight as he will look to keep his attacking options fresh. A 45-minute appearance each for the new man and Hugo Ekitike is most likely. For Isak, a chance to run out at Anfield will be at the forefront of his mind.
I also expect Conor Bradley to start after coming on in the second half against Burnley, which means Dominic Szoboszlai misses out.
Line up: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Virgil, Robertson; Gravenberch, MacAllister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Patrick McAshietey
Liverpool’s win away at Burnley at the weekend was the start of 6 games in 16 days, so it’s normal one would expect changes in the line ups as the games come thick and fast.
However, Atletico Madrid last time won here, so I would expect Arne Slot to start with his strongest possible line up, and with players who are match fit and have the rhythm.
I expect Isak to play half the match, whether from the start or from the bench. I also expect Alexis MacAllister not to start due to the knock he picked up against Burnley; instead, Dominic Szoboszlai comes back into the midfield alongside Gravenberch. This means the usual right-backs will have their position back, which I expect Frimpong to get the nod ahead of Bradley.
Line up: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Virgil, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
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