Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign against Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, with Alexander Isak expected to lead the line after scoring twice at the weekend. The first-day league-phase meeting carries several storylines, including the prospect of a reunion, a chance for either side to make amends and the importance of starting a new European campaign strongly.
Liverpool are set to have an almost complete squad available for the contest. Their only absentees are long-term injured players Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley.
Isak, who has scored three goals in the Premier League, is expected to be one of Liverpool’s main attacking threats after his two-goal display in the previous round of domestic fixtures. Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo are likely to support him in attack.
The probable Liverpool line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defenders: Jeremie Frimpong, Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
Midfielders: Bradley Barcola, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo
Forward: Alexander Isak
Atletico arrive with Julian Alvarez available despite continued speculation over his future. However, Diego Simeone’s side will be without Alexander Sørloth, who is injured.
The Spanish club’s new arrivals Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand, Cristian Romero, Kang-in Lee and Jonathan David are all available for selection. Atletico will also look to several established players for influence, with Alex Baena, Ademola Lookman, Pablo Barrios and Koke among those identified as players to watch.
The probable Atletico de Madrid line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
Defenders: Alejandro Grimaldo, David Hancko, Pubill, Marcos Llorente
Midfielders: Alex Baena, Morten Hjulmand, Pablo Barrios, Giuliano Simeone
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Julian Alvarez
The match at Anfield is the first Champions League fixture of the new campaign for both clubs. Liverpool will hope home advantage and their current attacking form can help them make the ideal start, while Atletico will aim to frustrate their hosts and take a positive result back to Madrid.
The encounter also carries the appeal of familiar faces and unfinished business, adding to the anticipation surrounding one of the opening round’s most notable fixtures.
According to betting company 1xbet, Liverpool are priced at 1.73 to win. A draw is listed at 4.10, while an Atletico de Madrid victory is also valued at 4.10.