Liverpool are set to take on Atalanta in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final this Thursday.

The Anfield outlet will be looking to gain vengeance on the Bergamo club as they were shockingly beaten 3-0 on home turf.

Many expected the game to go Liverpool’s way with ease.



However, this evidently wasn’t meant to be as Liverpool played one of their worst games of the season.

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Ever since the squad returned from the most recent international break, it feels as if they haven’t had as much ‘bite’ in the way that they play.

Which, for the Reds doesn’t bode well for the potential of a comeback.

And, of the 132 times which the away side have won the first leg of a knockout tie in UEFA Cup history, none of these results were overturned.

Which, again, makes Liverpool’s task of attempting to score four goals or even level the game much more difficult.

Something that does go in Liverpool’s way, however, is that Atalanta have only won one home tie against English opposition.

This came against Everton back in 2017 when the Bergamo club won The Toffees 3-0.

But, their only home defeat came against Liverpool in 2020 when Jurgen Klopp’s men triumphed 5-0.

Gianluca Scamacca was undoubtedly the talisman for Gian Piero Gasperini’s during their 3-0 win as the West Ham loanee managed to bag two goals.

To rub further salt in the wounds, the Italian striker has scored in each of his last four Europa League outings.

One thing is for sure, Liverpool will have to be on top form in order to advance into the semi-finals.

Some would even say that they need another European miracle to go in their favour.

Atalanta team news

Much like last Thursday, the only player who should be absent from the second leg of the tie is that of Girogio Scalvani.

Prior to their clash last Thursday, Saed Kolasinac was absent due to an adductor problem.

However, during their mid-week draw against Hellas Verona, the former Arsenal man was present on the bench.

Martin De Roon was also absent from their Serie A clash, however, he has now served his suspension and could start on Thursday.

This opens up the possibility for Gasperini to once again play a five at the back formation, much like he did at Anfield.

Former Chelsea man, Davide Zappacosta should also make a return and will likely be deployed on the right-hand side.

Liverpool team news

As has been the case for much of the season, Liverpool will be without a handful of their first-team players.

The likes of ben Doak, Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara will all be absent from the clash due to their long-term injuries.

To make matters worse, during Sunday’s loss against Crystal Palace, Reds starlet, Conor Bradley overstretched himself and will be absent from the tie.

This was confirmed by Klopp who said the following during his pre-match press conference.

“I think Ryan Gravenberch had a similar thing, so first week of May he [Bradley] should be back in training.

Two weeks’ time.

“[He] overstretched the ligaments, not serious serious but serious enough that he’s not here.”

However, in something of a boost for the Anfield club, both Alisson Becker and Digo Jota are likely to appear on Thursday.

Alisson was started against The Eagles during mid-week and, although he wasn’t at his best, his return is no doubt a major boost for.

However, Jota’s return is arguably the more needed of the two.

The Portugal international has been a major miss around the Liverpool camp due to his clinical nature.

And, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the attacker replace either Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez in the starting line-up.

The predicted line-ups for both teams

Here are our predicted starting 11’s for both Atalanta and Liverpool.

Predicted Atalanta starting 11: Musso; De Roon, Djimsiti, Hien; Zappacosta, Pasalic, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners; Scamacca, De Ketelaere.

Predicted Liverpool starting 11: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Elliott; Salah, Jota, Diaz.

If you wish to see how the Reds perform on Thursday, we previously looked at how you can watch the tie from where you are.

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