Liverpool predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid as Alexander Isak decision made and ‘quality’ star drops to the bench
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Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign with a big clash at home against Atletico Madrid.
Regular midweek football is back and for Reds fans, they will be seeing their team in action a lot more from now on.
Liverpool have five games still to play in September, with the next being a game under the lights against Diego Simeone’s tricky Atletico side.
Atletico are facing somewhat of an injury crisis themselves, while the Reds seem to have almost no issues at all, although changes are still expected.
They have been rather sub-par at the start of the season and with games coming thick and fast, Arne Slot will swap some players out, as well as potentially give one in particular his debut.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Liverpool’s backline has been suspect towards the start of the season and come under fire, although the last two games have seen a significant improvement.
That means most of it will likely stay the same, with Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate all expected to keep their place in the team.
As for the full-backs, they will very likely change due to a number of reasons, with a fresh approach perhaps needed.
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Milos Kerkez, who has been labelled as ‘quality’ in the past, was substituted before half-time against Burnley due to worries he might get sent off, meaning his poor start to life at Liverpool continued.
For that reason, Andy Robertson’s experience might be used instead, and after rejecting a move to Atletico in the summer, it feels like this is a game he must start to prove a point.
As for right-back, after an impressive three games by Dominik Szoboszlai in this position, it might be time for Slot to revert back to a more conventional full-back now both are back fit.
Jeremie Frimpong only managed three minutes against Burnley, however, suggesting Conor Bradley might be the player he opts for instead.
The middle of the park is a rather straightforward choice for Slot, with Ryan Gravenberch basically nailed on to keep his place, especially after yet another dazzling display at the weekend.
The one change that might be forced, however, is that Szoboszlai comes in for Alexis Mac Allister as the Argentine was forced off against Burnley with another injury.
Although Mac Allister has hinted that he is fit to play, no risks will likely be taken, especially with the Merseyside derby coming up on Saturday.
In front of both of them will very likely be Florian Wirtz who, although he still faces regular criticism, has certainly improved over the last few weeks.
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His creativity will be needed to help break down a resolute Atletico defence, with this his next big chance to really announce himself on the big stage with his new club.
The forward line is the one that all fans will be interested in as Alexander Isak could make his debut during this game.
Slot insisted that the Swede will be involved for this game, but in what capacity is yet to be known.
However, given his fitness worries, and Hugo Ekitike’s excellent start in a Liverpool shirt, it will likely be the Frenchman who gets the nod from the start.
Isak will likely come on later in the game as a substitute, although getting more than half-an-hour seems unlikely.
As for the two wingers, they will surely be the ever-present Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, with both hoping to be back amongst the goals.
Liverpool predicted line-up to face Atletico Madrid