Introduction: A Blockbuster Night at Anfield
The Champions League is back at Anfield, and the fixture could not be bigger. Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid is always a fiery contest, and this time it comes with the added excitement of Alexander Isak’s potential debut for the Reds.
Head coach Arne Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the Swedish striker is in the squad and could feature:
“It’s 100 per cent sure he will not play 90 minutes, but he is part of the squad.”
While Liverpool fans eagerly await their first glimpse of Isak in red, Atletico Madrid arrive under Diego Simeone with a squad hit by injuries but full of resilience.
Here’s everything you need to know about the clash, including team news, possible lineups, and key storylines.
Alexander Isak: Ready for His First Liverpool Appearance
Alexander Isak
The £120 million signing from Newcastle has been the talk of Merseyside all summer. After almost a week of full training, Isak is now ready for minutes.
- Debut Timing: Slot hinted strongly that he will play, though not the full match.
- Fit with the Squad: His arrival gives Liverpool another dimension up front alongside Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike.
- Fan Anticipation: Anfield is expected to give him a rousing reception when his name is announced.
Isak’s link-up with creative players like Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai could be crucial to breaking down Atletico’s defensive wall.
Liverpool Team News
The Reds have a few important updates ahead of the tie:
- Curtis Jones: Out with a fitness issue, expected back for Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
- Federico Chiesa: Not included in the Champions League ‘List A’ submission.
- Alexis Mac Allister: Trained after being withdrawn at half-time against Burnley.
- Dominik Szoboszlai: Could make his 100th Liverpool appearance.
- Conor Bradley & Jeremie Frimpong: Both back in action, giving Slot flexibility at right-back.
Slot emphasized the depth in midfield:
“We also have four very good midfielders fit: Endo, Mac Allister, Dominik, and Florian Wirtz.”
Competition for places is fierce across the squad, which bodes well for the Reds’ busy schedule.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Diego Simeone faces significant selection headaches:
- Julian Alvarez: Out after being injured in the 2-0 win over Villarreal.
- Johnny Cardoso: Sidelined with an ankle injury from training.
- Thiago Almada, Alex Baena, and Jose Maria Gimenez: All ruled out.
Despite the absentees, Atletico still boast dangerous players like Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Rodrigo de Paul, and Jan Oblak.
Liverpool’s Recent Form
Liverpool come into the clash after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Last XI:
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Gakpo, Salah, Ekitike.
- Strengths: Strong defensive structure, Van Dijk marshalling the backline, and Wirtz continuing to impress.
- Areas to Watch: Integration of Isak and continued midfield rotations.
Atletico’s Recent Form
Atletico Madrid warmed up for the game with a 2-0 win over Villarreal.
Last XI:
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Koke, Barrios, Gonzalez, Simeone; Griezmann, Alvarez.
- Strengths: Compact shape, efficient in transitions, Griezmann in top form.
- Weaknesses: Several key injuries and a lack of depth in midfield.
Key Battles to Watch
1. Mohamed Salah vs Atlético’s Defence
Salah has been Liverpool’s consistent attacking threat. Atletico’s ability to double-mark him will test Simeone’s tactical setup.
2. Virgil van Dijk vs Antoine Griezmann
A battle of experience. Van Dijk will need to marshal the defence against Atletico’s creative focal point.
3. Midfield Control: Wirtz, Mac Allister & Szoboszlai vs Koke & Barrios
This midfield clash could decide the rhythm of the game. Wirtz’s creativity against Atletico’s work rate will be pivotal.
4. Isak’s Introduction
Whether from the bench or starting, all eyes will be on how Liverpool’s record signing adapts against one of Europe’s most disciplined defences.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Choices
Slot has hinted at rotation but emphasized balance:
- Formation Options: Likely 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
- Szoboszlai Role: Could return to midfield after filling in at right-back.
- Ekitike vs Isak: If both feature, Liverpool may experiment with a dual-striker system.
Slot’s flexibility has already been a hallmark of his reign, and this game will test his tactical adaptability.
Diego Simeone’s Approach
Atletico will almost certainly stick to their tried-and-tested formula:
- Compact defensive lines.
- Aggressive pressing in midfield.
- Quick transitions through Griezmann and Morata.
With injuries limiting options, Simeone will focus on discipline and set-piece efficiency.
Anfield Factor
European nights at Anfield are legendary. Against Atletico, it will be no different:
- Atmosphere: The Kop will be buzzing with anticipation, especially for Isak’s debut.
- History: Liverpool famously lost to Atletico in the 2020 Champions League last-16 at Anfield, in one of the last games before lockdown. Revenge still lingers in fans’ minds.
Anfield’s energy has often tipped the scales in Europe, and Slot will count on it again.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (Possible XI):
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Wirtz, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike (Isak to feature as sub).
Atletico Madrid (Possible XI):
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Koke, Barrios, Gonzalez; Simeone; Griezmann, Morata.
What This Game Means for Liverpool
This is more than just a group game:
- Momentum: A win would strengthen Liverpool’s league-phase position.
- Integration: Isak’s debut could be the start of a new attacking era.
- Confidence: Beating Atletico would showcase Liverpool’s ability to handle Europe’s toughest defences.
Conclusion: A Night of Anticipation
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid promises to be a gripping contest filled with subplots:
- Isak’s debut is the headline act.
- Atletico’s injuries provide Liverpool with an opportunity.
- Anfield’s atmosphere will once again be central.
For Slot, it’s another chance to stamp his authority on Europe. For the fans, it’s the beginning of a new chapter with Isak leading the line.
When the lights go down and the anthem plays, one thing is certain: Anfield is ready for another Champions League classic.
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The Liverpool FC Times Team
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