The Reds go into tonights Champions League match with a good run of form, unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions after their frustrating and surprising 7-2 loss to Aston Villa.
Tonight’s opponents Atalanta go into today’s fixture with some mixed fortunes in terms of form, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five fixtures, conceding 10 goals in the process.
A win tonight will be vital for Jurgen Klopp’s men, with it leaving them at the top of Group D with 3 wins from 3 if they can leave Italy with three points at the end of the game.
The question is, however, how might the Reds lineup against La Dea at the Gewiss Stadium tonight? Let’s take a punt at our starting XI…
Would you start Diogo Jota vs Atalanta?
Yes
No
Predicted XI: 4-3-3
Jurgen Klopp will more than likely opt for his favoured 4-3-3 formation, having selected the formation in 6 of Liverpool’s 7 league games this season, as well as in both of the club’s Champions League fixtures so far.
Alisson will no doubt start in goal – the club’s No.1 has always started when fit and will be important in tonight’s game in an attempt to leave Italy with three points. The Brazilian has only played one game in the competition this season but kept a clean sheet in the clubs 2-0 win over FC Midtjylland.
The defence, I feel, will likely be the same as the win over West Ham – with Nat Phillips earning himself a MOTM performance on his league debut for the club. Our full-backs pick themselves every week, with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson easily first choice in the back four, along with Joe Gomez who is often one of the first names on the team sheet. Despite his return from injury, I feel Joel Matip will start on the bench after a few weeks on the sidelines.
Our midfield three will likely consist of the usual Gini Wijnaldum and captain Jordan Henderson – but the third inclusion in the midfield I feel will be James Milner. The 34-year-old is as experienced as they come, and could prove important in a game such as this with opposition like Atalanta, who are very free-scoring with 6 goals in two games in the Champions League this season. Naby Keita has returned to the squad after his injury vs Aston Villa, but I reckon Milner will get the nod to complete the midfield.
Sadio Mané and Mo Salah will no doubt occupy the wings of the Liverpool front-three, but I hope that tonight Diogo Jota will get his chance in the starting XI. Roberto Firmino looked lethargic against West Ham at the weekend and failed to register a shot during the game, eventually being substituted in the 70th minute for the Portuguese forward, who scored the winning goal for the Reds. There is hope that Jota has earned his chance and that the £41 million starlet will lead the line for Klopp’s side against the Italians.
What do you think Reds, how would you lineup against Atalanta tonight? Let us know down below!