“£108m forward on the bench”: How the Reds could lineup against Atalanta

Tonight marks Liverpool’s fourth Champions League match in Group D, with a great run of form in both Europe and the league behind them.

Last time out, the Reds beat La Dea 5-0 at their home ground, proving that despite big injuries to some of the first team personnel, that wouldn’t stop them flexing their muscles on the big stage to show they are here to win.

Jurgen Klopp left Roberto Firmino out of the starting XI last time round against the Italian side, with Diogo Jota starting at striker instead and scoring a hattrick to nail his position in the starting XI – but Sunday’s game against Leicester City saw Firmino back to his best, producing a fantastic performance against the Foxes and scoring in the process.

So, with a big month of fixtures coming up and still a few key players missing, how could the Reds lineup against Atalanta tonight?

Formation: 4-3-3

As per usual, Alisson will start in goal for the Reds. The Brazilian has been a big player for the club this season, especially with defensive absences such as Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk. Alisson has kept 2 clean sheets in his last 3 games for the Reds, including in the 5-0 win over Atalanta last time out and I have no doubt that he will play a big part tonight in helping to keep the Italians at bay.

The defence will consist of James Milner at right-back again I feel after his display against the Foxes on Sunday proving a cultured and experienced display for the 34-year-old. I reckon that Kostas Tsimikas will get his first start for the Reds this evening after talking previously about him deserving a chance in the side, with first-choice Andy Robertson having played every game so far this season and in need of a well-earned break. The centre-back partnership tonight will consist of Rhys Williams and Joel Matip if my prediction is correct. Matip recently returned to the side and bring great experience and quality and alongside Rhys Williams, this could be a strong partnership for the season if all goes well. Williams impressed against I Nerazzurri at the start of the month and has shown himself to be a talented a competent young defender.

The midfield will see the return of Fabinho at CDM – the Brazilian returned for the Reds against the Foxes much like Matip, playing in central defence alongside the Cameroonian. However, tonight I think we will see him return to his natural position, and I hope will produce a dominant performance. Fabinho has a great talent at breaking down opposition play with his intercepting abilities and hopefully, that will prevail tonight. He will be joined by Gini Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones to complete the three-man midfield. Dutchman Wijnaldum has been a regular starter for the Reds this season and has been in fine form for his native Netherlands, scoring three goals over the international break. Having previously spoken about Jurgen Klopp’s soft spot for Curtis Jones, as well as the fact the 19-year-old impressed again against Leicester – he will no doubt start again for the Reds this evening.

The big surprise of the night, if all goes well with my prediction, will be the absence of Mo Salah from the starting XI. Having only been able to train for the past two days since testing positive – Klopp confirmed that the winger would be available against the Italians, but I don’t think the German will start him. The front three against Leicester performed incredibly well together and with Salah likely not up to match fitness, I think the £108m rated forward will start on the bench but no doubt feature during the match. Diogo Jota produced his first hattrick for the Reds against Atalanta last time out and Sadio Mané also found himself on the scoresheet – and that matched with Firmino’s ability off the ball and his recent return to goalscoring form, I can see the three starting this game together too.

What do you think Liverpool fans, how will we lineup against Atalanta tonight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…