Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool: Champions League team news and prediction
In one of the stand out games of gameweek three of the 2021/22 Champions League campaign, Atletico Madrid welcome Liverpool to the Wanda Metropolitano. The Reds lost both meetings in this competition when they met last year shortly before the delay to football due to COVID-19, and will be hoping to make amends tonight.
Ahead of this huge Champions League clash, we provide all the pre-match information, including what time this game kicks off, where to watch the action, team news and probable XIs...
When is kick off?
Tuesday 19th October, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid (Spain)
What TV channel is it on?
BT Sport 2
Atletico Madrid were somewhat fortunate to earn a point in their opening Champions League game of the season as they were held to a 0-0 draw by FC Porto in Madrid. The Liga NOS side did see a second half goal unfairly chalked off in the stalemate. However, they took full advantage of their numerical advantage in Milan. Rafael Leao put AC Milan ahead in Italy, but Franck Kessie received his marching orders for the home side all in the opening half hour. Atletico left it late, but goals from Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez earned a 2-1 win at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Liverpool have won their opening two matches in Group B, but were made to work hard for the three points against AC Milan in gameweek one. A Fikayo Tomori own goal put the Reds ahead, but the Serie A side turned the tie on its head shortly before the break courtesy of Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz. Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson restored Liverpool's advantage after the break in an entertaining 3-2 win.
The Reds suffered no such hiccup in Porto as they romped to a 5-1 win over the Portuguese side. Salah and Roberto Firmino each bagged a brace at the Estadio do Dragao, while Sadio Mane also added his first Champions League goal of the campaign, as Liverpool put Porto to the sword in Portugal.
Team News
Diego Simeone has issues in defence with Stefan Savic suspended and Jose Gimenez injured. Geoffrey Kondogbia could drop into the back three if Simeone wishes to continue with a three-man backline. Marcos Llorente is a doubt for the hosts and his availability would be a huge boost for Los Colchoneros, but Matheus Cunha misses out.
Alisson and Fabinho flew straight to Madrid following international duty with Brazil and having sat out the 5-0 win at Watford on Saturday, the pair are expected to return to the starting XI. Thiago and Harvey Elliott are ruled out for the Reds, while Curtis Jones is a huge doubt for the visitors. Jurgen Klopp must decide whether to have James Milner or Naby Keita join Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in the middle of the park. Roberto Firmino may also keep his spot in the side after his man of the match display at Vicarage Road.
Probable XIs
Atletico Madrid (352) - Oblak; Felipe, Kondogbia, Hermoso; Trippier, Lemar, Koke, De Paul, Carrasco; Suarez, Felix
Liverpool (433) - Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Key Battle: Luis Suarez vs Mohamed Salah
Liverpool's past faces off against their present in Spain's capital tonight, with the latter currently outshining the former. Mohamed Salah's goal on Saturday took his total to 10 in league and European competitions this season, all the while adding his fourth assist of the campaign. The Egyptian has been in electrifying form for Liverpool this term having scored in all but one of 10 Premier League and Champions League outings in 2021/22, so Atletico need to be at their very best to keep Salah at bay tonight.
Luis Suarez hasn't exactly been poor for Atletico Madrid this season, scoring five and assisting one in La Liga and Champions League, which includes his first away Champions League goal since September 2015, but he has been far from his prolific best for the Spanish side, reinforced in his WhoScored rating of 6.67. Tonight will mark the third time he has faced Liverpool since his 2014 exit, having scored once against his former employers.
Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Liverpool
