Liverpool vs Atalanta: Liverpool host Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg in midweek and will be looking to secure a healthy lead ahead of next week’s trip to Italy.
The Reds come into this game on the back of a disappointing draw against bitter rivals Manchester United and will be fired up for their rivalry.
The quarter-finals of the Europa League begin this week with Liverpool and Atalanta facing off at Anfield.
A disappointing draw at Manchester United somewhat derailed the Reds’ quest for a treble in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but they remain favorites in the competition.
After demolishing Sparta Prague in the last round, Liverpool face a tough test on Thursday against an Atlanta side looking to reach the last eight of a European tournament for the first time since 1988.
However, the Bergamo side were beaten by relegation-threatened Cagliari at the weekend after losing the Coppa Italia to Feyenoord.
Gian Piero Gasperini faces one of his toughest tasks to turn La Deux around for a first-leg trip to one of the world’s most formidable football fortresses.
The match will be at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Atalanta team news
Liverpool
Alison Baker (hamstring), Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee) and Diogo Jota (knee) are all set to return to action and are expected to return later this week. However, the midweek clash may come too soon for them.
Joel Matip (knee), Thiago Alcantara (hamstring), and Stefan Bajcetic (muscle injury) will not be seen again this season.
Probable XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Connett, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Endo, Soboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Atalanta
Liverpool vs Atalanta: Giorgio Scalvini (hamstring) is the only injury concern for the visitors here and apart from that they should be able to field a full-strength lineup.
Charles de Ketelaire is back from his adductor injury but he may not be a risk from the start here.
Probable XI: Carneschi; Gymcity, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roone, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners, Pasalic; Scam
Where to watch Liverpool vs Atalanta
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on AIT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
H2H: Both teams have one win against each other
Liverpool and Atalanta faced each other in UEFA Champions League 2020. The Reds picked up a comprehensive 5-0 win away from home, but Atalanta produced a stunning display at Anfield to win 2-0.
Liverpool vs Atalanta Predictions
Liverpool are undoubtedly the better team on paper and they will be hoping to take a significant advantage in the first leg of the period. Reds fans will be hoping for a strong response from the players after the disappointing draw against Manchester United.
The players will be desperate to win the UEFA Europa League during Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign with them. The Liverpool manager guided them to several trophies during his time at the club, but was knocked out of the UEFA Europa League after losing to Sevilla in the 2016 final.
They will be looking to make amends this year.
Atalanta come into this game on the back of two successive defeats in all competitions, and will be major underdogs at Anfield. The Italian side have picked up just two wins from their last five matches in all competitions and are likely to win at home.
Prediction: Liverpool to win nil.
Kick-off time and TV channel
The Liverpool vs Atalanta game will be shown live on April 11 on AIT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 7.00 pm BST with kick off scheduled for 8:00 pm.