Liverpool are back in action with another important UEFA Champions League fixture this week as they take on Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday. The Reds prevailed 3-2 at the Wanda Metropolitano last month but found themselves frustrated against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.
Liverpool have been in excellent form in the Premier League but are prone to the occasional poor result. Liverpool are in second place in the Premier League table and have been impressive this year. Jurgen Klopp’s charges were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton over the weekend and will need to bounce back in this match. The Merseyside giants have been the best team in the group and have made a very tough group look easy.
Liverpool’s shot map from their previous clash against Atletico indicates that they were highly effective in front of goal and had 50% of their shots on target. Liverpool scored two goals in quick succession but lost the lead at halftime. Atletico did try their best to keep Liverpool away from goal, but the Reds maintained pressure on the opposition defense and forced them into an error which won the penalty.
While Liverpool have been one of the most threatening teams when moving into the final third, they have also been performing well defensively. They have an average PPDA of 7.2, which indicates that Liverpool don’t allow much time to their opponents on the ball. They keep pressing higher up the pitch and win back the ball most times when they attempt a defensive action.
Ahead of matchday four, Diego Simeone’s side have collected four points, scored four goals, and conceded four in European action this term, and the second-placed Atletico sit above Porto on goal difference.
Atletico Madrid are in fourth place in the La Liga standings and have not been at their best this season. They eased past Real Betis by a 3-0 margin in their previous game and will be confident ahead of this fixture. Victory over Betis marked the sixth game in a row across all tournaments that Atletico managed to chalk up at least two goals, although their attacking prowess will take a hit with Griezmann now absent for this clash. 
Although Atletico were down to 10 men in the second half, they showcased a brilliant first-half performance when they came back from two goals down to level the score. They had six of their eight shots on target and a very high shot on target percentage. Atletico usually play a more defensive game and have to be effective with the rare sight of goal that they will get against a team like Liverpool.
Atletico Madrid have a good record against Liverpool and have won three out of seven matches played between the two teams. Atletico Madrid have been inconsistent this season and cannot afford another poor result on Wednesday. Liverpool are the better team at the moment and hold a slight upper hand going into this game.
Liverpool predicted starting lineup:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Jones, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Jota, Mane.
Atletico Madrid predicted starting lineup:
Oblak, Felipe, Gimenez, Hermoso, Trippier, De Paul, Koke, Carrasco, Felix, Suarez, Correa.
