The top spot in the UEFA Champions League Group B will be up for grabs when Atletico Madrid welcome Liverpool to the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday. Atletico Madrid have made a slightly slow start to their Champions League campaign, having been held to a draw by FC Porto in their opening fixture before leaving it late to beat AC Milan 2-1 last time out. Liverpool, on the other hand, have been impressive in the Champions League so far, winning each of their two opening fixtures. The Reds, in fact, remain the only unbeaten English team across all competitions and maintained such a start to 2021/22 this past weekend, cruising to a 5-0 win over Watford in the Premier League.
Liverpool have been ruthless in recent weeks and have scored 12 goals in their last three games. The above visual shows us Liverpool’s shot map for their game against Porto. Liverpool had a very high xG of 3.25 as they attempted a whopping 21 shots on goal and had ten shots on target. It is obvious that Liverpool won’t get as much space against Atletico as they have a tight-knit defence and play a more physical style of play.
Mohamed Salah, in particular, is in the form of his life and will be intent on making his mark on Tuesday. He has scored three goals so far in the Champions League and recently scored a brilliant solo goal against Watford.
Simeone’s side had to work hard work for their San Siro win and could only secure a point from their encounter with Porto on matchday one, but a 2-0 La Liga win over Barcelona just before the international break increased the confidence for Atletico.
Atletico are known for their defensive toughness and it is not an easy job to break their defensive line. Their defender Felipe, had attempted a high number of recoveries so far. He has completed 30 recoveries so far and recovered possession of the ball.
Suarez has scored five goals for Atletico so far in all competitions. He has attempted eight shots in the Champions League and has a decent xG from these shots. The ex Liverpool striker will try and make an impact in the Champions League game as well as Atletico are threatening on the break.
Atletico Madrid have a good record against Liverpool and have won three out of six matches played between the two teams. Liverpool have managed only one victory against Atletico Madrid and have a point to prove in this fixture.
Atletico Madrid predicted starting lineup
Oblak, Felipe, Kondogbia, Hermoso, Trippier, De Paul, Koke, Lemar, Carrasco, Suarez, Griezmann.
Liverpool predicted starting lineup
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Keita, Salah, Firmino, Mane.
