Liverpool face Atletico Madrid in Champions League opener as probable line-ups emerge

Liverpool begin their new Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, with the fixture carrying the added intrigue of familiar faces, European redemption and the importance of making a strong start to the league phase.

The meeting is one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the opening round. Liverpool are expected to have an almost full-strength squad available, with long-term absentees Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley the only players ruled out according to the information provided before the game.

Alexander Isak is likely to be one of the main attacking threats for the Reds after scoring twice at the weekend. The Sweden international has three Premier League goals this season and is expected to lead the line, with Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo also included among Liverpool’s principal attacking options.

Liverpool’s probable line-up

Alisson is expected to start in goal.

The probable defence is made up of Jeremie Frimpong, Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez.

Bradley Barcola, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo are listed as the likely midfielders, with Alexander Isak named as the centre-forward.

Liverpool’s predicted XI is therefore:

Alisson; Jeremie Frimpong, Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Bradley Barcola, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak.

The match also offers Liverpool the chance to begin their European campaign positively in front of their home supporters, while Atletico Madrid arrive with several notable options available.

Atletico Madrid’s probable line-up

Atletico are expected to include Julian Alvarez, who remains with the club despite speculation over a possible departure. However, they will be without Alexander Sørloth, who is injured.

New arrivals Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand, Cristian Romero, Lee Kang-in and Jonathan David are all available for selection. Alberto Baena, Ademola Lookman, Pablo Barrios and Koke are also identified as players to watch.

Jan Oblak is expected to start in goal, behind a defence of Alejandro Grimaldo, David Hancko, Andres Garcia, also known as Pubill, and Marcos Llorente.

The midfield is likely to feature Baena, Hjulmand, Barrios and Giuliano Simeone, while Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez are listed as the two attackers.

Atletico’s predicted XI is:

Jan Oblak; Alejandro Grimaldo, David Hancko, Pubill, Marcos Llorente; Baena, Morten Hjulmand, Pablo Barrios, Giuliano Simeone; Ademola Lookman, Julian Alvarez.

The game is scheduled for Wednesday at Anfield and will be Liverpool’s first match of the league phase of this season’s Champions League. The fixture therefore represents an early opportunity for both sides to establish momentum in the competition.

The pre-match information also included betting prices from 1xBet, with Liverpool listed at 1.73 to win. The draw was priced at 4.10, while an Atletico Madrid victory was also given odds of 4.10.