Match Preview: Liverpool Need Historic Comeback Against Atalanta | OneFootball

Atalanta v Liverpool- EL Quarter Final 2nd Leg Preview (3-0)

Following the most disappointing week in the 2023-24 season for the reds, now comes the opportunity to make amends as they attempt to turn around a 3-0 deficit that seems almost impossible. On the back of an amazing 0-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace, it means that the Premier League title is potentially out of reach in Jürgen Klopp’s last campaign on Merseyside, therefore, success at the Gewiss Stadium is has become even more vital.

Atalanta Team News

In terms of availability, Giorgio Scalvini appears to be the only absolute absentee for the Italianm’s veteran manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, as Sead Kolasinac faces a late fitness test to be ready for this home tie.

Photo: IMAGO

Regarding recent form, the Serie A side drew 2-2 at home to Verona at the weekend, following their amazing victory at Anfield. Prior to that epic European away win, the Italian club had fallen to a 2-1 defeat at Cagliari. The midweek leading to that loss was again unforgiving, as their first leg Coppa Italia 1-0 loss at Fiorentina confounded a pair of losses in a week prior.

A predicted line up for the visitors is listed below, in a 3-4-1-2 formation. A patient and deep block will be incorporated with counter attacks utilised once more, to limit space to a more gifted opponent.

Marco Carnesecchi, Hans Hateboer, Rafael Tolói, Berat Djimsiti, Sead Kolašinac, Davide Zappacosta, Marten de Roon, Éderson, Teun Koopmeiners, Ademola Lookman, Gianluca Scamacca

Liverpool Team News

In terms of injures, Thiago Alcântara remains on the missing list and is unlikely to play for Liverpool again. Joël Matip has sustained a season ending ACL injury, one that may have seen him play his last game for the club also.

Regarding recent form, Liverpool fell to that 1-0 loss to Palace, days prior to the Europa League first leg loss. Prior to that, the European giants failed to overcome United at Old Trafford in their 2-2 draw. That game came a few days after a good 3-1 home win against Sheffield United, after a 2-1 win over Brighton the weekend prior.

Photo: IMAGO

Below is the team I believe the reds German manager will start on Thursday, which will be chosen to try and inflict damage from the opening whistle.

Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk (c), Andy Robertson, Dominik Szobozlai, Wataru Endō, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Luis Díaz

How Will This Contest Play Out

I believe the reds will win this game, however, even a victory may not be enough to see the historic football club progress into the semifinals of this secondary European competition. A winning score line of more than three goals is required, which would make for one of the greatest comebacks in the tenure of the illustrious German manager.

Gianluca Scamacca will once again be the main threat for the Italians, who will almost certainly have chances to kill off the quarter final tie. Mohamed Salah has struggled for form since his return from injury, which means his level of play must be back to its normal world class standard, if his team are to have any chance of progression.

Player to watch – Mohamed Salah

Score Prediction;

Atalanta 0 – 4 Liverpool

(We can always dream)

Steven Smith