Liverpool predicted XI v Atalanta after Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and Jota updates
Liverpool will welcome Atalanta to Anfield in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night (11 April).
Following their disappointing 2-2 draw against Man United in the Premier League on Sunday (7 April), Jurgen Klopp will be keen to bounce back with a convincing win against the Serie A side.
The Reds have also been blessed with a swathe of key returnees who could make the bench, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson who might be fit for the crucial European tie.
Football Insider has predicted Liverpool’s starting line-up for their showdown against the Italians.
Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher has filled in very well in Alisson’s absence and Klopp will likely stick with his back-up goalkeeper against Atalanta, even if the Brazilian is fit to make the bench.
Jarell Quansah looked suspect against Man United – specifically for his horrific pass before Bruno Fernandes’ stunning long-range strike in the second half.
The boss may opt to replace him with Ibrahima Konate, who was on the bench against United but played the full 90 against Sheffield United, alongside an otherwise unchanged backline of Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and Conor Bradley
Midfield
Wataru Endo has thrived since joining the Reds and has started all their Europa League games this season. It is unlikely he will be replaced against Atalanta.
However, the misfiring Dominik Szoboszlai was wasteful against the Red Devils in the league and Klopp won’t want to take any risks and could axe him from the line-up.
He could be replaced by Curtis Jones, who came on for the Hungary international from the bench against United.
Alexis Mac Allister was dynamic in the Reds’ last game and will most likely retain his spot in the starting line-up as Liverpool enter the crunch stage of the competition.
Attack
Liverpool’s front three likely faced the most criticism due to their wastefulness in front of goal against Erik ten Hag’s side, but they have been consistently prolific and dangerous this season – especially in the Europa League.
This will likely see Klopp stick with Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, who have amassed 17 goal contributions between them in Europe this season.
Bench
It was confirmed by Klopp that Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and Diogo Jota are all set for imminent returns to training, meaning they could make the bench against Atalanta.
The German is unlikely to hand the key stars roles in the starting XI, despite their importance before their injuries, but the outfielders may be called upon during the clash if Klopp deems it necessary.
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