Prediction Liverpool XI v Atalanta

Liverpool are back in Champions League action tomorrow night.

Jurgen Klopp’s team faces Atalanta, who were put to the sword after a 5-0 win in the reverse game in Bergamo.

A victory will guarantee Liverpool’s qualification to the round of 16 of the competition.

An impressive victory over Leicester City at the weekend showed how the English champions remain the team to beat even in the absence of their captain, top scorer, top assistant, summer signing, best central defender and best player in England.

If Liverpool are going to replicate such a performance tomorrow night, there is no doubt that Klopp’s ‘mind monsters’ should have enough to surpass one of Europe’s best attacking means.

Changes are expected

The first change occurs as a result of an injury to Naby Keita. James Milner was used as a right-back during the win against Leicester, but a shortage in midfield could see the backup captain return to his preferred natural role in midfield.

This would see 19-year-old Neco Williams deployed as a right-back, as the Wales international was Keita’s replacement during Sunday’s win.

We also expect a change in the heart of the defense to occur, considering that Klopp will seek to rotate regularly to preserve Joel Matip’s physical form, given that he is the only available and naturally adapted center-back in the club.

Rhys Williams was particularly outstanding during his first Champions League start against Atalanta earlier this month and it could be expected that he will be rewarded with a starting spot tomorrow night.

Andy Robertson could also benefit from a break that could provide an opportunity for the summer signing of Kostas Tsimikas.

Curtis Jones is likely to retain his spot, as will Georginio Wijnaldum, given the number of casualties in midfield. The pair are likely to partner with Milner to complete Klopp’s midfield triumvirate.

In attack, Mohamed Salah returned to training on Monday after submitting a negative COVID-19 test, which means he could be in contention to start against Atalanta.

Sadio Mane has been a mainstay on the team this season and is another key figure who could benefit from a break.

Diogo Jota is essential to give his rich vein in a scoring way. Takumi Minamino could also replace Roberto Firmino.

If accurate, this lineup would see Klopp make five changes to the team that beat Leicester City 3-0 at the weekend.

Josh is a sportswriter from the South who has previously reported on the Reds both at home and off the press box. His idol is Joel Matip, while Madrid 19 to this day remains a blur to him.