In an attempt to turn around their struggling season, Liverpool will have a difficult task ahead of them as they get ready for the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal against Atalanta. Their hopes of winning the Premier League were severely damaged by a dismal week that saw them lose 3-0 at Anfield in the first leg then shockingly 1-0 at Crystal Palace. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
With just two wins in their last five league games, Liverpool’s form has taken a sharp downturn, raising concerns among fans and pundits alike.
The reverse fixture at Anfield exposed Liverpool’s vulnerabilities, with Atalanta dominating the game and registering the highest expected goals (xG) by an away team at Anfield since Manchester City in February 2021.
Gianluca Scamacca, a former Premier League player, proved to be a thorn in Liverpool’s defense, scoring a brace and exposing their defensive frailties.
Facing a three-goal deficit from the first leg, Liverpool’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals seem slim, with no team ever having overturned such a margin away from home in the history of the Europa League.
Kick Off Date and Time
The upcoming clash is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Stadio di Bergamo in Bergamo, Italy.
Team News
Liverpool will be without the services of Thiago Alcantara, Ben Doak, and Joel Matip due to injury, but the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Alisson from injury provides a boost to their lineup.
However, Conor Bradley remains sidelined, while Stefan Bajcetic is gradually being reintegrated into first-team action.
Atalanta, meanwhile, has a relatively clean bill of health, with Giorgio Scalvini being the only notable absentee due to injury. Sead Kolasinac, who recently returned from a thigh injury, could feature in the starting lineup against Liverpool.
Head to Head
In head-to-head encounters, Atalanta holds the advantage with two wins compared to Liverpool’s one.
Potential Starting XI;
Alisson
Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk and Robertson.
Endo, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister.
Diaz, Nunez and Salah.
