Liverpool vs Atalanta BC Preview
- Date – Thursday, Apr 11, 2024
- Kick-off Time – 7.00 pm BST
- Venue – Anfield
In a highly anticipated clash, Liverpool FC will play host to Atalanta in the opening leg of the UEFA Europa League Quarterfinals this midweek, aiming to establish a commanding advantage ahead of their journey to Italy for the return fixture.
Coming off a somewhat frustrating draw against archrivals Manchester United, Liverpool will be eager to reignite their momentum in this pivotal encounter.
Reflecting on their past encounters, the backdrop is intriguing. In the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League group stage, the teams clashed twice, with Liverpool securing a resounding 5-0 victory in one match and Atalanta responding with a 2-0 triumph in the other. Notably, Atalanta has a history of success against English opposition, demonstrated by their emphatic 5-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park in November 2017.
Liverpool’s journey in the Europa League this season has been marked by their attacking prowess, having netted an impressive 28 goals in just eight matches. Their offensive firepower is further underscored by their dominance in shot creation, boasting the highest tally of shots on target (63) in the competition.
On the other hand, Atalanta arrives at this stage for the fifth time in their European campaign history, with the previous two quarterfinal exits serving as added motivation to make a deeper run this time around.
Liverpool’s penchant for high-scoring victories in the Europa League this season is a testament to their attacking prowess, having clinched four wins by a margin of four or more goals. Such dominance harkens back to the illustrious European campaigns of the past, echoing the exploits of clubs like Benfica in the 1960s.
With both teams eyeing a crucial advantage in the first leg, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Liverpool and Atalanta vie for supremacy in the Europa League Quarterfinals.
Liverpool vs Atalanta Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool’s squad for the upcoming showdown against Atalanta is riddled with both hopeful recoveries and season-ending setbacks.
In positive news, the trio of Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota are on the mend from their respective injuries. However, despite nearing a return to action, this midweek fixture will likely arrive too soon for their inclusion.
On a less optimistic note, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, and Stefan Bajcetic are facing extended spells on the sidelines. Matip and Alcantara’s knee and hamstring injuries, respectively, are expected to keep them out for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Bajcetic continues his recovery from a muscle injury with no expected return date in sight.
With a mixture of anticipation and disappointment surrounding the team’s injury updates, Liverpool must navigate through their available options as they prepare to face Atalanta in this crucial European encounter.
Possible XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Atalanta
Atalanta approaches their clash with Liverpool with relatively positive news on the injury front, as Giorgio Scalvini remains their sole concern due to a hamstring issue. Barring any unexpected setbacks, the visitors are poised to field a formidable lineup with minimal disruptions.
While Charles De Ketelaere has recovered from his adductor injury, the coaching staff may exercise caution with his return to the starting lineup. Given the magnitude of the fixture, they might opt to ease him back into action gradually rather than rushing him into the fray from the outset.
With Scalvini’s fitness being monitored closely and De Ketelaere’s potential inclusion being managed delicately, Atalanta aims to assemble a strong and balanced squad as they prepare to take on Liverpool in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Possible XI: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners, Pasalic; Scamacca
Liverpool vs Atalanta Head-to-Head
The upcoming clash between Liverpool and Atalanta carries added significance as both teams have a win against each other in their previous encounters.
Their previous meetings occurred in the 2020 UEFA Champions League campaign. In the first encounter, Liverpool demonstrated their prowess with a commanding 5-0 victory on Atalanta’s turf. However, when the teams faced off at Anfield, Atalanta flipped the script with a stunning 2-0 triumph, showcasing their resilience and quality.
With each team boasting a victory over the other, the stage is set for an intriguing showdown as they renew their rivalry in the UEFA Europa League Quarterfinals. Both Liverpool and Atalanta will be eager to seize the opportunity to gain the upper hand and advance in the competition.
Let’s have a look at the previous encounters between these 2 sides:
- 2020/11/26 Liverpool 0 – 2 Atalanta
- 2020/11/04 Atalanta 0 – 5 Liverpool
Liverpool vs Atalanta Prediction
Given Liverpool’s strong pedigree in European competitions and their desire to make amends for past shortcomings in the UEFA Europa League, they enter this fixture with significant motivation. The disappointment of the recent draw against Manchester United is likely to fuel their determination to secure a positive result.
On the other hand, Atalanta’s recent form, marked by consecutive defeats and inconsistent performances, suggests they face an uphill battle against Liverpool, especially at Anfield. Despite their prowess, they are poised as underdogs in this encounter.
Taking into account these factors, a home victory for Liverpool seems probable. With their attacking prowess and the passionate support of their fans behind them, they are favored to emerge triumphant. Therefore, the prediction stands that Liverpool will win 3-1, reflecting their strength and determination to take a significant step toward their Europa League ambitions.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Atalanta
Liverpool vs Atalanta Odds
The odds provided by Sky Bet for the Liverpool vs Atalanta match:
Liverpool to Win and Both Teams to Score @ 13/8: This bet suggests that Liverpool will emerge victorious in the match, but Atalanta will manage to score at least one goal. Given Liverpool’s attacking prowess and Atalanta’s ability to find the back of the net, this could be a likely outcome.
Liverpool to Score 3+ Goals @ 11/10: This bet predicts that Liverpool will score three or more goals in the match. Considering Liverpool’s strong offensive capabilities, especially at home, and Atalanta’s recent defensive vulnerabilities, this could be a promising option.
A Goal in Both Halves @ 4/9: This bet suggests that there will be at least one goal scored in each half of the match. Given the attacking nature of both teams and their potential to create scoring opportunities, this bet could have a good chance of being successful.
Where to Watch Liverpool vs Atalanta
India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network
United Kingdom: TNT Sports
US: CBS Sport
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