Liverpool welcome Atletico Madrid in a highly anticipated Champions League Round of 16 second leg clash. The Reds need to overturn a 1-0 deficit against a battle-hardened Atletico side. Can they do it again? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Liverpool are in need of another famous Champions League night at Anfield when they host Atletico Madrid tonight. They are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. With a Champions League quarter-final place at stake, the defending champions will need to be on top form to overcome a stubborn Atletico. The Reds will be motivated by last season’s remarkable comeback from 3-0 down against Barcelona in the semis. Can they breach the impregnable Spanish side?
Diego Simeone’s team will definitely be stern and stubborn opposition for the Merseyside team. However, their preparations for this crucial clash were far from smooth. Successive La Liga draws against Espanyol and Sevilla have left Simeone’s side scrambling for a place in the top four. They currently sit fifth and a whopping 13 points off league leaders Barcelona. One thing we can be sure of is, they will be no pushovers. They have registered some memorable results in the Champions League against Europe’s best, and Liverpool will need to be on top form for this one.
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid betting preview
The hosts have won seven of their last nine Champions League games at home, while the visitors have lost four of their last six away from home. You can back a Home Win at odds of 1.55.
Five of Atletico’s last six games in the Champions League have seen two or fewer goals scored. Four of Liverpool’s last seven games in this competition have seen Under 2.5 Goals. You can back Under 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.80.
Atletico have failed to score in four of their last six away games in the Champions League. The Reds have kept five clean sheets in their last eight home games in this competition. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score No at odds of 1.70.
Team news
Liverpool were dealt a blow after it emerged goalkeeper Alisson will miss the visit of Atletico with a hip injury. Xherdan Shaqiri and Nathaniel Clyne remain on the sidelines. Jordan Henderson, who has been dealing with a troublesome hamstring, is a doubt.
Simeone heads to Anfield with a near fully available squad to choose from. The only potential absentee is Thomas Lemar, who is struggling with a thigh injury.
Possible line-ups
Liverpool: Adrián, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Trippier, Savić, Felipe, Lodi, Saúl, Partey, Koke, João Félix, Correa, Morata.