UEFA Champions League: Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid Preview, Odds, Prediction

Liverpool slipped this weekend, but all that will be forgotten quickly if they defeat Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. The Reds host the Spanish champs in the matchup that could secure them the top spot in the assembly. Jurgen Klopp’s unit defeated Atletico in Madrid already, and a win here would most definitely cement them in the No.1 place. Yet, Diego Simeone’s side won’t surrender without a great fight, and we already saw in the past that they know to win at Anfield. They were the ones who dethroned Liverpool two years ago.

Preview

Liverpool (-170) played 2-2 with Brighton at home this weekend. It was the first draw after four victories for the Reds, who posted all four wins in those road events. Jurgen Klopp’s side doesn’t have a loss in this season, posting 11 wins and four draws.

The interesting thing is that three of those four draws were at home, where many teams from to defend at all cost and don’t want to play football. However, when Liverpool’s players have space on the pitch, and the teams open, they are very, very ruthless and efficient. It’s the reason for their magnificent results away from Anfield.

In the last 12 games, Liverpool scored two or more goals. The only one at home that didn’t see the Reds netting twice was against Chelsea, 1-1.

Atletico Madrid (+450) snapped a three-game negative skid against Betis this Sunday, beating the rivals 3-0. It was a match in tough weather conditions, but Simeone’s guys rose above the adversity.

During that winless streak, where they lost against Liverpool, 2-3, and had two draws, vs. Sociedad and Levante, 2-2, the defense was experiencing lots of problems. Overall, this season, Atletico isn’t as confident when it comes to locking up the net as in the previous years.

For instance, they allowed a goal in each of their road games in this campaign. Five of their six events away from Wanda Metropolitan ended with both teams netting.

Latest News

Fabinho is questionable but expected not to play. Harvey Elliott, James Millner, and Thiago Alcantara are all injured and unavailable.

Geoffrey Kondogbia is injured and won’t be able to play, as well as Thomas Lemar, and Marcos Llorente. A big blow for Atletico is the suspensions of their two best players, Stefan Savic and Antoine Griezmann.

Head to Head Games

The first game in Madrid was very intense, with a couple of big-time controversies, one of them a call that didn’t award a penalty to Atletico in the finish. Liverpool won this event, 2-3. On one side, Griezmann scored a brace, and on the other, Salah. Naby Keita also added one more goal.

Prediction

The Reds are the favorites, and we expect them to win here because of the guests’ injury and suspension problems. Savic and Griezmann are out, and that is something Atletico can’t cover-up. Simeone will be ultra-defensive, but even that won’t help Atletico to avoid a defeat. At this point of the year, Liverpool is way too stronger than their upcoming rival.

Pick: Liverpool win -170

Here are the previews for other UEFA Champions League matches:

• Atalanta vs. Manchester United
• Bayern Munich vs. Benfica
• Wolfsburg vs. Red Bull Salzburg
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Ajax