Liverpool Starting XI vs Atletico Madrid: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Predicted Lineup and Injury Updates

Liverpool open their Champions League campaign at Anfield tonight with a clash that carries both history and intrigue. The Reds, unbeaten so far in the Premier League, now turn their attention to continental ambitions. Memories of last season’s early exit to Paris Saint-Germain remain fresh, and there is a clear sense that Arne Slot wants to make an emphatic European statement.

Spotlight on Alexander Isak

The narrative around Liverpool this evening is dominated by one name: Alexander Isak. Signed for a headline-grabbing £125 million from Newcastle, the Swedish forward has been carefully managed by Slot, who resisted the temptation to introduce him in the weekend win at Burnley.

“Isak is with the squad and in contention to make his debut,” Slot confirmed, leaving supporters eager to see whether the striker will step into the European spotlight immediately.

If he does feature, Anfield will be witnessing not just a new player, but potentially the figurehead of a new Liverpool era. His arrival reflects both the club’s ambition and its willingness to reshape the attack for Champions League nights.

Fresh Faces for Europe

Isak is not the only summer arrival generating excitement. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are also primed for their first European outings in Liverpool colours, while Jeremie Frimpong’s return to fitness strengthens options at full-back. Alexis Mac Allister has trained and could feature, but Curtis Jones’ involvement remains doubtful after missing out at Turf Moor.

These additions provide Slot with the flexibility to deploy a more dynamic approach, with creative midfield options dovetailing with a refreshed front line.

Previous Encounters with Atletico

This fixture carries echoes of 2021, when Liverpool twice overcame Atletico Madrid in the group stage. Both games were marked by drama, with red cards for Felipe and Antoine Griezmann punctuating Liverpool victories of 2-0 and 3-2. Tonight, the Spanish side arrive without such scars but facing a Liverpool squad infused with new energy and expectation.

Predicted Liverpool XI

(4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.

Kick-off is at 8pm BST, under the Anfield lights, where Europe often finds its most dramatic stage.