Atlético Madrid secured their first win of the season towards Villarreal on the weekend.
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The UEFA Champions League group stage has given each Atlético Madrid and Liverpool an exciting opening fixture because it pits the Spanish aspect up towards the Premier League champions of their first assembly since 2021 as they meet with a 9pm CEST/3pm ET kick-off on Wednesday, September 17.
4 years in the past, with Jurgen Klopp nonetheless on the helm for the Reds, Liverpool gained each fixtures within the group stage, with Atlético having a person despatched off in each, as they received revenge for the dramatic 4-2 mixture win from the final 16 in 2019/20, which noticed Marcos Llorente turn into a hero with two objectives in extra-time at Anfield.
This assembly would be the first between the golf equipment since Arne Slot moved to England, having beforehand clashed with Diego Simeone whereas at his earlier membership Feyenoord. The Argentine will likely be seeking to get the higher of the Dutchman and safe what could be Atleti’s first ever win inside 90 minutes at Anfield.
Atlético Madrid crew information vs. Liverpool
Diego Simeone has been dealt a sequence of harm blows to his squad forward of this sport. Crucial is to striker Julián Álvarez. The previous Manchester Metropolis man has been dominated out after struggling a knee harm towards Villarreal on the weekend, and Simeone has opted to not run any dangers together with his star man.
Additionally lacking will likely be midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who arrived from Actual Betis this summer time. Cardoso was in line to begin earlier than twisting his ankle in coaching on Monday, and can no longer be accessible and has stayed in Madrid to get better.
Two gamers who’ve been included are Robin Le Normand and David Hancko, regardless of each defenders being withdrawn towards Villarreal as a consequence of harm issues of their very own. Le Normand is believed to be absolutely match, however there may be doubt surrounding Hancko, who suffered a robust impression to his decrease leg and underwent assessments early this week.
These absences add to the anticipated vacancies left by three key starters within the form of Thiago Almada, Álex Baena and José María Giménez. The previous two should not anticipated again once more till the very finish of this month, with Almada selecting up a hamstring pressure on worldwide responsibility whereas Baena suffered appendicitis and is recovering from surgical procedure.
Within the case of Giménez, there may be much less identified about his present situation. The Uruguayan has not taken half in coaching because the Membership World Cup the place picked up an harm in June. Three months on, Atlético Madrid haven’t offered any updates or perception into his present situation.
Atlético Madrid anticipated lineup vs. Liverpool
Atlético Madrid’s anticipated lineup vs. Liverpool: Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, Javi Galán; Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Koke, Conor Gallagher; Antoine Griezmann, Nico González.
With out Álvarez accessible, Simeone will likely be pressured to combine issues up, however it appears that evidently he may shock some by opting to not begin Norwegian ahead Alexander Sørloth. As an alternative, Simeone will reward Antoine Griezmann for an outstanding efficiency towards Villarreal with holding his place, whereas new signing Nico González may function as a ahead who can even drop deeper so as to add extra tactical versatility.
That selection additionally signifies that Conor Gallagher will come into the aspect on the left of midfield, with the Englishman returning to his house nation and in line to make his first begin because the opening sport of the season. Within the center, captain Koke will retain his place given Cardoso’s absence.
In defence, there will likely be no surprises, although Simeone is prone to put his belief in Javi Galán at left-back forward of summer time signing Matteo Ruggeri, who’s but to completely persuade his new coach of his defensive capabilities.
