Liverpool have the chance to produce a historic comeback on Thursday evening when the travel to Atalanta in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
The Reds suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at Anfield in the first leg as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side put them to the sword, leaving their dreams of a first Europa League title under Jurgen Klopp hanging by the smallest of threads. The Merseyside club will need to win by three clear goals in Bergamo to simply force extra-time, with their recent form suggesting that a recovery is unlikely.
Liverpool dropped to third in the Premier League table last Sunday after a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in which their profligacy proved costly once again. As a result, their hopes of adding to their Carabao Cup come the end of the season have taken a significant hit.
Atalanta will feel confident heading into the second leg after a devastating display at Anfield, but they did surrender a two-goal lead within the space of four minutes in their recent 2-2 draw with Hellas Verona. A glimmer of hope perhaps for Liverpool.
Here is 90min’s guide to Atalanta vs Liverpool this Thursday.
Atalanta vs Liverpool H2H record (all-time)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Atalanta |
Liverpool |
|---|---|
|
Atalanta 2-2 Hellas Verona – 15/04/24 |
Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace – 14/04/24 |
|
Liverpool 0-3 Atalanta – 11/04/24 |
Liverpool 0-3 Atalanta – 11/04/24 |
|
Cagliari 2-1 Atalanta – 07/04/24 |
Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool – 07/04/24 |
|
Fiorentina 1-0 Atalanta – 03/04/24 |
Liverpool 3-1 Sheffield United – 04/04/24 |
|
Napoli 0-3 Atalanta – 30/03/24 |
Liverpool 2-1 Brighton – 31/03/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel / live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App |
|
United States |
Paramount+, ViX |
|
Canada |
DAZN |
Gasperini has an almost entirely fit squad for Liverpool’s visit, even welcoming former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac back into the team on Monday night after he missed the first leg through injury.
Young defender Giorgio Scalvini is the only Atalanta player who is guaranteed to be unavailable for the clash as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Liverpool will be offered another opportunity to scout rumoured transfer targets Teun Koopmeiners and Ederson, both of whom impressed during the first leg at Anfield.
Atalanta predicted lineup (5-2-1-2): Musso; Zappacosta, Djimsiti, Hien, De Roon, Ruggeri; Ederson, Pasalic; Koopmeiners; De Ketelaere, Scamacca.
Whether Klopp will opt for a full-strength starting lineup remains to be seen given the unlikely nature of a turnaround, but there is a decent chance that the Liverpool boss fields his best and brightest in Bergamo.
Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold both returned to action against Palace at the weekend in a boost to Klopp’s options, although the latter came on to replace the injured Conor Bradley in the second half. The Northern Irish right-back is facing several weeks on the sidelines with a foot problem.
Young Ben Doak is still in the treatment room as he recovers from surgery, while Joel Matip and Thiago are unlikely to play again this season.
Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Jota.
In all honesty, it is extremely unlikely that Liverpool will book their spot in the semi-finals this Thursday, especially given their dire form over the past ten days. However, if any side could pull off such a comeback, it may well be the Reds.
They did win 5-0 on their last trip to Atalanta in 2020, a result that would be welcomed this week. However, while Klopp’s men may well get revenge this Thursday, they will almost certainly fall short of a dramatic turnaround.
Prediction: Atalanta 1-2 Liverpool
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