The State of Play
Jurgen Klopp was left frustrated at Old Trafford once again last weekend as his dominant Liverpool side had to settle for a 2-2 draw against arch-rivals Manchester United. The Reds are sitting second in the Premier League table, below Arsenal on goal difference, but are still hoping to send Klopp off at the end of this season with a treble of trophies and the UEFA Europa League does hold some significance.
Atalanta have been really impressive in this calendar year under the management of Gian Piero Gasperini. However, the Bergamasci come into this one on the back of two frustrating and poor results. They were beaten 1-0 by Fiorentina in the first-leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie before then losing 2-1 to strugglers Cagliari in Sardinia in Serie A at the weekend.
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Team News
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool were given a major boost earlier this week as four first-teamers returned to training on Tuesday. Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Stefan Bajcetic and Diogo Jota are now on the verge of being back in action.
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini is only missing one key man for this week’s trip to Anfield as defender Giorgio Scalvini is unavailable for the visitors with a hamstring injury.
Expected Line-ups
Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Jones, Endo, Szoboszlai; Elliott, Darwin Nunez, Gakpo
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Toloi, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Hateboer, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; Koopmeiners; Scamacca, Lookman
What they Said
Jurgen Klopp was left frustrated after the draw with Manchester United at the weekend and laid down a marker to title rivals Arsenal, saying that if United play how they did against his side against the Gunners then Arsenal will win.
Gian Piero Gasperini has praised the opposition that defeated his side, Cagliari, at the weekend saying his Atalanta will go to Anfield with ‘Cagliari spirit’ as they seek to perform their own surprise.
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at Anfield at 20:00 on Thursday April 11th and will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK. It will also be able to be streamed live on the TNT Sports app in the UK.
Prediction
This has the potential to be an absolute thriller at Anfield with two of the most entertaining teams to watch in European football. Liverpool won their Round of 16 tie against Sparta Prague by 11 goals to two, whilst Atalanta’s 30 Serie A matches have consisted of a combined total of 89 goals. Liverpool are favourites even if they make changes and especially at Anfield but it could well be a high-scoring encounter with over 2.5 goals likely.
