Liverpool Predicted XI: We predict Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, as the Reds host Atalanta in the Champions League

Liverpool Predicted XI: We predict Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, as the Reds host Atalanta in the Champions League.

Despite a host of major injuries, Liverpool are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions since the 7-2 thumping suffered to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

One of the best performances within those eight matches, was the 5-0 demolishing Liverpool secured away to tonight’s opponents Atalanta.

Klopp will be hoping to achieve the same result tonight, knowing a victory will secure their qualification from Group D, continuing their 100% record thus far.

So which players will the German pick to try and secure an important three points against the Serie A outfit?

Here we predict the Liverpool’s starting XI to take on Atalanta…

Goalkeeper:

A pretty straightforward call between the sticks as Alisson gets set to make his 99th appearance for Liverpool. Klopp’s side look far more assured when the first-choice Brazilian is in goal. Alisson kept a clean sheet in his last outing at home to Leicester City and will be hoping for a similar result tonight.

Defenders:

If injuries to both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk (longer term) were causing Klopp problems prior to the international then the news that Joe Gomez will be sidelined for a period of time after rupturing a tendon in his left knee when training with England will have added to the German’s woes. However, at the weekend Klopp was relieved to name both Joel Matip and Fabinho. But more changes will be expected tonight, Fabinho should keep his place but we expect Williams to play alongside him at centre back. That leaves James Milner to continue at full back with summer signing Konstantinos Tsimikas operating from the opposite flank.

Midfielders:

Klopp also has injury worries in the midfield area. Thiago Alcantara is back in training but the German boss has said that he will not take any unnecessary risks with the Spaniard. This means, if he is fit enough to make the squad, then the former Bayern Munich star could just be on the bench. Captain Jordan Henderson will miss this clash after picking up an injury on international duty, meaning Georginio Wijnaldum will be the only regular midfield starter in the XI. Alongside the Dutchman we feel Klopp will give an opportunity to Naby Keita and continue to play Roberto Firmino in a number 10 role.

Forwards:

The big news is that Mohamed Salah is available for this game, following recovering from COVID-19 during the international break. We expect Salah to start in order to build his fitness. Klopp will then decide between Xherdan Shaqiri and Takumi Minamino in one of the forward positions, with in-form Diogo Jota looking set to start the match.

Predicted Liverpool XI vs Atalanta: Alisson; Milner, Fabinho, Matip, Konstantinos Tsimikas; Keita, Wijnaldum, Firmino; Shaqiri, Jota, Salah