Atalanta: Struggling Form Ahead of Anfield Clash
With disappointment still lingering from their Premier League defeat at Old Trafford, Liverpool now shift their focus to the Europa League as they prepare to face Atalanta this week. The Italian side will be visiting Anfield for the first leg of the quarter-final, with the return leg scheduled to take place in Bergamo a week later.
However, Atalanta’s recent form does not inspire confidence, especially when playing away from home. They have managed only one win in their last six away matches and have emerged victorious in just one of their last seven league games. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that their away victory was an impressive 3-0 triumph against Napoli before the international break.
In their most recent outing, Atalanta suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of 13th-placed Cagliari, despite initially taking the lead in the first half. The winning goal for Cagliari came in the 88th minute, a scenario that Liverpool fans are all too familiar with.
Atalanta secured their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals by overcoming Sporting CP in the previous round. After drawing 1-1 away from home against Ruben Amorim’s side, they clinched a 2-1 victory in the home leg.
One player to watch out for in Atalanta’s lineup is midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. Koopmeiners is not only their key player but also their leading scorer this season, having netted an impressive 13 goals. Another standout performer is forward Gianluca Scamacca, who spent a year at West Ham and is currently on loan. Scamacca has scored 11 goals this season, including two in his last two games. Interestingly, he has only completed a full 90 minutes once this season despite making 32 appearances.
Atalanta also boasts the presence of former Everton winger Ademola Lookman, who poses a significant threat on the left flank. Additionally, former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac adds experience to their defensive line.
Currently sitting in sixth place in Serie A, Atalanta find themselves eight points away from securing a Champions League spot and a staggering 29 points behind league leaders Inter. Despite their struggles, they will be looking to make an impact in the Europa League and cause an upset against Liverpool.
As the stage is set for the clash at Anfield, Atalanta’s lineup is expected to feature Carnesecchi in goal, with Toloi, Djimsiti, and Kolasinac forming the defensive trio. The midfield will consist of Hateboer, de Roon, Ederson, and Zappacosta, while Koopmeiners will lead the attack alongside Scamacca and Lookman.
Liverpool will be hoping to capitalize on Atalanta’s struggling form and secure a positive result in the first leg. However, they must be cautious as any complacency could lead to an upset from the Italian side. The Europa League clash promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to progress further in the competition.