Liverpool Starting XI vs. Atalanta: Elliott paired with which 2 midfielders?
The Premier League title race takes a night off as Liverpool turn their attention to their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Atalanta. It has been a frantic few months for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss, with relentless important fixtures and little time for rest. However, this game represents his only real chance to rotate a couple of his first-choice midfielders, with a second leg to fix things if necessary.
Team news
In his press conference, Klopp revealed that Jota and Alexander-Arnold “looked very good” in “proper training” on Tuesday and did not rule out the duo playing against Atalanta. However, it is more likely that they will return in the second leg. Alisson, who has been out due to injury, is still on the road to recovery and will probably need another week before he can play. Bajcetic, a young player, will likely have a game with the U21s before being considered for the first team.
Liverpool’s XI vs. Atalanta
Due to the frequency of games at the moment, Klopp will likely rotate a few names but keep the core of his team strong. Harvey Elliott, who impressed off the bench at Old Trafford, is expected to start. Joe Gomez could also come in, allowing Conor Bradley to rest after starting all three games since the international break. Andy Robertson will retain his starting spot, providing width on the left.
Here is how Liverpool will likely line up vs. Atalanta:
– Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
Another option in attack is to rest Luis Diaz and put Gakpo on the left, allowing Nunez to remain through the middle. Curtis Jones could also feature against Atalanta, having come off the bench twice in the last week. Klopp might be in two minds about resting his most in-form player, but Liverpool could probably make do with Jones playing instead of Mac Allister for this one.
Gomez plays right-back for the 21st time this season, while Elliott and Jones start their first game together since January 21, in a 4-0 Bournemouth win. Robertson retains his starting spot with Gomez coming inside from the opposite flank.
Here’s how this alternate team would look:
– Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Elliott, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
With the likes of Gianluca Scamacca, Aleksei Miranchuk, and Ademola Lookman able to cause problems, Liverpool will need to ensure they are fully concentrated defensively to keep Atalanta out. They would much prefer to head out to the potentially hostile return leg at a compact Stadio di Bergamo with at least a goals advantage.