Liverpool kick off their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night with a heavyweight tie against Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side have made a perfect start in the Premier League, but Europe presents a different challenge. Last season they topped the league-stage group before falling at the first knockout hurdle to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. This time, the expectation is to go further.
Read More: Best and Worst Liverpool Players to Wear the Number 7 Shirt
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Atletico Madrid
How Liverpool Have Lined Up Recently
Slot has been consistent with his 4-3-3 system, though injuries forced adjustments. Against Burnley on Sunday, Dominik Szoboszlai once again covered at right-back, but with Jeremie Frimpong fully fit, the Dutchman is expected to reclaim his place in the back four. His return restores balance on the right and reignites the partnership with Florian Wirtz.
Read More: PSG Predicted Lineup vs Atalanta for September 17
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate remain the first-choice pairing in central defence. On the left, Andy Robertson is likely to start, with Milos Kerkez offering energy and pace as an option later in the game.
In midfield, Curtis Jones’ injury has left a gap at the base. Ryan Gravenberch has filled it, providing strength and composure in possession. Szoboszlai should return to midfield alongside Wirtz, who has been operating as the advanced playmaker.
Read More: The Best and Worst Players to Wear Liverpool’s Number 9: The Shirt That Crowns or Destroys
The attack has been settled. Mohamed Salah remains the focal point from the right, Hugo Ekitike has impressed leading the line, and Cody Gakpo continues to be trusted on the left. Record signing Alexander Isak is expected to be eased in again from the bench.
Recent Form and Tactics
Liverpool’s start has been lively but uneven. Eight goals from four league matches show their attacking quality, but defensive lapses have been a recurring theme. Twice they let two-goal leads slip, against Bournemouth and Newcastle, before finding late winners. Against Arsenal, they showed greater control in a tighter contest, and at Burnley they again had to push late to get over the line.
Read More: New Champions League Format: The European Super League in UEFA Disguise?
Slot’s tactical blueprint has been clear: aggressive pressing, fast transitions, and intelligent movement in attack. Wirtz has given them a new dynamic in midfield, while Ekitike’s energy has lifted the forward line. Salah remains decisive, and the return of Frimpong offers natural width and pace on the right.
The issue has been concentration. In Europe, lapses will be punished more harshly than in the league. Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone will happily play on Liverpool’s mistakes and thrive on counter-attacks. Slot’s side must show maturity to manage phases of the game, not just overwhelm them.
Team News
Slot confirmed that Jones remains unavailable. Alexis Mac Allister has returned to training and should be in the squad, but is likely to start on the bench. Frimpong is back fit and expected to return to the starting XI. Robertson should start on the left of defence, with Kerkez an option later in the match.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Atlético Madrid
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo
