Starting XI: How should Liverpool line up against Atalanta?

By Adam Brown (@AdamMNVi) A comfortable victory over Leicester City cast aside any worries that Liverpool may struggle without key players as the Reds once again reacted to adversity. Joel Matip and Fabinho looked like they had played together for a decade; Klopp’s defence won’t break as long as those two are fit. Atalanta are up next in a Champions League group where Liverpool have taken control with a perfect record. La Dea manager Gian Piero Gasperini could face a similar scoreline if lessons aren’t learned from the first game – the Italian’s style didn’t match well with the Klopp counter-press with Diogo Jota profiting more than anyone. It’s difficult to imagine a scenario where the Reds don’t win the group from here. The Reds should rest players here while giving valuable minutes to those on the fringes.

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Here’s how we should line up: Three changes to the back four see Rhys Williams, Kostas Tsimikas and Neco Williams come in. Andy Robertson was faultless against the Foxes, but the Scotsman isn’t worth risking. Klopp hinted at the pre-match press conference that Thiago could be available on Wednesday night. The Liverpool manager told reporters: “No news, we will see. “I have no idea who Atalanta can bring so why should we give any information?” It’s been too long. The Spanish international start even if for an hour. Milner and Shaqiri complete the midfield with a chance to rest Wijnaldum. Mohamed Salah is the last player Atalanta want to see on the teamsheet after the Egyptian king torched the defence on a counter-attack from two corner kicks. Salah has trained this week and is all-clear from Covid-19. Takumi Minamino comes in after making just one start this season. Klopp reported that the Japanese attacker has been training well, but it would be unsurprising to see Roberto Firmino keep his place to develop some scoring rhythm. Unless Atalanta have developed a new defensive system to cope with Liverpool’s dynamic attack, the Reds should once again have too much for the Serie a side. Score prediction: Liverpool 4 – 1 Atalanta  How does Chris think Liverpool will line up? Check out the Starting XI Prediction Show below!