Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid predictions, team news, betting tips and odds

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid kick-off, date & TV info 

Date Wednesday, September 17
Kick-off 8pm
Venue Anfield, Liverpool
Competition Champions League
TV TNT Sports 1

Premier League champions Liverpool kick off their Champions League campaign against Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Liverpool fans are hoping that new striker Alexander Isak will make his debut for the club but Atletico's star forward Julian Alvarez has been ruled out of the trip to Merseyside. 

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Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid betting tips & predictions

Best bet

Liverpool -1 on handicap
2pts 7-5 Hills

Player shots

Dominik Szoboszlai to have a shot on target
5-4 bet365

Longshot

Conor Gallagher to be shown the first card
9-1 bet365

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid preview 

Liverpool finished top of the new-look Champions League table last season before losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 and Arne Slot's men should make another fast start to their European campaign.

Running into a PSG side who went on to thrash Inter 5-0 in the final was tough on Liverpool, who were hoping for a softer draw after winning seven of their eight league-phase fixtures.

Those successes included home wins over Bologna (2-0), Bayer Leverkusen (4-0), Real Madrid (2-0) and Lille (2-1) so Atletico Madrid can expect a tough visit to Merseyside.

In March 2020 Atletico scored three extra-time goals to seal a dramatic 4-2 aggregate win at Anfield in the Champions League last 16.

That was the final game played in England before sport was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic but Liverpool and Atletico also met in the 2021-22 group stage.

The Reds did the double over Atletico, racing into a 2-0 lead early on in both games, and they are an appealing bet to record a convincing win.

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Diego Simeone's Atletico appear to be on the wane, having kept Barcelona and Real on their toes in La Liga for many years.

They were unfortunate to go out of the Champions League to Real on penalties last term, when Julian Alvarez's spot-kick was disallowed on the 'double-touch' rule, but they look a class below Liverpool this season.

The Reds started their title defence with four straight wins although they were drawing until the 88th, 100th, 83rd and 95th minutes of those victories.

Title rivals Arsenal had just one shot on target in their 1-0 defeat at Anfield on August 31 and Alvarez's injury leaves Atletico short of attacking inspiration.

They took just two points from their first three La Liga matches against Espanyol, Elche and Alaves before an unconvincing 2-0 home win over Villarreal on Saturday.

Simeone's men were thrashed 4-0 by Benfica on their first Champions League trip of 2024-25 and they may struggle to keep Liverpool's forwards quiet.

Keep faith in shooting star Szoboszlai 

Dominik Szoboszlai has been one of the Reds' early-season stars, scoring a brilliant free-kick in their victory over Arsenal.

No player had more than his six shots in Liverpool's win at Burnley on Sunday and he should be full of confidence coming into the clash with Atletico.

Gallagher set for testing return to England

Simeone has selection issues to solve after Atletico's bruising weekend win over Villarreal and Conor Gallagher may start in an unfamiliar left-sided midfield role.

The England international could be kept busy by Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah and Jeremie Frimpong down Liverpool's right flank. He was booked 37 times in his four Premier League campaigns for West Brom, Crystal Palace and Chelsea and looks a nice price to receive the first card at Anfield.

Key stats for Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid

♦ Liverpool won their first seven league-phase fixtures in last season's Champions League
♦ The Reds have scored five goals in the 83rd minute or later in their first four Premier League matches this season
♦ Liverpool have won five of their last 11 Champions League home games by a 2-0 scoreline
♦ Atletico Madrid have lost eight of their last 14 Champions League away fixtures
♦ There have been over 2.5 goals in 12 of Atletico's last 13 Champions League games

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid betting odds

Sign up with Betfair to bet on Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Here are the latest odds for Wednesday's match.

Odds correct at time of publishing

Want more top football betting advice? Make sure you take a look at Racing Post Sport's tips for more of the latest picks from our experts.

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid team news and predicted line-ups

Liverpool

Curtis Jones is likely to miss out as he did not train on Tuesday. Alexis Mac Allister may drop to the bench after going off at half-time at Burnley and Alexander Isak is likely to be among the substitutes.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Subs: Isak, Mac Allister, Bradley, Gomez, Endo, Chiesa, Kerkez

Atletico Madrid

Forward Julian Alvarez has not travelled, joining Jose Gimenez, Alex Baena, Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada on the sidelines. Nico Gonzalez, Robin Le Normand and David Hancko will be assessed after coming off injured against Villarreal on Saturday.

Predicted line-up (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Sorloth
Subs: Galan, Gonzalez, Hancko, Molina, Raspadori, Seidu, Martin

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Place a max £1 bet on “Over 0.5 Goals” in the Over/Under Goals market in Liverpool v Aston Villa on Saturday 1st November. Winnings paid in cash at normal odds and are topped up to the enhanced price in Free bet builder Bets. Free bet builder bets are valid 30 days, only deposits with cards & ApplePay are eligible. Excludes multiples & in-play bets. T&C's apply. Please gamble responsibly.

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FAQs for Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid

When is Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid in the Champions League?

The match kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, September 17.

Where is Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid being played?

The Champions League game between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid is taking place at Anfield in Liverpool.

Where can I watch Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid?

There is live coverage of Wednesday's match on TNT Sports 1.

What is the match betting for Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid?

Liverpool are 1-2 favourites to beat 4-1 visitors Atletico Madrid and the draw can be backed at 13-5.

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