It is an unchanged XI on show for Liverpool barring Alisson’s return between the sticks on their travels to the Spanish capital city to face off against La Liga champions Atletico Madrid in the Champions League group stage fixture.
Jurgen Klopp decides against making any outfield changes to his side that last turned out at Vicarage Road to secure a 5-0 thumping win over Watford on Saturday.
Joel Matip starts again alongside Van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk, who was subject to lavish praise from his boss Jurgen Klopp in the build-up to the game, partners Joel Matip in the heart of the Liverpool backline.
Many had expected some well-earned rest for Matip with Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate waiting in the wings but Klopp has other plans on his mind for the midweek contest.
A hat-trick against Watford means Firmino retains his spot
Diogo Jota is on the bench once again with last weekend’s hat-trick hero Roberto Firmino partnering Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane up top on the pitch for the visitors.
Firmino had been terrific in front of the goal last time around and will be hoping to deliver once again when squaring up against an impressive Atletico Madrid defensive lineup.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Champions League fixture:
Atletico Madrid FC XI
Your Atleti starting XI 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/g2a2tUzzmZ
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 19, 2021
Liverpool FC XI
🟡 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🔴
How we line up for #ATMLIV 👊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 19, 2021
