Atleti to go into battle for us
One of the in form teams in Europe in Liverpool play host to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening currently sitting pretty at the top of Group B. The Mattress Makers may be inspired by their dramatic win over the Reds in the knockout stages of the 2019/20 competition. Diego Simeone loves the big occasion and the side may be spurred on by the occasion at Anfield. Antoine Griezmann has been back to his best since returning from Barcelona and Luis Suarez is always dangerous in a big game regardless of his age. Liverpool were pegged back to a 2-2 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend and have a difficult trip to West Ham United at the weekend to consider in terms of team selection.
Background
The Reds are cruising through the knockout stages however, it is a strong group and if they take their foot off the gas they may have to sweat in the last two matchdays. Jurgen Klopp will see this as an excellent opportunity to all but seal top spot before pondering how to tackle David Moyes’ Hammers at the weekend.
Atleti have got slightly more attacking in the last year or so. Slightly. The Mattress Makers will take great confidence from their triumph to the La Liga title last season and will fancy their chances of retaining it. The Champions League becomes less of a priority with a realistic chance of a domestic crown.
Liverpool are rightful favourites but too short for me. The numbers cannot measure Atleti stepping up to the plate with past success in their minds and the Reds have exerted a lot of energy in their breathtaking displays in the Premier League of late.
Goals?
A both teams to score no punt looks a little enticing but I will not be getting involved with a goals angle in this encounter.
- Liverpool have scored in all of their last 15.
- Liverpool have conceded in five of ten.
- Liverpool have seen both teams score in five of ten.
- Liverpool have seen over 2.5 goals in nine of ten.
- Atleti have scored in seven of ten.
- Atleti have conceded in six of ten.
- Atleti have seen both teams score in five of ten.
- Atleti have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
I feel comfortable handing Atleti and Diego Simeone a goal headstart to defend for us as after all they have a lot more to do than the hosts to get out of this group. Both teams would be content with a draw.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
I was wrong to oppose Liverpool in the form they are in at the moment, 2-0.