Defending champions Liverpool will travel to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium to take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Round of 16 tie in the Champions League. The Reds were able to win their sixth Champions League title in this stadium, so Klopp and his men will have happy memories of this place.
Once feared for their doggedness and ability to grind out wins, Atletico Madrid are coming into this game on the back of a wretched run of form as they have won just once in their last seven games in all competitions. Hence, they would understandably go in as the underdogs.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are just breezing through to the Premier League title in record time and everything seems to be going their way. However, Simeone and his men have the ability to produce a masterclass from time to time, and they would hope to keep the tie alive going into the second leg at Anfield. Klopp meanwhile is yet to lose a two-legged European encounter since he arrived at Liverpool.
Team News: Sadio Mane played a cameo against Norwich, so he is fit to go. Xherdan Shaqiri is the only notable absentee for Klopp.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup Vs Atletico Madrid
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Alisson Becker is a nailed-on starter in goal. In fact, Liverpool have a settled backline, and Klopp is unlikely to change much from that. Andrew Robertson should start at left-back. Virgil van Dijk will be in his usual central defensive role. Joe Gomez has been a revelation in the past few months, and he is set to start again over the likes of Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also the likely name to feature in the back four from the right.
Midfield
Fabinho could be drafted in the team in the defensive midfield position. With Fabinho coming in, Jordan Henderson will take up a more advanced role after filling in for the Brazilian in the past few weeks. There might be some debate on who would be the third midfielder. However, Klopp is likely to rely on the steady Georginio Wijnaldum for this big game. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita might have to be content with a place on the bench.
Attack
Sadio Mane was a slight worry for Liverpool in the past week, but he showed that he was up to speed when he scored the winner off the bench against Norwich. He should feature on the left-wing. Mohamed Salah will be in his usual right flank position. Roberto Firmino would play in the typical false 9 role.
