Liverpool lineups vs. Atletico Madrid – Isak to start and full-back changes?

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Liverpool lineups vs. Atletico Madrid – Isak to start and full-back changes?

Alexander Isak could be one of a number of players rotated into Liverpool’s starting lineup for the visit of Atletico Madrid, but Arne Slot will still name a strong side.

The Reds host Atletico in their opening game of the Champions League‘s league phase three days after their 1-0 win at Burnley and three days before the Merseyside derby.

It means Slot is almost certain to employ rotation, with the head coach wary of overusing particular players as the busy schedule kicks in.

Here’s how Liverpool could line up against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Team news

From Liverpool’s open training session and Slot’s pre-match press conference, we know the following:

• Curtis Jones is not yet available having also missed the win at Burnley

• Stefan Bajcetic still training separately after hamstring surgery

• Alexis Mac Allister is fit after knock to ankle vs. Burnley

• Federico Chiesa not registered but Jayden Danns trained and available

Liverpool’s XI vs. Atletico

There is a sense of certainty around at least one change from the weekend’s at Turf Moor, with Andy Robertson primed for his first start of the season in place of Milos Kerkez.

An alteration is also likely at right-back, with Dominik Szoboszlai shifting back into midfield, while the temptation to start Isak – who Slot believes is ready for at least 45 minutes – could spark a switch in attack.

With that in mind, Liverpool could line up like this:

• Robertson and Conor Bradley flank the first-choice centre-backs

• Szoboszlai takes over from Alexis Mac Allister in midfield

• Isak replaces Hugo Ekitike up front after five consecutive starts

Those changes would see this following XI:

Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

There could be other changes, too, not least as Slot has two fit right-backs available and no distinguished first choice.

Jeremie Frimpong may be preferred to Bradley after his impactful cameo against Burnley, while in midfield there is a chance Ryan Gravenberch is given a rest.

Meanwhile it is not guaranteed that Ekitike will step out of the side even if Isak comes in, with an alternative lineup as below:

• Frimpong starts over Bradley at right-back

• Wataru Endo replaces Gravenberch in the No. 6 role

• Ekitike moves to the left wing with Isak centre-forward

That would mean this XI:

Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike; Isak

Even with as many as four changes to the starting lineup Liverpool would pose a formidable threat to Atletico – currently 11th in LaLiga after an awful start to the season.

That is particularly the case at Anfield, and with Isak given his first exposure to Slot’s side after a record-breaking transfer, it should be a compelling watch as the Champions League begins.