Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Champions League Lineup Emerges: Three Rotations Expected, Japan International to Partner Mac Allister, Isak Leads the Attack

At 03:00 Beijing time on September 10, the first round of the Champions League league phase will feature a highly anticipated clash between two strong teams, with Premier League side Liverpool hosting La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

After the start of the new season, Liverpool's form has remained somewhat inconsistent. Under new manager Iraola, the team has recorded just one win and two draws in the first three Premier League matches, collecting five points and temporarily sitting sixth in the Premier League table. As is well known, Liverpool have always had high expectations for the Champions League, so they will continue to place great importance on this season's competition. This match against Atletico Madrid is Liverpool's first Champions League game of the new season, and they will naturally be fully prepared. Spanish manager Iraola will also give his all to prove himself.

In terms of the overall strength comparison between the two teams, they are actually quite evenly matched. Therefore, this is expected to be a fiercely contested match with an uncertain outcome. The following is a brief prediction of the starting lineup Liverpool may use in this game.

In goal, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson is expected to continue guarding Liverpool's net. In defense, for stability, manager Iraola is expected to continue using the team's familiar four-defender formation. The four starting defenders most likely to be selected are Araujo, Van Dijk, Jacquet, and Tsimikas. Among them, Van Dijk and Jacquet would form the center-back pairing, while Tsimikas and deadline-day signing Araujo would operate as the left and right full-backs. Kerkez would be on the bench.

In midfield, without any surprises, Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister is expected to remain the main defensive midfielder responsible for interceptions and ball-winning in Liverpool's central areas. The player expected to partner Mac Allister in a double-pivot midfield setup is Japan international Wataru Endo. Dutch international Gravenberch would be rotated and start on the bench.

Ahead of the two defensive midfielders, German young star Wirtz is expected to operate in an advanced role, directing Liverpool's attacking play. The two wide attackers expected to support Wirtz would be new signing Barcola and Dutch international Gakpo. Victor Munoz would be rotated and remain among the substitutes.

In attack, the team's star striker, Swedish forward Isak, is expected to lead the line, spearheading Liverpool's attacking efforts. Based on the above analysis, Liverpool are expected to rotate three key players against Atletico Madrid: Kerkez, Victor Munoz, and Gravenberch. The predicted starting lineup is: Alisson; Araujo, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Wataru Endo; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.