Atalanta BC - Liverpool predictions and free betting tips [18/04/2024]

On Thursday, 18th April, in the second-leg tie of the European League quarter-final, Atalanta will host Liverpool on their home ground. La Dea sensationally thrashed the Merseysiders at Anfield with a 0:3 score, however, the visitors are not unaccustomed to making up for such a handicap in the playoff stages of continental championships.

Projected Lineups

Atalanta: Musso; De Roon, Djimsiti, Hien; Zappacosta, Pasalic, Ederson, Rudiger; Kopmeiners; Scamacca, De Ketelaere.

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Elliott; Salah, Jota, Dias.

Atalanta

Without a doubt, Bergamo's Atalanta created the biggest surprise last week, delivering a great result at Anfield. The Italians dominated Liverpool within their own walls, winning 0:3, which enables them to prepare for the return match with a comfortable advantage – all thanks to Gianluca Scamacca's double and Mario Pasalic's goal. This performance was even more unexpected considering La Dea had a tough time overcoming Sporting in the previous round (3:2 on the aggregate of two matches) and currently holds only the 6th position in the Serie A standings. Gian Piero Gasperini's team also suffered a 2:1 defeat from Cagliari last weekend, while on the previous Monday, they drew with Verona. Overall, the blue-and-white team is undoubtedly in a crisis: the triumph at Anfield was just the hosts' third win in their last 11 matches in all tournaments.

Aside from the injured centre-back Scalvini, Atalanta is preparing for this game in optimal condition. Sead Kolasinac has returned to the squad after a minor injury and is likely to appear on the defensive flank on Thursday, as well as Marten de Roon, who missed out last week due to a suspension. Gianluca Scamacca (8 goals in Serie A) was the hero of the match at Anfield and will again lead Bergamo's attack, while the Croatian Pasalic will be responsible for creativity in midfield. Nigerian Lukman (8 goals and 3 assists in Serie A) will appear on the left flank of the attack, supported by Dutchman Kopmeiners (11 goals, 3 assists in Serie A) and his compatriot de Ketelaere.

Liverpool

Last week, Liverpool was humiliated with a 0:3 scoreline in front of their own fans. After some unforgivable defensive blunders, the Reds now face the task of rectifying the situation in the return leg away from home. However, all is not lost for Jurgen Klopp's charges as in the previous round, they decimated Slavia Prague both at home (6:1) and away (1:5). Meanwhile, the Merseysiders are still in contention for the Premier League title, despite a costly mistake last Sunday – they lost at Anfield to Crystal Palace (0:1) and thus allowed Manchester City to overtake them in the league table – Eberechi Eze condemned Liverpool to their first home failure in the national championship in almost 18 months. A piece of good news for the club fans: the Reds have scored in all away matches of the current campaign.

One of the few pieces of good news last week was the return of Portuguese striker Diogo Jota, who played the last 15 minutes against Atalanta. Goalkeeper Alisson and defender Trent Alexander-Arnold are also expected to start on Thursday. However, youngster Bradley picked up an injury against the Eagles and will not be in the squad. Additionally, Thiago Alcantara, Bayatich and Matip remain in the infirmary. Egyptian Salah (16 goals, 9 assists in the Premier League) and Colombian Luis Dias (8 goals, 4 assists in the Premier League) will take their places on the attacking flanks, while Uruguayan Nunez (10 goals, 7 assists in the Premier League) will lead the line. The guests' defence will be cemented by Frenchman Konate and Van Dijk.

Head-to-Head

Before last week's match, these teams had only met in the group stage of the 2020-2021 Champions League. At that time, the Reds dominated in Bergamo (0:5), and later the Italians took their revenge at Anfield (0:2).

Atalanta - Liverpool match prediction

If Liverpool wants to keep their chances alive for making it to the semi-finals, they will need to charge towards their opponent's goal from the first minute. Jota's return to the squad certainly adds confidence and versatility to the Reds' attack, especially as Atalanta played in the championship a day later and, with all due respect, is outclassed by the Merseysiders. I believe Liverpool will surely win – it's just a question of whether this will be enough for them to progress further.