Liverpool and Atlético Madrid meet at Anfield for the second season running in the Champions League. The Reds are targeting a repeat of their victory from last September.

Liverpool hoping Isak’s time has come

It was a frustrating first year at Liverpool for Alexander Isak, who struggled with injuries following his summer 2025 move from Newcastle. However, with three goals in three Premier League outings so far this term, the Swede looks to have found his stride.

Isak will get support from recent signing Bradley Barcola in this game. The Frenchman is ready to make his full debut. He netted twice and contributed four assists in 16 appearances as PSG successfully defended their European crown last term.

Andoni Iraola will need to cope without four injured players. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitiké, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni will all miss out, while Federico Chiesa has not been included in the squad for this competition.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.

Atlético Madrid to turn to Álvarez after heavy loss

A 3-0 defeat away to Athletic Club was a major weekend setback for Atlético Madrid. They’ve been playing without a natural striker in recent weeks, but Julián Álvarez could be in line for his first start of the season at Anfield.

Álvarez was keen to leave the club in the summer, which contributed to him barely featuring in the opening league games. He now has little choice but to put a lengthy saga behind him. The Argentine netted 10 times in 15 appearances in last term’s Champions League.

Alexander Sørloth is the only major injury doubt for the visitors, but new signing Jonathan David is also short on fitness. That may mean Álex Baena is deployed as the second striker.

Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Lookman; Álvarez, Baena.

Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Liverpool to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.22 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid
  • 22Bet Booking Code: KXS9E

Key stats:

  • Liverpool won each of the last three meetings between the clubs.
  • The Premier League side lost just one of their previous 10 competitive home fixtures.
  • Atlético Madrid lost five of their last eight away games in all competitions.

Atlético Madrid conceded three goals after the break to lose in Bilbao on Saturday, as they dropped points for the second time in three league outings. They are short on options in attack, and there are still defensive doubts about a side who conceded 2.29 goals per game on average on the road in the 2025/26 Champions League.

Liverpool are unbeaten in three competitive outings so far under Iraola. They take momentum into this match following a 2-0 victory over Ipswich, and they’re a safe pick to win or draw.

Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Liverpool to win & Both teams to score
  • Odds: 3.1 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: FL79E

Three of the previous four clashes between these clubs ended with 3-2 scorelines. Liverpool won by that margin when they faced off a year ago, and they offer value to triumph again in a contest that sees both teams score.

Since they were knocked out of last season’s Champions League, eight of the nine competitive games involving the Merseyside outfit have produced goals at each end.

Verdict: Liverpool to win or draw (1.22) — Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid