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#3 Key absentees a problem for Atletico Madrid's defense
Atletico Madrid will be without their first-choice centre-backs against Liverpool. Stefan Savic remains suspended for the game, while Jose Gimenez has been ruled out due to injury. Diego Simeone's team is known for their rigid defense and cohesive organization but missing key players will be a major concern for the Argentine coach.
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Atletico Madrid's defensive woes extend beyond defense as well, with Matheus Cunha also ruled out for the fixture due to injury. Marcos Llorente is also in doubt as he carries a knock and it is unlikely that he will be risked for the match.
With numerous key players ruled out of the fixture, Diego Simeone is expected to start midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia in defense. Injuries are part and parcel of the game but it is bound to play a major role when the team is facing a formidable foe like Liverpool.
#2 Liverpool's attacking trio to grab headlines
Liverpool owe their perfect start to the new campaign to their front three - Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. After a below-par performance the previous season, the attacking trio are back to their very best. They seem to be scoring goals for fun and dictating the games with effortless ease.
The blistering form of their attacking trio has seen Liverpool make a flying start to the new campaign. Salah is among the best forwards in the world, bagging ten goals and four assists so far. Sadio Mane and Firmino have both racked up six goals each in all competitions, proving very difficult to deal with for opposition defenders.
With all three players in such explosive form, one (or more) of them will likely grab the headlines with their performance against Atletico Madrid.
#1 Liverpool to outscore Atletico Madrid to emerge as winners
There is little doubt that both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are strong opponents and it will be a closely contested fight. Atletico Madrid are known for their staunch defense while Liverpool are firing on all cylinders which sets it up to be a juicy encounter.
It is difficult to predict such a close encounter as the quality of both the teams are up to the highest levels. Liverpool are still expected to win, though, considering the form they are in but Atletico Madrid will certainly pose a tough challenge. With key players missing for Atletico, it is likely the Reds will use the advantage in their favor to win the important tie.
