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Liverpool are set to lock horns with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in a high voltage encounter in the UEFA Champions League. The Group B encounter between the two European powerhouses remains one of the main attractions of matchday three in the UEFA Champions League.
Liverpool are currently enjoying a perfect start to their campaign under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp. The Reds are unbeaten in the Premier League and in the UEFA Champions League so far this season. Liverpool have scored eight goals in their two UEFA Champions League matches, dispatching Porto ruthlessly in a 5-1 victory in their last match.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are second in the Group B table after securing four points from their first two matches in the UEFA Champions League. After a draw against Porto, Diego Simeone's men left it late to clinch victory against Milan. Despite not being at their best, Los Rojiblancos will take confidence from their superior head-to-head record against Liverpool.
Today, we will make our predictions regarding the high-voltage fixture. Now, without further ado, let us take a look at
Top 5 predictions as Atletico Madrid host Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League
#5 Luis Suarez to score against his former club
After helping Atletico Madrid win La Liga last season, Luis Suarez has continued his good form in the new campaign. The Uruguayan sharpshooter is not getting any younger but he has proved to be lethal in times of need for Atletico Madrid. Suarez was key for the La Liga champions as his late goal helped them snatch victory against Milan.
Suarez has already racked up five goals and an assist in all competitions this season. With Antoine Griezmann not up to his very best just yet, Atletico will once again rely on the 34-year old to score some goals against Liverpool. With another important fixture on the horizon, it is likely that Suarez will give his best and score a goal or two for his team - against his former club.
#4 Liverpool to lose midfield battle
There is little doubt about Liverpool's quality in midfield, with the presence of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Naby Keita in their ranks among significant others. Yet the Reds' midfielders are set to face an uphill task against Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid are perfectly balanced with players like Koke, Yannick Carrasco and Thomas Lemar bringing more intensity, more pace and more decisiveness to their play. Moreover, the addition of talented Rodrigo de Paul is a bonus with the Argentine showcasing his caliber in the Copa America.
With key absentees like Harvey Elliot and Thiago, Liverpool are set to struggle in the midfield battle. Although it will be very close, our guess is that Atletico Madrid midfielders will edge ahead in this battle.
#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.
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.
