Liverpool travel to Atalanta for the second leg of the Europa League quarter final determined to resuscitate their season, after several disappointing results in a row, including a 3-0 first leg loss at Anfield last week.
The Reds surrendered the initiative in the Premier League title race on Sunday after a shock 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace, and have only won two of their last five Premier League games.
Their downturn in form was no more apparent than in the reverse fixture in Liverpool. Atalanta dominated Liverpool, recording the highest xG (2.58) by a visiting team at Anfield since Manchester City in February 2021. Gianluca Scamacca, who scored three goals in his solitary season in the Premier League, scored a brace and bullied the Liverpool defense.
There has never been an instance of a team overturning a three goal deficit away from home in the Europa League. If Liverpool want to make the semi-finals, they’ll have to make history.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Atalanta vs Liverpool is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Stadio di Bergamo in Bergamo will host the match.
Where to watch Atalanta vs Liverpool
TV channel: The game will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage starts at 7:00 pm.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream online via the Discovery+ app or website.
Live blog: Follow all the action live tonight with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.
Atalanta vs Liverpool team news
Thiago Alcantara, Ben Doak and Joel Matip have all been ruled out.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Alisson all made their return from injury against Crystal Palace, and will be in contention to start on Thursday. Conor Bradley has been ruled out.
Stefan Bajcetic featured for the U21s last Friday, but did not make the squad against Crystal Palace and is being eased back into first team football, so did not travel.
Atalanta have a mostly clean bill of health aside from Giorgio Scalvini, who has been ruled out with a biceps injury. Sead Kolasinac came off the bench against Verona after missing two games with a thigh injury, and could be in line to start against Liverpool.
Atalanta vs Liverpool prediction
Liverpool will be out for blood after several disappointing results in a row, although a three goal deficit will be too much to overcome.
Liverpool to win, 2-1 (agg. 4-2)
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Atalanta: 2
Draws: 0
Liverpool: 1
Atalanta vs Liverpool match odds
Atalanta: 10/3
Draw (90 mins): 7/2
Liverpool: 13/20
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
