Verdict: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

Getting their Champions League adventure underway on Wednesday night, Liverpool will welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield.

Liverpool

Starting with the hosts, making major history last season as they secured a record-breaking 20th domestic crown, Liverpool have embarked on a sensational rise since Arne Slot arrived at Anfield. Getting the 2025/26 campaign underway with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Bournemouth, it is no secret that the Reds are pencilled in as a standout contender to defend their Premier League title this time around. Marking their return from September’s international break with a last-gasp 1-0 victory away at top-flight returners Burnley, Liverpool have won all of their first four domestic appearances. With their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine Champions League charge this year, the former Feyenoord boss will be calling on his squad to lay down a European marker on home soil here.

Liverpool Team News

While summer recruit Milos Kerkez might have been pulled after a horror first-half performance at Turf Moor on Sunday, the former Bournemouth defender should keep his spot from the start. However, missing out over the weekend, Liverpool are once again sweating over the fitness of England international Curtis Jones.

Completing what was a blockbuster Deadline Day switch from Newcastle, Alexander Isak should make his Anfield debut on Wednesday night. Hungarian skipper Dominik Szoboszlai could once again start at right-back ahead of Conor Bradley.

Atletico Madrid

As for the visitors, managing to claim what was an essential boost over the weekend as they marked their return from September’s international break with a 2-0 victory at home against Villarreal, Atletico Madrid will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, getting the 2025/26 campaign underway with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Espanyol, Diego Simeone’s men have mustered just a single win from any of their first four La Liga showdowns. Facing what is a monumental challenge when they travel to Anfield on Wednesday night, Atletico have drastically failed to find any kind of stability on their travels. It should also be highlighted, Simeone’s squad slumped to a 2-0 loss when they last travelled to Merseyside for a Champions League battle in November 2021.

Atletico Madrid Team News

Yet to make a single appearance this season and still sidelined with a thigh issue, Atletico Madrid will travel to Anfield without Uruguayan international Jose Maria Gimenez. Likewise, Simeone’s side are also expected to be without big-money summer recruit Thiago Almada here.

While former former Manchester City marksman Julian Alvarez might still be waiting to open his La Liga account, the 25-year-old will play a leading role in attack. Ex-Aston Villa loanee Clement Lenglet should keep his spot at the back and will partner Spanish international Robin Le Normand.

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Key Factors to Consider

• When Liverpool last welcomed Atletico Madrid to Anfield for a Champions League showdown back in November 2021, Wednesday’s hosts collected a 2-0 victory.
• Liverpool have won each of their opening four Premier League appearances and are the only top-flight club to boast a 100% record.
• Atletico Madrid have registered just a single win from any of their first four La Liga appearances this season.
• Simeone’s men have recorded just a sole clean sheet from their previous 14 Champions League appearances.
• Including a late winner away at Turf Moor on Sunday, Mohamed Salah has registered four goals for club and country since opening up the new campaign.

Conclusion

While Atletico Madrid might have finally claimed a maiden La Liga victory over the weekend, Simeone’s struggling squad couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Watching Liverpool coming flying out of the traps since opening up the new campaign, Wednesday’s hosts are the only club across England’s elite that can boast a 100% start to proceedings. Regarded as a standout European contender this season, Slot’s defending Premier League champions will be confident of laying down an early marker at Anfield.

Verdict: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster