Liverpool find themselves in an uncomfortable position ahead of their Europa League quarter-final second leg with Atalanta this Thursday.
The Reds suffered an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat in the first leg last week and now need to win by three or more goals to have any hope of progressing to the final four. Given they are without a win in three and have lost their last two without scoring, a legendary turnaround appears unlikely.
Jurgen Klopp’s side fell to another defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace at the weekend and confidence will not be too high travelling to Italy. However, the Liverpool boss has seen a few of his star performers return from injury in recent weeks, boosting hopes of a miraculous comeback this Thursday.
Here is how Liverpool could line up for their trip to Atalanta.
GK: Alisson – The Brazilian returned to the starting lineup against Palace and made some impressive stops during his first start since early February. Caoimhin Kelleher has been used in the Europa League so far this term, but may have to settle for a spot on the bench for the rest of the campaign.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – An injury to Conor Bradley means it’s between Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez for a starting berth. Despite only just returning from injury, the former may be utilised as Liverpool look for an attacking threat from deep.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – The Frenchman will have to perform better than he did during the first leg, keeping closer tabs on former West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Even the imperious skipper hasn’t been able to prevent Liverpool from leaking goals in recent games, but his leadership will be key in Italy as the Reds search for a first clean sheet since early March.
LB: Andy Robertson – One of the few that has shown the necessary fighting spirit over the past ten days, the left-back will work tirelessly for Liverpool in both halves this Thursday.
CM: Harvey Elliott – The poor recent form of Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones means that Elliott may be handed a start. The Englishman has been better from the bench this season but has a chance to cement a regular starting berth with a positive display at the Gewiss Stadium.
CM: Wataru Endo – Despite not having been himself in recent games, the Japan international remains key to unlocking the potential of Liverpool’s more advanced central midfield players.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – The World Cup winner has been a bright spark for the Reds over the past few months and has thrived in a box-to-box role where he can dictate play in the opposition half.
RW: Mohamed Salah – There have been huge question marks over his form following his return from injury, but Salah is still Salah. He remains a guaranteed starter for Liverpool and you would back him to find his shooting boots soon.
ST: Cody Gakpo – One of the few players to have come away with any credit from the recent defeats, it’s time for Gakpo to be handed a run in the side. The Dutchman has shown positive signs either from the left or through the middle and should replace the misfiring Darwin Nunez.
LW: Diogo Jota – Restricted to cameos since coming back from a two-month absence, the clinical Portuguese forward will need to be at his prolific best as Liverpool search for at least three goals in Bergamo.
