Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will meet on Matchday 1 of the Champions League at Anfield on September 17th. Last season, the Reds posted a perfect record during the Group phase of the competition, but lost to PSG in the Round of 16. Arne Slot and the squad are looking for a deeper run this time.

Will Isak Play?

It's possible. At his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot said the former Newcastle striker is in the squad and available for selection.

“Then there is a chance to play,” Slot said. “Normally, I would say 99.9 per cent sure, but I can say it's 100 per cent sure he will not play 90 minutes. But he is part of the squad.

“It is already a Champions League game to look forward to, but if people look forward to his playing time, that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well. The only thing that is sure is he will not play 90, and all the rest you will see tomorrow.”

Attacking On Four Fronts

Liverpool fans were disappointed that the Reds could only lift one trophy last season. Even though it was a big one, the Premier League. They want all four this season and Slot says the team can make a run at all of them.

“I think we are far above my expectations [from] during the summer,” he said. “We all know what happened this summer. We all knew when the schedule came out that we had to face Newcastle away, Arsenal at home and Bournemouth at home and it turned out to be a difficult one at Burnley as well. I expected it but not in the fashion that it happened on Sunday. For us to be on 12 points now is so much more than I expected, especially after we've had so many changes in the group as well. I think we can do better. But we're not every time going to face Newcastle away and Arsenal at home.”

Scouting Madrid

Much like Liverpool, Atletico Madrid have gotten off to a strong start with 3 wins and 1 loss. Also, like Liverpool, they have not blown people away with all those wins coming by one goal. They have 5 different players who have scored 1 goal this year.

LFC Globe Verdict

Liverpool want to get out to a fast start in this match and in the competition. They can't keep relying on late winners all the time. Even so, they will take the win no matter how they get it because Atletico Madrid are tough. I think the home crowd at Anfield proves to be the difference in a 2-1 win.

Where To Watch

Kickoff is set for 20:00 hours and can be seen on TNT Sports. Fans in the USA can stream the action on Paramount+ at 3 p.m. EST