Atletico Madrid v Liverpool

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Oh well them again. We really owe them one this time and if we could stuff them twice and stop them qualifying that would be even better, but with Porto’s defence it’s unlikely. I will instead settle for a solid win that shows them the way football should be played. Although Klopp has said he was just being grumpy and a bad loser after we lost to them last time out, I think he was right. With the players they have, they could and should play better and more expansive football Simeone seems more frightened of losing than going out to win and to entertain. Klopp and others like Pep have shown both are possible and I know what football I’d rather watch.

Atletico will be well rested for the game after their FA, unlike ours, helped them by postponing their weekend game. Fortunately, Watford took pity on us and turned Saturday’s early kick-off into a practice goal scoring session that also allowed Klopp to make some substitutions to rest players a bit. They owed us that much though after refusing to put back the game to allow us more time to get players back from international duty.

With a confidence boosting win and some players rested, we can also welcome back our Brazilian contingent for an extra boost. Despite the upcoming game against United, I expect and hope Klopp will pick his strongest team to virtually guarantee qualification from the group stage. Team: Alisson, TAA. Matip VVD, Robbo, Fab, Hendo, Milner, Mane Firmino Salah. That leaves the option to sub in Keita and Jota later in the game.

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