In-form Liverpool head back to the scene of their 2019 Champions League final win with a trip to the Wanda Metropolitano for tonight’s meeting with Atletico Madrid.
The match is also a repeat of the round of 16 clash that ended Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of winning back-to-back Champions League titles in 2020, having been beaten 4-2 on aggregate just before the Covid-19 pandemic led to lockdowns across the world.
Since then, Liverpool have recovered a swathe of first-team players from long-term injuries, while Diego Simeone’s men have lifted their second LaLiga title under his watch.
As things stand in Group B, it is the Premier League giants in control of proceedings, having won two from two thus far, though Atletico could leapfrog them in the standings with a win in the Spanish capital.
Klopp, who has backed star man Mohamed Salah for the 2021 Ballon d’Or award following his stunning run of form, largely has a full squad from which to choose. Although midfield duo Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara will miss out, the German’s hopes of maintaining his side’s lead atop the group have been boosted by the return of Alisson Becker.
The goalkeeper missed Saturday’s win away at Watford after playing for Brazil during the international break and duly flew straight to Spain.
In order to avoid the UK’s quarantine regulations, both he and Fabinho - who is on the bench - will stay there until Thursday after playing against Colombia, one of the few remaining countries on the red travel list.
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Keïta, Milner, Henderson, Salah, Firmino, Mané.
Tuesday 19th October 8pm BST
Venue Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid.
Injured: Thiago (calf), Harvey Elliott (ankle), Curtis Jones (fitness)