class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The top two sides in Champions League Group D face off in Italy on Tuesday and our tipster is backing plenty of action between these attacking teams
Liverpool can take a giant step towards the Champions League knockout stages when they travel to Atalanta on Tuesday night.
The Premier League champions opened with a 1-0 win at Ajax thanks to an own goal from Nicolas Tagliafico, before grinding out an unconvincing victory at home to Midtjylland, putting them in the driving seat of Group D.
Atalanta have picked up where they left off last season with a series of high-scoring wins in Serie A, and will be in good spirits after coming back from two goals down to take a point against Ajax last time out.
Atalanta vs Liverpool Latest Odds
Liverpool’s away form has been intermittent at best, having won just five of their last 15 matches outside of Anfield, but bet365 make them Evens (2.0) favourites to maintain their 100 per cent record in the group stage.
Atalanta have only claimed one win from their last three games in all competitions and are priced as 11/5 (3.20) outsiders to leapfrog the Reds and climb atop Group D.
The 2-2 draw with Ajax was the first time in 12 outings that the hosts played out a stalemate on their own turf and it is 16/5 (4.20) that the sides share the points when Jurgen Klopp’s men visit the Stadio di Bergamo.
Atalanta vs Liverpool Team News
Mattia Caldara, Marco Carnesecchi, Cristiano Piccini and Marten de Roon are all injured for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Liverpool are without Virgil van Dijk, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho and Kostas Tsimikas, while Naby Keita, Joel Matip and Thiago all face late fitness tests.
Atalanta vs Liverpool Preview
This fixture would pose a tough test for Liverpool even with a full-strength side but with only one senior centre-back likely to be at their disposal, it is even more difficult.
Atalanta have scored 17 in just six Serie A games this term, whilst in the Champions League they have scored six times from 17 shots on target and they should have little problem creating more opportunities against a Liverpool side missing a raft of players at the back.
Klopp’s side have also scored 17 league goals and have recorded five or more shots on target in all but one of their matches in all competitions, meaning they too are unlikely to struggle in front of goal against an Atalanta side with only one clean sheet this season.
Atalanta vs Liverpool Tips and Predictions
Over 9.5 shots on target in the match pays out at Evens (2.0) with bet365 and that looks good value for this clash, having paid out in both of Atalanta’s Champions League matches as well as in Liverpool’s win at Ajax.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.