Paul Merson believes that one team ‘could be blown away’ when Liverpool welcome Atlético Madrid to Anfield tomorrow night.
The Reds will be looking to build on recent strong showings after resounding wins over Qarabag and Newcastle, with Arne Slot’s side carrying positive momentum into the Champions League clash.
Atlético, under Diego Simeone, remain typically stubborn and organised, but they arrive with questions over their away form and defensive consistency against top-level attacking sides.
Merson explains Liverpool v Atlético Madrid prediction
In his latest predictions column for Sportskeeda, Merson explained why he’s backing Liverpool to take the points against the Spanish side.
He wrote: ‘I’d be shocked if Liverpool lost this football match! They have bounced back well after conceding that last-minute winner against Bournemouth – 10 goals in the two games since then shows they are clicking in attack.
‘Atlético Madrid always make it difficult and sit deep, but they still give chances away on the break and from set-pieces. You check their results and they look solid on paper, but the reality is they can be got at when teams press high and move the ball quickly.
Liverpool are not lackadaisical in front of goal. Atlético, meanwhile, can look all over the place when the game opens up and could be blown away at Anfield.
‘Liverpool’s attack is really clicking with Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah. It’s like Atlético have quality in midfield but Liverpool have three X-factors lined up next to each other as part of their front three.’
In forecasting a 3-1 home win, Merson concluded: ‘If the game opens up and it becomes a “you have a shot, we have a shot” type of match, then Liverpool will run away with it.
‘Atlético have to stay in the tie and keep it tight, but even a draw leaves them with work to do. I expect Liverpool to take control and win.’
Liverpool v Atlético Madrid could be a high-scoring thriller
Merson’s firm confidence in Liverpool to emerge victorious contrasts with more cautious takes from some pundits predicting a tighter contest or a draw, underlining how difficult these European nights can be to call.
While the increasingly effective chemistry between Wirtz and Ekitike in particular has made the Reds more potent in attack, results such as the defeat at Bournemouth illustrate that there’s still a vulnerability that a well-drilled side like Atlético could try to exploit.
However, Simeone’s team have also shown moments of fragility away from home against sides that can stretch them, and the raucous Anfield atmosphere under the lights often proves decisive in these fixtures.
Considering the attacking quality Liverpool possess and the tactical battle that awaits, this game has the potential to be an open, high-scoring encounter rather than a pure grind.
It’s a tough one to call, but with the weaponry Liverpool have up front and the expected intensity at Anfield, the hope is that the Reds can edge it and take a big step in the Champions League.
