Jürgen Klopp has decried long and hard the demands placed on players during this hectic season so it’s no surprise that his team sheet reflects the number of players lost to injury and the concern to avoid any losing more. Several key players have been let on the bench as Liverpool start with a new-fangled defence and a weakened midfield and attack, though Mohamed Salah returns to the starting lineup. Liverpool’s fringe players have risen to most challenges so far and it will be highly impressive if, for instance, the two young Williamses and the let-back Tsimikas help beat a very attack-minded Atalanta side. And look at that bench: half superstars, half barely known.
Liverpool: Alisson; N Williams, R Williams, Matip, Tsimikas; Jones, Milner, Wijnaldum; Salah, Origi, Mané
Subs: Adrian, Koumetio, Clarkson, Cain, Kelleher, Robertson, Jota, Minamino, Firmino, Fabinho
Atalanta: Golini; Toloi, Romero, Djimisti; Hateboer, De Roon, Freuler, Pessina, Gosens; Gomez, Ilicic
Subs: Panada, Zapata, Miranchuk, Sportiello, Scalvini, Ruggeri, Rossi, Piccini, Mojica, Lammers, Palomino
Referee: C Del Cerro Grande (Spain)