Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Reds have won their three league matches this season without being convincing. Atleti took just two points from their first three La Liga matches but picked up a much-needed win on Saturday.

Match: Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
When: Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Liverpool Form

The Reds had a slow finish to last season after winning the title. They lost 3-1 away at Chelsea and drew 2-2 at Arsenal. A 3-2 loss at Brighton and a 1-1 home draw vs Crystal Palace concluded the season. This term started with a loss on penalties to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield after drawing 2-2.

Liverpool needed two late goals to beat Bournemouth 4-2 on the opening day before a very late goal to win 3-2 at ten-man Newcastle having led 2-0. They produced just 0.52 xG in a 1-0 win over Arsenal and needed a 95th-minute penalty to win 1-0 at Burnley. The Reds put up 2.65 xG and 27 shots in that win.

Liverpool Team News

Curtis Jones is one of two midfield injury concerns for this match. Alexis Mac Allister had to be substituted over the weekend after a bad tackle on his ankle. Milos Kerkez is set to start at left back after his early withdrawal against Burnley.

Alexander Isak is set to make his debut. Coach Arne Slot has confirmed that he won’t play 90 minutes, so he either starts and goes off, or he features from the bench.

Liverpool Motivation

Arne Slot’s team could easily have drawn all four of their league matches so far. They need an improved and more controlled performance in this match.

Nothing less than a win will do to start their European campaign. They won’t settle for a draw at any stage and will throw on extra attackers if needed.

Atletico Madrid Form

Atleti struggled from March of last season, losing five of nine matches at one point. They exited the Champions League on penalties to Real Madrid after winning the second leg 1-0. They rallied a bit to win three of their last four La Liga matches, scoring four goals each time.

After a group stage exit at the Club World Cup, they made a difficult start to this season. A 2-1 loss at Espanyol on the opening day was followed by two 1-1 draws, at home to Elche and away at Alaves. On Saturday, they ground out a much-needed 2-0 home win over Villarreal.

Atletico Madrid News

Diego Simeone could be without as many as five players. Jose Gimenez is injured in defence and Julian Alvarez is unavailable in attack due to a knee injury.

Left winger Alex Baena has a knee injury, while midfielder Johnny Cardoso has an ankle complaint. Thiago Almada is another absentee for this big match.            

Atletico Madrid Motivation

Confidence in the camp is not at its best. They would almost certainly feel like a point at Anfield is like a win.

Simeone’s side have little choice but to play defensively. They will pick and choose their moments to attack and try to nick a result.

Key Stats

Liverpool have won their last 4 matches

Liverpool have conceded 15 goals in their last 7 fixtures

Atletico Madrid have just 1 win in their 4 matches this season

Atleti have lost 8 of their last 14 away Champions League matches

Verdict

Liverpool are far from flying but they have enough to beat an off-colour Atletico Madrid. If Isak starts, he is a great tip to score on debut.

Featured Bet: Liverpool win, Over 2.5 goals and Isak to score anytime at 2.75

Alternate Bet: Liverpool win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.15

Anytime Goalscorer Tip: Ekitike at 2.15 or Isak at 1.83 (dependent on who starts)