Liverpool Champions League Draw: Best & Worst Matchups

Whereas the official draw for the subsequent spherical of the Champions League just isn’t till Friday, February 27, it’s already recognized that Liverpool may face considered one of these three golf equipment: Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, or Juventus.  Beneath is a breakdown of every potential matchup.

Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid

Trying on the numbers, that is most likely probably the most beneficial draw for the Reds. Liverpool have current success over them with a 3-2 win within the Champions League opener this season. Andy Robertson,  Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk all scored that day. That victory made it three wins in a row for the Reds over the Spanish aspect after being knocked out as defending champions in 2020.

Atletico sit 4th on the desk in La Liga and completed thirteenth within the League Section of the Champions League, however they dominated Membership Brugge 7-4 on mixture to advance to the Spherical of 16. Star striker Alexander Sorloth is in prime type this 12 months with 15 targets.

However they’ve additionally given up 15 targets in eight video games within the UCL. In the meantime, Liverpool have given up simply eight targets in six video games whereas scoring 20. If the injury-riddled backline can comprise Sorloth, Liverpool ought to advance to the Quarterfinals.

Liverpool vs. Galatasaray

Traditionally, that is the matchup the Reds don’t desire. They’ve solely received as soon as in 5 conferences with the Turkish aspect. This features a powerful 1-0 loss again on October 1st the place the Reds had a objective taken away VAR, and the distinction was a penalty by Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen has been a very harmful buyer within the Champions League with six of his 15 targets coming within the competitors. Maruo Icardi makes up the second half of Galatasaray’s two-headed monster. He additionally has 15 targets, however solely two in UCL play. Galatasaray confirmed how harmful they are often at house with a 5-2 win over Italian large Juventus.

Liverpool have by no means crushed Galatasaray in Turkey (two losses, one draw) so if they’re the opponent, Liverpool may play for a draw within the first leg after which produce one other evening of European magic at Anfield to advance.

Liverpool vs. Juventus

That is the least seemingly matchup to occur. Juventus are already down 5-2 to Galatasaray going into the second leg of their tie. I don’t see them placing 4 previous Galatasaray even on Italian soil. In actual fact, Opta Stats solely offers Juventus a 6.4 % likelihood of advancing

Ought to they advance, nonetheless, Liverpool would relish an opportunity to play Juventus. They’re in dangerous type. Not solely did the membership lose to Galatasaray but additionally 2-0 to newly promoted Serie A aspect Como. They solely have a +1 objective differential for the match and are struggling domestically in fifth place on the desk.

Additionally they have a tough time placing the ball behind the online as Kenan Yildiz is the main scorer with simply 9 targets in all competitions. If Liverpool tackle Juventus, they might be dealing with wounded giants.

LFC Globe Verdict

Purely based mostly on matchups, I might like to see Liverpool play Atletico Madrid. I believe Alexis Mac Alister and Dominik Szoboszlai can dominate the midfield and the Reds even have a bonus on the wings in Florian Wirtz and Salah.

Given how harmful Alexander Sorloth is, Arne Slot ought to put Andy Robertson in at left again rather than Milos Kerkez simply to supply stability and expertise.

As for Galatasaray, I see the perimeters as extra evenly matched. Liverpool should battle for a end result. If that is the matchup, anticipate a variety of targets to be scored as there shall be gifted offensive gamers all around the pitch in opposition to defenses which have struggled at instances this 12 months.

Lastly, Juventus most likely received’t occur but when it does, it will likely be a matchup of momentum vs stability and I might give Liverpool the higher hand.

Have Your Say

Which matchup do you need to see? Do you favor the Reds to have a stiff problem vs. Galatasaray or a neater path (on paper) with Atletico or Juventus? It’s all as much as the destiny of the draw, so tell us your ideas beneath.