Liverpool XI vs Atalanta: Confirmed lineup, team news as Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jota decisions made…

Liverpool’s starting XI against Atalanta will see some alterations, with Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jota decisions already made.

Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in goal, while Joe Gomez is expected to start at right-back.Andy Robertson will continue at left-back, and Konate will partner Virgil van Dijk in central defense.

The Europa League anthem will once again be heard at Anfield tonight, providing a different atmosphere compared to the Champions League tune. However, it is still a significant improvement over the Premier League anthem.

Liverpool will face Atalanta from Italy in the first leg of the quarter-finals, while still actively competing in two competitions.

Although there will be some changes in the lineup, the goalkeeper position will remain unchanged with Caoimhin Kelleher. Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota may have returned to training to some extent, but it is still too early for them to be considered for a starting position.

Joe Gomez has the opportunity to step in as the right-back, while Ibrahima Konate can replace Jarell Quansah as Virgil van Dijk’s partner in the center-back position. Andy Robertson will have another chance to perform as the left-back.

Wataru Endo has recently experienced a few minor injuries, but he should remain in his position as the defensive midfielder. On the left side, we have the in-form Alexis Mac Allister. However, Harvey Elliott deserves a chance to start and should replace Dominik Szoboszlai on the right side of the midfield.

Moving forward, Cody Gakpo has been patiently waiting for an opportunity to start and can now take his place in the center. Mohamed Salah will be positioned on his right, while Luis Diaz will occupy the left flank. With players like Szoboszlai, Quansah, Darwin Nunez, Curtis Jones, Kostas Tsimikas, and possibly Alexander-Arnold and Jota on the bench, we have a wealth of experienced options available.

Here is my proposed team formation in a 4-3-3 setup: Kelleher in goal; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, and Robertson in defense; Endo, Elliott, and Mac Allister in midfield; and Salah, Gakpo, and Diaz leading the attack.

Gakpo is absent

After comfortably progressing through the Europa League in the earlier stages, Liverpool must now step up their game tonight.

With the return of Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Stefan Bajcetic to full training, it will be intriguing to see if Jurgen Klopp includes any of them in his starting lineup for this match.

Although Caoimhin Kelleher has been exceptional over the past two months, Alisson may make a comeback tonight. However, Alexander-Arnold might be saved for Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace, while Conor Bradley continues to fill in.

In the heart of defense, Ibrahima Konate is back alongside Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson retains his spot as well. The Scotland captain can benefit from the increased momentum, as he will play a crucial role in the remaining six weeks or so.

Wataru Endo is positioned at the base of the midfield, with Harvey Elliott earning a spot in place of Dominik Szoboszlai due to his impressive performances as a substitute. Alexis Mac Allister is once again in the starting lineup.

In the attacking positions, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz are the chosen trio. While there is a temptation to include Jota or Gakpo, I am opting to wait.

My lineup: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Theo Squires – Endo is left out of the midfield selection.

Liverpool will be back in Europa League action on Thursday when they welcome Atalanta to Anfield. The team may receive a boost as Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold have returned to full training this week.

Following a successful open session on Wednesday, both players are expected to be available on the bench. In addition to them, a few other familiar faces are likely to make an appearance, suggesting that Jurgen Klopp may opt to rotate his squad for the upcoming match.

Ibrahima Konate takes over from Jarell Quansah in the center-back position, while the full-backs remain unchanged. Unfortunately, Joe Gomez will once again have to settle for a place on the bench.

In the midfield, Harvey Elliott has earned a starting spot, leading to Dominik Szoboszlai being relieved of his duties. Wataru Endo, who suffered a knock and missed the Sheffield United match, will also be given a rest. As a result, Alexis Mac Allister will start as the number six.

Completing the midfield trio is Curtis Jones, who recently returned from injury. And in the attacking line, Cody Gakpo will join the team, replacing Luis Diaz and taking up his preferred left-wing position.

Here is my team (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.