Probable line-ups Europa League: Liverpool vs. Atalanta

Atalanta have several big doubts to resolve over their starting XI in the Europa League quarter-final against injury-hit Liverpool.

The first leg kicks off at Anfield on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

La Dea make the trip to England without Giorgio Scalvini, who will be out for at least a month with a serious thigh strain.

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed that Juan Musso will be in goal rather than on-form Marco Carnesecchi, confirming the Argentine’s status in this competition.

There are at least three big question marks over the starting XI, but Davide Zappacosta should be given the nod ahead of Emil Holm because the Italian is suspended for Monday’s Serie A match against Verona.

So is Marten de Roon, although his place in midfield would not have been in doubt.

Teun Koopmeiners has been rested recently following an injury on international duty, but seems guaranteed to start in support of Gianluca Scamacca.

The other doubts in attack are between Aleksei Miranchuk, Mario Pasalic and Ademola Lookman, with Charles De Ketelaere probably still not fully fit after injury.

Gasperini tends to choose Pasalic or Miranchuk when being more defensive, though Lookman is very dangerous on the counter-attack with his pace.

Liverpool have been dealing with an injury crisis for most of the campaign and tomorrow is no different.

Thiago Alcantara, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Alisson, Rhys Williams, Stefan Bajcetic, Ben Doak and Joel Matip are all long-term absentees, but Curtis Jones is available after two substitute appearances.

Harvey Elliott was in the pre-match press conference, which suggests he will be starting after coming off the bench against Manchester United.

Conor Bradley might be rested after three consecutive starts, with Cody Gakpo stepping in for fatigued Darwin Nunez.

There is some ‘good’ news for Atalanta, because the famous Anfield atmosphere might not be quite as passionate as usual.

This is because the club announced ticket prices will increase from next season, so fans are protesting by taking down flags in the Kop section of the stadium.

Probable line-ups

Liverpool (4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Musso; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners; Miranchuk, Scamacca

Ref: Umut Meier (TUR)

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