Liverpool v Atletico Madrid Decides Fourth Premiership Spot
Liverpool should not be too much concerned about conceding a 1 nil defeat to Atletico in the first leg of the semi final of the europa league, given Liverpool’s history in the competition the reds haven always taken the game to Anfield and thrived on bug European nights to cumulate results, the second leg will not be any different apart from the fact that their start marksman Fernando Toress will not be there to do what he does best scoring goals, instead Rafa Benetiz may have to look elsewhere for Inspiration and who else but the captain fantastic Steven Gerrard to step up to the plate and guide his side into the final.
Although Liverpool still believe they can take the fourth spot in the Premiership and give them Champions League football next season despite a poorer than expected season. Liverpool are currently seventh but are only two points behind Tottenham Hotspur who hold that spot. Their confidence will have been boosted by a fine 4-0 away win over Burnley on Sunday on the back of a 3-0 home win against West Ham United the previous week. Before that were the Europa league quarter finals when a 4-1 home win against Benfica saw them through after being 2-1 down after the away leg.
Atletico Madrid have also had a disappointing season domestically and are lying tenth in the league though they had a fine 3-1 victory at home against Tenerife on Sunday. Before that, their league form had been a little flakey with three defeats on the trot against Espanyol, Xerez and Villarreal. Their quarter final victory in the Europa League was on away goals against Valencia with a nerve wracking goalless draw at home following a 2-2 result away.
A far as the team new is concerned, as mentioned earlier Fernando Torres will be out of the second leg just as he missed the first. Midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible and while Alberto Aquilani started against Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend, it is likely that he will be on the bench on Thursday night. David Ngog, who complained of a back problem after the game at the Calderon, should be fit for the second leg. while on the Atletico side Tiago and Ibrahima are ineligible for the Europa League. Tomas Ujfalusi has recovered from a groin strain and will start at Anfield. Sergio Aguero returns from suspension and will partner Diego Forlan upfront. Mariano Pernia and Pablo Ibanez have not been selected for the trip to Anfield by Atleti coach Quique Sanchez Flores.
Liverpool although trailing by a goal from the first leg will still have the confidence to turn the tie around, but as is the case in a 2 legged affair if the away side manage to net one in, then Liverpool will have to score thrice, and considering the potential threat from Forlan and Aguaro one can not rule out Atletico scoring at least once, so the match does seem to be interestingly poised and the first goal from either side will determine the outcome of the semi final.
Tags: