Liverpool play host to Atletico Madrid
This Champions’ League encounter is a potentially tricky fixture for Liverpool against an attacking line-up featuring the likes of Aguero, Diego Forlan, Simao and Maxi Rodriguez but at Anfield we feel the hosts should edge this.
Liverpool were were unlucky to lose at Spurs at the weekend after dominating possession and territory for much of the game. And at home the 2005 Champions have shown no signs of being derailed – they are unbeaten in their last 18 in all competitions and have won 7 of 8 on Merseyside this season.
Furthermore, Liverpool’s home record in the Group Stages of the Champions’ League under Benitez is highly impressive – just one defeat in 13 and clean sheets kept in 8 (61%) of these. The full record reads: P13, W9, D3, L1, F31, A6 (although don’t forget the 8-0 win over Besiktas skews the goals for column somewhat).
This season has been no exception, with a comfortable 3-1 win over PSV and a memorable 2-1 win over Man Utd earlier in the season demonstrating that Anfield is a very tough place to play football this season. And, of course, the possible return of Fernando Torres (70% according to Benitez) will create an extra special atmosphere as he faces his boyhood club for the first time.
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