We simulated Liverpool vs Atalanta to get score prediction for Europa League clash

Liverpool return to European action tonight when the Reds host Italian side Atalanta in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash.

After Arsenal and Manchester City both won on the weekend, Liverpool were dealt a blow to their Premier League title hopes as they drew 2-2 against Manchester United. The result isn't the end of the world, but it moved the Reds out of top spot and into second place, only behind Arsenal on goal difference.

The trophy hunt continues for Jurgen Klopp against Atalanta tonight, with the German looking to win the Europa League for the first time in his career. Liverpool and Atalanta last met in the Champions League group stages in 2020, with the Reds winning 5-0 in Italy before losing 2-0 at Anfield.

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So, could Liverpool take a lead into the second leg in Italy next week? Let's take a look.

We simulated Liverpool vs Atalanta to get a score prediction

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 24 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.

We predict that Liverpool could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Elliott, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.

We predict that the visitors could set up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with their line-up as follows: Musso; Toloi, Dijmsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners; Lookman, Scamacca.

Liverpool were quick out of the blocks at Anfield, and they should've been ahead in the opening 10 minutes, but Mohamed Salah was wasteful in front of goal as he missed two great chances. The pressure from the Reds continued, and somehow, the game entered the break level, with Virgil van Dijk striking the post from a corner just before the break.

Minutes after the restart, Atalanta almost took the lead with their first chance of the game as a blocked cross fell to Teum Koopmeiners on the edge of the box, but the Dutchman's powerful strike was well saved by Caoimhim Kelleher. Klopp made some changes on the hour mark to try and help find the lead, and in the 68th minute, the opener arrived.

As Curtis Jones advanced through the middle, his long-range effort was blocked, but a fortunate deflection off the defender saw the ball fall perfectly into the path of Dominik Szoboszlai. On the volley, the Hungarian rifled his shot past the 'keeper from close range, handing the Reds a deserved lead.

Just two minutes later, Liverpool made it 2-0 when Salah scored from the spot after Harvey Elliott was wiped out by the 'keeper in the box. With a healthy lead, Klopp's side started to gain even more control, and in the 89th minute, the Reds confirmed the victory through Darwin Nunez.

After a high press saw Elliott win back possession deep in the Atalanta half, the midfielder threaded a pass between the two centre-backs for Nunez to chase, and the striker used his pace to beat the defenders to the ball and surge through on goal. One-on-one, a composed strike saw Nunez find the corner of the net to make it 3-0 and send Liverpool to Italy with a strong grip on the tie.

EA FC 24 predicted final score: Liverpool 3-0 Atalanta

What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!