1.5pts Liverpool 1+ corners in the first ten minutes at 11/10 (bet365)
1pt Liverpool 8+ corners at 15/8 (Sky Bet)
Usual logic would say that this tie is over.
Atalanta hold a 3-0 aggregate lead after a remarkable victory at Anfield last week - returning to play in front of their own supporters in a commanding position.
Liverpool also suffered consecutive home defeats with Crystal Palace stunning them on Sunday. That result had a significant impact on the title race and leaves the Reds looking at a campaign that concludes with just the Carabao Cup in the cabinet.
INCREDIBLE! 🤯
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Liverpool are 3-0 down at Anfield! 🔥
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But usual logic doesn't seem to apply to this Liverpool team at their best.
They haven't been that in recent weeks, granted, yet no lead feels particularly safe against a team that create chances at the rate Liverpool do.
The visitors do have the full 90 (and potentially more) to try and complete another stunning comeback. That said, they will know the importance of getting an early goal if they are to do it.
The longer that wait for a first goal, the more frantic their attack will become. Given what we saw in the surprise defeat to Palace, less time for composure is hardly beneficial to this front line.
It's not just making the most of the time available but the nerves among the home camp if an early strike goes in. If Liverpool are ahead around the half hour mark, you'd start to fancy the 5/1 pre-match on them to progress.
The Reds are 4/6 with some firms to win on the night - a solid price if you're happy with something shorter - but looking at other areas gives us some better value.
Taking LIVERPOOL 8+ CORNERS is a high line, but one that is value at 15/8 when we consider the current game stage at (CLICHÉ ALERT) half-time in the tie.
Jürgen Klopp's side are high corner takers anyway - only Manchester City earn more in the Premier League and they average 7.50 per game - but we have to factor in the aggregate score before a ball is kicked again.
A look at Liverpool's history when behind in European competition also shows that this has been the case.
They took nine when trailing by three to Real Madrid in the Champions League last season, while it was 11 when behind by two to the same opponent in 2021.
When Atletico secured victory at Anfield in 2020, Liverpool took 16 - and 13 of those came in 90 minutes. That may have been at Anfield, but it shows the sheer number taken when behind.
And if there is to be that quick start, the 11/10 on LIVERPOOL 1+ CORNERS IN THE FIRST TEN MINUTES is of interest.
To clarify, this is on them taking at least one corner before the clock hits 10:00.
Click here to back with Sky Bet
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER has six goals and seven assists on his tally in all competitions this season, and could see involvement if Liverpool are to find the net.
For Atalanta, MARIO PASALIC scored in the meeting at Anfield but he also returned five tackles and two fouls. He could see similar numbers considering the away side's need to find a way back into the game.
Atalanta remain without Jose Luis Palomino and Giorgio Scalvini - the defensive duo sidelined through injury.
Juan Musso has been their European goalkeeper throughout the campaign and should get another start here.
For Liverpool, Klopp is without defender Joel Matip and midfielder Thiago, while full-back Conor Bradley may not feature after going off against Crystal Palace.
The positive is that Trent Alexander-Arnold returned and looks fit enough for a start now.
Atalanta XI: Musso; de Roon, Djimsiti, Hien; Zappacosta, Pasalic, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners; Scamacca, De Ketelaere.
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Endo, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Odds correct at 1120 BST (16/04/24)
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