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Atletico are averaging 2.00 yellow cards per game in La Liga this season, picking up eight bookings from their opening four matches.

It hasn’t been the best start for Diego Simeone’s men, who were most recently beaten 3-0 by Athletic Club, and this matchup against Liverpool promises to be equally as tough.

The Reds have drawn eight bookings in just three matches this campaign, and they had an average of 1.92 cards drawn per match at Anfield last season across all competitions.

Liverpool are not short of quality attacking options in the final third, and they will want to kick off their European campaign on a high.

There were three cards shown when these teams met at Anfield last season, including two for Atletico.

In that last meeting between these teams, the Reds were able to control proceedings at Anfield.

They managed 56% possession, with 20 shots and seven corners.

That amounted to 2.72 xG. Liverpool racked up 14 corners against Ipswich last time out, and they have cleared this line in all three Premier League matches this term.

Diego Simeone is renowned for his pragmatic tactics, and Atletico are likely to try and remain compact in a mid block, to contest central areas and funnel Liverpool out wide.

Last season, Atletico conceded an average of 4.38 corners per game in the Champions League, rising to 5.75 when playing away.

Liverpool come into this clash as favourites, but it certainly won’t be one-way traffic for the full 90.

Atletico can pose a danger on the counter, and Ademola Lookman is perhaps their most important outlet coming into this clash.

The Nigerian international has started all four of their league matches this season, recording seven shots, with three efforts on target and one goal.

Five of those attempts have come from inside the penalty area.

Even last season, Lookman had an average of 3.04 shots per 90 in La Liga, despite only arriving at the Metropolitano in January.

Liverpool are a side who like to press high, which can leave gaps in behind, and Lookman excels in those kind of situations.

Virgil Van Dijk is still one of Liverpool’s primary targets from corners and free kicks, and he should be looking forward to this clash against Atletico, given that he scored the winner against them at Anfield last year.

The Dutchman recorded a total of three shots, all of which were from set-pieces, which shows the aerial advantage he has.

Atletico are likely to defend with plenty of players behind the ball again, which should give the Reds plenty of chances to invite their centre-backs forward.

Set-pieces could be an important way for Liverpool to get anything out of this game again.

Van Dijk has had two shots in three matches this season, both of which came against Newcastle, but this looks like a strong matchup.

Jeremy Jacquet averaged 0.92 fouls drawn per 90 for Rennes last season, which was an impressive figure for a centre-back.

The 21-year-old isn’t shy when receiving possession and can be adept at drawing contact when opponents attempt to press him.

Playing alongside Van Dijk, Jacquet is usually the one who looks to step forward and contest duels, while Van Dijk sweeps.

Because of that, the Frenchman has landed this selection in all three starts for Liverpool so far, including two fouls drawn against Nottingham Forest - he is averaging 1.52 fouls drawn per 90 this season so far.

Taking into consideration Atletico’s poor disciplinary record, this price stands out.

Arsenal have made a perfect start to their Premier League title defence, winning all three matches against Coventry, Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Their most recent victory demonstrated character, as Mikel Arteta’s side recovered from an early setback to beat their London rivals Chelsea 2-1.

That was the first goal the Gunners have conceded this term - they are a team operating at such a high level at the moment.

Meanwhile, Napoli suffered their second successive defeat last time out, as Inter Milan pulled off an unlikely comeback to win 3-2 after being 2-0 down.

Prior to that, Napoli were beaten by Como, so they aren’t a side playing with confidence, and it doesn’t help that they face Arsenal midweek.

Alessandro Buongiorno is currently injured for Napoli, which has led to enforced changes at the back.

Because of that, Napoli’s defensive structure has taken a hit, and the Naples side have been leaking chances.

Napoli’s goalkeeper was kept incredibly busy against Inter last weekend, as the hosts racked up 29 shots, with eight of those on target, forcing Alex Meret into five saves.

Despite his best efforts, he was still unable to earn his side a point.

Arsenal should provide another test for Napoli.

The Gunners racked up 16 shots worth 2.05 xG against Chelsea last time out, forcing Emi Martinez into eight saves.

Alisson Santos has made a promising start to the season, and he looks set to feature on the left wing against Arsenal here.

The Brazilian has registered eight shots across his opening three Serie A appearances, despite completing only 180 minutes in total - he is averaging 4.0 shots per 90.

Santos doesn’t usually hesitate to pull the trigger once the space opens up, and that could be useful against a side like Arsenal when chances will be less readily available.

The 23-year-old had three shots against Inter last time out, with one of those hitting the target, which shows how he can cause problems against the top sides.

Santos is perhaps Napoli’s biggest threat on the counter, which is important against a side like Arsenal.

Gabriel Magalhaes accounted for two shots in that match, both of which hit the target, and he was unfortunate not to find the back of the net in the end.

The Brazilian remains Arsenal’s primary target from set-pieces, and his strength and movement make the centre-back always a target to get a shot away.

Napoli demonstrated vulnerability from set pieces against Inter, as they conceded the decisive goal from a corner in stoppage time.

Having Buongiorno and Scott McTominay out also doesn’t help their cause - that’s two of Napoli’s tallest and most physical players.

Arsenal will be fully aware of that potential weakness, so they should invite their centre-backs forward at every available opportunity.

Question marks were raised when Christos Tzolis arrived at the Emirates as the replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, but it has been a decent start for the Greek international.

The former Club Brugge man has drawn six fouls across his opening three Premier League appearances.

That includes landing this selection against both Chelsea and Coventry.

Tzolis was fouled only once against Aston Villa, but it is worth mentioning that he was replaced at half-time in that game.

If Tzolis starts on the left wing, he will be directly up against Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who averaged 1.30 fouls per 90 in Serie A last season.

The Napoli captain likes to defend aggressively, particularly in European fixtures, so that could be a matchup to keep an eye on.

Alexander Isak’s confidence should be high after scoring both goals during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich.

The Swedish international struck twice inside the opening nine minutes, meaning he is now the joint top-scorer in the Premier League.

After a difficult debut campaign for the Reds, Isak seems to be finding his feet.

Last season, Isak started just eight matches, and he had an average of 2.18 shots per 90, with 35% of those hitting the target.

This campaign, those numbers have risen significantly - Isak is averaging 3.32 shots per 90, with 56% hitting the target, and he has already matched his goalscoring tally from last term.

Cody Gakpo has provided all three assists for Isak’s Premier League goals this season, which shows that the pair are developing an excellent understanding.

The Dutchman has added another dimension to his game under Iraola - rather than just looking to cut in and shoot, Gakpo has shown a bit more creative flair.

Last season, he managed just six assists in 52 appearances across all competitions, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see those numbers jump this term.

Atletico have conceded six times across four La Liga games, shipping three goals in their last game at the weekend.

This seems like a good time to face Diego Simeone’s men, who might just be lacking confidence.

Marcos Llorente has an extraordinary scoring record at Anfield.

He struck twice during Atletico’s famous extra-time victory in 2020, before returning last season and scoring another brace in the 3-2 defeat.

Those stats are impossible to ignore - he has found the net four times across his previous two visits to Merseyside.

Llorente may start at right back midweek, but that didn’t matter too much last year.

He managed three shots, of which two found the back of the net, and the other went narrowly over the bar.

His shooting stats this season do lend to this selection, averaging 0.80 shots on target per 90 in La Liga this season.

He is incredibly energetic and versatile enough to pick up various positions, and he probably won’t hesitate to shoot given his record at Anfield.

Marc Pubill has been converted from a right-back into a centre-back under Diego Simeone, and he is expected to start alongside David Hancko at Anfield.

Both Atletico central defenders were booked in last season’s meeting, illustrating how difficult it was to contain Liverpool’s forwards.

Pubill had an average of 1.64 fouls per 90 in the Champions League last season.

He made eleven appearances, coming off the bench in three of those, but he still managed to rack up a total of four yellow cards.

The 23-year-old likes to be aggressive in his duels and step out of the back line, so this is a good matchup to back him for a card.

Chelsea may not have things all their own way against Leeds on Wednesday night, but I still expect the Blues to come through this EFL Cup third round tie.

Xabi Alonso named a relatively strong side against Luton in the previous round, and Chelsea’s lack of European commitments gives them every reason to take this competition seriously.

Even if Alonso opts to rotate, he has more than enough talent at his disposal to field a side capable of getting the job done.

The Blues will be eager to respond after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal, but that setback should not detract from what has been a strong start to the season, with Chelsea winning three of their opening four matches across all competitions.

Leeds have become a tough nut to crack under Daniel Farke, although the changes made for their second round victory at Nottingham Forest perhaps underlined where their priorities lie this season.

Chelsea’s greater strength in depth should ultimately prove decisive as they look to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat.

Chelsea and Leeds look capable of serving up an entertaining contest at Stamford Bridge, which is why I’m siding with over 2.5 goals.

Each of the Blues’ opening three Premier League matches of the season has cleared the over 2.5 goals line, including a 3-2 victory at Fulham and a thrilling 4-3 success against Brighton.

Both teams have also scored in all three of those contests, highlighting Chelsea’s attacking quality as well as their vulnerability at the other end of the pitch.

Leeds’ matches have not produced the same level of goalmouth action, but their early fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Brighton have all pitted them against sides of a similar standard.

Chelsea should pose a far greater attacking threat than any of those opponents, while Leeds look capable of making their mark even if they ultimately come up short.

Further encouragement comes from the fact that both Premier League meetings between the pair last season produced over 3.5 goals.

Estevao is expected to be handed a starting berth against Leeds on Wednesday night, and the Brazilian looks a prime candidate to register at least one shot on target.

The Chelsea ace caught the eye during his brief cameo against Arsenal on Sunday, forcing David Raya into a brilliant save despite having little time to make an impact.

Estevao is never shy about trying his luck, as highlighted by the four shots he attempted against Luton in the previous round of this competition.

His numbers from last season also strengthen the case, with the Chelsea forward averaging 2.97 shots per game in the Premier League and 0.85 shots on target despite an injury-disrupted campaign.

Notably, Leeds have faced an average of 18.00 shots across their opening three top-flight games, which adds to the appeal of backing Estevao to test the goalkeeper.

Sean Longstaff should be handed some game time at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, and the Leeds midfielder looks like good value to attempt a minimum of one shot.

Longstaff has made just one start this season, but he produced an encouraging display against Nottingham Forest in the previous round of the EFL Cup, registering one shot and providing an assist.

The former Newcastle man was also averaging a healthy 1.42 shots per game in the Premier League last season, highlighting his willingness to pull the trigger when given the opportunity.

Longstaff is often given licence to push forward from midfield, with his late runs and aerial ability making him a threat inside the box.

Chelsea have looked far from convincing defensively during the early stages of the season, so the Leeds midfielder looks well placed to attempt at least one shot on Wednesday night.

Bukayo Saka has already looked much sharper this season, as he scored the only goal in Arsenal's victory over Aston Villa.

Before that, he also found the back of the net against Coventry.

The England international remains one of Arteta’s most important attacking players, and he should once again start on the right side of the front three.

Saka leads Arsenal’s current shooting figures this season, averaging 3.56 shots per 90, which is a strong sign that he is back to full fitness.

His tally of seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions last season was underwhelming, as Saka hit double digits in the previous three campaigns, and he will be hoping to get back to those levels this campaign.

Napoli lost against Inter last time out, but Rasmus Hojlund produced a standout individual performance, as he scored Napoli’s second goal of the game.

The Danish international registered two shots on target at the San Siro, and he also found the back of the net against Como before that.

He has found some confidence since joining Napoli, and Hojlund bagged 12 league goals in 33 appearances last term.


Hojlund should be motivated to make a difference here against Arsenal, as the former Man United man had an underwhelming spell in the Premier League.

With McTominay injured, there is a bigger responsibility on Hojlund to provide in the final third.

Marin has not been entirely innocent himself when it comes to fouls.

The centre-back has committed seven infringements in his three Serie A starts, averaging an eye-catching 2.41 fouls per 90.

Last season, he had an average of just 0.73 fouls per 90 playing for Villarreal in La Liga, but he has taken some time to get used to his new role at Napoli.

Marin picked up his first booking of the campaign against Inter last time out, after committing three infringements.

The 24-year-old is not one to shy away from a strong challenge, and he can get rattled quite easily. Havertz looks like an ideal matchup for him to lose his head.

Rafa Marin has been the one deputising at centre-back for Napoli recently, and he will get the difficult task of dealing with Havertz.

The German international is quite a physical focal point who likes to make life difficult for opposing centre-backs.

He had an average of 1.76 fouls per 90 across all competitions for Arsenal last season.

So far this season, that figure has dropped to 1.08 fouls per 90, but there is every reason to expect it to rise.

Marin has landed this selection in all three starts so far this season, averaging 1.03 fouls drawn per 90.