Steve Nicol makes blunt Champions League prediction before Liverpool learns opponent

Liverpool will learn its Champions League last-16 opponent on Friday when the UEFA draw takes place, with Steve Nicol making a gloomy prediction about Atletico Madrid

Antoine Griezmann and Diego Simeone embrace after Atletico Madrid knocked Club Brugge out of the Champions League(Image: Angel Martinez - UEFA via Getty Images)

Liverpool has already beaten Atletico Madrid this season, but Steve Nicol says the Reds would be second-favorites if they draw the Spanish team in the Champions League last-16.

After Diego Simeone's men beat Club Brugge and Galatasaray eventually knocked out Juventus, despite almost squandering a three-goal lead against the Italian side when it had 10 men, those are the two options for Arne Slot's men in Friday's draw.

Playing at Anfield in the second leg, Liverpool will take on either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray in the next round. The other team will face Tottenham, who finished fourth in the group phase standings.

Even though Liverpool has generally looked good in the Champions League this season — aside from the 4-1 home defeat to PSV — Nicol is feeling pessimistic.

"I’m trying hard to find a way to be really positive and say that it’s Liverpool [who would be favorites]," he said.

"Liverpool in Europe have been way better than they have in the Premier League, [but] I’d have to go on the side of Atletico Madrid.

Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol has offered his opinion(Image: ESPN FC // YouTube)

"Right now, Liverpool have got no bench. Atleti have got lots of choices. Yes, they’ve been up and down, but overall it’s very difficult not to go with Atletico Madrid."

Frank Leboeuf, speaking on the same ESPN show, was of a different opinion, pointing out that Liverpool has done well in Europe.

"Liverpool have been better in the Champions League than Atletico Madrid — they proved it in every game they played," he said.

"I want to believe they’re going to get the spirit that they have every time they play a Champions League game.

"And from what I saw again from Atletico today [Tuesday], it’s possible and doable for Liverpool to go through."

Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt that the Reds would rather face Galatasaray, as that would be the easier tie. However, Liverpool would be the favorites either way.

Slot's men have not always done well this season but they have already come out on top against Atletico Madrid. For most of the two games against Brugge, Atleti was not that impressive.