Liverpool may not have many better chances to claim a long-awaited win over Real Madrid than this evening.
The Reds take on the defending European champions at Anfield tonight as they look to make it five wins out of five in the Champions League. Their recent record against Los Blancos though leaves a lot to be desired.
Liverpool has failed to win any of its last eight meetings with Real, most notably falling at the final hurdle against them in 2018 and 2022. With Arne Slot’s side flying high on all fronts though, and Carlo Ancelotti having to get his head around a star-studded injury list, the Reds may feel confident they can end their wretched run this evening.
Liverpool transfer news as 'box-office' Mo Salah replacement named and Real Madrid star eyed David Hancko made feelings clear on Liverpool transfer before haunting Man CityReal are without six big names this evening, with Vinicius Jr the latest name to be ruled out after picking up an injury at the weekend. The Ballon d’Or runner-up joins Rodrygo, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines.
In fact, Ancelotti only named a 19-man squad to travel to Merseyside on Monday, such are the injury problems facing his side at the moment. Nevertheless, there will be some big names for Liverpool to watch out for.
Having made his return to the side at the weekend, Thibaut Courtois should retain his place in goal this evening. The Reds will have bad memories of the Belgian after his man of the match display in Paris two years ago, and will be looking to make amends this time around.
Lucas Vazquez has traveled with the squad after returning from injury earlier than expected, although it might prove to risky to throw him in from the start, so Fede Valverde could find himself filling in at right-back again – you can see why Trent Alexander-Arnold is being linked with a move to the Bernabeu.
Antonio Rudiger is one of the last senior defenders standing for Real, and he’ll likely be partnered by 21-year-old Raul Asencio at the heart of the back four, with Ferland Mendy returning at left-back after being rested at the weekend.
There’s plenty of star power in midfielder, where there will of course be plenty of eyes on Jude Bellingham. The England international will almost certainly be joined by Eduardo Camavinga in the engine room, while Luka Modric could complete the trio.
With both Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo out, Kylian Mbappe could get the chance to play in his preferred position on the left wing, meaning Conor Bradley will need to be ready to produce the performance of his life. Arda Guler lines up on the opposite flank, with Brahim Diaz leading the line.
Real Madrid predicted team vs Liverpool: Courtois, Valverde, Raul, Rudiger, Mendy, Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham, Guler, Mbappe, Diaz.
