Liverpool came from 1-2 down to pick up a superb win over Southampton in the Premier League and at the back of such a stellar run of form, Arne Slot’s side are going to welcome Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Just like the Premier League, the Anfield outfit are sitting at the top of the UCL table as well. On the other hand, Madrid are 18th with just two wins out of their first 4 European matches. There is no way anyone will write off a Madrid side but at least on paper, Liverpool will be the favourites to pick up all three points.
Honestly, the outcome of this match won’t matter too much to Arne Slot, in terms of qualifying for the knockout stages but Liverpool are undefeated in their previous 14 matches and the manager will want this record to continue.
After this midweek game against Madrid, Liverpool will take on Man City in the EPL and Slot will want to take his boys into that key league game brimming with confidence.
Liverpool’s team news and injuries:
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jota did not start training before the Southampton game so it’s fair to say that the duo will not be fit for the Real Madrid tie.
Alisson Becker has started training as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury but the midweek tie will come too early for the Brazilian international. Kelleher will hold onto his starting role for the time being but Alisson is expected to be back very soon.
The Liverpool manager did manage to rest a few first-team players on Sunday but they will be back into the first XI for the Madrid game. Mac Allister and Luis Diaz both came off the bench at the weekend but they will start on Wednesday night.
With Curtis Jones playing in central midfield, Szoboszlai got a start in the No 10 role but there is a chance that Jones will reclaim the attacking midfielder’s position.
Mo Salah has already clocked up 22 goal contributions in just 18 appearances for Liverpool this season and he will be key to breaking down a patched-up Real Madrid defence.
Kostas Tsimikas was left out of the matchday squad to face Southampton after picking up a knock and if he is not ready then Robertson will hold onto his place.
The Liverpool manager does have a few injuries to deal with, however, the absence of Trent will be the biggest cause of concern because Conor Bradley is going to play at right-back and the 21-year-old will have a nightmare tackling Vinicius Jr and Mbappe.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Real Madrid:
Goalkeeper: Kelleher.
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Conor Bradley.
Midfielders: Mac Allister, Jones/Szoboszlai, Gravenberch.
Attackers: Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez.
