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Preview for Liverpool v Real Madrid
Liverpool have the chance to build on Saturday’s much-needed win over Aston Villa – and set down an early marker in the Champions League – when they host Real Madrid tomorrow night.
It has been a difficult few weeks for Arne Slot’s side, who went into the weekend game on a run of six defeats in seven games in all competitions. There was an element of ‘going back to basics’ against Villa with only one summer signing, Hugo Ekitike, making the starting XI.
Andy Robertson was preferred to Milos Kerkez at left-back, Florian Wirtz was again on the bench while Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong were absent through injury.
It produced a much-improved display and it seems likely Slot will again go with his tried and tested for the visit of Madrid.
Another one of Liverpool’s title-winning squad from last season will be at Anfield tomorrow but will be changing in the visitors’ dressing room.
His departure from Liverpool was not seamless either, with the England international repeatedly booed after he announced he would not be signing a new contract.
It remains to be seen what kind of reception he will get from the Kop, with captain Virgil van Dijk refusing to speculate.
“Let’s see [what the reception is],” Van Dijk said. “I’m not going to say [I want a hostile atmosphere]. I’m not going to comment on that.
“Do you [the press] want it to be hostile? I think he’s been outstanding in his time in Liverpool and that’s the only thing I can say.
“Have I spoke to him since the move? Not much, no. Nothing personal whatsoever, obviously I live my life and he lives his life in Madrid.”
Alexander-Arnold has just returned to full fitness and is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench with Federico Valverde continuing to fill in at full-back.
“I think Trent is a quality player,” added Van Dijk. “He showed it so many times, he’s a very gifted player and he was important for us over all those years.
“I was very happy to have him in my team. We have been very successful, but now he’s an opponent on Tuesday. If he plays then we have to make it very difficult for him to do what he’s good at.”
Madrid are one of five sides with a 100 per cent record in the league phase and have won 13 of 14 games under Xabi Alonso since the start of the season.
The former Liverpool midfielder will hope to enjoy this trip back to Merseyside more than last year when his then Bayer Leverkusen team were thrashed 4-0.
Team News for Liverpool v Real Madrid
Alexander Isak remains extremely doubtful with a groin injury while Slot must decide whether right-back Conor Bradley can play two games in four days.
Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono has a hernia problem and won’t play. Rodrygo may get the chance to make a start.
Predicted line-ups for Liverpool v Real Madrid
Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe
How to watch Liverpool v Real Madrid: TV and online streams
Liverpool versus Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm UK time tomorrow night. You can watch it on Amazon Prime and stream via their app.
Stats for Liverpool v Real Madrid
- Liverpool and Real Madrid have faced each other on 12 previous occasions in the European Cup/Champions League. After winning the first three between 1981 and 2009, Liverpool have only won one of the last nine (D1 L7)
- Liverpool have won 20 of their last 22 home Champions League group stage games (D1 L1), including each of their last 12 in a row. However, three of their seven home group defeats have come versus Spanish sides (one each vs Barcelona, Valencia and Real Madrid)
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
