Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Preview, predictions and lineups

Two of Europe’s biggest teams collide on Wednesday night as Liverpool and Real Madrid go head-to-head for their fifth Champions League game so far this season.

The Reds are the only team to have won every game in the newly reformed competition, triumphing over Milan, Bologna, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen to sit at the top of the tree.

Things have not been so easy for the whites. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have lost two of their four outings and need a win at Anfield to move them closer to the top eight, where automatic qualification for the last 16 is awarded.

Here’s everything you need to know about this latest meeting between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Head-to-head record between Liverpool and Real Madrid (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

While it’s certainly a highly anticipated game between two of Europe’s biggest teams, both clubs have a number of injury problems to contemplate.

Reds boss Arne Slot has three stars definitely sidelined with fitness issueswith Caoimhin Kelleher set to continue in goal as Alisson continues his recovery. Diogo Jota will be unavailable, while Kostas Tsimikas faces a short layoff after injuring his ankle in training.

Harvey Elliott was in the squad for the trip to Southampton but did not feature, while Federico Chiesa has hinted he is closing in on a return to full fitness.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has not played since the 2-0 win over Aston Villa earlier this month, but he was seen returning to training and will at least be in the matchday squad to face the team with which he has been closely linked recently.

Liverpool predicted line-up against Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Núñez

Liverpool have some absences though Madrid they have been shaken much harder by their own injuries.

Vinicius Junior is now the rest of 2024 is expected to be lost with a hamstring problem, leaving an open spot in attack alongside Kylian Mbappe. Rodrygo is still a doubt, which means that the place could be filled by the likes of Dani Ceballos, Arda Guler or Endrick.

Manager Ancelotti is particularly short of options at centre-back, with Eder Militao, David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni all out of contention. This has seen Raúl Asencio promoted to the starting eleven and is likely to retain that spot on Wednesday.

Dani Carvajal is a long-term absentee and Lucas Vázquez’s problems saw Federico Valverde start at right-back in the 3-0 victory at Leganés. The Uruguayan may have to fill that position again at Anfield.

The predicted line-up of Real Madrid against Liverpool (4-3-3): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham; Diaz, Mbappé, Ceballos.

After his contrasting summers in the transfer window, fans might have expected Liverpool and Madrid to be in different places in the league table at this stage. However, the reigning champions have been hit by a host of injury blows, making them look vulnerable against the Premier League leaders.

The Reds’ only defeat of the campaign remains theirs surprise defeat at home to Nottingham Forest and, for the first time in recent memory, they head into this clash with Madrid undoubtedly favourites.

Vinicius’ absence is a huge blow and while this should give Mbappé more freedom to attack from whatever position he wants, it could be a decisive factor as Liverpool aim to beat the visitors for the first time since 2009

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Real Madrid

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