Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa: Match Review
How Liverpool could line-up when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield.
Liverpool play their first game of a huge double-header when they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in the Champions League (20.00 GMT).
The Reds’ full focus will be on facing the Spanish giants, although Arne Slot and his troops are aware that they have a trip to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
It could be a yardstick of where Liverpool are in terms of their ambitions for the season. Despite being the Premier League champions, they already find themselves seven points behind Arsenal. And if the Reds are to win the Champions League for a seventh time in the club’s history, they will have to show they are capable of beating Europe’s elite clubs.
To Slot’s side’s credit, they earned a 2-0 triumph over Real last season. However, Los Blancos are much improved since then and will prove to be an even sterner test. There will be plenty of focus on the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool for Madrid in controversial circumstances. But Slot and his squad’s chief aim is to deliver a triumph.
Slot does have his options somewhat depleted, though, with Alexander Isak still unavailable because of a groin injury while Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong remain absent.
With everything in mind, here’s a look at how Liverpool could line-up.
Liverpool predicted team vs Real Madrid
GK - Giorgi Mamardashvili
The No.2 goalkeeper will continue to deputise for the injured Alisson. Mamardashvili will not be daunted by the prospect of facing Real as he played them several times during his time at Valencia.
RB - Conor Bradley
The Northern Ireland international arguably emerged on the European scene with his thunderous tackle on Kylian Mbappe in last year’s fixture. Bradley enjoyed a fine performance against Villa and has a chance to nail down the right-back berth.
CB - Ibrahima Konate
Had a mixed season so far but he should be bang up for this game and should know some tricks how to quell his France team-mate Mbappe.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool skipper will have to be at his very best to nullify a potent Madrid defence.
LB - Milos Kerkez
The £40m summer signing has endured a difficult start at Liverpool. But Slot may want to keep Andy Robertson fresh for Man City given that the Reds will not want to lose any more ground in the Premier League title race. Kerkez’s pace could also help Liverpool defensively.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
Made a goalscoring return after injury and is one of the first names on the team-sheets. The fact that Gravenberch conducted pre-match media duties was also an indication he will start.
CM - Alexis Mac Allister
Looked like his usual self against Villa with a passing masterclass. Liverpool will hope that Mac Allister can now build impetus and consistency after a challenging start to the season.
RW - Mo Salah
Delivered a fine performance against Villa and Salah will want to show everyone that he is still very much capable of operating at the top level of European football.
AM - Dominik Szoboszlai
Pressing from the front and the amount of ground he covers is so important, while he’s added real quality in the final third this season.
LW - Florian Wirtz
Probably had his best two games for Liverpool in the Champions League so far, which suits his game more. Operating off the left is a position where Wirtz is also comfortable and it means that Slot could unleash a new-look attack.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
Been quiet in the past couple of games and had a goal disallowed for offside against Villa but that is the life of a striker. Capable of causing Madrid’s defence problems.
Woodman, Miscuir, Gomez, Robertson, Endo, Jones, Gakpo, Chiesa, Ngumoha.
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