Preivew: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid
Today at 04:00 PM
The Reds look to solidify their grip on the Champions League top spot as they play host to an old enemy.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
| Wednesday, November 27th |
Champions League | Anfield
8PM BST / 3PM ET
Their second block of tightly packed fixtures is underway, and while Liverpool perhaps didn't always look impressive against last-placed Southampton at the weekend, they will do their best to put on a more forceful performance tomorrow, as they are visited by Real Madrid for the third time in four years.
Despite now possessing one of the most embarrassingly formidable collections of talent seen in the history of the sport, Carlo Ancelotti has not been lighting the world on fire in the manner many expected ahead of the season. Real sit second in La Liga, just four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand, but have already lost twice in four matches in the Champions League, and were humbled 4-0 by their rivals in El Clasico back in October.
They have been a bogey team for the Reds in recent years, though, beating Jürgen Klopp's side in four of their last five meetings, including two cup finals and a 5-2 drubbing at Anfield just over 18 months ago, a trend Arne Slot will hope he can break.
Multiple-time Liverpool transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni is reportedly back in training after an ankle injury, and will likely feature at centre-back tomorrow, as los blancos are without both David Alaba and Eder Militão. Dani Carvajal is also set to miss out through injury, while top scorer Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo are confirmed absences.
Projected Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3)
Kelleher; Bradley, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Diaz, Núñez, Salah
For the Reds, Alisson is yet to return to match consideration, meaning a 10th start for the season for Caoimhin Kelleher is on the cards. Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in training but not ready to start, while Kostas Tsimikas is set to miss out. A back four of Conor Bradley, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson thus feels plausible.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister could replace Curtis Jones after starting Sunday's game on the bench, while Ryan Gravenberch remains the main man in the deepest midfield position. Harvey Elliott is back in the squad but unlikely to start, and Dominik Szoboszlai likely retains his place.
Up top, there is no substantive change in the condition of Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa, so two of Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez will start alongside contract rebel scamp Mohamed Salah.
What the Managers Said
Arne Slot: " They have great individual players that can help them find a way to win, but we have great players too and we are looking forward to the game."
Carlo Ancelotti: "We are two historic clubs. We each have our own characteristics and we will see who imposes them. Liverpool is always very competitive. It was with Klopp, it is with the new coach."
The Officials (FRA)
Referee: François Letexier
Assistant referees: Cyril Mugnier, Mehdi Rahmouni
Fourth official: Jérémy Stinat
VAR: Jérôme Brisard, Aleandro Di Paolo (ITA)
Kickoff is set for 8PM GMT/3PM ET tomorrow, and television listings for the match can be found on LiveSoccerTV.
In the meantime, and as always, we'll be keeping you updated with all the buildup to the game, including team news as it's released, our live matchday thread, and post-match recaps from The Liverpool Offside staff. If you want to join the discussion, sign up for an SB Nation account to have your say on the action as it happens.
