Slot makes three changes as 'top' player gets first CL start of season: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Real Madrid

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Liverpool are back in Champions League action on Wednesday as the European champions ride into town.

The Reds have a woeful recent record against Real Madrid and will be looking to finally change that at Anfield.

Having been beaten by the Spaniards in two Champions League finals over five seasons, Liverpool need no extra incentive to secure the three points.

Arne Slot has been perfect in the competition so far this season, but a visit from the current title holders is easily the biggest test yet for the Liverpool head coach.

Slot has one or two injury issues to worry about ahead of the game and with Man City coming to Anfield on Sunday, the Dutchman needs to be a little careful with going all out against Madrid.

Here’s how we think Slot will send his team out for what is set to be a big European night on Merseyside.

Defence

As Alisson Becker did not train on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s game, Caoimhin Kelleher is certain to get the start on a big personal night for him.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was back at the Liverpool training ground on Tuesday, however we can’t see the Scouser being risked with the City game so close.

Instead, it feels likely that Conor Bradley will be given back-to-back starts on the right side of the defence.

Given the calibre of the opposition, though, Slot is likely to go full strength in the middle, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk the preferred pair.

At left-back, injury to Kostas Tsimikas leaves the boss with little choice but to protect Andy Robertson and give Joe Gomez his first Champions League start of the year. Slot called Gomez a ‘top’ player at the start of November and he’s a good man for Liverpool to call upon.

Midfield

Because of the position Liverpool are in in the Champions League, Slot may feel the temptation to rotate much more and keep players fresh for Sunday.

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However, the 46-year-old has so far shown that he prefers to avoid making too many changes if he doesn’t have to.

As a result, we think he’ll make just the one switch in midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister due to come in for Curtis Jones. That will mean both Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai being asked to go again.

Attack

In attack, Slot may have a new option after Federico Chiesa returned to training on Tuesday.

It does not look as though Chiesa will be ready to start, mind you, which leaves Arne with far less room to manoeuvre.

Mohamed Salah will no doubt get the chance to back up his contract comments at the weekend with a big performance against a club he has a personal vendetta with.

Meanwhile, we’d expect Luis Diaz to come in and play through the middle in place of Darwin Nunez, with Cody Gakpo retaining his position on the left of the attack.