Liverpool vs Real Madrid Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Prediction

Liverpool will look to go one step closer to securing qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League when they take on Real Madrid at Anfield tonight.

The Reds head into the game needing to get their European campaign back on track after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Basel last time out derailed their qualification hopes.

The result in Switzerland leaves the Merseysiders sitting third in Group B behind Basel and Madrid so Brendan Rodgers will be keen not to lose any more ground on their rivals.

Liverpool’s domestic form has also been patchy and they needed a 95th minute own goal to earn a dramatic 3-2 win over Premier League strugglers QPR on Sunday afternoon, and Rodgers knows they’ll need to put in a much better performance tonight if they want to take anything away from the game.

Madrid have begun their defence of the Champions League trophy in perfect style with two wins from their opening two fixtures but they will remember the last time they were at Anfield they left off the back of a 4-0 drubbing in 2009, so Carlo Ancelotti won’t be taking anything for granted.

Team News

Liverpool continue to be without Daniel Sturridge so Rodgers must decide whether to persist with striker Mario Balotelli as he continues to struggle in front of goal with just one strike following his summer move from AC Milan.

Alberto Moreno is expected to be recalled having been rested at the weekend while Javier Manquillo is pushing Glen Johnson for the right-back role.

Joe Allen could come back in for Emre Can in midfield after overcoming a leg injury, and Philippe Coutinho is expected to start after impressing off the bench on Sunday.

Madrid will be without Gareth Bale after he was ruled out with a abdominal muscle injury so Isco is likely to start in attack alongside James Rodriguez.

Karim Benzema will be handed a late test with on-loan Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez in-line to start if the Frenchman fails to prove his fitness.

Raphael Varane is in the squad after missing Saturday’s 5-0 win over Levante through illness and he should return to start alongside Pepe at the back with Sergio Ramos out with a calf injury.

Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa could get the nod at right-back while Marcelo will start on the left with Fabio Coentrao out.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Cristiano Ronaldo: Who else? Arguably the worlds greatest player, Ronaldo has been in sensational form this season, scoring an incredible 19 goals in just 12 games, which is more than the entire Liverpool team put together. The hosts have to find a way to somehow stop him tonight. Good luck with that….

Predicted Score

Liverpool 2-2 Real Madrid: For all their problems at the back, Liverpool are still a threat going forward and with Madrid having their injury issues in defence, we can see goals tonight. Anfield is going to have a special atmosphere this evening and we think with that crowd behind them, the Liverpool players will step up their game to take something away from the match.

What team would you pick for the game and whats your predicted score?