Liverpool vs Real Madrid predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of Champions League quarter-final tonight
Liverpool will aim to pull off another memorable upset when they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tonight.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will have to overturn a 3-1 deficit after Vinicius Jr exposed the flaws in Liverpool’s defence, capitalising on some exquisite midfield play by Toni Kroos, in a relatively one-sided affair.
Mohamed Salah’s away goal will give the Reds some much-needed hope, though, as will an upturn in form domestically. Liverpool have now won their last three Premier League games in succession as they seek to secure European football for next season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a difficult night in the first leg in Valdebebas but was the hero last weekend, scoring a brilliant last-gasp winner against Aston Villa in a 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s tie:
When is it?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 14th April.
How can I watch it?
The fixture will air live on BT Sport. Subscribers can also stream the action live on the broadcaster’s website and app.
What is the team news?
Liverpool remain severely depleted at centre-back with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all long-term absentees. That means Ozan Kabak is likely to start alongside Nat Phillips. Curtis Jones is a doubt after missing Liverpool’s victory against Villa due to a muscle issue.
Madrid are also short of defensive options, with Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal all ruled out. To add to their woes, makeshift right-back Lucas Vazquez suffered an injury during Madrid’s victory in the Clasico, while Federico Valverde and Eden Hazard are both expected to miss out, too.
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Predicted line-ups
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Real Madrid: Courtois; Odriozola, Nacho, Militao, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
Odds
Liverpool: 19/20
Draw: 11/4
Madrid: 5/2
Prediction
Despite Liverpool’s tendency to rise to the big occasion, their long-standing injury issues and lack of confidence may mean another heroic comeback is beyond them. With the Reds’ defence decidedly vulnerable, Madrid will always be dangerous and a goal might yet be enough to clinch the tie on aggregate. Liverpool 2-1 Madrid (3-4 agg.)
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