Liverpool vs Real Madrid Predictions & Match Preview
When Liverpool and Real Madrid meet in the Champions League derby, the ground at Anfield is sure to tremble.
Liverpool, who have won their last two matches against Everton and Newcastle, will be feeling confident ahead of Real Madrid’s visit.
January signing Cody Gakpo has been in fine form in front of goal lately, which could prove challenging for the opposition’s back-line.
However, Liverpool will be without Arthur, Luis Diaz, Thiago Alcantara, and Ibrahima Konate, who are all still recovering from their injuries. Additionally, Darwin Nunez is a major doubt for the match.
Real Madrid, under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, secured a 2-0 victory over Osasuna in their last La Liga game. Nevertheless, defeating Liverpool at their home ground is no easy feat.
Karim Benzema, who was rested in the previous game, returns to the starting lineup. Unfortunately, Mariano Diaz and Ferlan Mendy are sidelined with injuries. Moreover, Tony Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni are doubtful for the first leg.
Despite the challenges faced by both teams, we predict that the match will end in a draw as Liverpool, led by Jurgen Klopp, are renowned for being tough to beat at home.
Team News:
Liverpool’s recent victory over Newcastle came with a significant cost, as Darwin Nunez sustained a painful shoulder injury and will undergo further assessment in the coming hours to determine if he will be available for Tuesday’s match.
In the event that the Uruguayan is unable to play, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino will compete for a spot in the attack. Klopp may choose to place Gakpo in a central role, which could give him an advantage in the head-to-head battle.
Liverpool will be without Luis Diaz, Ibrahima Konate, Thiago Alcantara, and Calvin Ramsay, and Arthur’s participation is uncertain as he recovers from thigh surgery.
This means that teenager Stefan Bajcetic will likely make a well-deserved start against the European champions.
Real Madrid may also be concerned about the fitness of their star striker Karim Benzema, who was sidelined due to muscular fatigue during the Osasuna game. Ancelotti is hopeful that Benzema will have fully recovered for Tuesday’s game after taking a much-needed rest.
In addition, midfield duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos have been suffering from illness and are unavailable for the match. Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos will join Luka Modric in the midfield triumvirate.
Ferland Mendy, the team’s left-back, is expected to be out for several more weeks with a thigh injury, and backup striker Mariano Diaz is also unavailable due to an unspecified injury. However, Courtois, who made nine saves in last year’s final, has recovered from a hamstring issue and will start in his return to English soil.
