Premier League leaders Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League tonight to start what is probably the biggest week of Arne Slot’s tenure so far.
The Reds sit eight points clear of Manchester City in the league ahead of facing the champions on Sunday, but first they must square off with the European champions at Anfield as they look to stay top of the competition’s new league table.
Slot’s side were perhaps lucky to mount a comeback away at Southampton last weekend, but it is a win that continues their near-perfect start to the season.
And a victory against Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid side would be another indicator of Liverpool’s credentials, as well as the ideal way to prepare for a potential title-decider this weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
When is the match?
Liverpool will face Real Madrid at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, 27 November at Anfield in Liverpool, England.
Where can I watch?
The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT. Subscribers can also watch via the discovery+ app.
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What is the team news?
Liverpool make just the two changes from Sunday as Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz come into the team. Trent Alexander-Arnold is only on the bench after injury, which means it’s a big night for Conor Bradley at right back up against Kylian Mbappe!
Caoimhin Kelleher remains in goal with Alisson out, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk continue at centre-back with Andy Robertson on the left. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are joined by Mac Allister in midfield, replacing Dominik Szoboszlai.
Diaz swaps for Cody Gakpo with Darwin Nunez up front. Mohamed Salah, of course, starts on the right.
A makeshift line-up for Real Madrid, to say the least, with Carlo Ancelotti not just missing Vincius Jr but Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo as well.
Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy are the only two regular starters available in defence, as Fede Valverde continues at right-back with academy prospect Raul Asensio at centre-back.
Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz lead the attack, which will be supported by Jude Bellingham. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga are joined in midfield by Arda Guler.
Confirmed line-ups
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Guler; Bellingham; Mbappe, Brahim
Odds
Liverpool 17/20
Draw 14/5
Real Madrid 29/10
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Prediction
Considering Liverpool’s recent form and home advantage, combined with some notable injuries for Real, it’s hard to see anything but a win for the hosts to continue Arne Slot’s dream start. Liverpool 2-1 Real Madrid.
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