Liverpool will look to maintain their perfect UEFA Champions League group-stage record this season when they face Real Madrid at Anfield. The Reds, undefeated in the competition so far, are brimming with confidence following their recent domestic victories in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the defending champions, Real Madrid, travel to Merseyside aiming to rebound from their own mixed European form this season.
Both sides have storied histories in this tournament, and while Liverpool have been in stellar form, Real Madrid's pedigree cannot be underestimated.
Injuries on both ends will play a pivotal role in shaping the starting elevens, making the tactical battle between Arne Slot and Carlo Ancelotti even more intriguing.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces some selection dilemmas with key players recovering from injuries. While Trent Alexander-Arnold is available after returning to training, he is unlikely to start.
Kostas Tsimikas, Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa remain sidelined, limiting options in crucial areas.
In defence, Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to retain his spot between the posts, with a back four of Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson.
The midfield is likely to see Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch joined by Dominik Szoboszlai. Up front, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz are set to form their usual potent attacking trio.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
Real Madrid Team News
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are without several first-team stars, including Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Eder Militão, and Dani Carvajal. Lucas Vázquez returns to the squad, but the depleted backline will see Castilla graduate Raúl Asencio make his Champions League debut.
Thibaut Courtois will likely be between the sticks, flanked by Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, and Federico Valverde. Luka Modrić and Eduardo Camavinga will marshall the midfield alongside Jude Bellingham, who has been in exceptional form.
In attack, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler will probably support marquee signing Kylian Mbappé.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Diaz; Mbappe
Real Madrid 
Liverpool 
