Two teams playing catch-up in their domestic leagues will face off in the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday when Liverpool host Real Madrid in a rematch of last season’s final.
Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League but have secured two massive victories over Everton and Newcastle in their last two games, building the sort of momentum you might need when facing the reigning European champions.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real travel to Anfield with four straight wins under their belt but full of frustration at their eight-point deficit in La Liga’s title race, They’ll be looking to take out that anger on Liverpool.
Liverpool team news
Darwin Nunez suffered a shoulder injury in the recent win over Newcastle and will need to be assessed before this one. The Uruguayan could miss out alongside Arthur who, although approaching a return to fitness, was removed from the UEFA Champions League squad in January.
Thiago, Luis Diaz, Ibrahima Konate and Calvin Ramsay will definitely miss out through injury.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
(4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Bajcetic, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Gakpo, Jota
Real Madrid team news
Both Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos have been left out the travelling squad for this one as both continue to battle illness.
Left-back Ferland Mendy and reserve striker Mariano Diaz are confirmed absentees but Ancelotti is not thought to be sweating over the fitness of Karim Benzema, who was rested against Osasuna at the weekend with this game in mind.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Liverpool
(4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Ceballos, Camavinga, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius
