Liverpool and Real Madrid: Anticipated Lineups and Latest Team Updates Ahead of Their Clash

Anfield is set to host a pivotal UEFA Champions League match on November 27, with Liverpool facing off against Real Madrid.

These two teams have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years, with Real Madrid winning seven out of their last eight encounters, including the finals against Jurgen Klopp’s side in both 2018 and 2022.

Under the new leadership of Arne Slot, Liverpool has seen a resurgence, currently sitting at the top of the English Premier League and winning all four of their Champions League matches this season.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, is looking to close in on Barcelona after a recent victory over Leganes brought them within four points of the La Liga leaders.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side has had an inconsistent start to the current league season, recording two wins and two losses thus far.

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness is a major concern for Liverpool, with Slot suggesting that he may not be fit for this match.

Interestingly, should Alexander-Arnold miss this game, it would be against a club rumored to be interested in signing him for a free transfer in 2025. Slot seems inclined to rest him for Liverpool’s league match against Manchester City over the weekend.

Conor Bradley is expected to take Alexander-Arnold’s spot at right-back, while Caoimhin Kelleher will step in for the injured Alisson Becker. Alexis Mac Allister is anticipated to start following his recent substitution during the 3-2 win against Southampton.

Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are both unavailable, and the availability of Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas remains uncertain.

Liverpool (4-3-3, right to left): Kelleher (GK) — Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson — Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones — Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

Injuries: Alisson, Jota, Chiesa, Alexander-Arnold (doubtful), Tsimikas (doubtful).

In contrast, Real Madrid faces more significant injury challenges, including the absence of their key player Vinicius Junior, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in their recent match against Leganes.

Additionally, Rodrygo Goes has not recovered from a muscle injury, and Aurelien Tchouameni is still out with an ankle sprain.

Veteran player Lucas Vazquez is expected to return after passing a late fitness test, with Fede Valverde likely moving into midfield.

Brahim Diaz is anticipated to fill in for Vinicius Jr, restructuring the Real Madrid attack, which could see captain Luka Modric start to bring experience to the midfield, and potentially a Champions League debut for Raul Asencio at center-back.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy — Modric, Camavinga — Valverde, Bellingham, Diaz — Mbappe.