Probable Lineups…
Real Madrid (4-4-2): Casillas, Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal, Modric, Kroos, Rodriguez, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema
Real Madrid are firing on all cylinders at the moment, coming out of a 4-0 away win over Granada and the previous week defeating Barcelona 3-1 in the El Clasico. The previous meeting at Anfield between these two sides also saw the current European champions comfortably beat the Reds 3-0, and Los Blancos will be extremely confident of getting a similar result in their own backyard.
Former Tottenham star Gareth Bale has been deemed fit enough to feature, but he may well have to settle for a place on the bench due to Spanish midfielder Isco impressing while deputising for the Welshman. Cristiano Ronaldo is also only one goal away from equaling Raul Gonzales all-time Champions League goal record (71).
Liverpool (4-3-1-2): Mignolet, Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno, Henderson, Gerrard, Allen, Sterling, Borini, Balotelli
Unlike Real Madrid, Liverpool are in a mini crisis after succumbing to their fourth loss in the league, losing to Newcastle United 1-0 at St. James’ Park on Saturday. Therefore, the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu couldn’t have come at a worse time, as at the moment the Reds seem unable to score goals with Mario Balotelli performing nowhere near the level expected of him. If Liverpool were to lose, they could still qualify for the knock-out stages if they win their remaining two games against FC Basel and Ludogorets Razgrad. Manager Brendan Rodgers could start Fabio Borini up front with Balotelli again, and bring Joe Allen back into central midfield to win the ball back and keep possession against a fast and direct Los Blancos.
What the fans are saying…
Remember this?
//www.youtube.com/embed/7q8isU-1H5Y
Liverpool grabbed a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu via a Yossi Benayoun header back in 2009. How the Reds hope that can achieve something similar on Tuesday!