(Picture) Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Play Against Real Madrid: Coutinho, Johnson & Can To Start

 

The disaster for Liverpool is prolonging. As if the defeat to Newcastle United was not enough, Liverpool are facing Real Madrid at Real’s home turf for their Champions League game up next. When Real came to Anfield, Liverpool tried to sweep them off their floors with the help of their fans. But that didn’t go too well as Real managed to sneak three past them in a game where the Galacticos apparently went soft according to Modric. In Spain Liverpool are not going to get the support of their loyalists and this time things would be a bit more difficult for Brendan Rodgers and his men. Rodgers would have to face the tough task of picking up the eleven to face Real at their home turf. While none of the players are playing upto their expectations, here is what we feel would be the ideal set of players for the match.

Defence:

While the move for Victor Valdes has collapsed, there is no imminent news of Liverpool bringing in some other goalkeeper soon. In this scenario, Simon Mignolet will be the man for Liverpool at the goal, rather unfortunately.

Javier Manquillo has been a decent performer till now, but it is hard to believe that Rodgers would throw him into the team against such a heavyweight opponent. We pick Glen Johnson as our right back. Alberto Moreno could be the left back though with the young Spaniard having the experience to play in the European competitions.

Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren are the two regulars for Liverpool at the back and this partnership is set to continue, irrespective of the amount of brickbats they receive. Sakho is still not fit enough and Rodgers has very little trust on the Frenchman to give him the opportunity against Real Madrid.

Midfield:

Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard and Emre Can could be the midfield trio for Liverpool. While Henderson has been poor in the last match, Gerrard sparked some controversy hinting about a possible switch from Anfield. Emre Can has been decent at the best till now, but this match will German another chance to show his mettle. In the last match against Madrid, Liverpool lost the battle in the midfield and if these three fail to step up to the magnitude of the occasion, Liverpool will be in for yet another drubbing at the hands of Real Madrid.

Attack:

Liverpool have very little options but to field Mario Balotelli upfront. The Italian has been one of the poorest performers of the club till now, but unless Rodgers signs a more clinical finisher for Liverpool, Balotelli would have to play his role at the front of the goal. Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho should be the two players behind Balotelli as managers Rodgers would want to induce some pace in his side to trouble the Real Madrid defence. Coutinho has shown some form in recent times and the supporters would believe that the Brazilian be at his best against Real.