Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Real Madrid: Manquillo & Moreno Face Ronaldo, Benzema & Rodriguez

Liverpool Probable starting line-up vs. Real Madrid

UCL football has finally returned to Anfield and now is the time for one of the marquee fixtures which the fans were waiting for. The Reds are hosting Champions of Europe, Real Madrid and would want to rise up for the challenge and give a fight. This match would be a test of their progress and getting a win is a very difficult job. Yet, nothing is impossible as Liverpool famously beat Real Madrid 4-0 at this very ground with their skipper Steven Gerrard in full throttle along with ex-fan favourite Fernando Torres complementing him perfectly in the UCL 2008-09 season.

Brendan Rodgers would want his team to be fearless, be inspired from the past and gain positives from this match which would provide confidence to them to get their Premier League campaign into a steady momentum. Here is a line-up which Liverpool could play against Real Madrid.

Goalkeeper:

Mignolet

He would seriously want to be focused in this game. He doesn’t have much UCL experience and would be against superstars who don’t hesitate to shoot and score. He would have to be sharp to protect Liverpool against Ronaldo, Benzema, James, Modric and Kroos’ shooting abilities.

Defenders:

Right Back: Manquillo

The on-loan Right Back has been in good touch and would be the one who would mostly make the team against the Champions. He would have to be on guard specially as he is facing the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo cutting in from wide positions.

Center Back: Skrtel

Martin Skrtel has struggled to form a formidable partnership with Lovren till now, but he has the physicality and unpredictability while defending. He is aggressive and he may like to battle against Ronaldo and Benzema.

Center Back: Lovren

He would have probably never faced an offensive terror as good as Ronaldo and would have to remain on guard throughout the match. His individual abilities were proven last season in the Premier League and he will have to play similarly this season.

Left Back: Moreno

Moreno will play the left back role offering pace and energy down the flanks. He is a very offensive left back and he would be a key player during counter attacks. Real Madrid like to attack with full backs and he should be one who would be making those clever runs behind the advanced fullback, likely to be the impressive Carvajal.

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Midfield:

Central Defensive Midfield: Gerrard

Captain Gerrard will play the holding midfield role with the objective of running the play for the Reds. He has been good as a deep lying playmaker and has got the passes rolling for Liverpool. Against Real Madrid, he would mostly be working off the ball as the Spanish team are expected to dominate possession.

Central Midfield: Joe Allen

Joe Allen has been impressive in the games he has played this season and offers good work rate and passing techniques in the heart of midfield. He would complement Gerrard well in the midfield. He is also pretty underrated in terms of ability.

Central Midfield: Henderson

Henderson will play the box to box role in a three man midfield. He has the stamina and work rate to do justice to the role as well as improved techniques to produce a key pass or create a scoring chance for his team-mates. He is always available for support.

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Attackers:

Right Wing: Sterling

One of the most important players for Liverpool is Raheem Sterling. He would be like their advanced playmaker cutting in from the wings. His pace, work rate and flair has been key to Liverpool’s victories this season and has been their most valuable player till now. Real Madrid may have special plans to contain him.

Left Wing: Adam Lallana

Lallana has been in good form as he has taken to life at Liverpool after an injury that delayed his start of his new career path. He is technically gifted and nimble footed. He would be an important player who could switch positions with Sterling time and again. His flair and decisiveness is very important for the Reds.

Striker: Balotelli

His form has been woeful but everyone is aware of his talents. The Italian has to pull up his socks, work harder on the pitch and be more focused when the chances arrive. It just needs on big goal to get back a lot of confidence and Real Madrid is exactly the team against whom you’re likely to get a major boost.