Firmino And Thiago To Start, Mane And Wijnaldum On The Bench: Liverpool’s Predicted XI To Play Real Madrid

Firmino And Thiago To Start, Mane And Wijnaldum On The Bench: Liverpool’s Predicted XI To Play Real Madrid

After negotiating a tricky game against Aston Villa at the weekend, Liverpool can now fully focus on the huge Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

Turning around a two-goal deficit from the first leg would be a lot easier were the match being played in front of a full house, but the players will have to create their own special European night at Anfield if they are to go through to the semi-finals.

Despite his disappointing performance at the weekend, Alisson will be hoping to get back on track against Real. A clean sheet is vital to progressing so the Brazilian will need to be on the top of his game.

Klopp is likely to select the same back four as the first leg, despite his side conceding three in Spain. Big performances from the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nat Phillips, Ozan Kabak and Andy Robertson are needed tomorrow evening.

After being benched on Saturday, Thiago may come into the eleven, with Georginio Wijnaldum possibly making way following some under-par displays recently. Fabinho and James Milner could make up the rest of the midfield.

Up front, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah both performed well versus Villa so they should keep their places. A decision will have to be made between Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota but the latter’s form should see him be given the nod by Klopp.

The Portuguese international has been clinical in front of goal this season and that sort of finishing will be important on a night when opportunities may be few and far between. In contrast, Mane looks bereft of confidence and simply doesn’t look like scoring at the moment.

Liverpool’s Predicted XI To Face Real Madrid:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson, Thiago, Fabinho, Milner, Salah, Firmino, Jota

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.