Liverpool face a huge challenge in the form of Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on Tuesday evening in their Champions League last sixteen game. The Reds do come into the match off the back of two solid wins both by a 2-0 scoreline vs Everton in the Merseyside Derby and on the weekend vs Newcastle United.

The Reds are set to be without four first team players for their home leg against the reigning La Liga champions. Arthur, Thiago, Luis Diaz and Ibrahima Konate are all set to be absent from this crucial game.

Konate has a slight chance of featuring, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll play the full 90 minutes. Being a centre half, it is also unlikely that he will be brought on as a substitute unless it is deemed necessary.

On top of this, Darwin Nunez is also a major doubt after picking up a shoulder injury against Newcastle United. The Uruguayan scored in that game, coming off in the 59th minute in what appeared to be a tactical substitution, rather than a forced one.

As mentioned Liverpool beat Newcastle 2-0 in their last competitive game, with both goals coming in the first half. A moment of madness from Nick Pope, where he handled the ball outside of his area and was sent off, effectively sealed the win for the Reds.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid beat Osasuna in their previous game. The match could have petered out to a 0-0 draw, were it not for late strikes from Federico Valverde and Marco Asensio. They did not look to be at their best – the Spanish giants will need to perform better when they take on Liverpool at Anfield.

Liverpool played Real Madrid last season in the final of the Champions League, where Jurgen Klopp’s team battled hard, but ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat thanks to a goal from Carlos Vinicius. Will we see repeat or revenge on Tuesday night?

We know Mo Salah will be motivated to perform against Madrid after getting injured early by a bad challenge in the final where Gareth Bale delivered the win for the Spanish giants aided by the mistake of Lorus Karius in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final.

With two wins on the bounce it’s looking like Liverpool can make a run at a 4th place finish with games vs Crystal Palace away, Manchester United at home, Wolves at home and Bournemouth away to follow the Madrid game in the Premier League before the Reds have to travel to Spain for the 2nd leg of the Champions League tie.