Liverpool are back on home soil on Tuesday evening as Real Madrid make the trip to Anfield for a Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash.
The two sides of course met in last season's showpiece fixture in Paris, Vinicius Jr scoring the game's only goal as Carlo Ancelotti's men secured a 14th European Cup in the process.
Looking to take revenge for this loss, the Reds head into this showdown on the back of two Premier League wins and look to have restored their confidence after a dismal start to 2023. The obvious for Jurgen Klopp would therefore be to name an unchanged side, though concern over Darwin Nunez's shoulder could force a rethink in this department.
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Only time will tell regarding the starting eleven the German will select, but here is our take on who Klopp is likely to side with against Madrid.
Gomez keeps his place
Both Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are near certainties to start this fixture after their respective impressive showings on Saturday evening, though the latter will have to be cautious due to being one yellow card away from a one-game suspension in the Champions League.
At centre-back is where things become more interesting, with a decision needed to be made over who will partner Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence. Joe Gomez held his own at St James' Park but Joel Matip is available for selection and could be called upon to freshen things up.
Given the pace of Madrid in attacking areas, however, it would surely make sense to stick with the more mobile of the two defenders and opt for Gomez. Alexander-Arnold may well require support when going up against Vinicius and Klopp would be wise to keep his two quickest at the back.
Bajcetic trusted
To suggest Stefan Bajcetic would be starting a match of this magnitude a matter of months ago would have seemed deeply unrealistic, but the Spaniard has seized his chance amid injuries to key players and drop-offs in form.
Tuesday will represent the biggest challenge faced by the 18-year-old in his career to date, though recent performances suggest the Spaniard is well-equipped to cope with this pressure. Thiago Alcantara may well have been given the nod if fit to play, though the ex-Bayern Munich man is again on the sidelines after an injury setback.
Throwing Naby Keita into the equation after being overlooked for a starting spot for the last two games would make little sense, enabling Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to support Bajcetic in the middle of the pitch.
Darwin decision
Darwin Nunez appearing to be in discomfort following a Kieran Trippier challenge was the last thing Liverpool supporters wanted to see on Saturday.
The 23-year-old did, however, take part in the Reds' open training session this afternoon, raising hopes the Uruguayan will be able to form part of the attacking system against Real Madrid. That the ex-Benfica forward was able to take part in training suggests Klopp may well be willing to risk the chaos creator from the offing, much to the disappointment of the visitors.
Should it be decided Nunez should only be introduced as a substitute, I would play Roberto Firmino down the middle and Cody Gakpo out on the left wing. Diogo Jota could be considered unfortunate to not be involved, though the Portugal international is capable of making an impact from the bench.
Predicted Liverpool starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Bajcetic, Fabinho; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.
As far as Real Madrid are concerned, Ancelotti has had problems of his own to contend with regarding availability of players and will be without midfield duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos. Karim Benzema, meanwhile, has been absent for three of his side's last five games due to a muscular issue but is set to be involved.
There were fears goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could miss the trip to Anfield after sustaining an injury during a pre-match warm-up a fortnight ago, but the Belgian made his comeback during Real's win over Osasuna at the weekend. Left-back Ferland Mendy is one player who has not recovered in time for Tuesday, having been sidelined for the last month with a thigh injury.
Central midfielder Federico Valverde has been utilised on the right wing on a number of occasions this campaign and could occupy the opposite flank to the ever-dangerous Vinicius. Rodrygo is likely to lead the line should Benzema not be risked.
Predicted Real Madrid starting XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Modric, Camavinga, Ceballos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
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