Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool travel to the Spanish capital for their toughest game of the season. The Reds who are enduring a stuttering start to their league campaign will try to bounce back in what looks like a ‘David vs Goliath’ game at the Bernebeu. Here is how the Reds might line-up to face a Real Madrid side who top the La Liga and have the services of the returning Gareth Bale at their disposal.
Simon Mignolet
The Belgian shot-stopper was only called into action at the weekend when he had to pick the ball out of his own net other than the few saves he was forced into. The former Sunderland stopper will expect to be very busy o Tuesday as he faces the likes of Ronaldo-Benzema-Bale.
Javier Manquillo
Glen Johnson simply doesn’t quite cut it as Liverpool’s first choice right-back anymore. Young Manquillo offers defensive solidity and tireless work-rate down the right flank. Inexperience might go against the young Spaniard in this fixture but at least Rodgers’ will rest assured that the youngster will give it his all and beyond.
Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian centre-back is undoubtedly Liverpool’s best defender and in a game of this magnitude, he will have to be at the top of his game at the heart of the defence.
Kolo Toure
The veteran centre-back will hope that Rodgers’ persistence with Lovren despite the Croatian’s poor performances must finally have worn out. The 34 year old offers big game experience and defensive leadership at the back, something that has been lacking for quite some time in the Reds defence now.
Alberto Moreno
The young Spanish full-back will have his hands full at the Bernebeu as Gareth Bale returns to the starting line-up. No slouch in the pace department himself, Moreno will have to be at his sharpest to stop the Welshman from influencing the game.
Emre Can
The German youngster is probably Liverpool’s best bet at stifling the Real Madrid midfield. Blessed with natural physicality, Can combines tireless running with effective passing and a strong drive.
Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool vice-captain has been not at his consistent best off late. It may be down to the knock he picked up in the previous encounter between the 2 side but Hendo will have to be at his fluent best is Reds hope to get anything out of the game.
Phillipe Coutinho
The twinkle-toed Brazilian was one of the bright stars of the first leg. Smashing a long-range effort against the post leaving Casillias dumbfounded, Coutinho has shown that he has the ability to turn the game on his head as and when he wants.
Steven Gerrard
In a game where the stage is set for the skipper to take control, its only natural to assume that Rodgers’ ought to play the former England skipper in the position he annihilated the same opposition 5 years ago.
Raheem Sterling
The teenager who has shouldered all of Liverpool’s attacking burdens this season has got a huge role to play at the Bernebeu. Against a shaky Madrid defence, Sterling has shown enough proof that he can cause problems to the Madrid defence.
Mario Balotelli
It is in such games that world football witnesses the best of Mario Balotelli and Liverpool fans will be hoping that the Italian does just that. A lot is expected from the former AC Milan striker and its only fair to assume that this might just be his day.