Liverpool will face European Champions Real Madrid at Anfield for the first time since 2009. Back then, the Reds demolished the Spanish giants but a lot has changed.
The merseysiders are not in their top form like last season with several new players still trying to gel in.
Adding to that, they are going to be without their star striker Daniel Sturridge who suffered a calf injury and will be out for 3 more weeks.
Having lost the last game against Basel, there might be serious chances of Liverpool failing to qualify for KO rounds if they lose both games against Real.
The can beat any team at Anfield but will they beat in-form Real Madrid, we shall see. As far as the team news is concerned, expect Coutinho and Allen to start for the Reds. The duo did not start against QPR but impressed largely after coming on and should get the nod.
Mario Balotelli might be dropped but perhaps BR may have to go for a false no 9 as Reds lack quality strikers at the moment. Liverpool legend Carragher also believes Mario should be dropped.
Here is Liverpool’s probable XI vs Real Madrid.
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WHO IS TO BLAME IF THERE IS NO QUALITY STRIKER IN THE TEAM?
THE MANAGER OR THE FANS.
Liverpools problems are far from over.they should buy 2-3 world class players in january transfer window to jumpstart their season
I really cannot understand why Balotelli is not performing and producing better than he is. If one of our strikers is injured, Balotelli is experienced enough and has enough quality that he should be able to run the forward spot by himself albeit maybe just for a short while. Watching him play, I have noticed that he seems to like dropping back and sitting behind the other midfielders which is totally strange to me because I do not remember seeing him like this when he played at City. As for Borini, I am sorry I do not really see him amounting to much at Liverpool and should really be moved on if not in January, then definitely in the summer. I know we will get Origi finally in the summer, that takes care of one striker slot but one more is needed between now and then. Maybe if the scouts are paying attention, we can have another January window like we had 2 years ago.