UEFA Champions League Betting Preview: Liverpool vs Real Madrid - Wednesday, November 27, 2024

A new chapter in the storied Liverpool-Real Madrid rivalry is set to unfold on Wednesday evening, as these European powerhouses clash in a highly-anticipated Champions League encounter at Anfield.

Liverpool’s Impressive Form Under Arne Slot

Liverpool’s stellar Champions League campaign so far has them standing tall as the only team with a perfect 12 points from four matchdays. Driven by Arne Slot’s vision, Liverpool have outpaced defending champions Real Madrid by a significant 17 places in the competition’s standings.

Slot’s impressive managerial start places him among elite company, joining figures like Guus Hiddink and his current opponent Carlo Ancelotti with ten wins in his first twelve Premier League games. This past weekend, a Mohamed Salah-inspired Liverpool eked out a hard-fought 3-2 victory on the south coast, bolstering their Premier League lead to eight points. Salah’s continued excellence against Southampton also contributed to Liverpool’s ongoing streak of scoring two or more goals in their last six matches across all competitions.

Despite the recent success at St. Mary’s, Arne Slot and his staff must stay grounded as they enter an eventful fortnight. In addition to Wednesday’s Champions League battle, Liverpool will host defending champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday before they travel to Newcastle and bitter rivals Everton next week.

First of all, Liverpool have their sights set on breaking a painful, eight-game winless streak against Real Madrid – a run that stretches back to their 4-0 victory at Anfield in 2009. Primed for payback on Wednesday evening, the Merseysiders will be eager to put their recent struggles against Real Madrid behind them and maintain their unbeaten Champions League record this term.

Liverpool’s Selection Concerns Ahead of Real Madrid Showdown

The Reds head into Wednesday’s clash grappling with a series of injury concerns. Summer signing Federico Chiesa has yet to make a significant impact as he continues individual training to improve his fitness levels.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has recently returned to training following a hamstring injury, but with deputy Caoimhin Kelleher in solid form, the Brazilian is unlikely to be rushed back. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold, recovering from a hamstring issue sustained before the international break, has not yet resumed full training, though manager Arne Slot suggested a return is on the horizon.

Elsewhere, Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas missed the weekend win at Southampton due to a knock in training, while Diogo Jota, sidelined with a chest injury since the Chelsea match last month, remains out with no clear return date. These selection issues will test Liverpool’s depth as they aim to overcome Real Madrid and extend their flawless Champions League campaign.

Real Madrid’s Rollercoaster Campaign and Injury Woes

Real Madrid come into this clash with something to prove. Their group-stage performance has been far from consistent, with losses to Lille and AC Milan putting their title defense on shaky ground. The 15-time European champions sit 18th in the standings – uncharacteristically low for a club of their stature. However, Ancelotti’s side has recently found their rhythm, with back-to-back La Liga victories that included a 4-0 rout of Osasuna and a 3-0 win over Leganes either side of the international break.

Ancelotti’s Squad Depth Tested Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Real Madrid’s squad depth was stretched over the weekend, with manager Carlo Ancelotti only able to name eight players on the substitutes’ bench, including two goalkeepers. Among them were 19-year-old goalkeeper Sergio Mestre and 17-year-old defender Diego Aguado.

Ferland Mendy was rested, allowing Fran García to play the full 90 minutes at left-back, while Brahim Díaz, Luka Modric, and young forward Endrick came off the bench. Despite these limitations, Ancelotti’s starting XI is expected to remain strong when they take on the Premier League leaders at Anfield.

The Spanish giants will be without several pivotal figures, most notably Vinicius Junior, who picked up a hamstring injury last weekend. Vinicius completed the full 90 minutes at Leganes, providing the assist for Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal. However, the Brazilian forward now faces a spell on the sidelines (could be a couple of weeks), ruling him out of the trip to Liverpool.

The forward line is bolstered by Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham, all of whom found the net in the short trip to Leganes, showcasing their sharp form in front of goal. Valverde, who was deployed as a right-back over the weekend, may remain in that role if Lucas Vazquez is not fully fit to start.

Furthermore, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo also remain sidelined, leaving Real Madrid with a depleted lineup as they head to Anfield. Rising star Brahim Diaz is expected to step into Vinicius’ role, while Castilla graduate Raul Asencio may make his Champions League debut at the back.

Despite their recent inconsistencies, Real Madrid’s history in this competition and Ancelotti’s tactical prowess make them dangerous opponents. Ancelotti’s men know what it takes to win on the grandest stage, and they’ll be determined to rise to the occasion, even with their squad at less than full strength.

Possible Starting Lineups of Liverpool and Real Madrid

Liverpool: Caoimhin Kelleher – Connor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson – Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister – Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Luis Díaz – Darwin Nunez. (4-2-3-1)

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois – Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy – Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric – Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Brahim Díaz – Kylian Mbappe. (4-2-3-1)

An Unmissable European Night at Anfield

Even at such an early stage, this clash is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling matches of the Champions League campaign. Liverpool, powered by a perfect record and the relentless ‘Egyptian King’, will be keen to finally conquer their Real Madrid demons. Real Madrid, on the other hand, must overcome significant injuries but Carlo Ancelotti’s men, buoyed by recent domestic success, aim to remind everyone of their European pedigree.

With the Reds eager to end a 15-year drought against the most successful club in the competition, Anfield promises to be the stage for yet another unforgettable night of Champions League football.

Spooky Express Betting Predictions

For Wednesday night’s highly anticipated Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid, the odds slightly favor the home side, with Arne Slot’s side at -118 to claim victory at Anfield. Real Madrid are valued at +290 to pull off an away win, while a draw stands at +285. With both teams known for their European pedigree, this matchup offers plenty of intrigue for all soccer fans and bettors alike.

All odds are available through EveryGame, giving the SpookyExpress.com readers an exciting chance to engage in this thrilling showdown.

UEFA Champions League Betting Preview: Liverpool vs Real Madrid – Wednesday, November 27, 2024