How will Liverpool Lineup vs Real Madrid? | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Liverpool Midfielders

Thiago before a Liverpool game

Real Madrid have some of the best midfielders in the world, in the form of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro. It will be important for Liverpool to ensure that their midfield has the same variety.

Fabinho was used as a centre-back by Klopp for a few months, and the Brazil international did well in that position. However, his performances in midfield were sorely missed. The 27-year old is excellent defensively and protects the backline well.

Gary Neville: "Fabinho is the best defensive midfielder in the league." #awlfc [sky]

— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) April 3, 2021

Thiago Alcantara's signing was heralded when it happened last summer. Injuries have not helped, but the Spain international's abundant quality will be crucial against the likes of Casemiro.

Rounding off the Liverpool midfield will be Georginio Wijnaldum. The Netherlands international has been an ever-present under Klopp's management. His contract expires in the summer, and the 30-year old has been in the news often because of that. Real Madrid's rivals Barcelona have been linked with him.

---

Liverpool Forwards

Mohamed Salah in action for Liverpool

Much of Sadio Mane's work goes under the radar. The Senegal international is one of the best forwards in the Premier League, who constantly performs for Liverpool.

Diogo Jota looks set to start over Roberto Firmino. It will be a brave decision by Klopp, with Firmino a mainstay in Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League success. However, Jota has been in fine form since his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, and it looks like he could replace Firmino in the first XI soon.

Diogo Jota now has 21 goals/assists in 18 starts this season for club & country - a goal or assist every 85 minutes 🤯£40 million has proved to be an absolute bargain pic.twitter.com/qLxTJSeoKZ

— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) April 3, 2021

There will be immense focus on Mohamed Salah. The Egypt international did not play a major role when Liverpool lost the Champions League final in 2018 to Real Madrid, having been substituted due to an injury. The 28-year old has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona of late and will be eager to put in a strong performance against Los Blancos.

Predicted Liverpool XI vs Real Madrid (4-3-3) - Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Nat Phillips, Ozan Kabak, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Wijnaldum; Mane, Jota, Salah

---