MatchThe opposition lowdown: Real Madrid

The Reds' next league-phase contest sees them host Carlo Ancelotti's team in an 8pm GMT kick-off.

For insight on what to expect from Los Blancos, Liverpoolfc.com spoke to the chief editor of the Managing Madrid website and podcast, Kiyan Sobhani...

Who have been the key players for Real this season? Who should Liverpool fans be keeping an eye out for in particular?

Jude Bellingham has been one of the constants. He's had an incredible season so far at both ends of the field - a vital transition defender with 'three lungs' who is essential to the team's ball progression. Bellingham hasn't been scoring as much as he did last season as he's playing in a deeper role, but he's been incredible nonetheless.

I would also keep an eye out for Eduardo Camavinga, who is in great form. Camavinga, playing as the 'six' in Aurelien Tchouameni's absence, was terrific at Anfield in the 5-2 victory in 2023.

In Vinicius Jr.'s absence, the main attacking threats outside of Kylian Mbappe will probably be either Brahim Diaz or Arda Guler - one of them will likely start, while the other will come off the bench.

This is a fixture that obviously has a lot of history in this competition. What do you think the view is from Madrid ahead of the game?

There is a lot of respect for Liverpool from the Real Madrid side, both for their incredible play on the pitch, but also for who they are off the pitch. There is no doubt this is circled as a massive game on the schedule. Ancelotti's men have made good progress in the last two matches, and there is a sense that this game, against one of the best teams in Europe, will be a good barometer of how real their progression really is.

Ancelotti is well known in England, of course. How has his Real team been set up this season? What has been the style of play?

This is a question that is difficult to answer, and that it is difficult to answer gives you a glimpse of how underwhelming the season has been. There has been no real identity. This is a team still trying to figure out how to navigate: 1) the post-Toni Kroos era; 2) the integration of Mbappe; 3) a frail defensive depth chart loaded with injuries.

Ancelotti has deployed a high line without a good press. Against Barcelona and Milan, back-to-back, the defence was exposed.

There has been progress in the past two matches versus Leganes and Osasuna. The tactical adjustment has been to defend by controlling the ball in the opponent's half while dialling back the press - focusing on solely counter-pressing when they lose the ball. This has led to good chances in front of goal while limiting the opponent to virtually zero clear-cut chances.

Of course, it'll be much more difficult to do that against Liverpool, so it will be interesting to see how the game unfolds.

How have things been going in the Champions League in the new format?

It's a bit too early to tell, but the only thing that's certain is that Real Madrid haven't played well in the Champions League either. The good news for them is that this format is quite forgiving - you can finish 24th and still qualify for the next round. Real Madrid have historically had the ability to have a poor season by their standards and still win the Champions League. Time will tell.

What would your predicted line-up for the game be?

Luka Modric, Ferland Mendy and Brahim Diaz all started on the bench against Leganes, which could point to them starting against Liverpool. It will be most interesting to see who Ancelotti puts in attack with both Vinicius and Rodrygo out. Will Bellingham be pushed into attack, while Dani Ceballos starts? Will Ancelotti trust Endrick? Will Brahim play as a false nine?

It's a hard one to predict, but: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Bellingham; Mbappe, Brahim, Guler.