Liverpool lineups vs Real Madrid: Wirtz and Kerkez calls made in change of tactics

Liverpool are bracing themselves for a series of big games. Sandwiched between a much-needed victory over Aston Villa and an upcoming trip to Manchester City, they face the daunting task of hosting Real Madrid.

The spotlight is firmly on a certain returning Red in the Madrid ranks ahead of the clash. However, while the world is preoccupied with the reception Trent Alexander-Arnold will receive at his former home, there are far more pressing issues for Arne Slot to ponder.

How will the Liverpool manager arrange his team to take on Xabi Alonso's squad? Liverpool Echo writers have had their say.

Paul Gorst

Arne Slot was adamant that Sunday's journey to Manchester City won't influence his selection for the Real Madrid match, but I'd argue that three points at the Etihad are more valuable than this evening's game.

That said, Slot won't be resting his key players for the weekend. These are the kind of weeks you want Liverpool to have, and a successful few days could see them finally overcome the struggles of the past few months.

The win over Aston Villa on Saturday was a positive step forward.

Slot's options at right-back are limited, so Conor Bradley will be called upon once again to put in a solid performance against Vinicius Junior. In my opinion, Andy Robertson should retain his place at left-back over Milos Kerkez.

Florian Wirtz is set to continue as a substitute, providing Liverpool with a special talent off the bench. The Reds appear more secure with a return to last season's trusted midfield trio.

With Alexander Isak still out of action, Hugo Ekitike will spearhead the attack, supported by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

My team (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Ian Doyle

The excitement is palpable as Real Madrid visit Anfield for a Champions League clash against Liverpool. However, the thrill might be dampened due to the frequent face-offs between these two teams, with Real Madrid often emerging victorious.

So, what should Arne Slot do?

With several days until the trip to Manchester City, I'd field the strongest possible team for this match.

That means Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal, Conor Bradley retaining his position at right-back, Andy Robertson at left-back and Ibrahima Konate partnering captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.

The midfield remains unchanged, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister forming the double pivot and Dominik Szoboszlai as the number 10.

However, there's a slight change up front. Florian Wirtz is introduced as the false nine, with Mohamed Salah on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left.

My team (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Wirtz.

Theo Squires

Liverpool bounced back to form against Aston Villa by relying on their tried-and-tested defence and midfield, but the real litmus test will be whether Arne Slot's squad has truly turned a corner when they face Real Madrid.

For this match, I would stick with the same defensive line-up, with Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson holding down the full-back positions. Ibrahima Konate should start as centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk. The Frenchman, who was exceptional during Real Madrid's last visit, will hope to deliver another top-notch performance against a team that continues to be linked with him should he leave on a free transfer next summer.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister demonstrated an impressive partnership against Villa, so they should continue in the deeper midfield roles.

However, considering Florian Wirtz's standout performances in the Champions League this season, I'm suggesting a change of formation to include the German in the starting XI. After all, you can't bench Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been Liverpool's star player this season!

I wouldn't want to force Wirtz into playing on the left or as a false nine, so the occasionally-used box midfield could make a comeback for this match, with Szoboszlai on its right and Wirtz to his left. Curtis Jones is then primed to come on as a substitute in any of the roles in the box after returning to training.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are set to start in their usual positions on either wing, with Hugo Ekitike making way. However, the Frenchman is still expected to play a crucial role off the bench on what promises to be an exciting night at Anfield as Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Merseyside with his new team.

My team (4-2-2-2): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Gakpo.

Mark Jones

How often did we debate starting XIs last season and predict the changes that Arne Slot seemed certain to make, only for the Liverpool boss to end up making few if any alterations?

Following the victory over Aston Villa, I think he might do the same thing again here.

There are certain weeks when you just need your players to battle through and go again for you, and with a decent break between tonight's match and Sunday's trip to Manchester City, this seems like one of them.

Sure there are some positions up for grabs in the side, but Slot - who only made one substitution against Villa - will be able to look at the likes of Conor Bradley and Alexis Mac Allister and challenge them to repeat last season's excellent performances in this fixture. Cody Gakpo, too, has fond memories of facing Real after scoring within eight minutes of coming on 12 months ago.

Florian Wirtz is likely the most significant selection decision, but it seems that Slot and Liverpool should stick with their known strategies for the upcoming days. The German's opportunity will arise after the international break.

My team (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.