Liverpool get clear verdict in worrying Real Madrid prediction for Arnold return

Arne Slot's side face an uphill battle against in-form Real Madrid in their blockbuster Champions League tie at Anfield on Tuesday night, despite victory over Aston Villa

It is the game everyone has been waiting for - and it arrives at an inopportune moment for Liverpool.

When the draw for the Champions League group stages was made, there was a sense of inevitability about Trent Alexander-Arnold having to come back to Anfield with Real Madrid. But the circumstances of the match could not have been known.

Real lost 2-0 on Merseyside last November, so know about the challenge that awaits them. And yet they arrive as favourites on Tuesday night thanks to their own impressive form and Liverpool's shaky performances.

Arne Slot's side arrested a run of four straight Premier League defeats by beating Aston Villa 2-0 on Saturday night and smashed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in their last Champions League game, but their weaknesses remain obvious.

So will Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe pile on the misery? Or can Slot and his players build on the Villa victory with a statement performance against Real? Mirror Football's writers have had their say.

Sam Meade

I don't think we can say that Liverpool have turned a corner after beating Aston Villa at the weekend and Real present a daunting task. The Spanish giants have won 10 of their 11 La Liga games and often come alive in the Champions League.

Real have won all three of their European games thus far and return to Anfield with a number of subplots. They were beaten at Liverpool last term but now return with former Red Xabi Alonso as their manager and, most notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold in their ranks.

Liverpool too have often risen to the occasion in Europe but there aura has been majorly dented and they're in the midst of trying to find a winning formula. Real meanwhile are much more into their groove and have Mbappe in some stellar form.

It has the hallmarks of a perfect away day job in the Champions League, pouncing on a team trying to get out of a rut, with some former Liverpool icons potentially enjoying their return home.

Liverpool 0-1 Real Madrid

James Whaling

Liverpool looked to have turned something of a corner in beating Aston Villa after a wretched run of results, at least domestically. But they are off a comfortable victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in their last European outing and we know what they can conjure up on big Champions League nights at Anfield.

This is undoubtedly one of those. The return of Trent Alexander-Arnold adds some spice to proceedings, if he’s thrown in from the start. But they’re coming up against the juggernaut of all European juggernauts in Real Madrid and will not have an easy night.

There are still worries defensively and the likes of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe will be licking their lips. But I fancy Liverpool to take something from the game.

Liverpool 1-1 Real Madrid

Felix Keith

I'm buying into the 'Anfield under the lights on a European night magic' schtick and, having been pretty impressed with the way they dealt with Villa on Sunday, I am backing Liverpool to add another famous win into the annals of their history.

This should be an entertaining watch - and there is no way in my mind that Liverpool can keep a clean sheet. Vinicius Jr and Mbappe are sure to trouble their incredibly shaky backline. But Liverpool showed in smashing five past Frankfurt in their last Champions League game that they've got bundles of options going forward.

Mohamed Salah has scored in his last two games, Cody Gakpo is an underrated threat off the other flank and Hugo Ekitike looks dangerous every time I've watched him this season. I'm going for a rollicking end-to-end game, settled by a piece of drama from a set piece at the end. Cue bedlam at Anfield.

Liverpool 3-2 Real Madrid

Tom Victor

Liverpool looked a little better against Aston Villa but still look vulnerable against a team with Real Madrid’s quality. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have looked vulnerable, and an opposition attack with pace and guile can take advantage.

Arne Slot’s team haven’t had too much trouble scoring this season, and we can largely ignore the club exit with a heavily-rotated team. Real Madrid have been hard to break down in Europe but vulnerabilities have been there at times in the league at times and the likes of Mo Salah and Hugo Ekitike can take advantage.

As has often been the case this term, it’s a question of ‘who can score more’ - a change from this time last year when the Reds’ defensive strength meant it was just ‘who can score’. Despite Slot demonstrating his European chops, his team might fall just short this time.

Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid

Daniel Orme

Liverpool are still an extraordinarily talented team despite their results so this is going to be far from a walkover. The Reds have the squad capable of going toe-to-toe with the Spanish giants and have enough attacking power to really worry Xabi Alonso’s side.

The only problem is is that Liverpool are arguably coming up against the best side in Europe right now. Real have lost just one league game all season, scoring 26 goals along the way.

It’s tough to see Liverpool being able to keep them out given the defensive vulnerability that they appear to have picked up this season. Of course, there will be the underlying storyline of Vinicius Junior’s spat with boss Alonso but it shouldn’t be a surprise to see him find the net at Anfield - while Kylian Mbappe should be a good bet to extend his brilliant form on Merseyside.

Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid