UCL 2022-23: Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Los Blancos will once again see The Reds in the competition for the second consecutive season.

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is set to hold its biggest match. The game between Liverpool and Real Madrid has been an exhilarating fixture in the past. Real Madrid have outmatched Liverpool in two UCL finals in the past seasons.

Liverpool have had a bad start to the season and are struggling. The Scousers are in desperate need for some signings as well. Klopp's side has started to regain some of their old forms after winning their past 2 matches. However, the match against Real Madrid definitely won't be as easy as their previous 2 fixtures.

Real Madrid on the other hand are still holding up quite well. Despite not being at their very best, Madrid are in contention for the La Liga title and UCL title as well. Ancelotti's side does not look as formidable as they did last season but are surely still one of the best.

Kick-off:

Wednesday, 22-02-2023, 01:30 am (IST),

Tuesday, 21-02-2023, 08:00 pm: (GMT)

Liverpool form (all Competitions): D-L-L-W-W

Real Madrid form (all Competitions): L-W-W-W-W

Player To Watch

Liverpool

Cody Gakpo

Liverpool have lost their attacking flair after Sadio Mane left to join Bayern. The likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are great attacking options for Liverpool but no replacement for Sadio Mane. Cody Gakpo is the perfect candidate to fill in Sadio Mane's position. Gakpo just like Sadio Mane can act as an inside forward as well as a wide playmaker. Gakpo is also starting to find form in the Premier League after scoring in the past 2 games.

Real Madrid

Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian had managed to garner a goal contribution of 30 in the previous La Liga season. His best ever and to mention, and he also scored the only goal against Liverpool in the UCL final. Vinicius has been a bit inconsistent this season in terms of goal-scoring however even when not at his best, he's a goal threat for sure. With his flashy skills, pace and precision, Vinicus Jr can definitely bag a goal against Liverpool.

Match Facts

• The Scousers managed to beat Real Madrid in their first three European matches. (1981-2009) . Ever since then, Liverpool are winless in six games.

• Real Madrid have only won one of their previous 7 away fixtures against English teams.

• Despite having a bad start to the UEFA Champions League against Napoli. Liverpool won all of their next 5 matches in the UCL.

Injury and Team News

The likes of Darwin Nunez and Arthur Melo are possible candidates to return against Real Madrid. Konate and Luis Diaz are confirmed absentees for the match. Thiago Alcantara is likely to return for the second leg.

Real Madrid can also miss out on some key players as well. Ferland Mendy and Mariano Diaz are confirmed absentees. Benzema and Toni Kroos both missed the previous match against Osasuna but will surely play against Liverpool.

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches: 8

Liverpool: 3

Real Madrid: 4

Draws: 1

Predicted Line-up

Liverpool Predicted Line-up (4-3-3) :

Allison, Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander Arnold, Milner, Fabinho, Henderson, Nunez, Gakpo, Salah

Real Madrid Predicted Line-up (4-3-3) :

Courtois, Alaba, Rudiger, Militao, Nacho, Kroos, Camavinga, Modric, Vinicius, Benzema, Valverde

Prediction

With Liverpool just getting into form, it can perhaps be a bit too late. Real Madrid are performing consistently despite not being at their very best. With the likes of Benzema and Kroos coming back, Madrid can bag a win.

Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Real Madrid

Telecast Details

India - Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony TEN 1 and Sony TEN 1 HD.

USA - CBS Sports.

UK - BT Sport.

Nigeria - SuperSport.