Predicted Starting Line Up vs Real Madrid

antonsportsblogs

May 28

IT'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL DAY!!! This is it, the biggest game of the season is here as we descend on Paris to face Real Madrid in the showpiece event.

Routes to the Final

We swaggered through our Group of Death containing Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Porto with a 100% win rate, becoming the first English side to do so. Then in the knockout phase, we were able to comfortably beat Inter Milan, Benfica and Villarreal, even though the games were tough at times, we had more than enough to get through.

Real Madrid comfortably qualified top of their group which featured Inter Milan, Sheriff and Shaktar Donetsk. Before overcoming a treacherous knockout stage featuring all the oil clubs of PSG, Chelsea and Man City. All of those games were topsy turvy with Madrid losing and being out played in one of the legs in each tie, but their spirit, resolve, quality and mentality saw them through.

The Managers

Both Klopp and Ancelotti have a huge amount of respect for each other and they have been successful in this competition before. This is Klopp's fourth final of his career, he has lost two and won one so far. Whilst this is Ancelotti's fifth final, and he has won three and lost one. How these managers handle the game from the touchline could/will make all the difference to their teams success.

Fitness Update: We have been concerned over recent weeks about the fitness of Van Dijk, Fabinho, Thiago and Salah but all of them appear to be injury free at the moment, and I expect them all the start.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 1 Real Madrid. Will the game be tight and cagey or free flowing and end to end? We shall see. Either way I expect us to win the game if we play at our best. The challenge is mighty against a fellow member of European Royalty and Madrid have never lost a Champions League final, so this is as hard as it gets, but I back our boys every day of the week.

Onto the Starting Line Ups:

Paul and I have selected the same team. The only debate for me was who would start between Matip and Konate. I have plumped for Konate to deal with that space in behind Trent that I think Vinicius Jr will try to exploit. Really harsh on Matip though.

Paul: My starting eleven is on the basis that all our players at risk of fitness will be ready for us. Thiago is the biggest risk but if not fit Keita would slip in. In defence it's really hard to drop Matip especially with what he gives us going forward, but I believe we need Konate to provide more cover to Trent who will be dealing with Vinicius, and also the aerial threat from Benzema needs to be addressed. Up front I believe the front 3 is obvious for us, Salah has a lot to prove but Mane is our main man for me. I expect him to be the game changer. A massive game and a massive end to a massive season. Can't wait. Up the Reds.

Christian and Joe have also selected the same team as each other.

Joe: Sadly I think Thiago will only be fit enough for the bench but will likely play 30 minutes. It will be a tight game and I predict a 2-1 win for Liverpool with goals from Salah and Diaz for the reds and Benzema for Real Madrid.

Christian: It will be another magical day taking place and Liverpool again face Real Madrid the biggest of Europe's giants. I think we can do it but this will be tougher than you could even imagine. Penalties again? I wouldn't be surprised to be honest. So line up wise Alisson is a shoo in, in the back four Matip and Konate are the discussion and I would go for Matip but the real discussion should be about Robbo vs Tsimikas and I think Klopp picks merits over form so Robbo it is. In midfield Fabinho, Thiago & Keita clicks but with both Fabinho & Thiago struggling to be fit for the game Hendo will start. Upfront it's the same, Salah is in poor form but will start and has revenge on his mind while Mane and Diaz are the two first choices upfront. To have players like Jota, Milner, Thiago, Tsimikas, Konate and Firmino available to come on in a tough long game might be the difference as we have an amazing squad. I think this is the team Klopp chooses. COYR one last push .