Liverpool vs. Real Madrid possible XI: Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, Virgil van Dijk set to face in a huge Champions League clash..

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid potential starting XI: Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, and Virgil van Dijk set to clash in a significant Champions League encounter

One of the most anticipated matchups of the 2024-25 Champions League is set to unfold as six-time champions Liverpool take on 15-time titleholders Real Madrid in a thrilling showdown at Anfield on Wednesday.

Under the guidance of Arne Slot, Liverpool remains the only team with a flawless record, having secured four victories in four matches during the league phase, including a recent 4-0 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen that has propelled them to a two-point lead at the top of the Champions League standings.

In contrast, Real Madrid has experienced a lackluster start to their title defense, managing only six points from their initial 12 available, placing them outside the seeded playoff positions in 18th place.

Both clubs are buoyed by recent domestic successes; Liverpool staged a comeback to defeat Southampton 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League encounter, while Carlo Ancelotti’s side comfortably dispatched Leganes with a 3-0 victory.

With a lineup featuring numerous star players, Sports Mole has compiled a combined XI for Liverpool and Real Madrid, selecting only those players anticipated to be fit for the match.

Due to Alisson Becker’s expected absence from a hamstring injury, Caoimhin Kelleher is set to take the goalkeeping position for Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Irishman has impressed during his time in the starting role, earning recognition as one of the top backup goalkeepers globally.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid can rely on Thibaut Courtois, one of the world’s elite goalkeepers, who has returned from an adductor injury and was an easy choice for the starting position following the win over Leganes.

Dani Carvajal, a victim of an ACL injury and having just experienced one of the best years of his career, will certainly be missed.

In contrast, Trent Alexander-Arnold is hopeful of making a comeback from a hamstring issue in time for Wednesday’s match, where he may face those who admire his skills.

Although the English defender has not been particularly impactful offensively this season, contributing only two assists in 15 appearances, he has shown significant improvement in his defensive capabilities.

Meanwhile, Andy Robertson, another seasoned full-back, has not had his best season, but neither Fran Garcia nor Ferland Mendy has been consistent enough to displace the Scottish player from the starting lineup.

Despite David Alaba and Eder Militao being sidelined due to injuries, Real Madrid will still have central defensive representation through Antonio Rudiger, who has netted two goals in this year’s competition and narrowly edges out Ibrahima Konate for a starting position.

Completing the defensive quartet is Virgil van Dijk, who has played every minute of both the Premier League and Champions League this season, scoring twice and assisting once.

With Aurelien Tchouameni dealing with an ankle injury, one midfield selection was straightforward; the rejuvenated Ryan Gravenberch is consistently in contention for the Premier League Player of the Season award, having won possession 30 times in the 2024-25 Champions League, more than any other midfielder.

Partnering with Gravenberch in the double pivot is Federico Valverde, who may need to fill in at right-back on Wednesday due to Real’s injury woes but remains a significant offensive threat, having scored four goals and provided two assists across all competitions this season.

Alexis Mac Allister and Eduardo Camavinga also deserve honorable mentions.

Jude Bellingham, who was long associated with a high-profile move to Anfield before ultimately joining Real Madrid, has not replicated the impressive form he displayed in the 2023-24 season. This dip in performance appears to be linked to a shift in Ancelotti’s tactical approach. Nevertheless, his tally of two goals and four assists across all competitions is respectable, allowing him to edge out regular contenders Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai for the number 10 position.

Mohamed Salah stands out as the most straightforward choice for this lineup, as he seeks his first victory against Real Madrid.

This season, he has made an impressive 22 goal contributions in 18 matches, comprising 12 goals and 10 assists.

Notably, he leads the Champions League in assists with four, although his recent comments regarding his future may overshadow his remarkable performances on the pitch.

While Vinicius Junior would typically be an obvious pick for the opposite wing, his recent hamstring injury has paved the way for Luis Diaz, who scored a stunning hat-trick against Leverkusen on matchday four, to take his place ahead of Cody Gakpo and Brahim Diaz.

Kylian Mbappe’s transition to life in Madrid has not been as seamless as he might have hoped, yet his nine goals in all competitions indicate he is still a formidable threat.

With Diogo Jota sidelined due to injury and Darwin Nunez struggling to find his rhythm at Liverpool, Mbappe is poised to be our primary attacking option.

A goal on Wednesday would mark his 50th in the Champions League, achieved in just 78 appearances.