Prediction Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Frosty Reception Awaits Trent in Homecoming

Two footballing titans are set for an almighty clash on Tuesday evening, as Liverpool prepare to take on La Liga giants Real Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League – and this time, there will be extra bit of needle between the two teams.

The game will see Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first return to Liverpool after he controversially left the club on a free transfer to join Los Blancos in the summer. Some commended him for following his dreams – others admonished him for leaving the club that made him in the lurch calling him a “traitor” as reported in the summer.

It’s unclear whether he will be named among Madrid’s starting XI – he has not etched a regular spot in their first team as of yet. Nevertheless, he won’t expect anything other than a frosty reception from the Anfield faithful.

Who wins this match is tough to call as you would expect a big reaction from the clearly inconsistent but capable of anything Liverpool side this season while Los Blancos have a solid 5 point lead over Barca in La Liga while the Reds are 7 points behind Arsenal. We take a look at the factors to consider for this marquee Champions League group clash.

Are Liverpool missing Trent-Alexander Arnold?

So far this season, Liverpool have been largely underwhelming – before their win over Aston Villa at the weekend, they had been on a four-game losing streak in the Premier League. They currently sit in third place, 7 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

But how much does Alexander-Arnold’s absence play into this? Truthfully, perhaps more than Liverpool fans would be willing to admit. They have failed to find a replacement right-back – Jeremie Frimpong is not fitting the mould and Conor Bradley is still a few shades too green.

Dominik Szoboszlai has been deployed there to mixed results – he has the passing ability, but lacks the defensive know-how of a fullback. All in all, despite an initial boon of good results, Alexander-Arnold’s absence has left a noticeable gap in Liverpool’s approach.

He was very important to them in all areas of the pitch, due to his ability to accurately transition play in an instant. They have looked comparatively flat this year going forwards – they can’t rely on Alexander-Arnold to bail them out with 70-yard wonder passes any more when things aren’t going their way.

Should Alexander-Arnold have stayed at Liverpool?

Ultimately, this is not a decision that lies with us – only Alexander-Arnold himself can have the final say on what he ‘should’ have done. Additionally, it’s necessary to consider how short his time at Madrid has been thus far. Nevertheless, we’re entitled to our opinion on the matter.

Despite this, Alexander-Arnold had built a dynasty at Liverpool upon his departure. To leave in the manner he did largely tainted his legacy at Anfield – it left a bitter taste in the fans’ mouths and turned him from a beloved talisman into a shunned figure within weeks but the fans response to him is still likely to be be mixed.

How is Trent doing in La Liga?

The England international has not exactly hit the ground running in La Liga. He has made five appearances for Madrid so far this season, failing to score a goal or register an assist. For an attacking fullback such as him, this is somewhat concerning.

In theory, Alexander-Arnold should be a success in La Liga – it is a division where players are generally afforded more time on the ball than they would be in the Premier League.

It’s worth noting that Alexander-Arnold has struggled with injuries at the start of the season and may not be fully fit yet.

Who will win the Champions League group match?

Madrid led by ex Liverpool favourite Xabi Alonso look the form team coming in with Kylian Mbappe on fire. However you have to think Alexander Isak is due to announce himself in a Liverpool shirt and what bigger stage to do it on.

We predict a 1-1 tie as both teams will look to be solid and do the basics right hoping a few of their stars will deliver in the big moments. Oddschecker agree with us placing both teams as joint favourites to win at 8/5. It’s a tough one to call.

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