The Champions League is back and what a game on Wednesday night when we travel to Madrid to take on Real. I had been looking forward to this game for a long time, since the draw was made, but now that the game is only hours away I am not to confident going into this one with all that has been happening at Liverpool in the last couple of days. We dropped 2 points on the weekend against Manchester City at home and that must have taken a knock out of our confidence. The lads just have to bounce back and give it 110% against Real Madrid on Wednesday because if they do not, we could be in the receiving end of a bad scoreline.
Rafa’s contract talk is also not helping the cause. There has just been too much behind the scenes action for Liverpool this season and it is starting to take its toll on the field. You need the players to be 110% focussed on matters on the pitch and not have to worry about club takeovers, court dates and contracts. We would have been the architects of our own downfall if we fail this season.
Looking ahead to the game against Real, I have the utmost respect for Rafa when it comes to playing in Europe. I am sure he has watched dozens of videos of Real going into this one and he will be able to know exactly how to beat them, I have not watched much of Real this season so can not say much about them but judging from the way Barcelona have hammered them in the race for the league, they (Real) surely can be beaten.
The important thing for us is to try and get an away goal on Wednesday. A 1-1 scoreline would be great for us. Maybe even a 2-1 loss is okay. The important thing is we need an away goal because I am sure Real will come and score at Anfield with the way our defence has been leaking goals. So Rafa has to decide how to lineup against Real. Does he attack them or play it safe?
Hopefully Stevie G is fit to play on Wednesday as we really missed him against Manchester City. On the other hand there is no point rushing him back if he is not 100%. I would like to see Rafa start with the following: Reina in goal, Arbeloa at right back, Aurelio at left back, Carragher and Skrtel in the middle. Alonso and Mascherano in the middle of the park. Riera on the left, Kuyt on the right and Gerrard just behind Torres. If Gerrard is not fit then Yossi in his place.
My prediction, 1-1 the final score. Go you Reds!!!
Whilst I agree that Rafa’s contract might have put some players off focus in the league, I don’t think that it will have much of an impact here.
The most worrying thing is Real’s form – nine straight win – and their attacking flair. At the same time, this could be a good thing as it makes them favourites taking the pressure off Liverpool.