PREVIEW: Liverpool v Real Madrid

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]ood result for the column yesterday with the HT/FT Chelsea bet never looking in any danger.

More Champions League action tonight and the headline match is without doubt at Anfield.

Liverpool v Real Madrid
Champions League
7.45pm, LIVE SKY SPORTS 5

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Mar 2009 Champions League Liverpool 4-0 Real Madrid
Feb 2009 Champions League Real Madrid 0-1 Liverpool
May 1981 European Cup Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid

Liverpool have a record of played 3, won 3 against Real Madrid but the Spanish side come into this in terrific form, hence why they are now odds on from odds against for the win tonight.

Liverpool are struggling currently, certainly compared with their efforts of last season and are clearly missing Suarez and the still-injured Sturridge up front.

But they have plenty of problems too in defence as we saw yet again in the dramatic match at QPR at the weekend and come up against a Real Madrid side tonight who have scored 32 goals in their last seven matches.

However, and this is where there is a glimmer of light for Liverpool, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos are both out for Real Madrid due to a injured thigh muscle and calf muscle respectively. To compound problems Mario Balotelli is badly out of sorts on the pitch at the moment.

Madrid, defending champions, currently top Group B after winning both their opening games and head into the first (of many!) El Clasico’s against Barcelona on Sunday.

The bad news for Liverpool is that Cristiano Ronaldo does play and he has scored an incredible 15 goals from Real Madrid’s first eight matches of the season.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admitted “He’s a player off the charts. His evolution in recent years, the way how he has become a goalscorer has been amazing, we need to know to stop him”.

Liverpool might be able to raise their game to secure a draw – Real Madrid’s price looks just a little short now for me.

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-50 points)

BACK DRAW at around 14/5 for 5 points with Star Sports

RETURN SINCE START OF WORLD CUP: PROFIT 12.97 POINTS

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