Carlo Ancelotti to FINALLY unleash the REAL Kylian Mbappe vs Liverpool | OneFootball

Anfield is expectant for Wednesday night.

A huge clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League is next for the Reds in a game which could send a clear message to the rest of Europe that Liverpool are not lying down.

Midweek game under the lights, Anfield will be a cauldron with the fans looking to create a hostile environment to unsettle the away team.

Last time out Arne Slot's team dismantled Bayern Leverkusen 4-0 with Luis Diaz scoring his first hat-trick for the club.

The latest team news for this game states that Vinicius Jr. has picked up a hamstring injury which will rule him out for three weeks, meaning he will miss the game against the rampant Reds.

Marca has reported that after the game against Leganes last night, he felt strong “discomfort”.

“It is an injury that is not new for the Brazilian, who already suffered it twice last season, precisely at this point.”

Of course, this is a huge boost for Arne Slot’s men with Vinicius being a key part of Madrid’s attacking prowess.

However, this could also be to Real’s benefit and actually be a problem for Liverpool.

Mbappe ready to shine

With Vinicius out, this means Kylian Mbappe will be played at left-wing. The Frenchman was deployed there this weekend where he excelled, scoring and putting in a strong performance.

This is Kylian’s most comfortable position and the winger will likely come up against Conor Bradley, a quality but inexperienced defender; a serious mismatch could occur.

Vini went through the centre, but with him out, this means Carlo Ancelotti may opt to play Jude Bellingham back in that position.

However, Marca believe that the most likely options are those of Brahim Diaz, Arda Güler or Endrick.

“The first two would help to have more possession of the ball and last pass, although the team would not have as much presence in the area.”

Will the Reds rest players?

Mbappe will be problematic and even though he hasn’t lived up to expectations yet at Madrid, he will want to prove a point.

With Madrid and Manchester City in the space of a few days, Liverpool may even play a weakened team on Wednesday as they have technically secured a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

A loss wouldn’t be too damaging if it means a full-strength team on Sunday and the opportunity to go eleven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

It comes as Real Madrid struggle with an injury crisis with Vini the latest big name to be ruled out. The likes of Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Rodrygo and Aurelien Tchouameni are also out.