Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield tonight as Real Madrid face Liverpool in the Champions League, although it’s still uncertain how involved he’ll be on the pitch. This marks his first meeting with his former club since his controversial exit last season, when he allowed his contract to run down and left the club he grew up at for a relatively small fee.
Given how messy his departure was, the right-back could be met with hostility from the home crowd. Despite that, he did make a touching gesture outside the stadium, leaving a personal tribute to Diogo Jota at the memorial area.
Will Alexander-Arnold start tonight?
All eyes will be on the Real Madrid team announcement 75 minutes before kick-off to see if Alexander-Arnold is selected.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, he isn’t expected to start. Their predicted XI has Federico Valverde at right-back instead — even though he’s naturally a midfielder — which is a role he has filled several times this season.
Marca’s predicted Real Madrid lineup:
Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappé.
Liverpool already know how to target him
Alexander-Arnold hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury in Madrid’s opening Champions League game against Marseille in September, although he has returned to the squad for their last two matches.
The defender will undoubtedly be eager to start on his return to Anfield, but Liverpool won’t feel intimidated if he does. Cody Gakpo knows his game inside-out after spending over two seasons with him, and will have a clear understanding of how to expose his defensive vulnerabilities.
Although much of the media attention will be focused on Alexander-Arnold, Arne Slot will remind his players that Real Madrid pose threats across the pitch — especially Kylian Mbappé, who is in blistering form with 18 goals already this season.
Regardless of Madrid’s lineup, Liverpool will have to be at their very best to repeat last year’s 2–0 victory.
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