Liverpool vs Real Madrid betting tips, predictions and expected line-up

Liverpool state of play

Whether they're playing in the Premier League or the Champions League, Liverpool have established themselves as ‘the’ team to beat so far during the 2024/25 campaign. Arne Slot has had an incredible start to life at Anfield. The Dutchman has Liverpool playing great football and they’ve won 16 of 18 games in all competitions so far this season, losing just once.

Even when they’re not on top form, Liverpool are still winning games. They weren’t at their best on Sunday when they travelled to bottom club Southampton but, despite going 2-1 down with 25 minutes to go, they still found a way to win, courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s brace.

The Reds' Champions League form has been excellent, too. Four wins from four matches played, with 10 goals scored and just once conceded. It's outstanding form that currently has Slot's side sitting pretty at the top of the Champions League table.

Real Madrid state of play

Real Madrid are looking to hit their stride after a tricky period. Los Blancos’ form in La Liga took a hit with a 4-0 thrashing at home to rivals Barcelona but resounding victories over Osasuna and Leganes have got things back on track on the domestic front.

In Europe, Real have struggled to get any consistency and have alternated wins and losses through their four league stage games so far in the Champions League.

They’ll be hoping to carry that free-scoring form into this week’s clash at Anfield but Carlo Ancelotti would probably be happy to take a draw from an away trip to European football’s form team.

Key talking point: Are Real Madrid flat-track bullies or just inconsistent?

When Real are good, they look very good. They’ve hit seven goals without reply in their last two La Liga outings. They also smashed five goals past Borussia Dortmund at home in the Champions League. But, when you dial up the difficulty, they haven’t looked like the same side.

Real were hammered at home by Barcelona in La Liga and well beaten at the Bernabeu by AC Milan in the Champions League. They also lost 1-0 away to Lille in Europe, with Real showing that, when the level of resistance is higher, they struggle to get the job done. This week’s clash at Anfield will be the acid test of Real’s staying power after a wobbly start to their European campaign.

They’ll experience plenty of adversity against Liverpool, where the white-hot atmosphere of a European night at Anfield will offer the most intimidating setting of the season for the reigning European champions. Liverpool’s form only heightens that intimidation factor.

They’re firing on all cylinders, they’re dominating in both domestic and European competition and have the opportunity to strike a huge blow to Real's qualification hopes by handing them their third Champions League defeat of the season.

With Liverpool flying high at the top of the Champions League table, expect Slot to select an attacking side to maintain the Reds’ momentum. Particularly with defeat offering little damage in the context of the Champions League standings, Liverpool can play without fear and that could spell bad news for the Spanish giants.

FIRST’s top tip for Liverpool vs Real Madrid

Asian Handicap Result: Liverpool (-1.5) – 21/10 (Mr.Play)

Liverpool are flying and Real Madrid have looked vulnerable against elite opposition. Expect a fast start by the hosts and a dominant performance over the 90 minutes to get the win by two clear goals or more.

Extra tips

Given Liverpool’s outstanding form, other markets offer some interesting value picks. Backing Liverpool to win at half time and full time at almost 87/50 odds (36.5%) looks solid and I like the 139/10 available on a 3-0 Liverpool win as a small correct score side bet.

Half time/Full time: Liverpool/Liverpool – 87/50 (Mr.Play)

Full time result: Liverpool 3-0 Real Madrid – 139/10 (Mr.Play)

Team news

Liverpool will still be without first-choice keeper Alisson Becker and forward Diogo Jota, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is close to a return, but is unlikely to be rushed back for this one.

Real will be boosted by the return of Thibaut Courtois between the sticks, but they will still be without Aurelien Tchouameni and Lucas Vazquez, who are closing in on a return but are unlikely to be ready in time for midweek. Long-term absentee Eder Miitao (ACL) is out for the season.