Champions League nights are back with a bang!: Liverpool prepare a grand welcome for Real Madrid as Trent Alexander-Arnold returns home

Trent Alexander-Arnold will step onto the Anfield pitch for the first time in a different colour. (Image credits - Heute, Licence Details)

Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield on Tuesday, but for the first time he will be playing for his new side, Real Madrid, against Liverpool at the iconic venue. The Scouse full-back had initially angered the Reds when he announced his departure last summer, which even led to certain sections of the Kop booing him.

However, fans might have forgiven Trent for his deed, as he was crucial to the Reds' Premier League triumph last season. The 27-year-old has been selected into the squad to play against the Reds', as he has finally recovered from his hamstring injury.

Advantage Madrid?: Liverpool vs Real Madrid Preview

Liverpool have not looked the same this season despite assembling a super-squad and have looked vulnerable at the back. Arne Slot's side have already lost six games in the season, and things are shaky at the moment.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence has left a huge void which has led to the team's current form, as his creativity is missing on the pitch for Liverpool, also affecting Mo Salah’s performance this season so far. 

Despite boasting a quality side with players like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Mohammed Salah up front, the Reds are going through a transition phase and will find it quite difficult tonight to keep the Los Blancos at bay.

On the other hand, Real Madrid are in red-hot form, carrying their momentum from the win against FC Barcelona last week. Xabi Alonso's side looked settled with Kylian Mbappe tearing defences apart each game.

The La Liga leaders are also better with the ball and without the ball than the hosts, as they keep adjusting their shape and stay compact throughout the game. Aurelien Tchouameni and Camavinga are also in stellar form and are the backbone of the Madrid midfield.

Although Liverpool have improved on paper from last season, and despite playing at Anfield, Real Madrid will head into this tie as considerable favourites because of the stark contrast between the two sides' run of form at the moment.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Team News and Predicted Line-ups

Liverpool

Mamardashvili (GK); Bradley (RB), Konate (CB), Van Dijk (CB), Robertson (LB); Gravenberch (CM), Mac Allister (CM); Salah (RWF), Szoboszlai (AMF), Gakpo (LWF); Ekitike (CF)

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Arne Slot

Injuries: Curtis Jones, Alisson, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong, Alexander Isak and Stefan Bajcetic

Real Madrid

Courtois (GK); Alexander-Arnold (RB), Militao (CB), Huijsen (CB), Carreras (LB); Valverde (CM), Tchouameni (CDM); Guler (RWF), Bellingham (CAM), Vinicius Jr (LWF); Mbappe (CF)

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Xabi Alonso

Injuries: Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.

Match Facts

Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England

Match Officials: István Kovács (Romania), VAR: Bastian Dankert (Germany)

Kick-Off Time: 1:30 AM IST (Indian Standard Time), 21:00 PM BST (British Summer Time).

Live Streaming on: Sony Sports TV network and Sony Liv in India; TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK; CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ in the United States.