Real Madrid travel to Anfield with both sides struggling, in relative terms, domestically. That both only managed to scrape past group minnows Ludogorets is telling but we think this game will be a different matter entirely.
Madrid have never won at Anfield, losing there 4-0 in 2009, and in fact they have never got the better of the Kop club at all. However, this Real Madrid side, packed with attacking ability, pace, skill and trickery, looks set to end that record and whilst the home fans will make it a charged atmosphere we think the Spanish side look great value at odds around evens to get the victory.
Madrid started their season poorly but have started to find their form a little, winning six in a row prior to their weekend match with lowly Levante. They have scored 27 goals in that period and given Liverpool’s defensive woes – they are yet to keep a home clean sheet in the Premier League – we think it could be a long night for Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Brendan Rodgers will have to cope without his best centre back too, Dejan Lovren sustaining an abdominal injury while away on international duty, and as such we think this could be a really thrilling game. The Anfield crowd will urge their side forward and that is sure to create space and time for Madrid in what could turn out to be a real end to end thriller.
Backing both teams to score appeals at odds of 8/13 but our three main betting tips for what should be a great game are below, so fill your boots and enjoy the show!
Betting Tips
- Real Madrid to Win – A nice simple betting tip this one, we take the Galacticos of Madrid to record their first competitive win at Anfield at the fourth time of asking. Odds of 19/20 with Betfred are more than fair given Liverpool’s average form and Madrid’s undeniable class and if they start well they could walk away with it.
- Real Madrid to win and both teams to score – Neither side are solid at the back so this is a very obvious way to up the odds. Liverpool are nowhere near as potent without Luis Suarez and they have also missed Daniel Sturridge, whilst Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho are yet to hit the heights of last season. That said, Madrid’s philosophy remains to outscore the opposition and we could see this one ending 3-2 or even 4-2 to the visitors. Odds of 12/5 with Bet365 are huge.
- Over 4.5 goals – BetVictor’s price of 4/1 is also huge, quite simply because Liverpool’s defence, shorn of Dejan Lovren through injury, will have no answer to Madrid’s attacking options. The atmosphere will be electric and that will force the home side to press forward and Cristiano Ronaldo and co are sure to exploit the space that will afford them.