Liverpool travel to Spain to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League looking to avoid a repeat of their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the La Liga giants at Anfield.

The Reds, who have struggled for consistency all season, could really use a result following two straight defeats in Group B of the competition.

With Daniel Sturridge still absent, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers must choose whether to keep faith in misfiring frontman Mario Balotelli, with Rickie Lambert a possible alternative.

Adam Lallana could be recalled to the Liverpool midfield after sitting out of the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend, while left-back Jose Enrique will likely be assessed ahead of the match following a spell on the sidelines.

Real head into the game in scintillating form, topping both the group and their domestic league. They put four past Granada at the weekend, and will be looking for more of the same against the Reds.

Gareth Bale missed that match, and Real's victory at Anfield, but could be in contention to reclaim his place in the starting XI from Isco, lining up in front of midfield duo Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

The free-scoring Cristino Ronaldo is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Frenchman Karim Benzema, with both among the goals again against Granada.

Recent form

Real: WWWWWW

Liverpool: DLWWDL

Possible starting lineups

Real: Casillas; Carvjal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos; Rodriguez, Bale, Ronaldo; Benzema

Liverpool: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno; Gerrard, Lallana; Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling; Balotelli

Sports Mole says: 3-1