The teams are out for Wednesday's tasty Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield. The most eyebrow-raising selection is that of Mario Balotelli, who has kept his spot in the Reds' attack despite his poor run of form since arriving from AC Milan in the summer.
Mario Balotelli starts as Liverpool host Real Madrid
Despite an underwhelming start to his Liverpool career, Balotelli starts in the Reds’ Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, has elected to field both James Rodríguez and Isco with winger Gareth Bale out injured. It remains to be seen which of the two will be played nominally on Bale's right side, though it's likely they're going to have the freedom to interchange throughout the match anyway.
Liverpool starting lineup (4-3-1-2): Simon Mignolet; Alberto Moreno, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Glen Johnson; Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen; Philippe Coutinho; Raheem Sterling, Mario Balotelli.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Iker Casillas; Marcelo, Pepe, Raphaël Varane, Álvaro Arbeloa; Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos; Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodríguez, Isco; Karim Benzema.
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