"They'll be nailed on favorites" - Steve McManaman names his favorites for UCL clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid
ESPN co-commentator Steve McManaman reckons Liverpool will be the odds-on favorites to defeat Real Madrid in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash. The two sides are set to face each other at Anfield on Wednesday, November 27.
Real Madrid have had a slow start to the season despite recruiting Kylian Mbappe over the summer. Season-ending ACL injuries to Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal haven't helped their cause, while Vinicius Junior is set to miss out on Wednesday's fixture due to a hamstring injury.
Los Blancos are currently 18th in the UCL standings with six points from four games, having lost twice against AC Milan and Lille. On the other hand, Liverpool are flying high under new manager Arne Slot and are at the summit with a flawless 12 points.
McManaman, who represented both clubs during his time as a player, said (via Euro Sport):
"I think Liverpool will be big favourites. With the injury worries, depending on if everyone is fit, coming back from international duty and the games at the weekend, Madrid have got real long-term injuries, so you know already that a lot of them are not going to play."
"Their defence is going to be a makeshift defence, Liverpool at Anfield under the lights, with their own crowd and the form they're in, with the results they've had against Madrid in the past who, to a certain extent, have had one over on them - I think Liverpool will be going gung-ho for it."
He added:
"I don't know whether Madrid will be able to keep Liverpool out. They're such a force at the moment, in a real rich vein of confidence. I think Liverpool will certainly be big favorites - not just favourites, they'll be nailed-on favourites really."
Despite their recent form, the Reds don't have an encouraging record against Real Madrid in recent years. They have lost seven out of their last eight meetings against Los Blancos, drawing the other, including losses in two UCL finals in 2018 and 2022.
"You can't not be impressed" - McManaman on Arne Slot's transition as Liverpool boss ahead of Real Madrid clash
Former Real Madrid star Steve McManaman has waxed lyrical about Arne Slot for his dominant start at Anfield, despite having to deal with the pressure of succeeding the legendary Jurgen Klopp.
Even though Liverpool only acquired Federico Chiesa over the summer, Slot has worked wonders to establish his side as one of the most dangerous teams in Europe. They are currently at the top of the Premier League and Champions League standings and are in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.
During the aforementioned interview, he said:
"I think most people thought it'd be fine, because he is inheriting a really good squad and a club in a really financially healthy position. But I think everybody has still been incredibly impressed by the results they've had. Nobody expected them to be top of the Champions League, four out of four, in the League Cup quarter-finals and clear at the top of the Premier League, but I fully expected them to start the season well."
He continued:
"The squad he's inherited are great, he didn't have to change much, the sporting directors are back organising things, he was the right manager for the job, he played the right style of football for the players they have. But you can't not be impressed by the results he's had out on the football pitch."
Slot has won 16 out of his 18 games across competitions so far, losing just once, with a win percentage of 88.89. He has also led the Reds to 31 points from his first 12 league games - the joint-highest in PL history.