Liverpool get clear verdict in worrying Real Madrid prediction for Trent Alexander-Arnold return

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Arne Slot's side face an uphill battle against in-form Real Madrid in their blockbuster Champions League tie at Anfield on Tuesday night, despite victory over Aston VillaIt is the game everyone has been waiting for - and it arrives at an inopportune moment for Liverpool.When the draw for the Champions League group stages was made, there was a sense of inevitability about Trent Alexander-Arnold having to come back to Anfield with Real Madrid. And yet they arrive as favourites on Tuesday night thanks to their own impressive form and Liverpool's shaky performances.Arne Slot's side arrested a run of four straight Premier League defeats by beating Aston Villa 2-0 on Saturday night and smashed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in their last Champions League game, but their weaknesses remain obvious.So will Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe pile on the misery?

Mirror Football's writers have had their say.READ MORE: Wayne Rooney dishes out fresh Virgil van Dijk response after 'lazy' criticismREAD MORE: Liverpool vs Real Madrid Champions League clash to be 'banned' due to UEFA ruleSam MeadeI don't think we can say that Liverpool have turned a corner after beating Aston Villa at the weekend and Real present a daunting task. They were beaten at Liverpool last term but now return with former Red Xabi Alonso as their manager and, most notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold in their ranks.Liverpool too have often risen to the occasion in Europe but there aura has been majorly dented and they're in the midst of trying to find a winning formula.

Real meanwhile are much more into their groove and have Mbappe in some stellar form.It has the hallmarks of a perfect away day job in the Champions League, pouncing on a team trying to get out of a rut, with some former Liverpool icons potentially enjoying their return home.Liverpool 0-1 Real MadridJames WhalingLiverpool looked to have turned something of a corner in beating Aston Villa after a wretched run of results, at least domestically. Real have lost just one league game all season, scoring 26 goals along the way.It’s tough to see Liverpool being able to keep them out given the defensive vulnerability that they appear to have picked up this season.