Liverpool vs Real Madrid: How to pick winning Dream XI?
What's the story
5-time European winners Liverpool will lock horns with defending champions Real Madrid in the final of the UEFA Champions League tonight in Kiev. Both the sides have plenty of attacking talent and picking your Dream XI is not going to be an easy task. Here is our guide on how to select the perfect XI.
Formation
We have opted for a 3-5-2 formation
We have decided to go with a 3-5-2 formation, considering these two teams have several options in the mid-field. With the plethora of attacking talent on display tonight, we expect plenty of goals to be scored and the mid-field will have a huge role to play. The mid-fielders will be dictating the terms of play in today's match.
Forwards
Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Firmino
Liverpool's Roberto Firmino might not be a traditional number 9, but the Brazilian has proved his critics wrong in the striker's role. Firmino has built a vital partnership with Mane and Salah and he could either score or lay an assist tonight. With 44 goals to his name this season, Cristiano Ronaldo will be the other forward in the XI.
Mid-field
Henderson, Salah, Modric, Kroos and Milner
The five-man midfield will be powered by Liverpool's Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah and James Milner. Salah has been on a free-scoring run while Milner has been a vital cog in the wheel, churning out assists for his front three. Real Madrid's Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will be the other players in the middle of the park.
Defense
Varane, Ramos and Robertson
Since we expect a lot of goals tonight we have opted to go for two defenders from Real Madrid. Real Madrid are unlikely to concede more than two goals which is why Rafael Varane and Sergio Ramos will be our two centre-backs. Liverpool's Andrew Robertson has been brilliant at left back and makes our XI. Real Madrid's Keylor Navas will be our goal-keeper.
Power players
Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Salah
Cristiano Ronaldo will be our captain. The Portuguese ace brings his A game on big occasions and we expect him to take Real Madrid over the line tonight. Mo Salah has scored 44 goals in his debut season for Liverpool and will be Liverpool's best hope of scoring tonight. Hence, we have decided to make him our vice-captain.