Liverpool fans have a theory that Jurgen Klopp wants to "run Real Madrid ragged" by starting Naby Keita in the Champions League for only the second time this season.
Thiago Alcantara has made way for the inclusion of Keita, despite an excellent performance alongside Fabinho against Arsenal on Saturday.
Diogo Jota also starts in place of Roberto Firmino, which supporters are suggesting is to add more pace up front - again adding to the theory that Klopp wants to take Madrid on in the high-pressing speed department.
Gini Wijnaldum also re-takes his place in the engine room with James Milner making way from the starting XI at the Emirates Stadium and his unparalleled workrate is another clearly vital part of Liverpool's plan in trying to run Zinedine Zidane's men off the park.
"Keita brings energy and pressing. With Jota on there as well, we’re looking to leg these off the park. I’m into that"
"Klopp going for Keïta's pressing over Thiago's passing makes sense. Our best chance of beating them is on the transition rather than with possession"
"Keita instead of Thiago means we are going full pressing from the start Imo"
"Regular analysts of Real Madrid pin two of their weaknesses as being one-paced and uncomfortable when pressed high.
"Liverpool's line-up, with the inclusion of Diogo Jota and Naby Keita, looks primed to pick at those."
"Jurgen Klopp putting legs in midfield - with only 2nd CL start of season for Keita, the other v Midtjylland four months ago - & adding more pace up front with Jota in for Firmino. Wijnaldum for Milner the other change v Real Madrid. Looks like the plan is to run the hosts ragged"
Liverpool kick-off against Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final at 8pm.
The match takes place at the 6,000 capacity Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, home of Real Madrid Castilla, the La Liga giant's reserve team who play in the third tier of Spanish football.
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Jota, Mane.
Subs: Adrian, H. Davies, Thiago, Milner, Firmino, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Tsimikas, Shaqiri, B. Davies, R. Williams, Cain.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Vazquez, Militao, Nacho, Mendy, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Asensio, Vinicius, Benzema.
