Projected lineups: Real Madrid vs Liverpool, Champions League

Interesting match for Real Madrid. Liverpool have apparently raised the white flag, and rumors say that Brendan Rodgers could try to play the game without Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling, arguably his two best players. If that's the case, Ancelotti could probably make some rotations as well, as it would be much easier for his team to earn the three points against a Liverpool side who are thinking about their weekend's fixture versus Chelsea.

Real Madrid projected Starting XI: Casillas, Arbeloa, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Liverpool projected Starting XI: Mignolet, Manquillo, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno, Allen, Henderson, Coutinho, Markovic, Lallana, Balotelli.

If Gerrard and Sterling feature in the match, they should come in for Coutinho and Markovic. Still, Rodgers knows that the reds will compete for the ticket to the Champions League's next round over their next two matches against Basel and Ludogorets. It will be hard for them to get a win against a Real Madrid side that have hit their stride.