Fallon: Madrid absentees tips scales in Liverpool's favour

Lisa Fallon expects Liverpool to take a first-leg lead to Madrid in the headline Champions League round of 16 tie tonight.

Jurgen Klopp's side welcome the Spanish giants in a rematch of last year’s final (live on RTÉ2 from 7.30pm), a game the Reds lost 1-0.

Defeat extended Liverpool's winless run against the 14-time European champions to six matches (five defeats, one draw), with Klopp's record as Reds boss reading four defeats - including two finals - and a draw.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, FIFA high-performance coach Fallon said she is expecting an open game of football and potentially a lot of goals.

The RTÉ analyst saw Madrid up close recently at the FIFA club World Cup and was impressed by Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they won the tournament.

However, similar to their hosts tonight, their form since the start of the campaign has been patchy, and are currently eight points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

"A bit like Liverpool, they have had a Jekyll and Hyde this season, a bit erratic," she said.

"The big problem for Real Madrid is the fact that Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni are missing.

"Everything in those two games (Club World Cup where they beat Al Ahly 4-1 in the semi and Al-Hila 5-3 in the decider) really came from midfield."

The Merseysiders have struggled domestically right from the off – currently 19 points off Premier League leaders Arsenal – but the derby win over Everton and victory over Newcastle last time out has brought renewed confidence to the team.

"I think even Jurgen Klopp’s narrative has changed. Having Virgil van Dijk back in the team has given them confidence," she says.

"Both teams have a little bit of momentum going into the game."

Given the fact that flu has deprived Madrid of two key