Chris in Bristol: Liverpool fan on board here. This has nothing to do with Rodgers disrespecting the Champions League. It's just a recognition that even if he played the first team they would lose, so why not rest them for Saturday?

Dave in Somerset: Lambert doesn't even make the bench? Why did Rodgers buy him again? Great way to treat a player, particularly a model professional. Hope Liverpool get thrashed.

Image source, Getty Images

Elsewhere in the Champions League this evening, Bayer Leverkusen have already strengthened their position at the top of Group C with a 2-1 win over Zenit St Petersburg thanks to a second-half brace from South Korea forward Son Heung-Min. Zenit pulled a goal back late on through Jose Salomon Rondon. Benfica, bottom of the pool with one point, host Monaco knowing they must win to have any realistic hope of reaching the last 16.

Surprise Group A leaders Olympiakos face a test of their credentials to make the knockout phase with a trip to Italian champions Juventus. Second-placed Atletico Madrid, who reached last year's final, travel to Sweden to face Malmo who they thrashed 5-0 last time out.

Liverpool fans will have one eye on Basel's home game against Ludogorets Razgrad in Group B, while Arsenal supporters will hope Galatasaray can pull off a shock in Germnay against Borussia Dortmund to open the door to top spot in Group D.

Image source, Getty Images

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa says team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is one of football's all-time greats as he chases Raul's Champions League goals record.

"He has more goals than games for Real Madrid. Just think about that! It is amazing."

Arbeloa faces his old side tonight and says the Reds are still "a really good team" despite "having some problems" since the departure of Luis Suarez in the summer.

The Spain international says the arrival of Mario Balotelli and injury to Daniel Sturridge have forced Liverpool to change their style, but believes Real Madrid will still have to be at their best to beat the Reds at the Bernabeu.

Watch the BBC interview here.

Just the one change for Arsenal as midfielder Aaron Ramsey returns to the side in place of Mathieu Flamini. Theo Walcott, who has not started a game since January because of a serious knee injury, is on the bench. Jack Wilshere is sick and is not involved in the 18.

Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Alexis, Cazorla, Welbeck

BBC radio 5 live presenter Mark Pougatch

"Our man @alibruceball, external says Anderlecht are not even at the Emirates yet from Marylebone. They should've come by tube like the rest of us..."

Yeah, alright, so Cristiano Ronaldo isn't a midfielder any more. But I get the feeling you could ask him to play in the anchor role and he'd be the best in the world.

He's scored in 12 games in a row, and scored 22 goals this season already. Twenty-two! It's not even Fireworks Night yet...

"Woh-oh Woh-oh Woh-oh! We've got the best midfield in the world!

"Xabi Alonso, Momo Sissoko, Gerrard and Mascheranooooo...!"

Image source, PA

Liverpool fans used to claim they had the best midfield in the land in that chant from the Kop - but tonight they may get a good look at the current holders of that title.

With all due respect to Momo Sissoko, even in his pomp he would struggle to get a game with Carlo Ancelotti's boys.

Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Isco, James Rodriguez, Sami Khedira, Asier Illarramendi, Gareth Bale and, er, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Image source, Getty Images

Not too shabby...

James Chesson - the lone voice of support for this team selection from Brendan Rodgers? Anyone else out there on board?

Patrick Chapman:, external Rubbing my eyes at the sight of this Liverpool team. Betting on a score fitting for a Rugby World Cup year

Eamonn McGurk:, external Did Brendan Rodgers think @LFC were playing in the League Cup tonight rather than the Champions League? #shadowteam

James Chesson:, external I can see the logic from Rodgers. Quickest fullbacks, 3 defensive midfielders, Borini will work hard. They are set up to defend

No such messing about from Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo, one short of equalling Raul's all-time Champions League record of 71 goals, is front and centre in a side that also features Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos.

Gareth Bale, on his way back from a buttock muscle injury, is named among the substitutes.

Real Madrid starting XI: Casillas, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Kroos, James, Modric, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Image source, PA

In the Championship this evening, Gary Rowett takes charge of his first home game as Birmingham City manager, but his side face a tough test against a Watford side sitting pretty at the top of the table and who are still unbeaten under manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

It is also a special night for Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy, who in his 100th competitive game in charge welcomes former club Wolves to Portman Road.

Bournemouth are looking for a sixth straight league win for the first time as a second tier club as they travel to Sheffield Wednesday, and Neil Redfearn will be looking for his first win as Leeds United's permanent manager in their home clash with Charlton.

There is one match in League One this evening, as second-placed Preston travel to face Swindon.

Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone tweets:, external Few good games on tonight. Tough old task for Liverpool. Think Madrid could be the first team to retain the trophy.

Image source, Empics

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers certainly didn't try to talk down the task facing his side tonight - calling Real the best team in the world.

Real, the defending European champions, top La Liga and beat Barcelona 3-1 last month.

"They are probably the best team in the world at the moment and we really look forward to big games," he said.

"When you come up against the best opponents, that is the challenge and what makes you perform to your best."

That was presumably before he named his team...

Ian Ladyman, the Daily Mail's northern football correspondent tweets:, external Tickets still on sale here at the Bernabeu. Mind you, reserve games rarely sell out anywhere.

Cristiano Ronaldo can become the all-time leading goalscorer in the Champions League tonight - if he scores twice. Has that Liverpool team selection made that more possible?

Vinny Person:, external Anyone wanting a good comedy show tonight should try catching Lovren take on Bale and Ronaldo. Actually, more a horror show?

Daniel Woodley:, external That is poor management. Your best players should play in the BIG games

Nicholas McDonald:, external If Liverpool sell Balotelli, Lambert and Borini this January. They might have enough money to bring Heskey back

Real Madrid dispatched Barcelona easily enough 10 days ago and looked a league above Liverpool when they won 3-0 at Anfield.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have won their last 11 games in a row in all competitions, scoring 46 times in the process.

Will it be a Dirty Dozen as far as Liverpool are concerned this evening?

Naveed Afzal:, external Can't wait for the Real Madrid v Liverpool game even though the Premier League side are fielding a Capital One Cup team. 5-0

Ian Lamerton:, external So after years of trying to get back to the CL #LFC have now decided that the league is more important???