Liverpool legend John Aldridge is desperate for them not to concede early against Real Madrid.
Liverpool host Real in the Champions League this week.
Aldo wrote in the Sunday World: "The return of Daniel Sturridge from the treatment room has been delayed by another month.
"The England striker would have added some much-needed balance and the hope has to be that Adam Lallana, Mario Balotelli and Raheem Sterling will finally confirm they are good enough to take on the best together.
"At the other end of the pitch, my fear is Liverpool will struggle to keep the ball out of their own net and, against this Real Madrid side, you need to have a reliable defence if you are going to have a realistic shot at victory.
"Unfortunately, Liverpool have not got that right now and the worry for me is Cristiano Ronaldo and his pals might score early goals, with the match over in double-quick time."
