It seems impossible to talk about Liverpool at the moment without the conversation leaning towards Steven Gerrard. Mario Balotelli, for one, must be pleased. For the last week the talk has been about Gerrard’s long-term future at Anfield. Now it’s his immediate prospects — those of playing in the Bernabeu — that have become pertinent. The bigger picture at Liverpool, though, relates to something Gerrard said not about himself last week but about his team. Steven Gerrard's future has been the subject of much speculation with his contract up next summer Gerrard has been linked with moves to America and to Manchester City but is expected to stay at Anfield
@highlight
Liverpool face an unenviable task against Real Madrid
@highlight
The Spanish giants have been unstoppable in recent weeks
@highlight
Liverpool were soundly beaten at Anfield last month
@highlight
Gareth Bale will return to a side boasting Cristiano Ronaldo
Nobody really thinks Gerrard will be allowed to leave @placeholder next summer.