Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has leapt to the defence of the new Champions League format. The former Reds centre-back has spoken about the competition after the completion of the seventh round of fixtures in the league phase.

Arne Slot's side claimed a 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday night at Anfield thanks to goals form Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott. That victory was Liverpool's seventh in the competition this season, which leaves the Reds top of the league-phase standings and the only club with a 100 per cent record.

PSV Eindhoven away next week is Liverpool's final league phase match of the Champions League this season. With 21 points out of 21, the Reds are guaranteed to finish in the top two, whatever happens in Eindhoven, thanks to a three-point gap over second-placed Barcelona and a five-point lead over Arsenal in third.

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In previous years, the Champions League would be on hiatus in January with the group stages being completed in December after six matches.

The new format sees Europe's premier cup competition continue into the New Year, with more matches pencilled in for February in the play-off round.

The new format was met with mixed reviews at the start of the competition, but Carragher has explained why he has been enjoying it so far.

The eighth and final league phase gameweek will see all 18 matches, with all 36 teams, kick-off at the same time in a similar style to the final weekend in the Premier League season.

"People complaining about the Champions League new format," wrote Carragher. "It’s been brilliant, instead of the bore fest we’ve had for years on the last match day!!! Next week will be sensational."

Anything other than a defeat for Liverpool against PSV would see the Reds secure a top-of-the-table finish in the league phase of the Champions League.

Teams that finish in the top eight go straight to the last-16, while teams between ninth and 24th will compete in a two-legged play-off next month.