Liverpool vs Porto Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Milner; Fabinho, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Porto:
Casillas; Militao, Felipe, Leite, Telles; Corona, Danilo, Otavio, Brahimi; Marega, Soares
Liverpool have eliminated Bayern Munich in the first knock-out round of the Champions League. The Reds played 0:0 at Anfield, but won 3:1 in Germany and secured the quarter-finals with the Portuguese champions. Sadio Mane was double scorer on that match, while Virgil Van Dijk also put his name on the scoring list. But Liverpool had lot of problems during the group phase of the Champions League. They have suffered three defeats in six matches, but somehow finished as second. Of course, the fans are satisfied and they are dreaming about new final in the European most prestigious competition. Manager Jurgen Klopp is doing an excellent job and Liverpool are still in contention for the trophy in domestic Premier League. Nevertheless, this situation and tough schedule could produce some issues. According to me, most of the players are tired. There are some other worries for Klopp. He will be missing one of the key defenders as left-back Andy Robertson picked up his second yellow card at the Allianz Arena and now must serve one-match suspension. The Scottish international is simply irreplaceable this season and Klopp must decide to start with Alberto Moreno or James Milner. Moreno has played just four times all season, while Milner spent a whole year as left-back in season 2016/17. In terms of injuries, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez are still recovering and this match comes too soon for both, while Adam Lallana is rated as doubtful through a muscular injury. Gini Wijnaldum could be rested - the Dutchman has missed only three Premier League games all season, while also played every European fixture.
Porto were excellent during the group stage of the Champions League. They finished first in their group with five victories and just one draw. The Dragons then eliminated the Italian side AS Roma, even lost 2:1 in the first-leg match played at Stadio Olimpico. Porto managed to win 3:1 and secured quarter-finals thanks to the goals scored by Tiquinho Soares, Moussa Marega and Alex Nicolao Telles from the penalty. Porto are now seeking a place in the semifinals for the first time since the season 2003/04 when they lifted the trophy under Jose Mourinho. The actual form is good, they are in series of four victories in domestic Primeira Division. Sergio Conceicao's men beat Feirense, Maritimo, Braga and city rivals Boavista. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent, while the players confidence is high. Conceicao also has some injury and suspension worries ahead of this match. Striker Vincent Aboubakar is out with cruciate ligaments injury, while Telles, who picked up an injury while scoring a penalty last week, is rated as doubtful. That's not all as Pepe and Hector Herrera.
Liverpool vs Porto Prediction:
Many believe it will be an easy job for Liverpool. Indeed, the Reds won 5:0 in Portugal last year. But that was a strange game in which Porto players collapsed. I think the Portuguese champions will show their class at Anfield. I don't think they will lose with more than one goal.
Liverpool vs Porto Pick: Porto +1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.04 with Bet365