Prediction: Liverpool vs Porto

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 5/1

Bookmaker: bet365

We’re at the business end of the domestic season right now, and that can only mean one thing: we’re down to the nitty-gritty of the UEFA Champions League. There are just eight teams remaining in Europe’s premier club competition, as they battle it out for the right to be called the best team on the continent. The game that we’re going to be looking at today features two sides who aren’t exactly considered to be amongst the favourites at this stage, in the form of Liverpool and FC Porto.

Liverpool

After their heroic run to the final last year, many fans were questioning whether or not the Reds would be able to go on yet another great run in the Champions League: and here we are. Jurgen Klopp has been able to assemble one of the best teams in the entire competition, although a lot of fans are still choosing to focus on the fact that they’re also involved in the Premier League title race. Logic would suggest they’ll be able to juggle both, but you just never know what such a busy schedule can do to a team.

Team News

Henderson and Milner are expected to return to the starting XI, with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gomez both getting closer and closer to making their returns.

Porto

Porto are locked into one of the most exciting Primeira Liga title races in recent memory, as they continue to battle it out with Benfica for the top spot. Some people believe, as is the case with Liverpool, that this will distract them – but history indicates they’ll be more than up for the challenge as the underdogs in this tie. A spot in the final four of the UCL is a big deal these days, and if they’re able to overcome last year’s finalists, they’ll feel incredibly confident about their chances from that point onwards.

Team News

Pepe and Herrera are suspended, whereas Alex Telles faces a race to be fit following his recent hip injury.

Factors to Consider

• Liverpool have never lost to Porto in a competitive game.
• Liverpool have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Porto have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Liverpool have scored 14 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Porto have scored 14 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

Given how much Liverpool have to think about right now, it makes sense to assume that they may not go too ‘outlandish’ with their attacking approach to this game. Porto are a really good side and they’ll punish you if you give them the chance, which is why we can see a much more reserved Reds display than usual here. We’re predicting a 0-0 draw that has a few good moments littered in there throughout the course of the 90 minutes, but for the most part, all of the primary action will go down in the reverse fixture.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 5/1

Bookmaker: bet365