UEFA Champions League
Liverpool vs Porto Preview
- Date: Apr. 9, 2019
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: UniMas, Univision Deportes Network
- Location: Liverpool, England
- Venue: Anfield
- Seating Capacity: 54,074
Anfield welcomes the first leg of the quarterfinal between Liverpool and Porto.
The Reds resume their Champions League quest after regaining Premier League ownership of first place after defeating Southampton.
However, the Reds have not been at their best despite winning their last five games in a row.
Meanwhile, Porto are in second place in the Portuguese and look to battle Benfica until the end of the season.
Nonetheless, the Portuguese side have been rather impressive in the group stage, winning five of six matches to top Group D.
Additionally, they followed that performance by knocking Roma in dramatic fashion and an Alex Telles penalty score in extra-time.
Sergio Conceiçao’s were knocked out by Jurgen Klopp beat the Portuguese side 5-0 last season in the last 16.
Team News
Klopp will likely be without Adam Lallana who is nursing a muscular problem. Andrew Robertson is suspended for the first leg after picking up too many bookings.
Additionally, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez continue their absence after recovering from their long-term injuries. However, both are schedule to return to practice within the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, Porto will have to major absences due to suspension. Both Pepe and Hector Herrera were booked in their match against Roma and will miss the first leg.
Conceiçao will have 16 outfield players available against the Reds. Additionally, they will be without Vincent Aboubakar and Alex Telles due to injuries.
Predicted Lineup
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Milner; Henderson, Keita, Wijnaldum; Salah, Mané, Firmino.
Porto XI: Casillas; Pereira, Militão, Felipe, Manafá; Otávio, Óliver, Pereira, Brahimi; Marega, Tiquinho.
Prediction
Despite finishing in first place of their group and winning in dramatic fashion against Roma, Porto is considered the weakest team left in the competition.
However, Liverpool has been holding their best side for Europe’s top competition. With Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool seems destine to win this matchup.
Additionally, after the elimination of Real Madrid, the Reds are ready to avenge last year’s lost.
Prediction: Liverpool 2 – 1 Porto
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