Liverpool vs. Porto – Champions League Preview
There’s not much to say, really. Liverpool thrashed Porto in their own back yard and now the Portuguese giants need to win 5-0 at Anfield to take the fixture to extra time.
Put it this way, Porto aren't coming to Anfield, scoring four goals and keeping a clean sheet. We're through.
— Paisley Gates (@ThePaisleyGates) February 14, 2018
I was that confident at 4-0. I’m right though, aren’t I? This could be an exhibition match for the Reds. Absolutely no disrespect to Porto but a five goal deficit, away from home no less, is a mess impossibility to turn around.
Jurgen Klopp will be more cautious than me though, he’ll make sure there are no scares at Anfield on Tuesday night – if anything, I’m a lot more confident we’ll extend our lead rather than lose on the night.
I really hope that doesn’t come back to bite me.
Team News
The only fresh news out of Liverpool is that Gini Wijnaldum and Ben Woodburn no longer have the runs and so they’re available for selection.
Klopp is expected to put out a strong side against Porto but I’d expect to see some peripheral starting XI players, such as James Milner, Joe Gomez and even Danny Ings, to play an important role.
We’ve got Manchester United around the corner, let’s not forget.
Porto are without five of their players with Danilo Pereira, Alex Telles, Moussa Marega, Tiquinho Soares (that’s a boss name) and Hector Herrera set to miss out.
Current Form
Liverpool (last six results in all competitions) –
Liverpool 2-3 West Brom
Huddersfield 0-3 Liverpool
Liverpool 2-2 Spurs
Porto 0-5 Liverpool
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Porto (last six results in all competitions) –
Chaves 0-4 Porto
Porto 0-5 Liverpool
Porto 5-0 Rio Ave
Estoril 1-3 Porto
Portimonese 1-5 Porto
Porto 2-1 Sporting
Prediction
Listen, I may have sounded extremely confident earlier on but there’s a decent chance Liverpool may scuff our chances at Anfield.
We’ll still progress, mind, but a 2-1 loss is definitely on the cards. That being said, we did just smash Porto 5-0.
My prediction is Liverpool 2-2 Porto. Liverpool don’t need to overexert themselves but Porto will want to restore some pride.
You can follow me on Twitter if you fancy – @sjrcarson.
