Liverpool return to Champions League action this week as they play their first knockout game in the competition since 2009. They travel to Portugal on Wednesday to take on Porto whose recent knockout form is impressive.
The Portuguese side have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the second year in a row, but lost out to Juventus last time out. However, they qualified for the quarter finals back in 2014/15.
Jurgen Klopp’s side went unbeaten in the group stage, winning three and drawing three of their games and they’ll be quietly pleased they drew Porto, who were one of the easier draws available. On top of their unbeaten group stage form, the Reds scored 23 goals, which would have been a record had it not been for PSG’s potent finishing. However, they were guilty of throwing away leads in the second half, most notably against Sevilla. Their recent record against Porto is strong too, as they’re unbeaten in four games with two wins and two draws.
Porto vs. Liverpool Predictions
One thing you can always be guaranteed with when it comes to Liverpool is goals and they could wrap up this tie very quickly if they get off to a good start. Liverpool to win and both teams to score is a good bet here.
Porto vs. Liverpool Betting Tips
Head to Head
- There have been four previous matches between the teams, all in the 21st Their first encounters came in the quarter-finals of Liverpool’s victorious 2000/01 UEFA Cup campaign, the others came in the 2007/08 Champions League group stage. Liverpool didn’t lose any of the games.
- Porto’s record in the round of 16 is W3 L6 and they have won just one of their last four ties.
- Their overall home record against English clubs is W8 D6 L3. Their last game against Premier League visitors brought a 5-0 win against already-qualified group winners Leicester City on matchday six last season.
- Porto have won just four of their last ten home matches in European competition, also losing four.
- Porto had lost their previous three Champions League fixtures, home and away, before winning at Monaco on matchday two. They have now won three of their last eight matches in the competition.
- Liverpool have not reached the round of 16 in nine years, their most recent tie a 5-0 win against Real Madrid in the 2008/09 competition.
- The Reds haven’t won in any of their last seven trips to Portugal.
- Porto have lost just once at home all season, 3-1 against Besiktas on matchday one, their record otherwise is W15 D2.
- Liverpool have won just two of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Sunday’s 2-0 win over Southampton was a fifth clean sheet for Jurgen Klopp’s side in 19 away games in all competitions this season.
- Mohamed Salah has five goals in his last four games and eight in his last seven. The Egyptian has 22 Premier League goals in 26 appearances this season.
Porto Team News
Felipe misses the first leg due to a suspension, while Ivan Marcano, Danilo Pereira, Andre Andre and Vincent Aboubakar are all injury doubts heading into this match. None of them featured at the weekend.
Liverpool Team News
Emre Can is serving a one-game ban in the first leg, while Alberto Moreno is a booking away from receiving a suspension. Virgil van Dijk could make his first Champions League start for Liverpool as he was added to the squad after joining in January.