Liverpool will welcome FC Porto at Anfield for the Group B UEFA Champions League clash. Sergio Conceicao’s men will be looking to win this fixture to keep their hopes alive for qualifying to the knockout stages.
Porto are currently sitting at second spot in the table. Meanwhile, Liverpool have already won the group with a perfect start of winning all four games in the group.
Previously, in the away fixture at Estadio Do Dragao, Liverpool swept away Porto side to win 5-1. With Roberto Firmino coming off the bench to score a brace.
Liverpool have been in good form with just one loss in all competition this season so far. The Reds were in the headlines recently with their ruthless victory over Arsenal at the weekend. And a similar show will be expected for a special European night clash on Wednesday at Anfield.
On the other hand, Porto will also be high on their confidence levels coming into their game against Liverpool. As they have scored 13 goals and conceded just three in their last four matches across all competitions.
Liverpool vs FC Porto: Match Preview
Liverpool have already secured a place in the round of 16 courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid. And coming into Wednesday’s fixture the Reds records against The Dragons are quite magnificent.
So far, FC Porto have faced Liverpool nine times and are yet to win against the Reds. Meanwhile, the upcoming fixture against Porto will be the sixth meeting between both sides since Klopp’s arrival at Liverpool.
Moreover, Porto’s away record against English sides are poor as they could register only a single win so far in 22 outings.
Porto’s poor records against Liverpool so far doesn’t mean the Portuguese side should be undervalued. Sergio Conceicao’s side are a good team and are capable of upsetting any big European giant on any given day.
Although it is a dead rubber by many Liverpool fans but Klopp has stated clearly since it’s a home game, people come and spend money and they deserve to see a strong team on the pitch.
Secondly, the club gets €3 million for every group stage match win, the money from win pays Virgil Van Dijk’s salary for the year.
So Former European champions won’t be taking Porto lightly. A few senior players can have rest but a strong performance is an expectation from the squad.
On the other hand, Sergio Conceicao’s side have destiny in their own hands who are sitting a point above Atletico Madrid. An Unlikely win for Porto at Anfield is a tough task but if they show up a good performance and their fate will still be in their own hands after Liverpool’s game.
Meanwhile, Porto will face Atletico Madrid at their home Estadio Do Dragao for the final group stage game.
All together, Porto have scored just three goals in this competition so far this season and Liverpool defence should be enough to take them out of goals.
Liverpool have enough firepower to continue their winning strike against the Portuguese side and make extra millions with a win from the clash. Thus, as of now each and every penny is very important for the former Premier League champions as they look to tie their key players and offer them with deservingly new expensive deals.
Team News
Curtis Jones, Roberto Firmino and Harvey Elliott are all injured and will not be available for this game. Andy Robertson might return after sitting out against Arsenal through injury.
Diogo Jota might be assessed after his collision with Arsenal goalie Aaron Ramsdale last weekend. Liverpool should be cautious with James Milner and Naby Keita before welcoming them back into the team.
Divock Origi can be a contention to lead the attack if he has overcome his illness.
Meanwhile, last match scorer Minamino looks likely to start the game. While Neco Williams has a strong chance in the starting eleven.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson, Neco Williams, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade Chamberlain, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Minamino, Mane
Liverpool vs FC Porto: Prediction
A close encounter is expected between both sides. A much-changed Klopp’s side still possesses enough force and quality to sneak out a win against The Dragons.
The tough task lies ahead for Porto against Liverpool at galvanizing Anfield.
A 2-1 win looks likely for The Reds
