Porto started their battle very successfully in one of the most difficult groups with zero draw in Madrid, but they hardly have any illusions that they will easily be able to take even the third place in the final standings. Even today, the "Dragons", although on their land they have another difficult test by accepting the six-time winners of the trophy, but they also have the confidence that they have lifted the valuable prize twice - in 1987 and 2004. Porto is second in League of Portugal with 5 wins and two draws, but are 4 points away from the flawless main rivals from Benfica. Sergio Consensao is taking care of the injuries of Marcesin and Pepe, and Chancelle was punished for receiving a red card in Madrid.
Liverpool started this campaign with success, winning dramatically with 3: 2 after a 1: 2 turnaround Milan at their Anfield in front of over 51 thousand of their enthusiastic fans. This is, of course, a step in the right direction, but there are five more battles ahead in this, as we mentioned, "iron" group, and nothing is known yet. Jurgen Klopp's Reds are also at the forefront of the Premier League with four wins and two draws, but the last 3-3 in London against rookie Brentford should activate the red light, with three easy goals in Alison's goal, although in defense is Virgil Van Dyke, who has returned after a long absence. Alcantara and Elliott are injured.
In the new century alone, the two teams met four times - in 2001 in the quarterfinals of LE after 0: 0 on this field and 2: 0 for Liverpool at home, ahead of the great from England. the other clashes are in the Champions League - first in 2007 in the group stage - again a draw in Porto - 1: 1 and a 4: 1 victory for "Merseysiders" at home. In 2018 in the 1/8 final - a big 5: 0 as a guest for Liverpool and 0: 0 at Anfield, and in 2019 in the 1/4 final two victories for the "Reds" over Porto - 2: 0 at home and with 4: 1 as a guest in both cases the English are ahead. For today, they are still favorites with about 2.8 / 1, and the tips are only two - 2 and over 2.5 goals. We direct you to an intermediate third option based on the last matches of Liverpool - goal / goal prediction
Liverpool with changes for Porto
Both the final outcome and the development of this match depend solely on Liverpool's attitude towards him.
And why this is so, I will try to explain very briefly.
The Reds lost points to Brentford on Saturday night in a real thriller.
In which they led twice in the final 3-3.
The problem is that they are now looking at Porto.
But at the same time with the thought of the more important for them and against a far stronger rival over the weekend - Manchester City.
This will inevitably lead to some important changes in the composition. As a rest will be given to tired holders.
The most expected and significant will be the changes in the defense. The main pair of central defenders will be replaced.
In place of Matip we will see Konate. And in place of Van Dyke will play Gomez. Cimicas will replace Robertson.
Firmino, who was injured until recently, may appear in the attack instead of Jota.
Statements are being heard from Liverpool's headquarters about the need to take a quick lead in this meeting.
And the gradual replacement of more starters until its end.
Origi and Minamino, for example, are expected to replace the pair of strikers on the flanks at the appropriate time.
Forecast for Porto - Liverpool
In short, the most likely scenario for this match is for Liverpool to have a lead by halftime.
And it is completely feasible.
First, the level of the two championships in which these teams play cannot be compared at all.
Second, Liverpool with 3 wins and 1 draw from meetings with Porto in the elimination phase of Euro tournaments showed it in practice.
A total of 11 goals were scored by the Portuguese Merseysiders in these matches. Which, by the way, are also very recent. That is, they also have weight.
After the victory over Milan and the draw between Atletico and Porto, Liverpool will rush to secure an early overcoming of the group stage of the Champions League.
To focus on the main goal of the season - the Premier League.
Top facts and statistics for the match
- Porto have not lost in their last 22 games: 16-6-0.
- Porto is undefeated in 8 games against Liverpool: 0-3-5.
- Liverpool is in a series of 12 games without a loss : 9-3-0.
- Liverpool have scored 3 goals in each of their last 5 games.
- He has over 2.5 goals in his last 5 games against Liverpool.
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