Liverpool vs FC Porto Preview

Liverpool face FC Porto here in a repeat of last season’s round of 16 game.  The Reds have recently shown the character of Champions and even though their destiny is no longer fully in their own hands in the Premier League race, their current form could see them win all of their remaining games.

Many have written Liverpool’s name in the semifinal draw already and on paper they seem to have been given the easiest draw, however, no team makes the last 8 of the Champions League unless they are good enough.

FC Porto beat AS Roma after extra time in the last round and they remain in contention for the Portuguese league title.

They have won five of their last six matches in all competitions and would feel they can earn at least a draw here like they did last season.

Liverpool have made their home a fortress and they frustrated Bayern Munich who had the likes of Robert Lewandoski on their side in the last round.

The Reds haven’t lost at home in the league or Champions League all season and they have won seven of their last ten games in all competitions.

This game looks a win for Liverpool on paper but FC Porto cannot be seen as pushovers on current form.

Bookmakers have priced Liverpool up as very short odds-on favourites to win the first leg of this tie.  FC Porto have the advantage of playing away from home first so an away goal would be massive for the Portuguese side.

Goal markets expect a high-scoring game as over 2.5 goals is currently trading odds-on while Mohamed Salah is clear favourite to score the opening goal of the game.

This game gets underway at 20:00 BST.