Here is how Liverpool could line up against Porto in the second leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals.
Liverpool will face off Porto in the second leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals at Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday. The Reds entered this fixture as favourites and carry a 2-0 lead to the second part of this tie, but the players have iterated that this two-legged fixture is far from over because of the quality of their opponents and the belligerent atmosphere they would face in front of the away fans.
Naby Keita scored his debut goal for Liverpool in the Champions League when his shot was deflected off by a Porto player in the 5th minute. The Reds enjoyed plenty of possession and doubled the score through their number 9, Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian tapped the ball in from close range within the half an hour mark to extend the score. It was not entirely convincing display from the Reds, but they got the job done.
Porto were not prepared to let Liverpool run the show in the first leg and put in a decent performance. The scoreline might suggest otherwise, but Sergio Conceicao’s side had a couple of chances which should have been converted. Porto striker Moussa Marega was at the end of both the chances, but the Malian International’s strong shots were saved by the Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson Becker.
The Reds won 5-0 at Estadio do Dragao last season, but repeating the same foot will be a tougher ask. It will be an interesting game and Liverpool will hope to progress and come away with their players unscathed as they battle out for the Premier League and Champions League.
Team News
After the huge victory against Chelsea in the weekend, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Skipper Jordan Henderson suffered an injury. The Liverpool boss will not be keen to risk him which would leave the way for James Milner or Gini Wijnaldum in the midfield department. Naby Keita, who has started three games within 8 days is likely to spend his time on the bench on Wednesday, whilst another midfielder could take his place.
On Henderson, Klopp said “He got a knock on his ankle, that’s pretty much all. He was fine after the game.
“A bit of pain, no problem, [he] didn’t twist [it]. It’s only painful, not a problem.”
There could be a change in the backline the left-back Andy Robertson coming in for James Milner and Joel Matip will come in place of Dejan Lovren. Croatian International was not spotted in the training on Tuesday. The front three will stay the same until anything dramatic happens.
Predicted Lineup
Liverpool: Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil Van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino.
