Liverpool looks set to make it back to the Champions League Quarterfinals for the first time in nine years. The Reds have had their fair share of struggles over the last decade, making it to the Champions League just three times since that point. However, Jurgen Klopp has turned things around, and Liverpool is far more dangerous than anyone though. All the Reds need to do to advance is to avoid losing by five goals or more.
Don't miss the Champions League action from Anfield at 2:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS2.
Champions League Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Porto +505
Liverpool -208
Draw +339
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
This match is a little more difficult to cap just because of the lopsided scoreline in the first leg. Porto is going to have to throw everyone forward in order to try to get early goals and have a chance at pulling off the monumental upset, leaving them pretty vulnerable in the back. That’s a dangerous proposition with Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane on the prowl, and should lead to an up-and-down game, for at least a half.
Last Meeting
When these clubs met in Porto a few weeks ago, Liverpool shredded Porto’s back line in every way imaginable. The Reds didn’t dominate time of possession or pepper Jose Sa with shots on net, but made the most out of every opportunity.
Salah, Firmino and Mane were incredible, but Mane was the Man of the Match. He netted a hat trick against Porto, earning himself a rare 10 rating in the eyes of many with his performance.
Porto was unable to do much with the ball, putting just three shots on net in the match. They did win a number of corner kicks, but were unable to convert those into goals.
Recent Form
Porto has been dominant in the Portuguese Super Liga and does have the upper hand on arch-rival Benfica in its domestic league. Porto has shredded its last four opponents in domestic play, scoring at least three goals in each match.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continues to clinically carve up back lines. The Reds have gotten a result in each of their last five matches overall and have scored at least two goals in each of those games. Only Manchester City has scored more goals in Premier League play.
Player to Watch
It’s really hard to overstate the impact that Mo Salah has had for Liverpool. Salah came over from AS Roma this offseason, and he has been worth every penny that the club paid for him. Liverpool are well aware of his worth and already rewarded him with a hefty pay raise to keep other clubs from pursuing him in the offseason.
Salah has been on fire of late. He has scored at least one goal in each of his last six games, and the forward recently made a little bit of history too. Against West Ham, he notched his 20th goal with his left foot, a new Premier League record according to Goal.com.
What makes Salah special is that he isn’t just a goal scorer or a set-up man, but both. Salah is averaging nearly a goal per game and keeps finding the back of the net. Mane, Firmino, and former teammate Edin Dzeko can all attest to his playmaking ability too.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Liverpool is essentially a lock to advance at this point, so the question is whether or not they will cover the goal line. My money is on the Reds here. They are playing at a high level on the offensive end and Porto will be thin at the back as they try to score. Liverpool will get a few goals and cover out of Porto’s desperation.
Champions League Odds: Liverpool 3, Porto 1
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