When the draw for the quarter finals of
the UEFA Champions League was made, many seen FC Porto and Ajax
Amsterdam as the ‘easy’ ties. Liverpool, though, found out that,
despite winning 2-0, Porto are no mugs. Can the Reds go to Portugal
and produce a similar performance to the masterful display that they
offered here in 2018?
FC Porto News
If the Dragons are to do something
special here, they’ll be doing so without Vincent Aboubakar. The
Cameroon international misses out here, but Porto will be buoyed by
the return of Yacine Brahimi, Pepe and Hector Herrera. As three of
the most important players for the Portuguese, it will be interesting
to see how Liverpool handle a more in-form FC Porto side.
Expect Moussa Marega to offer ample
threat in the wide areas and up front. Meanwhile, the onus will be on
Herrera and Danilo Perreira to control what will be a hotly contested
midfield.
Liverpool News
The only doubt here for Liverpool will
be that of Jordan Henderson. The Reds captain, rejuvenated as an 8 in
recent weeks, has been integral to some excellent form for the Reds.
The return of Andy Robertson, though, will help to make up for his
loss. Expect Naby Keita or Georginio Winaldum to get a game in the
middle alongside Fabinho.
Dejan Lovren
might come in for this one, having impressed in the Anfield match
after a long injury lay-off. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez
are nearing a return to fitness, but will likely miss out here: the
lead is not large enough to risk either.
Verdict
Score draw. Liverpool to open the
scoring and render the tie almost impossible to win for Porto. Porto,
though, are no fools: they are European giants in their own right and
have improved massively from last year. An exciting & intense
score draw.
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