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Liverpool are set to host FC Porto at Anfield in another highly anticipated fixture in the UEFA Champions League. Jurgen Klopp's men have already qualified for the knockout stages but the Portuguese side are still alive and kicking for a place in the knockouts.
Porto have been impressive so far in the Champions League, occupying second spot in Group B with five points. Their only defeat came against Liverpool when they were thrashed 5-1 at home. Despite the defeat, Porto are still above Atletico Madrid and Milan in their group.
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Meanwhile, Liverpool will be hoping for a repeat of their previous performance against Porto. The Reds will be confident after their strong showing against Arsenal in the Premier League, where they won 4-0. They are the standout performers in Europe, winning all four games to stay at the top with 12 points.
On that note, let's take a look at
Liverpool vs Porto predictions
#5 Key absentees to be a concern for Klopp
Jurgen Klopp will miss some of his key men due to injuries. James Milner, Harvey Elliot, Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones are all surely out against Porto. Stars like Andy Robertson, Naby Keita, Diogo Jota and Divock Origi are also doubtful heading into the game, which leaves Liverpool very depleted.
Liverpool boast strong bench strength due to immense depth in their squad. However, they have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, which might propel Klopp to make some changes. Rotations remain a key factor going forward due to the hectic schedule.
Unfortunately, Klopp will not be able to give his players any rest or rotate with the squad available to him at the moment.
#4 Porto to keep matters tight at the back
Porto had a relatively good outing in the games against Atletico Madrid and Milan. The Portuguese team is usually extremely organized at the back and they showcased their defensive prowess in the Champions League barring one game.
Porto have suffered only one defeat in Europe so far this campaign, which came against Liverpool. They were humiliated in the match which ended 5-1 in favor of the Reds, resulting in a negative goal difference.
However, Porto will take great heart from the fact that they have conceded just one goal in three matches, excluding their clash against Liverpool. They are likely to take a defensive approach and hold their own to secure a point at Anfield.
#3 Liverpool defenders to remain unfazed by Porto
Despite injury concerns, Liverpool have shown tremendous strength to ruthlessly dominate their opponents. The Reds have been merciless, home and away, enduring just one defeat across all competitions so far this campaign. It is no secret that their rock solid defense has been pivotal in their performances.
The presence of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip has helped Liverpool a lot, as evident during their absence last season. In addition to their world class defense, Fabinho and Henderson work extra hard in midfield to help their defenders. In the Champions League, Liverpool have conceded five goals - the lowest tally in their group.
Porto have also been a low scoring side and racked up just three goals in the Champions League this season. It will be an uphill battle for their forwards to utilize the gaps in Liverpool's defense at Anfield. Our bet is on the home side to keep a clean sheet without much trouble against the visitors.
#2 Porto won't be able to stop Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is proving impossible to deal with due to his ability to singlehandedly decide a tie. The Egyptian maestro has been unstoppable, racking up 16 goals and six assists in all competitions. Five of his goals have come in four Champions League games, which demonstrates his ruthless nature in front of goal.
Salah scored twice against Porto when they met earlier in the season. But it's not just Porto, even the most organized and defensive teams have had trouble while facing the winger. There is no doubt that the 29-year old has been decisive for Liverpool in almost every game.
Considering Salah's form and caliber, Porto's defenders will most likely fail in their efforts to stop him.
#1 Liverpool to maintain their 100% win record in the Champions League
Porto will head into Anfield looking for a positive result as third-placed Atletico Madrid are breathing down their necks. Anfield is never an easy place to visit and it will definitely be an uphill battle for the Portuguese side. However, they are in good form and will give their all to cause an upset.
Liverpool's situation is in stark contrast to Porto's as they have already qualified for the knockout stages from the 'group of death'. A double over Atletico Madrid is no easy task but the Premier League giants have done it with relative ease. They will finish top of Group B no matter what happens in these last two fixtures.
We predict Porto will lose out in the smallest of margins, despite giving their all at Anfield.
