Article by Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
Out of one big game and into another. The remainder of Liverpool’s season will consist of only cup finals; this time with the chance of progressing into the Champions League semi-finals.
Interestingly, Porto are in a title race of their own, level on points with Benfica who have better goal difference. That said, the Portuguese club will be prioritising success in the Champions League, a tournament they haven’t won since 2004, fielding the likes of Deco, Maniche and Ricardo Carvalho.
For Liverpool, ending the long wait for a league title takes precedence over a potential sixth Champions League, but a favourable draw means Jurgen Klopp could soon be eyeing both.
Improvements at centre-half for Dragoes has seen the return of Pepe, who tutors the highly-rated, Eder Militao. Undoubtedly, this makes Porto a more organised defensive outfit than the side we faced last season.
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Here’s how we should line up:
Andy Robertson’s suspension means change is needed to our consistent back five. Joe Gomez would have been an option, but his lack of game time after returning from injury means it’s Milner or Moreno.
This will cause some debate, but Alberto Moreno should come in for this one. In the away leg, it would be a more cautious approach with Milner – but Porto will be in damage limitation mode at Anfield.
Henderson’s performance against Southampton earns him a recall alongside Naby Keita, who has impressed at Anfield in Europe. Hopefully Naby’s goal last time out can give him the confidence he needs to finish the season strong.
Sunday’s game is the biggest of the season
Chelsea have been Liverpool’s nemesis of the 21st century. For many young fans, the rivalry between the two sides contests the level of contempt felt for United. For this reason, it’s time to trust in the squad Klopp invested in over the summer.
Origi comes in for Mane, Shaqiri comes in for Firmino, Salah starts upfront. If you sent Divock or Shaq to the Portuguese league, they would comfortably score double figures.
We need to be fresh for Sunday – and a few of our players have played excessive minutes when you include the international break. But not just that, if the worst case scenario happens and Liverpool lose, we can go to Portugal and finish the job.
Even when resting Firmino and Mane, our side is still levels above theirs.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 1 – 0 Porto
Article by Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
How does Chris think that Jurgen Klopp will select the side? Check out the Starting XI Prediction Show below
