Liverpool to complete semi bid with little fuss
Liverpool hold all the cards for their UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg tie with Benfica at Anfield on Wednesday night. The hosts won comfortably 3-1 in Portugal last week, and it's hard to foresee a way back for As Águias. Read our preview here:
Klopp shop
The Reds were a touch fortunate to come away from their top of the table dogfight against Manchester City with a 2-2 draw, but importantly, manager Jürgen Klopp's side didn't suffer any injuries. This means he has a full complement to pick from to finish the job, which ought to mean starts for both Roberto Firmino and Luis Díaz. The latter in particular has taken some of the burden from Mo Salah's shoulders, and will likely take the opportunity to power his relatively new employers into the semis with relish.
Suffering from Vert-igo
Interim head coach Nélson Veríssimo has the unenviable task of constructing a game plan to mark another famous night in the Lisbon club's storied continental history. They don't have the luxury of sitting back and hoping to hit their hosts on the break, but he will also be mindful that any defensive line containing Jan Vertonghen and Nicolás Otamendi at its heart can't leave too much space in behind. Elsewhere, coveted Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez auditioned for a transfer abroad with a hat-trick at the weekend against Belenenses, and there's certainly scope for him to add to his impressive campaign tally of 29.
Betting tip
Though perhaps not the best barometer, Liverpool's defensive struggles against top tier opposition at the weekend highlighted that other adventurous sides can pick holes in the back four. Benfica should have some opportunities to do that, but their aging defence could cost them dearly. Parimatch have odds of 2.10 for over 3.5 goals in the second leg (in 90 minutes).
