FC Porto take on Liverpool in the Champions League Round of 16 next week, with both sides looking to earn a lead heading into the reverse tie in England. Jurgen Klopp and his players will be confident of making it through to the next stage of the competition having finished top of Group E, however a trip to Portugal is never an easy task.
Champions League – FC Porto v Liverpool, Estádio do Dragão, Porto – Wednesday 14th February – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 17/4 at Ladbrokes |
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FC Porto
FC LiverpoolMatch Preview
Portuguese Primeira Liga leaders Porto host Liverpool in the Champions League next week, with many expecting a close encounter when the duo take to the field at the Estadio do Dragao. Despite the hosts not having some of the star names as in the past, they will be confident of producing a good performance in front of their own supporters. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
FC Porto Team News & Form
Porto boss Sérgio Conceição has led his team to an unbeaten record in the Portuguese top-flight so far this season, leaving them two points clear of rivals Benfica at the top of the table. Meanwhile, three wins in Group G of the Champions League saw them finish as runners-up behind Besiktas. Striker Vincent Aboubakar is likely to provide a significant threat to the Liverpool back line, while Yacine Brahimi and Hernani are also players to keep an eye on. Veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas should line up between the sticks once more for Porto, with the former Real Madrid man offering great experience for the home side.
Liverpool Team News & Form
Liverpool won three and drew three matches to finish top of Group E, with manager Klopp having also seen his side lose just once in their last five Premier League outings. However, with the English side having conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend, the five-time European champions remain 18 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City. The arrival of Virgil van Dijk is likely to sure up the Liverpool defence, while the attacking threat of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane should cause the Porto defence no end of problems.
Head to Head
The two teams have met just three in the past, with both teams having one win and a draw to their name from such meetings. Liverpool recorded a convincing 4-1 victory over Porto at Anfield back in November 2007, having earned a 1-1 draw away from home in the same year. However, with the last clash between the two sides coming back in 2007, little conclusions can be made from their head-to-head record.
FC Porto v Liverpool – Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the away team next week, it is Liverpool who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Those looking to bet on a win for Jurgen Klopp’s men can take advantage of odds of 15/2 with bookmaker Ladbrokes, whilst a home success for Porto is available at a price of 2/5 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip FC Porto v Liverpool
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams to score in Portugal, which is available at odds of 8/13 with William Hill.