Liverpool already have one foot in the Champions League semifinals as they head into the second leg of the quarter-finals against Benfica with a 3-1 lead. While the reds host Benfica at Anfield in the second leg of the quarter-finals on Thursday.
Liverpool Champions League form: W W W W L W
Liverpool head into the second leg with a 3-1 lead. While they go into the game after a 2-2 draw against league leaders Manchester City in the Premier League. Benfica head into the second leg after a 3-1 win over Belenenses in the Portugal league.
Benfica Champions League form: L D W D W L
The reds are clear favourites heading into the second leg. Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that there are no slip-ups on Thursday. While the Benfica faithful will be hoping for a miracle in the second leg.
Team news
Fabinho is fully fit despite picking up a head injury for Liverpool in the first leg against Benfica. Jurgen Klopp has a fully fit squad to operate with ahead of the second leg. Takumi Minamino, Harvey Elliott, Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all left out of the squad by the manager on Sunday against Manchester City. Although Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz will likely return to the starting lineup after starting the game on the bench on Sunday.
Lucas Verissimo is ruled out of the clash for Benfica due to a cruciate ligament injury. Rodrigo Pinho is also ruled out of the clash. Jan Vertonghen should also be back in the starting lineup after serving his domestic suspension. In addition, the likes of Gilberto, Alex Grimaldo, Rafa Silva, Julian Weigl and Goncalo Ramos should be recalled back into the starting lineup by the manager.
Predicted lineup
Liverpool predicted lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Keita, Fabinho, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Diaz
Benfica predicted lineup:
Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Vertonghen, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Silva, Weigl, Taarabt, Everton; Ramos, Nunez
Liverpool vs Benfica Prediction
The reds head into the second leg with a very healthy lead. But Darwin Núñez did pull back one goal for the Portuguese side. But travelling to the Anfield, it will be very for the Portuguese side to get any joy from the game. However, Above all, Liverpool have way too much quality for Benfica to handle.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Benfica
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