THE Champions League returns on Tuesday as Liverpool welcome Porto to Anfield. Lucas Swain (@LucasSwain95) shares his best bets.
Liverpool v Porto | Tuesday 6th March 2018, 19:45 | BT Sport
Rewind to the first leg in this Champions League fixture and I had the luxury of previewing the match for WeLoveBetting. After much deliberating, I decided to settle on Liverpool to be victorious in Portugal with goals aplenty. However, I was banking on the hosts bagging a goal despite the absence of Vincent Aboubakar.
Whilst my prediction for goals in the first leg was certainly correct when Liverpool completely outclassed their opposition in the Estadio Dragao, Porto failed to find the net while creating few significant chances of note.
It has to go down as a disappointing performance for Porto, despite the odds being stacked against the Portuguese side. Liverpool have been rampant in the Champions League this season, scoring no fewer than 28 goals in in this instalment of the competition.
Despite the sale of Philippe Coutinho, Jurgen Klopp’s side continues to thrive spearheaded by the Egyptian magician Mo Salah. That’s forgetting to mention Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane who have contributed more than their fair share of goals too this season.
The Betting
It’s fair to suggest that even the most ardent Porto supporter will concede this tie is over and they are merely playing for pride now, despite the difficult circumstances. However, it’s completely feasible to expect a competent performance from the Primeira Liga side.
Whilst Klopp certainly wouldn’t want to risk jeopardising a 5-0 lead in the Champions League for perhaps the most embarrassing collapse in the competition’s history, the German is bound to have one eye on the upcoming fixture at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Porto have to score six to progress courtesy of the away goals rule and that simply isn’t happening – and that’s working on the premise they keep a clean sheet – but they will be desperate to restore some pride and with Liverpool likely to field a watered-down side I’m not expecting another whitewash.
Once again Over 2.5 goals and Both teams to score is an attractive price at just over EVS and I’m inclined to put faith in Porto again to score despite letting me down last time. I still fancy goals in this match, and I’ve already outlined I don’t expect to see a hammering in favour of the Reds so this bet makes logical sense to me.
A slightly more ambitious market I have my eye on is the +1 Asian Handicap for Porto, as I am expecting them to keep the score a lot more respectable. However, it’s worth noting I’m not as confident in the selection and it’s probably one I’d consider taking up in-play if the visitors start well.
Best Bets
Liverpool v Porto – Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams To Score (11/10 bet365)
Liverpool v Porto – Porto +1 Asian Handicap (109/100 bet365)
