Porto vs Liverpool Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Costa; Corona, Cardoso, Marcano, Wendell; Otavio, Oliveira, Grujic, Diaz; Taremi, Martinez
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Minamino
This is an interesting matches from Group B, also known as "Group of Death". Liverpool won the Champions League six times, while Porto lifted the trophy in the season 2003–04 when they beat Monaco with 3:0 in Gelsenkirchen. It was a rare situation a club outside the big five leagues to won the trophy, and it was widely attributed to charismatic coach Jose Mourinho. It is clear the actual Porto are not that strong and it will be a huge success to secure one of the first two spots in the group. The start of the campaign was solid, they played a goalless draw with Atletico in Madrid. The fact is Porto kept clean sheet and limited Diego Simeone's side to only two shots on target. In addition, Porto are yet to lose a match in the new season. After the visit to Wanda, Porto were successful in the domestic Primeira. They have recorded two wins in a row, beating Moreirense and Gil Vicente and scoring seven goals. Coach Sergio Conceicao has some injury and suspension worries ahead of this match. Defender Chancel Mbemba was sent off in Madrid, so he will serve a suspension. With Pepe rated as doubtful, Ivan Marcano and Fabio Cardoso could form the centre-back pairing. Goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin is close to a return to fitness, but Diogo Costa was impressive against Gil Vicente on Friday and . One player will definitely be extra motivated - Marko Grujic. The Serbian international played the full 90 minutes against Atletico and will try to make the life hard for Klopp.
Liverpool started the Champions League campaign with a narrow 3:2 win against AC Milan at Anfield. It was a very interesting and eventful match. The Reds heavily attack Milan's goal from the very first whistle and took a deserved early lead when Tomori deflected a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold into his own net. After that Mohamed Salah failed the chance to double their advantage after missing a penalty. But then the things turned out in the final minutes of the first half. Milan, after being completely outplayed for 42 minutes, scored two easy goals in the space of seconds and took the lead through Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz. The second half provided another comeback. Liverpool managed to equalize in the 48th minute through Salah., who was superbly set up by Divock Origi. The victory was secured by Jordan Henderson., who scored his first Champions League goal in the 69th minute. However, Jurgen klopp's men were upset during the weekend by newly promoted Brentford. Liverpool dropped two important points playing a 3:3 draw in West London. Klopp can't be satisfy with the defensive performance of his tea. In addition, he will be missing the injured Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Harvey Elliott, while Neco Williams is doubtful with an ankle issue. Some rotation is very possible, with Kostas Tsimikas, Divock Origi, Jo Gomez and Takumi Minamino pushing for a starting place. Roberto Firmino has return to fitness and Diogo Jota could drop to the bench.
Porto vs Liverpool Preview:
Porto are winless in their six mutual games with Liverpool in the Champions League since 2007. However, I think they could upset the Reds here. Liverpool showed big defensive issues against Brentford during the weekend. I don't think they will win at Dragao with such poor and inconsistent defense.
Porto vs Liverpool Pick: Porto +0.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.26 with 188bet