Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Considering just how decisively Liverpool beat FC Porto in last year’s Champions League, it should be no surprise just how many commenters and fans are confident in their ability to secure victory here. We suspect, so are the team themselves. This is especially likely considering their besting of Bayern Munich in their last outing, alongside their great success within the Premier League.
However, they would be wise not to underestimate their opponents. FC Porto are very far from pushovers. They have been on fine form as of late, having lost only a handful of matches this year with a very hefty schedule.
Liverpool vs FC Porto Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 FC Porto
While we certainly think that some people are being a little hasty in their certainty of a home win here, we have to agree that it is the most likely outcome considering the roll Liverpool have been on lately and the psychological advantage they have thanks to their dominant victory last year. However, we do expect a fight. FC Porto are more than capable of attacking hard, meaning a clean sheet will be tough to keep for both teams. Ultimately, we think this one will end 3-1 in Liverpool’s favour after an action-packed contest.
Our recommended tip: Liverpool win
Despite putting in impressive performances lately and sitting in second place of the Primeira Liga standings, FC Porto are still clearly the underdogs here. Liverpool have just simply been outstanding on the pitch, fighting their way to the top of the Premier League table and remaining just as dominant outside of their home tournament. At the bookmakers, FC Porto fans will find high-risk 9/1 odds on a win from the likes of Paddy Power. Meanwhile, the Reds have low-risk 1/4 match odds, making a bet on the favourites a safe choice.
Previous matches
These teams have a very interesting head-to-head history. While they have only faced each other on six occasions, a distinctive pattern has already emerged. In each instance, one leg has gone to a draw while the other has showcased a Liverpool victory – with the most recent being the most one-sided, ending 5-0 in their favour. Similar results happened in 2001, 2007 and 2018. Of course, this also means that FC Porto have never beaten Liverpool. And even though four of those games were long enough ago to be of little consequence to a 2019 match, it cannot be encouraging for a team many consider to be significant underdogs.
Top 3 Champions League Bookies
Players to watch: Mohamed Salah & Tiquinho Soares
Liverpool: Mohamed Salah
Once again proving his brilliance in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Southampton, Mohamed Salah is a force to be reckoned with, and not just for his striking ability. An all-around great player capable of sending fear into the hearts of even the most vigilant of defences, he failed to score in Liverpool’s hard-fought win over Bayern Munich. He, therefore, will likely be looking to make the difference on the Champions League stage in the quarter-finals.
FC Porto: Tiquinho Soares
Some games are brilliant opportunities for lesser known players to show the world what they are truly capable of. However, we don’t think this is one of those occasions. FC Porto will need to rely on their tried and tested big guns when it comes to taking on a team of the calibre of Liverpool. And for them, there’s no better candidate than a player who is as exciting as he is effective, Tiquinho Soares.
