Liverpool travel to Barcelona for the second Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday (kick-off: 20:00 BST) with both teams in fine form.
This has subplots galore and all the makings of a classic. Luis Suarez, who hasn’t scored a Champions League goal yet this season for the Catalan giants, and Philippe Coutinho face their former club.
Jurgen Klopp’s visitors were beaten finalists last term going down to Barca’s El Clasico rivals Real Madrid. If the Reds are to go one better, then they have to get something they can take back to Anfield.
On paper at least, this is one of those rare occasions where the double chance market has some value in it from a betting perspective.
An even-money price is available with Unibet on Liverpool or a draw and, given history is on their side, that is well worth considering.
Far from being just a patriotic punt against the Nou Camp club, in four previous trips to Catalonia in European action the Reds have never lost.
History with the Reds
AN arguably inferior Liverpool side beat a better Barcelona team 2-1 some 12 years ago. That Barca vintage featured World Cup winners like Juliano Belletti, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Ronaldinho, Lilian Thuram, Victor Valdes, Xavi and Gianluca Zambrotta
If a Reds squad containing Momo Sissoko, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy could beat them, then there is every chance Klopp’s current crew can emulate the last generation.
The difference between then and now of course is Lionel Messi has developed into an undisputed megastar of football.
Dwarfed by Deco and Samuel Eto’o as key players for Barca back then, the Argentine master has blossomed into a prolific goalscoring machine.
Liverpool have their own talents, however, and – in attacking trio Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah – there’s enough firepower to at least get an away goal ahead of the second leg on Merseyside.
Bet of the Day: Evens with Unibet, Liverpool and draw double chance.
