UEFA Champions League: Benfica vs. Liverpool Preview, Odds, Prediction

Benfica hosts Liverpool in the opening leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. This is the clash of two former European champions, and teams with rich backgrounds. Though, right now, Liverpool is a better organized and more powerful club and for many, the top favorite for winning this competition. On the other side, the Eagles are massive underdogs and a unit with the least chances of reaching the trophy. That could be a plus for the hosts, who don’t have any pressure, thus, can play easily and relaxed.

Preview

Benfica (+750) lost this weekend for the first time after nine consecutive events. The Eagles recorded six wins and three draws throughout that span, and were looking decent, we have to say. Their game wasn’t spectacular nor confident, but the results were there.

The problem for this crew is the backline, which often allows too many goals. Over the past 15 events, Benfica managed to keep only three clean sheets, which is alarming data. Because of that, they are already out of the title race, and the defense was also the main issue in the 3-2 loss against Braga.

Yet the positive side is the offensive part of the lineup, because the Eagles scored in the previous 15 consecutive games. Their midfielders are a bit reckless and often leave the defenders exposed, but simply that is their style of play.

Liverpool (-300) has four wins in a row, and during this streak, the Reds haven’t allowed a single goal. The defense has been playing at its best level, and we can now say that Virgil Van Dijk reached his level from two, three years ago when he became maybe the best player in the world.

Seven of the Reds’ past eight games ended with under 2.5 goals or with both teams not to score. Liverpool kept a clean sheet in seven of the latest 10 matches. That is a very good display of their defensive abilities.

As for the attackers, Klopp rotates all the guys up front, saving their energy and keeping them away from injuries. All of them are performing at the same level, Mane, Salah, Costa, Diaz, all are playing superbly.

Latest News

Verissimo has problems with his knee, Pinho with the muscle, while Taarabt’s injury isn’t revealed, but the Morrocan international won’t play on Tuesday night.

On the other side, Liverpool has one doubtful player, Naby Keita, and he will be a game-time decision.

Head to Head Games

The last meeting between these two sides was in 2010, when Liverpool met Benfica in the quarterfinals of the Europa League. The first clash in Lisbon ended 2-1 for the hosts, but the rematch saw the Reds rolling over the Eagles, 4-1.

Prediction

We predict a lot of goals here and also, Liverpool’s win. The Reds are superior to the hosts, and we don’t believe that Benfica has the power to stay unbeaten. Our suggestion would be to bet on the visitors’ confident win and cover a -1.5 spread. The odds on this recommendation are +110, and we simply have to try it.

Pick: Liverpool +110