Benson Chikezie is a Nigerian-based writer with many years of experience in the sports betting industry. He is a digital marketer by profession. Benson has written many sports related contents for various websites.
Yet another Champions League night is upon us, and as Europe’s most prestigious competition approaches its business end, teams are finding their best form and playing for their lives. Liverpool will play host to Benfica in the return leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Thursday, 14th April, 00:30 IST.
The first leg in Portugal ended with Liverpool taking firm control of the tie as they won by a resounding three goals to one. Benfica will feel disappointed to have given away that many goals and they travel to a ground upon which Liverpool have been solid for a long time. The Reds are known to produce miraculous comebacks— Borussia Dortmund will never forget that night at Anfield. Will they fall to a Benfica miracle this time around?
At writing time, here is the latest form and team news from Liverpool and Benfica:
Klopp’s men secured an all-important away win in Portugal, marking their 18th win in 21 matches since the turn of the year and their fifth straight victory since losing to Inter in the Round of 16. January signing Luiz Diaz marked his return to Portugal with a goal and an assist as the Reds claimed a crucial away victory.
Liverpool kept 4 clean sheets in the five straight wins they have racked up since the setback against Inter, although that loss came at home. Mohammed Salah leads the scorers’ chart for the English club with 8 goals, although the Egyptian is presently enduring a barren spell in front of goal.
Liverpool do not have any injuries or suspensions at the moment, although a crunch clash with Manchester City on Sunday could change their injury status.
After a disappointing loss to Liverpool in Lisbon, Benfica will return to league action on Saturday before their trip to Anfield. Two losses in a row ended a run of six wins and four draws in ten games, and the Portuguese outfit overcame Ajax over two legs in that period.
Benfica have only lost one away game in this season’s Champions League, and their most recent victory came against Ajax, winning 1-0 at the Amsterdam Arena. 22-year-old striker Darwin Nunez remains their top scorer in Europe with 5 goals.
For injuries and suspensions, Benfica will be without defender Lucas Verissimo alone for the trip to Anfield if no one picks up a knock in their late league clash on Saturday.
Klopp’s side established a firm hold on the tie with a 3–1 win in Lisbon. Hence, they are strong favorites to win and progress to the semifinals. On the Paripesa sportsbook, Liverpool to win is placed at 1.332 odds, a draw is placed at 6.2 odds, and Benfica to win is placed at 9.5 odds.
The odds for all three outcomes on the Parimatch are at 1.32, 6.10, and 8.80, respectively. On the Melbet sportsbook, the odds are 1.332, 6.2, and 9.5 odds, respectively.
Liverpool are almost assured of a place in the semifinals, except Benfica can come up with a miracle. Klopp’s men are not the team to give up a winning position, so a comeback for Benfica is an unlikely outcome. Here are our tips for this fixture:
Liverpool are aiming high this season, locked in a Premier League title race with Manchester City, and still contesting on three different fronts. They have a strong foothold in the tie and will be looking to see Benfica off quickly into the match. Liverpool to win is placed at 1.31 odds on the Sportsbet.io sportsbook.
The first leg was a four-goal thriller, and Benfica will still believe they have a slim chance of getting something out of the game. Liverpool will hope to seal the game and put it beyond Benfica, and when they play at home, they know how to put on a show. Over 2.5 goals is available on the Paripesa sportsbook at 1.39 odds.
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