Premier League giants Liverpool will travel Estadio do Dragao to face FC Porto in the first round of UEFA Champions League knockout stages this season.
The Reds are coming on the back of a convincing 2:0 win over Southampton, where the attacking duo of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino stole the show against the struggling defence of Saints. Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently two points off arch-rivals Manchester United, who are sitting second in the Premier League table.
FC Porto, on the other hand, have been solid in their domestic league this season, leading second-placed Benfica by two points with a game still in hand. The Dragons will look to capitalise on their massive 4:0 win over Chaves as they host the Reds tonight.
Here are three key battles which could decide the outcome of the game.
#3 Roberto Firmino vs Diego Reyes
The absence of defensive leader Felipe will be a huge blow for Porto boss Sergio Conceicao. The 28 year old Brazilian has been a defensive stalwart for the Dragons this season but will miss this week’s clash due to a suspension.
Therefore, the onus will be on Mexican International Diego Reyes to stop Roberto Firmino this midweek. The Liverpool striker has been in emphatic form, scoring a goal and providing an exquisite assist for Mohamed Salah in the 2:0 win over Southampton.
Firmino’s trickery and clever positioning in the final third mean it’ll be hard to contain him. Therefore, Diego Reyes’ no-nonsense defending might come in handy for the Portuguese giants.
#2 Yacine Brahimi/Alex Telles vs Trent-Alexander Arnold/Mohamed Salah
Probably the most intriguing battles this game has to offer, stopping Liverpool’s dynamic wide duo of youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold and Egyptian wizard Mohamed Salah will be a huge test for Porto’s talented wide players in Alex Telles and Yacine Brahimi.
Telles, in particular, will be desperate to impose his authority, against his rather young and inexperienced counterpart in Alexander-Arnold. He’ll need help from Brahimi who’s work rate will have to be good to keep Liverpool’s wide players in check. The Egyptian will play a key role as Liverpool hope to breach this strong Porto defence this week.
#1 Moussa Marega vs Virgil Van Dijk
Following the absence of star striker Vincent Aboubakar due to injury, Moussa Marega is expected to lead the line for Porto this midweek.
The Mali International has been in fine form this season, scoring 16 goals and providing three assists. His ability to score goals in key moments will definitely lend Porto an upper hand, especially as they look to catch Liverpool on the break.
Standing in his way, however, will be Liverpool’s newest recruit Virgil van Dijk, who is coming on the back of a convincing performance against Southampton. The Dutchman could prove to be very intimidating at the back but with Marega’s physical prowess, it will be interesting to see how these two hold up against each other this week.