Liverpool will lock their horns against Porto in the first leg of the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. Liverpool will be keen to get a win in this match but the task will not be very easy for them. According to the reports, Jurgen Klopp’s high flying Reds are currently looking to strengthen their attack even further after reportedly showing massive interest in Arsenal target Thomas Lemar. The AS Monaco forward is being linked with a heavy transfer to Liverpool after an impressive campaign last season that saw him win the Ligue 1 with Monaco.
The French champions have already lost key members of their first team with Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Teimoue Bakayoko and a few others set to leave, the fans fear the worst of the break-up. And with Lemar moving to Anfield, Monaco will face further problems this season if they are to defend their title.
Liverpool have already brought in a few new recruits for their European run this season in the form of Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Dominic Solanke to strengthen their squad up front. They are currently 3rd in the Premier League table under rivals Manchester United and Manchester City, with the two clubs going strong so far.
However, with the speculation surrounding Brazilian star play-maker Coutinho’s future, Lemar is considered to be a replacement for the 25 year old. Barcelona have made public their interest in the midfielder and have already had three bids rejected, the latest one priced at £138m.
Liverpool have made it certain, that Coutinho isn’t for sale. After the former Inter Milan man handed in his transfer request earlier last month, there have been doubts over if he will remain at Merseyside.
With Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claiming earlier this week that the pursuit for Lemar is ‘dead’ which would give Liverpool a green light to secure the services of Lemar who can play anywhere along the front-line. Lemar was an integral part of the Monaco squad that won the Ligue 1 in an incredible feat last term.
Team News :
Liverpool :
Alberto Moreno could be missing for this game, due to an injury problem. Otherwise, Klopp will have the full squad in his hand to play. Mignolet will start in Liverpool goal against Porto while Gomez, Lovren, Van Dijk and Milner are expected to start against Porto while Chamberlain, Henderson and Wijnaldum will be in the midfield for Liverpool. Mane, Salah and Firmino will start in the attacking line for Liverpool against Porto.
Porto :
Casillas will start in the goal of Porto. Maxi Pereira, Diego Reyes, Ivan Marcano and Alex Telles will be there in the defense of Porto. Corona, Herrera, Torres and Brahimi will be there in the midfield for Porto while Marega and Soares will lead the attacking force of Porto against Liverpool.
Predicted Starting Eleven :
Liverpool : (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Mignolet.
Defenders : Gomez, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson.
Midfielders : Milner, Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain,
Attackers : Mane, Salah, Firmino.
Porto(4-4-2) :
Goalkeeper : Casillas
Defenders : Maxi Pereira, Diego Reyes, Ivan Marcano, Alex Telles.
Midfielders : Corona, Herrera, Torres, Brahimi.
Attackers : Marega, Soares.
My Predicted Scoreline :
Porto 1-3 Liverpool.
