Jurgen Klopp’s side have already progressed to the next stage of the competition after winning their first four games in the group – the first time they have ever done so.

Porto lead a three-horse race for second that they can wrap up with a victory at Anfield, should the Atletico Madrid – AC Milan result go their way.

However, Liverpool are expected to field a strong side in their last home group game, as Klopp has hinted to when questioned on the topic.

The team have history when it comes to fielding a strong side in dead rubber Champions League games – last season’s 1-1 draw away to Midtjylland serves as a prime example.

Diogo Jota was forced off late in the game due to injury, which kept him out for 18 games after a strong start to life on Merseyside.

“That is pretty not much how it will be [choosing a weak squad],” Klopp said to Liverpoolfc.com after qualifying for the last 16.

“We go for it, we want to win football games, that’s all. Sometimes you can qualify for something, sometimes not, it is still the same thing – you play a game, you want to win it, show it.”

Porto come into the game in red-hot form with eight wins in their last nine since the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Sergio Conceicao and his men will be aiming to take the golden chance to qualify but Liverpool and their home crowd will look to dissuade them as much as possible.

Teams

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Williams, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Morton, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Minamino, Mané.

Subs: Kelleher, Adrian, Fabinho, Van Dijk, Milner, Henderson, Jota, Robertson, Origi, Phillips, Alexander-Arnold.

Porto (4-3-3): Costa; Joao Mario, Pepe, Mbemba, Zaidu; Uribe, Otavio, Oliveira; Evanilson, Taremi, Diaz.

Subs: Marchesín, Fábio Cardoso, Francisco Conceição, Pepê, Grujic, Tecatito, Manafá, Vitinha, Wendell, Bruno Costa, Toni Martínez, Fábio Vieira.

Odds

Liverpool 17/20

Draw 11/4

Porto 14/5

Where To Watch

Liverpool v Porto will kick off at 8 pm. LiveScore will show the match on their app while BT Sport 3 will bring fans coverage of the match from 7:15 pm.

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The two players picked up injuries in the recent international window and both missed out on starting spots against Arsenal at the weekend as a result.

Henderson appeared as a substitute during the second half of the 4-0 victory over Arsenal, while Robertson was not involved with the matchday squad.

Offering an update on the duo at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Jürgen Klopp said: “We always respect the competition but we have to think about ourselves, our schedule and the situation of our players first.

“Hendo, we will see. [Monday], I would say maybe he was not at 100 per cent. So he can play, he can do pretty much everything but it’s about really being at 100 per cent fit.

“So I thought when he came on against Arsenal it was just to see the game out and controlling a little bit – that was exactly actually what he had to do from the rehab point of view, so he used these few minutes. But now we have to see. I don’t know 100 per cent.

“Robbo, similar. Both are OK, but are both now ready to play, ready to start with the schedule, with games coming up? We have to make these decisions.

“We didn’t make these decisions yet, to be honest, because, how we all know, in this time of the season the medical department has a big hand in line-ups. So we will see.”

Liverpool have already won their Champions League group after winning their first four games at that stage of the competition for the first time in their history.

Porto sit second in the group, seven points off Liverpool and one ahead of Atletico Madrid – wins for Porto and AC Milan will send the Portuguese club into the last 16.

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Jones was named the Man of the Match in Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Porto at the Estadio do Dragao and had three assists to his name in a game where his all-around abilities were on show.

It was his third start in a row for his local side after two cameos off the bench – the injuries to Thiago Alcantara, Harvey Elliott and Naby Keita (who is now fit once again) gave him a golden opportunity.

The 20-year-old fashioned a chance for himself 20 minutes into the game which was parried into the path of Mo Salah, who made no mistake.

It went down as an assist and a second goal from the same connection was fashioned in the second half.

Jones played Salah through from the edge of the box and the Egyptian coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

His deflected volley 17 minutes later fell to substitute Roberto Firmino who made no mistake.

It does not sound too impressive when you check the quality of the assists but that was not the only facet of Jones’ game on display.

His support runs from central midfield into the final third offered an extra threat in attack on several occasions and helped to break down a narrow Porto defence.

The no.17’s runs on the ball were just as impressive and the Scouse native set up multiple chances throughout the 90 minutes for his Liverpool teammates after extended periods on the ball.

His work-rate was not to be shunned either as Jones counter-pressed throughout the game, continuing on from his performance against Brentford.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was impressed by Jones’ performance and noted that, despite some stomach issues, he shone on the night: “Curtis played a good game. He had some problems a little bit with the stomach before the game; they told me I need to keep an eye on him but I told him after the game whatever it is, keep it because it was really a good game.

“He played a really good game, he was everywhere, he was involved in everything. Set up the first goal with a surprising finish, goalie cannot save it.

“In a lot of other situations he was really there – maybe not as spectacular as the offensive stuff, but defensively he played a top-class game.

“He defended really well, pressed from the blind side, a lot of things I liked a lot about his performance tonight. So, let’s keep going, Curtis, it was not bad tonight.”

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Alexander-Arnold did not travel to the Portuguese city with the side as a result of his injury and may be out for several weeks.

Liverpool beat Porto 5-1 in yet another strong European night for the side at the Estadio do Dragao in Group B of the UEFA Champions League.

Veteran star and club vice-captain James Milner filled in for the 21-year-old on the right side of the defence and impressed once again – a common occurrence for the English utility player.

Milner is set to retain his starting berth in the side when Liverpool host Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.

Klopp spoke to liverpoolfc.com about Trent’s injury and the timeframe for his return: “So the situation when you play Saturday and Tuesday, the players who start the game – which Trent obviously did – have on Sunday no training, they have recovery.

“On Monday, the only session we have together, we pretty much walk through the things. We have meetings and on the pitch, we just show the difference between the opponents, so there was no intensity really in the session.

“But Trent anyway in the middle of the session felt his adductor and in that area he has now a little injury.

“Obviously, when you have something with your muscle, it’s not likely for Sunday – no muscle injury heals that quick. After that, it’s internationals.

“I don’t want to make the decision for him but what I heard, I don’t think it will be possible for him to be with the national team – but the other people have to decide that in the end. But hopefully, after that he will be ready again, but we don’t know exactly.”

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The game is part of the second round of matches in Group B with Atletico Madrid taking on AC Milan in the other fixture.

Liverpool lead the group after a win over Milan in a fantastic fixture between the sides – the first-ever game between the two sides that was not the final of the Champions League.

Porto, on the other hand, sit on one point after their goalless draw with the Spanish champions and can feel aggrieved not to have gotten the win in Madrid.

Liverpool are unbeaten against the two-time European champions, winning five and drawing three in their eight matches against each other to date – all games were played in the 21st century.

The two sides have met in this competition several times in recent years, with some famous away days for the Redmen as they went to two finals in a row.

Sadio Mané scored a hattrick on Valentine’s Day in 2018 as Jurgen Klopp’s men sealed their spot in the quarter-finals after just one leg of their last 16 tie against the Portuguese giants with a 5-0 win.

A strong team performance saw Liverpool earn a semi-final match-up against Barcelona when they won 4-1 in April 2019, during the campaign in which a 14-year wait for a sixth European cup came to an end.

Jürgen Klopp reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League trip to FC Porto, with Naby Keita set to return.

Lineups

Porto (4-2-3-1): Costa; Tecatito, Marcano, Pepe, Zaidu; Uribe, Oliveira; Otavio, Toni Martinez, Diaz; Taremi.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Milner, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Salah, Jota, Mané.

Subs: Adrian, Kelleher, Konate, Keita, Firmino, Gomez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino, Tsimikas, Origi, Phillips, Williams.

Odds

Porto 10/3

Draw 27/10

Liverpool 3/4

Where To Watch

The game will kick-off at 8:00 pm and will be available to watch on RTÉ 2 from 7:30 pm.

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The meeting between the two European giants will be the first since the competition’s final in 2007 in Athens, where Milan got revenge on Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool for their 2005 loss.

Both sides have seen themselves regress and, in recent years, return to the upper echelons of club football in Europe.

Liverpool added a sixth European Cup to their trophy cabinets in 2019 but are still one shy of Milan’s seven.

Klopp said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference: “Of course, 2005 I have more in my mind than 2007…I was thinking about not watching the second half…I’m glad I didn’t switch over!

“If you would think of any European battle, then I think Liverpool vs. AC Milan is a must watch! It’s one you want to see.

“It will be a tough game for both sides.”

On top of the fixture making a return, the fans will also return to Anfield for a European fixture.

It will be the first time Anfield has been allowed fans for such a fixture since the infamous Champions League round of 16 second-leg against Atletico Madrid in March 2020.

Then, the coronavirus pandemic took hold and a lockdown was put in place – fans did not return to Anfield for any of Liverpool’s fixtures in the competition in 2020/21.

Liverpool’s stadium is famous for its atmosphere, especially on European nights and Klopp is happy to see fans make a return.

“It was a long time ago we had a Champions League game at home, now the opportunity to experience again the atmosphere Anfield is able to produce.

“We spoke a lot in the past, rightly so, about the European nights at Anfield and I cannot wait to experience that now! It will be great and I’m really looking forward to it!”

Liverpool host AC Milan in the first of six group stage games for the side in Group B of the UEFA Champions League. The match will kick-off at 8 pm.

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One of the best Champions League games in recent years took place tonight at the Allianz Arena where a resilient Paris Saint-Germain managed to defeat current holders Bayern Munich 3-2 despite being on the back foot for much of the game.

PSG hit the front with just 3 minutes on the clock through who else but Kylian Mbappe. He was played through by another superstar in Neymar and left with plenty of space to get his shot off just outside the 6-yard box. That’s just what he did, firing low into the back of the net to put his team 1-0 ahead. Manuel Neuer, normally so reliable in goals for Bayern Munich, was partly at fault for the goal. He dived early towards the far post thinking that’s where Mbappe was aiming. Instead, Mbappe’s effort went straight down the middle of the goal and through Neuer’s legs as he dived to his right.

Bayern had a number of opportunities afterwards, including clear cut chances for both Leon Goretzka and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who both failed to make it count, the former’s effort going straight at the ‘keeper and the latter shooting wide.

Their missed opportunities would come back to haunt them as Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead in the 28^th minute. Neymar was heavily involved once again, lifting a beautiful ball into the box and catching out the Bayern Munich defence as they attempted to advance up the pitch. Marquinhos was alert to Neymar’s creativity and made a perfectly timed run into the box, took the ball down expertly and finishing with aplomb past Manuel Neuer to make it 2-0.

Bayern Munich were knocking at the door for much of the match and were perhaps slightly unfortunate to be down 2-0. They eventually made their pressure count, though, as they pulled one back in the 37^th minute. Benjamin Pavard swung a great cross into the penalty area and Choupo-Moting – replacing the injured Robert Lewandowski – got his head to the ball and diverted his effort past Keylor Navas into the net.

The half-time whistle sounded with Bayern Munich behind 2-1 despite controlling much of the contest. The difference between the two teams being the clinical edge as PSG took the few chances they had.

After such an exhilarating first half, few would have expected the second half to reach the same intensity. However, it proved to be just as entertaining, if not more.

PSG had the first big chance of the half just minutes after it commenced. Mbappe managed to steal the ball off Leroy Sane which led to the ball ending up at Neymar’s feet. The Brazilian shot at goal but Manuel Neuer produced a brilliant save, atoning for his earlier mistake. Di Maria got a shot off on the rebound but Alphonso Davies cleared off the line.

Bayern Munich begun to dominate again after that opportunity and managed to grab their equaliser in the 60^th minute. Kimmich, who was quietly controlling the game to that point, lofted a great ball into the box which was met by the head of Thomas Muller and directed into the bottom left corner. 2-2.

Again, Bayern were completely controlling the game. However, they failed to deal with PSG’s counter attacks time and time again. One man that you don’t want running at you on the counter is Kylian Mbappe, but that’s exactly what he did in the 67^th minute, charging at the Bayern defence before cutting inside and finishing precisely at the near post to make it 3-2.

The pace of the game slightly slowed down afterwards but Bayern still managed to create a handful of half chances before the full-time whistle. But, as was the story of the night, they failed to capitalise on those chances.

The match finished 3-2 to PSG who came away with a win and 3 vital away goals.

Throughout the 90, Bayern managed 31 shots to PSG’s 6. However, the result is the only thing that matters and Pochettino will be presumably be very happy with the night’s proceedings.

It’s all over in Munich as @PSG_English win the first-leg! @FCBayern 2⃣
Choupo-Moting 37′
Müller 60′ @PSG_English 3⃣
Mbappé 3′ & 68′
Marquinhos 28′ #𝗙𝗖𝗕𝗣𝗦𝗚 #UCL pic.twitter.com/2wHNVfiG5f

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) APRIL 7, 2021

In the other match tonight, Chelsea took on Porto who defeated Juventus over two legs in the last round to book their place in the quarter-finals.

They were unable to overcome Chelsea on the night, though.

Mason Mount scored the first goal in the 32^nd minute, turning fantastically before driving his shot low towards the far post and past the Porto ‘keeper.

Ben Chilwell wrapped up the victory in the 85^th minute with an equally impressive goal. He charged down the left flank, stole the ball from the Porto defender before advancing towards goal, taking it around the ‘keeper and slotting easily into the net.

The two away goals on the night could prove crucial in the return tie. Porto must score at least 3 goals to guarantee automatic qualification to the semi-finals.

ft. ADVANTAGE CHELSEA! #PORCHE pic.twitter.com/q0i0Jyvr25

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) APRIL 7, 2021

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Cristiano Ronaldo has come under fierce criticism from fans and sections of the media for his performances over two legs against Porto in the Champions League.

Although normally a consistent performer, he failed to impress as Juventus bowed out to the Portuguese champions in the round of 16.

He had a particularly miserable time of it last night. He wasn’t presented with many opportunities, but when he was, he didn’t finish chances with the same clinical edge he’s displayed over the years.

He was also partly responsible for what turned out to be the winning goal for 10-man Porto. He lined up in the middle of the wall as Sérgio Oliveira lined up to take a free kick from around 30 yards out. He shot and his effort found it’s way into the bottom left corner, however it could have been easily prevented. Ronaldo turned his back and raised his leg just as Oliveira went to shoot which led to the ball going straight through his legs and into the net.

Ronaldo has always been associated with continental success at his previous clubs, particularly at Real Madrid. However, Juventus’s Champions League performances have actually declined since he joined the club in 2018.

Yesterday marked the second season in a row where Juventus have failed to progress past the round of 16. They lost in the same round to Lyon in the 2019/20 season which was also seen as an upset.

The previous season they went out at the quarter final stage at the hands of Ajax.

Many have suggested that the ascension of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland is coinciding with the decline of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who have dominated the European game for well over a decade.

Erling Haaland scored twice last night as he helped his Dortmund side progress to the quarter finals.

Kylian Mbappé already showed up Lionel Messi in the first leg of the Champions League tie between PSG and Barcelona. Could he do the same tonight and help his side reach the semi-final?

Youngest players to reach 20 Champions League goals in #UCL history:

Erling Haaland (20y 231d)
Kylian Mbappé (21y 355d)
Lionel Messi (22y 266d)

Record: terminated. pic.twitter.com/pkhr0VkMIW

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) MARCH 9, 2021

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