An impressive first-leg display against Benfica in Portugal means Liverpool is in a commanding position to reach the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday at Anfield.
They host Benfica holding a 3-1 advantage. First-half goals from Ibrahima Konate and Sadio Mane put Jurgen Klopp’s men in front before Darwin Nunez gave Benfica hope as he pulled one back early in the second half.
But Luis Diaz’s late strike ensured Liverpool has some breathing space and can likely afford to have one eye on preparing for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final date with Manchester City at Wembley.
The winners of the tie will face Villarreal in the last four after Unai Emery’s side shocked Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Liverpool vs. Benfica predicted lineups
The cushion of a two-goal lead means Klopp is likely to make some changes in what is shaping up to be a decisive month for his squad as they try and stay on track for an unparalleled quadruple.
He will be wary of making too many alterations, though, after Liverpool had a nervy evening in the second leg of their last-16 clash with Inter Milan in March, where they lost 1-0 at home after winning the first leg in Italy 2-0.
Certainly, Roberto Firmino and Diaz will expect to feature, as Mohamed Salah could get some time to rest ahead of a second clash with City in six days, after Sunday’s 2-2 draw in the Premier League.
Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3): Alisson (GK) — Gomez, Konate, Matip, Robertson — Henderson, Keita, Jones — Mane, Firmino, Diaz
Nelson Verissimo will go full-strength with his side again given the 3rd-placed club in Portugal trails Primeira Liga leaders FC Porto by 15 points with only five games remaining and are nine adrift of second-placed Sporting Lisbon.
Benfica predicted lineup (4-5-1): Vlachodimos (GK) — Junior, Vertonghen, Otamendi, Grimaldo — Silva, Weigl, Ramos, Taarabt, Soares — Nunez
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