Liverpool vs Benfica: Champions League preview with betting odds

Liverpool will look to book their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League when they take on Benfica at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Reds warmed up for the game with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester City in a top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The result leaves Liverpool just one point behind City with seven games remaining so the title race is wide open heading into the final stages.

However, Jurgen Klopp will be fully focussed on European matters on Wednesday night as the German coach tries to secure another Champions League semi-final appearance. Liverpool hold a commanding lead after winning the first leg 3-1 in Portugal last week so they should be confident of finishing the job at Anfield.

The Merseysiders dominated from the outset at the Estadio da Luz and should have little problem seeing-off Benfica on home soil to set-up a semi-final against Bayern Munich or Villarreal.

Benfica arrive in England knowing they face a mountain to climb to turn things around but they warmed up for the game with a comfortable 3-1 win over B-Sad to remain third in the Primeira Liga standings.

Betting odds

Understandably, Liverpool are the heavy favourites to win on Wednesday so it’s worth looking around for the best odds. Punters in Sweden should check out sites such as https://www.casinomedbankid.org/ for the best offers and bonuses to help make the most of your money.

Currently, Liverpool are priced at best odds of 1/4 to win the second leg with many bookmakers not even offering odds on them to qualify for the semi-finals. The draw is 5/1 and if you fancy an upset, you can back Benfica to win at 19/2.

If you believe in miracles, you can bet on the Portuguese outfit to win 3-0 at Anfield at odds of 200/1. However, a more realistic score-line is probably the reverse with bookies offering 15/2 on Liverpool to win 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Team news

Liverpool have no fresh injury worries to contend with so Klopp has a fully fit squad to choose from. The Reds boss is certain to freshen things up as they have another huge game at the weekend when they take on Man City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The likes of Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Luis Diaz and Kostas Tsimikas are all expected to be recalled to start against Benfica in midweek.

As for the visitors, they’ll be without Lucas Verissimo due to a knee injury while striker Rodrigo Pinho is also still on the sidelines. Jan Vertonghen returns from domestic suspension while the likes of Gilberto, Alex Grimaldo and Julian Weigl will also be recalled after being rested on Saturday.

Prediction

Liverpool 3-0 Benfica: The Reds ran out comfortable winners in the first leg and should have no problems beating Benfica at home. Darwin Nunez is a goal threat for the visitors but Liverpool have one of the best defences in Europe and should be able to keep him quiet.

Even if Klopp makes wholesale changes, Liverpool will still field an extremely competitive team due to the strength of their squad, so we’re expecting a routine home win for the Merseysiders.