Match Preview: Liverpool 3-3 Benfica Prediction and Betting Tips | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Liverpool – Benfica Prediction and Tips for today, April 13, 2022

Football: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – PLAY OFFS – QUARTER-FINALS
Kick-off: 20:00 Bayern Munich – Villarreal
Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: 1.40
Bookmaker: Bet365
Match Result: 3:3 WON!!!

Liverpool – Benfica Preview

  • Ahead of a potential meeting at the negotiation table with Benfica over star striker Darwin Núñez, Liverpool first have to confirm their place in a UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final for the first time since winning the 2018/19 edition by converting their 3-1 first leg away victory into an aggregate triumph at home. Having not lost at home to Portuguese opposition since 2005/06 (W4, D2), they have every right to be confident of doing so.
  • ‘Reds’ boss Jürgen Klopp was actually disappointed with the 3-1 away leg victory, declaring his side “should have scored more goals” to ensure this second leg would be nothing more than a procession. Instead, Klopp now has to delicately balance the importance of not losing here, with an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and an intensifying title race after their 2-2 draw at City in the league at the weekend.
  • Benfica manager Nelson Verissimo had the advantage of being able to rest six members of his starting XI in a 3-1 defeat of Primeira Liga relegation contenders Belenenses whilst sharpening his attacking weapons ahead of this game in which they will require at least three goals to win the tie in regulation or extra time, now that the away goals rule has been scrapped.
  • That’s a tall order at one of the notoriously toughest stadiums to win at in Europe, and history offers little hope too, as Benfica have won just one quarter-final away leg in any UEFA competition this century (W1, D2, L6), with the heaviest defeat (L 1-4) coming in a 2009/10 Europa League trip to Anfield!
  • Players to watch: Diogo Jota’s stellar form continued at the weekend against Manchester City, with the Liverpool star scoring in five of his last six appearances of at least 45 minutes for club or country. Benfica’s Núñez has reportedly been linked with a potential summer move to Anfield after scoring in each of his last three competitive appearances, including their only goal against Liverpool.
  • Hot stat: Nine of Benfica’s last 12 away games in all competitions produced more than 2.5 goals.