Liverpool FC news: Five reasons why Jurgen Klopp's side can go far in 2017/18 Champions League
George Pitts makes the case for Liverpool going a long way in the Champions League ahead of their last-16 clash with Porto.
Liverpool get their Champions League campaign back under way on Wednesday, when they travel to Porto for the first leg of the last 16.
The draw could have been much worse for Jurgen Klopp’s side and they will have every belief they can book their place in the last eight.
But what is to say they cannot progress further than the quarters?
They are currently priced at 14/1 with Sky Bet to win the competition.
We take a look at five reasons to believe the Reds can reach at least the semi-finals of Europe’s prestigious competition…
1. Home advantage in the second leg
An away trip in the first leg is exactly what Jurgen Klopp would have wanted.
The home advantage in the return clash can play into the Reds’ hands – on a famous European night at Anfield, anything is possible.
The Merseysiders can create an atmosphere to get behind their side and see them book their place in the last eight and beyond.
2. Forward threats
The ‘Fab Four’ may have been reduced to a terrific three after Philippe Coutinho’s January departure to Barcelona, but Liverpool have the ability to trouble any defence in Europe.
Mo Salah has been nothing short of sensational since arriving from Roma, scoring 29 and assisting 10 in 35 appearances for the Reds this season.
He has brought a new dimension to Liverpool with his close control, vision and top-class finishing. That is why he is among the contenders for the PFA Player of the Year award, priced at 13/2 with Harry Kane behind Sky Bet’s odds-on favourite Kevin De Bruyne (1/6).
With Salah in the team, it is easy to forget about Roberto Firmino’s contributions. The Brazilian forward has 20 goals and 11 assists to his name this term in 36 appearances (all competitions) and he is a real danger in and around the penalty box.
His link-up play with Salah and Sadio Mane has been pleasing on the eye and it has put the Reds well within a chance of a runners-up finish in the Premier League. Their unpredictable interchanging and counter-attacking style could well help them progress in Europe too.
3. Performance v Man City: Proof of their capabilities
Liverpool remain the only team to beat Manchester City in the Premier League this term.
The January clash saw one of the games of the season unfold at Anfield, with the hosts holding off a late comeback from Pep Guardiola’s side to win 4-3.
Firmino, Mane and Salah all scored, as well as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, in that thrilling encounter which showcased their ability to thrive without Coutinho.
City are currently 3/1 favourites with Sky Bet to win the Champions League. If Liverpool can replicate the high performance levels they are capable of, such as that game versus Guardiola's men, then there is no reason why they cannot go all the way.
Read more: Alex Keble backs Premier League clubs to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League
Champions League winner outright 2017/18 (via Sky Bet)
Manchester City - 3/1
Paris Saint-Germain - 5/1
Barcelona - 11/2
Bayern Munich - 11/2
Real Madrid - 13/2
Liverpool - 14/1
Their counter-attacking style of play and speed on the front foot can cause any defence in Europe a load of trouble.
Klopp’s rotation this season means his side are fit and fresh enough to keep up the pace for 90 mins, as opponents start to fatigue in the closing moments.
Then at the back, competition for places is good with Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet battling for a place in between the sticks, while Liverpool look more capable defensively with the January addition of Virgil van Dijk.
They can be much more assured with the Dutchman’s presence, both organisationally and aerially, and will only get better as he develops an understanding with Joel Matip or Dejan Lovren.
4. Jurgen Klopp: Been here before
As we have touched on Klopp's ‘heavy metal’ style of play, the German boss is no stranger to the competition having guided Borussia Dortmund to the final against the odds in 2013.
They lost to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, but reached the Wembley final despite being drawn in a group with Real Madrid, Ajax and Man City, before going on to face Jose Mourinho’s Madrid again in the semi-final.
He has done it before and can certainly do it again.
Klopp oversaw an undefeated group stage for Liverpool this term, including 7-0 wins over Spartak Moscow and Maribor.
They surrendered a 3-0 lead to draw in Sevilla in November, but it shows Klopp is still learning about his side and their improvement domestically shows they are getting better as the season goes on.
Klopp is a manager who gets his side's all and they can rise to the occasion. Providing they have a little luck along the way, Klopp can guide his side to the latter stages of the competition.
5. Porto: No match for heavy metal Liverpool
The Portuguese league leaders are the only team yet to be beaten in all domestic competitions in the top leagues in Europe, so it will be a tough ask for the Reds.
The only defeats for Sergio Conceicao’s side came against Besiktas and RB Leipzig, but they improved in the competition and are now unbeaten in their last three, scoring nine goals.
But their group consisted of Leipzig, Besiktas and Monaco - Liverpool will be a big step up for them.
It is the first time the two sides will meet in a competitive match since 2007/08, when Liverpool drew in Portugal before winning 4-1 at Anfield as they reached the semi-final.
With factors including Liverpool playing the second leg at home, Salah on form and their recent performance levels under Klopp, they are more than capable of advancing to the quarter-finals and beyond.
Click the image below to see our betting preview for Porto v Liverpool and Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain...
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