Liverpool v Barcelona Betting Tips: Can Reds pull off a miracle?
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Odds and preview for Champions League semi-final
Liverpool have it all to do after losing 3-0 to Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last week.
Jurgen Klopp’s side could fall just short in Europe and the league this week. They’ll be without Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino at Anfield, but the Reds have a history of overturning the odds in Europe. Can they do it again tonight?
You’ll find all the pre-match odds and info here, ahead of kick-off at 8:00pm on BT Sport 2…
Head-to-Head
There have been nine previous meetings between these sides, including last week’s clash at Camp Nou. Both teams have won three games each, with three draws too.
However, Liverpool haven’t fared too well at homes against the Catalan giants. They’ve only won one of the four match-ups on their own patch.
Likely XIs
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Shaqiri, Origi, Mane
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Vidal, Busquets, Rakitic, Coutinho; Messi, Suarez
The loss of Salah and Firmino could be a devastating blow for the hosts. Xherdan Shaqiri should replace Salah on the right. Divock Origi could be rewarded for his vital winner against Newcastle United with a start up front.
After selecting Joe Gomez at right-back at Camp Nou, Klopp is likely to go for the more adventurous Trent Alexander-Arnold here. Young striker Rhian Brewster is also expected to feature at some point.
After resting players against Celta Vigo at the weekend, Ernesto Valverde is likely to return to the starting XI that beat Liverpool in the first leg.
That means Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho will return to Anfield, while Lionel Messi could prove to be the difference again.
Key Battles
Liverpool can’t afford to let Barcelona dictate the tempo in this one. They’ll look to press intensely to try and unsettle the visitors.
Expect a quick start from the Reds too. They’ll look to get on the scoreboard early to try and make this one of those famous Anfield nights.
Liverpool’s problem will be keeping things tight at the other end. They have to go for it, but if they leave too much space in behind then Messi and Suarez will make them pay.
Match Odds
Liverpool are narrow 31/20 favourites to win tonight, but way out at 9/1 to go through.
Our traders have Barca at 33/20, though they’re a comfortable 1/25 to reach the final.
There’s also 1/2 about Both Teams to Score, while 6/4 says we see Over 3.5 Goals.
With no Salah or Firmino, Sadio Mane will need to step up for Liverpool. He’s 14/5 favourite to open the scoring. Origi is 11/5 to net anytime, with Daniel Sturridge at 23/10.
Suarez is 4/1 to open the scoring again, with Messi at 16/5. Suarez and Coutinho are also 7/5 and 7/2 respectively to mark their Anfield returns with a goal at any point.
View the latest Liverpool v Barcelona odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
