Benfica vs. Liverpool predicted starting XI; Preview, prediction, team news, injury update and kickoff

Benfica vs. Liverpool predicted starting XI; Preview, prediction, team news, injury update and kickoff

Liverpool travel to the Estadio da Luz for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Benfica on Tuesday night.

Liverpool knocked out Inter Milan from the tournament 2-1 on aggregate to make it this far, while Benfica had a 3-2 win over Ajax over two legs.

Match preview

Liverpool saw a nine-game unbeaten run in all competition is hardly an ideal preparation for a meeting with the reds, and Benfica have never made it past the quarter-finals of the Champions League in its current format – most recently bowing out to Bayern Munich at this stage in 2015-16.

Benfica Champions League form:

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Benfica form (all competitions):

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Liverpool Champions League form:

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Liverpool form (all competitions):

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Team News

Benfica’s injury situation has remained fairly stable in recent weeks, and Verissimo was able to welcome Haris Seferovic back as a substitute in the loss to Braga on Friday night.

Joel Matip celebrates with his Liverpool teammates (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Curtis Jones and Joel Matip are also expected to be passed fit despite picking up minor ankle and head knocks respectively.

Naby Keita is ready to face Benfica after suffering from a knee injury as Klopp selects from a fully-fit squad this week.

Mohamed Salah endured a tough time against Hassane Kamara on Saturday, with Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz providing fresher options from the bench, Klopp has a massive decision to make in the final third this week.

Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz celebrate in the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Benfica predicted starting XI:

Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Otamendi, Vertonghen, Grimaldo; Silva, Mario, Weigl, Everton; Nunez, Yaremchuk

Liverpool predicted starting XI:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Jota, Mane, Diaz.

Prediction; Benfica 1:2 Liverpool

kickoff;

Tuesday 5th April, 2022. 20:00(WAT)