Champions League Semi Final Preview - Leg 2
Liverpool v Barcelona (Aggregate: 0-3)
Anfield, Wednesday, 5am
If Liverpool didn’t already have one of the biggest challenges in world football in front of them, they’ll have to pull off the miracle without two of their devastating front three.
Robert Firmino has been ruled out after making a cameo appearance in the first leg, but is continuing to battle a groin problem, with coach Jurgen Klopp confirming he won’t face the Spanish side.
Mo Salah will also miss out on the second leg, after he suffered a nasty concussion against Newcastle in the Premier League over the weekend. Salah was stretchered off and has been ruled out of the contest, after failing to get the okay from the medical team.
The Reds impressed at the Camp Nou last week, and were unlucky not to get more from the contest, although Barcelona certainly took their chances, which was enough to see them move into a commanding position in the tie.
With Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho returning to Liverpool for the first time since their departures, expect the raucous Anfield crowd to go up a few notches.
While nothing is impossible, Barcelona are heavily favoured to advance through to the Champions League final, and to see Liverpool advance would be nothing short of an unbelievable result.
There’s a good chance Liverpool win the game on Wednesday, but they don’t have enough firepower up front to score the goals required.
Prediction:
Liverpool to Win @ $2.37
Ajax v Tottenham (Aggregate: 1-0)
Johan Cruijff Arena, Thursday, 5am
Ajax were pretty much perfect in the first leg of their semi-final clash with Tottenham last week, going to England and coming away with a goal and a clean sheet.
Their performances on the road this Champions League campaign have been nothing short of brilliant, winning at Real Madrid, Juventus and Tottenham in their three knockout road matches.
Donny van de Beek was the goalscorer in the first leg, and will once again feature in a side that is set to make limited changes to their team, if any.
Tottenham will welcome back striker Heung-min Son for the second leg, after he was serving a suspension last week.
After an ugly incident saw Jan Vertonghen suffer a nasty head injury in the first leg, Spurs are hoping he is cleared fit to face Ajax on Thursday.
For Tottenham to turn around the tie, they’ll have to become the first side since (ironically enough) Ajax back in 1995-96 to lose the home first leg of a semi-final while still advancing.
The Dutch side haven’t been as strong as home this campaign, but fatigue seems to be getting to Spurs, which could signal the end of their Champions League campaign.
Prediction:
Draw @ $3.50
