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The phrase “Barcelona flights” was among the most searched on Google among Liverpool supporters long before referee Mario Diks blew the final whistle to put Porto out of their misery.
And those fans who had taken the calculated gamble of already sorting out their trips to Catalonia after last week's first match could be forgiven for feeling a bit smug right now.
Their faith in Jurgen Klopp and his players was emphatically rewarded by another hugely impressive Champions League performance in this quarter-final second leg.
Having netted five on their last visit to the Estadio do Dragao 14 months earlier, this time Liverpool declared on four.
They could have probably had more had they been so minded.
There was an air of authority, confidence and, of course, a sprinkling of real quality in this comprehensive dismissal of a side that had won their last four home Champions League games and completed an impressive comeback against Roma in the last round.
There was little sign of a repeat although Porto, to their credit, gave it a good go in the opening quarter, and never threw in the towel, echoing their relentless, impressive support.
But with the carrot of Barcelona in the semi-finals tantalisingly dangling before them, there was no way Liverpool were going to allow this opportunity to slip.
This, though, wasn't just about getting a job done.
The manner in which the Reds followed their 3-1 win at Bayern Munich with this romp highlighted how Klopp's side have found their groove again on the road after those missteps of the group stage.
This was a calling card, a statement of intent aimed directly towards Barcelona and, it must be said, a hurting Manchester City that their thirst for honours remains wholly unquenched.
Now it's a reunion with Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez, and the small matter of a tangle with some bloke called Lionel Messi.
With that standard of opposition to come next month, few Liverpool fans will be searching for “Madrid flights” in anticipation of the June final.
But with the Reds in this kind of devastatingly professional form, who could blame them if they are?

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-porto-manchester-city-news-16146392

dominique:
Both teams are yet to qualify o. Don't write out both opponents, anything can happen in the second leg

I guess right

Dominique

Silverware awaits either Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp after rollercoaster Champions League campaigns - who will emerge victorious?
Both Tottenham and Liverpool were on the brink of exiting the Champions League at the group stages and beyond, but a combination of team spirit and clear philosophies imposed by their respective managers sees two English sides set to face off in the Champions League final.
Neither Jurgen Klopp or Mauricio Pochettino have won a trophy with an English club, but now have the opportunity to win the greatest prize in European football.
From the brink to Madrid
Having already suffered three losses in Group C, Liverpool went into their final group game against Napoli knowing they had to win with a clean sheet or by two clear goals to make the last-16.
Tottenham failed to win any of their opening three Champions League group stage games this season - they've become just the second side to do so and go on to reach the final after Inter Milan in 2010, who went on to win the trophy.
Lucas Moura scored a hat-trick in Spurs' win at Ajax to see them into the final
Spurs went into their last game in Group B with their Champions League fate out of their hands. Spurs went to the Nou Camp knowing they had to match or better Inter's result against PSV to qualify on the final matchday and did so by securing a 1-1 draw.
Although Liverpool stormed past Bayern at the Allianz Arena and Tottenham played out an epic against Manchester City along the way, both experienced two of the most remarkable comebacks in Champions League history at the semi-final stages.
On May 8, Liverpool somehow overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit to beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield. Just one sleep later and Tottenham came from 3-0 down on aggregate against Ajax in the space of 45 minutes to reach their first ever Champions League final.
Mohamed Salah, Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk celebrate after Liverpool's progress
Now we are set for what is sure to be another famous night with an all-English final at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
Champions League final tactics examined
How should Liverpool and Tottenham set up tactically to win the Champions League?
Liverpool will pore over lessons learned from their meeting with Spurs six months ago, when they outclassed their hosts in a 2-1 win at Wembley to maintain a perfect start to the season.
Liverpool won both Premier League games this season by a narrow margin
Having been overrun six months earlier, Pochettino elected to use a five-man defence in a 3-1-4-2 at Anfield, but they still fell to a narrow defeat.
We take a look at their previous league encounters to find out what worked, and what didn't...
A first piece of silverware for Klopp
This is Klopp's third major European final with Liverpool - only Bob Paisley (four) has ever reached more with the club. The German's record in finals is well known and remains the stick with which he is beaten.
Since winning the 2012 German Cup with Borussia Dortmund, the German has lost the last six finals he has contested, three of which were with Liverpool (Champions League, Europa League and League Cup).
Liverpool owner John W Henry gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sports News
In his previous two Champions League finals, Klopp was on the losing side with the Reds last season and with Dortmund in 2013.
The only manager to lose three successive final appearances in the European Cup/Champions League is Marcello Lippi (1997, 1998 and 2003 with Juventus).
For all the plaudits his side have received for the way they play, and despite Klopp's insistence to the contrary, they do need to start picking up trophies.
Pochettino's chance to elevate Spurs
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed his admiration for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's Champions League record
Pochettino is another manager who has been criticised for having no end product. In contrast to Klopp, he has been in only one final, losing the 2015 League Cup final to Chelsea.
The Argentine is bidding to become only the third Tottenham manager to guide the club to a major European trophy, after Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. Silverware would give his methods some validation and provide an answer to his critics.
Pochettino has already dangled the prospect that he could walk away from the club if they were to win in Madrid.
Pochettino and Daniel Levy catch up ahead of Spurs' first Champions League final
"To win the Champions League with Tottenham in these circumstances this season, maybe I need to think about maybe doing something different in the future," he said prior to their comeback win against Ajax in Amsterdam.
The Argentine marked his five-year anniversary at the club in the lead up to the final and has previously admitted winning the Champions League would be difficult to repeat.
If Kane starts, who drops out?
Harry Kane has trained alongside his Tottenham team-mates at the Metropolitano Stadium
Kane is expected to be available for Tottenham after two months on the sidelines with ligament damage, while Winks has also been declared fit for the showdown in Madrid.
Pochettino faces a welcomed selection headache in attack if Kane starts, with quarter-final hero Fernando Llorente and semi-final hat-trick winner Lucas Moura vying for a place - in addition to in-form Son Heung-Min.
Harry Kane and Andy Robertson fight for the ball in the Anfield match
Kane has deemed himself fit to start the final - but Tottenham's talisman has not played a competitive fixture since facing Man City in the Champions League semi-final first leg on April 9 - and played no part in Spurs' memorable Champions League semi-final games against Ajax.
Whether he can slot straight back into the lineup for a Champions League final after a lengthy injury is up for debate and also begs the question; who would be on the bench as a result?
Toby Alderweireld, Kieran Trippier and Christian Eriksen say the team have defied the odds
Lucas Moura led the line against Ajax and scored a hat-trick as part of an attacking quartet featuring Dele Alli, Son Heung-Min and Christian Eriksen. Should Pochettino elect to start Kane, one of the semi-final heroes will surely be dropped.
Tottenham squad
Hugo Lloris, Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Davinson Sanchez, Heung-Min Son, Harry Winks, Harry Kane, Erik Lamela, Victor Wanyama, Michel Vorm, Eric Dier, Kyle Walker-Peters, Moussa Sissoko, Fernando Llorente, Dele Alli, Juan Foyth, Paulo Gazzaniga, Christian Eriksen, Serge Aurier, Lucas Moura, Ben Davies, Alfie Whiteman, George Marsh, Oliver Skipp.
What about Firmino?
For Liverpool, Naby Keita has been ruled out for the final, while Roberto Firmino should be available for selection after missing three games with a muscle strain.
Klopp said this week that the striker "should be fine", then Liverpool will be able to use their preferred attacking 'trident' with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah playing either side of the Brazilian.
Liverpool arrived at John Lennon Airport on Friday morning
That would, however, mean no place in the starting lineup for Belgian forward Divock Origi who scored twice in the 4-0 crushing of Barcelona in the semi-final second leg.
Liverpool squad
Alisson Becker, Caoimhin Kelleher, Simon Mignolet, Virgil van Dijk, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Alberto Moreno, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giorginio Wijnaldum, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge, Xherdan Shaqiri, Rhian Brewster
Opta stats
Phil Thompson says the weather in Madrid will prove difficult for both clubs
Match highlights of Liverpool's 2-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield
Lord Sugar says Mauricio Pochettino can become a legend at Tottenham
Charlie Nicholas' prediction
"Both these sides have a 'never say die' spirit but Liverpool have more quality and style. Tottenham have had to use the same 16 or 17 players, whereas Liverpool have been fresher. Kane may be on the bench, but this will be a tighter affair than expected.
Danny Murphy says Spurs will benefit more from the three-week break
"Liverpool and Tottenham both like to attack but sometimes nobody can control the ball and it will be more about the energy and drive. It will be a physical British game.
"Of course I could get this wrong and it could be the most dramatic final we could wish for, but I think it will be about defenders doing their job and keeping it tight.
"I see Liverpool winning this and it will go right to the final whistle. I hope it is an over-expansive game of football, but I feel as though the defenders will be dragging everyone in not wanting to make mistakes and that is the tension that comes with these games.
"I do think Liverpool merit a trophy this season. Tottenham have shown a stunning attitude in the Champions League. I think there will be lots of bookings and it will be a hard physical challenge."
CHARLIE PREDICTS: Tottenham 0 - 1 liverpool.
https://www.skysports.com/football/tottenham-vs-liverpool/407101

Klopp benched Firmino . Mad man

Your view on this potential clash

Klopp calls on fans to create an atmosphere to complete a stunning turnaround
15 hours ago / autty
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp called on supporters to create a "party" atmosphere at Anfield as they bid to complete a stunning turnaround.
Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool will have to play a perfect game if they are to overturn Barcelona's 3-0 lead in their Champions League semi-final.
Liverpool welcome LaLiga champions Barca to Anfield in Tuesday's second leg, though they face a daunting task following goals from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who scored twice, last week at Camp Nou.
The Reds have been dealt a blow with Mohamed Salah ruled out after suffering a concussion in Saturday's vital Premier League win over Newcastle United, while Roberto Firmino will also be missing.
While understandably conservative about Liverpool's hopes of progressing to the final, Klopp called on Liverpool's fans to create a "party" atmosphere to try and help the home team.
"It looks like you have to be perfect to beat them, so we should try that," Klopp told the media.
"Do that step by step. Creating an atmosphere, using that atmosphere and celebrate the situation with good football and create a football party.
"It's possible and it's likely that it’s our last Champions League game for this campaign, so let's celebrate it with our legs, with our lungs and we'll see what the outcome is.
"I imagine the place will be rocking before we score. That's what I expect. We don't only have to score but we have to deny Barcelona from scoring and that doesn't happen too often.
"We know about how big the challenge is, but this team is so wonderful. We will all try 100 per cent but that doesn't mean it will work.
"That's how we always did it and that's what we will do again. Two of the best strikers in the world are not available and we have to score four goals.
"As long as we have 11 players on the pitch we will try to celebrate the Champions League campaign, either to give it a proper finish or another go."
Barca were knocked out in dramatic fashion to Roma at the quarter-final stage last season, losing 3-0 in the second leg on Italian soil after beating the Serie A club 4-1 at home.
Klopp, though, is not expecting Barca to be on the wrong end of a stunning comeback for a second successive season.
"They [Roma] scored the away goal but that's what we didn't do," Klopp added.
"But that's the hope. I don't want to sit here and give even more reason to the Barcelona players to be more motivated because I say this or that.
"I have enough time to speak to my players until tomorrow night to make decisions. Tomorrow night will be our third game in six days and Barcelona changed 11 positions on Saturday.
"We have to do it our way. We can't compare ourselves to Roma or anyone else. The boys have showed often enough that they don't give up and they will show it again."

https://m.allfootballapp.com/news/La-Liga/Klopp-calls-on-fans-to-create-an-atmosphere-to-complete-a-stunning-turnaround/1361037

Liverpool travel to the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday night looking to continue their fine run of form and overcome Porto to reach the final four of the Champions League.
The Reds will be riding a wave of confidence coming into this fixture following their impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. Porto on the other hand will be trying to overcome their first leg 2-0 deficit to reach the semi finals of the competition for the first time since winning it in 2003/04.
With a two goal cushion and a busy Premier League schedule ahead of them, Liverpool may look to rotate a few tired legs in their team. The Merseysiders will know that an away goal would likely see them through, as it would leave Porto needing to put at least four past the Reds' goalkeeper Alisson.
Check out 90min's preview of this fixture below.
Where to Watch
When Is Kick Off? Wednesday 17th April​
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (BST)​
Where Is It Played? Estadio do Dragao
Live Stream/TV Channel? BT Sport 3​
Referee? Danny Makkelie​
Team News
Porto have the welcome boost of midfielder Hector Herrera and defensive warrior
Pepe returning for this leg, having been suspended for the first. These two have been a key part of Porto's formation this season and have made big contributions to their impressive run in Europe so far. The pair will be crucial to the Portuguese side's efforts to prevent
Liverpool grabbing a tie-ending away goal on Wednesday night.
Liverpool meanwhile, will be waiting to check on the fitness of captain Jordan Henderson. The England international, who has shone in a more advanced midfield role in recent games, came off in Sunday's win over the Blues and may not be risked for this fixture.
The former Sunderland man's potential omission from the team could pave the way for James Milner to return to the starting lineup. The Reds have had Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez return to full training recently, though this fixture is expected to come too soon for either player to make an appearance.
Predicted Lineups
Porto Casillas; Militao, Pepe, Felipe, Telles; Corona, Danilo, Herrera, Brahimi; Tiquinho, Marega​
Liverpool Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson; Fabinho, Milner, Wijnaldum; Salah, Mane, Firmino
Head to Head Record
The two sides met in the round of 16 in last year's Champions League , which saw Liverpool put the game to bed in the first leg with a 5-0 victory at the Estadio do Dragao. To come back from the two goal defeat at Anfield, Porto will need to beat Liverpool for the first time in their history, as they have failed to do so in their previous seven attempts.
The six meetings prior to Liverpool's 2-0 victory last week were in three separate two-legged European fixtures in which the Reds emerged victorious on all three occasions. It will take something special from the Dragons on Wednesday night to prevent history from repeating itself once more.
Recent Form
The home side are on a good run of form in the league, as they have won five of their previous six matches in the Primeira Liga​. However, a defeat at home to Benfica at the beginning of March gave their Lisbon rivals the impetus to take the lead in the title race, in which the two sides are separated only by goal difference.
Similarly, Liverpool have also won five of their previous six matches in the league, with a goalless draw to local rivals Everton being their only dropped points during this time. Liverpool have lost just twice in 2019. The first of these came in their title clash at the Etihad in which they lost 2-1; and the second was a defeat by the same scoreline to Wolves in the FA Cup, albeit with a weakened side.
Here is how the two teams have performed in their previous five fixtures:
Porto Liverpool
Portimonense 0-3
Porto (13/04) Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea (14/04)
Liverpool 2-0 Porto
(09/04) Liverpool 2-0 Porto (09/04)​
Porto 2-0 Boavista (05/04) Southampton 1-3
Liverpool (05/04)
Braga 1-1 Porto
(02/04) Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham (31/03)
Braga 2-3 Porto
(30/03) Fulham 1-2 Liverpool
(17/03)
Prediction
The Portuguese champions will be wary that one Liverpool goal would put this game to bed and will be looking to keep it tight for the first 15 to 20 minutes. However, they cannot afford to wait too long before applying pressure to the Reds' goal, as they need to score at least two to stand any chance of progression. As they push for goals, they will rely on returning defender Pepe to help keep Liverpool away from the home goal.
Liverpool will be looking for a professional display, as they look to see off their Portuguese opponents. The Liverpudlians will also be keeping things tight early on and will be looking to counter-attack the home side when given the opportunity, knowing an away goal would surely see them progress.
Porto will be strong in this game and may take a lead, but their chances of keeping Liverpool's attacking trio quiet are slim, and an away goal could put the game beyond the home side.
Prediction: Porto 1-1 Liverpool

https://www.90min.com/posts/6345606-porto-vs-liverpool-preview-where-to-watch-live-stream-kick-off-time-team-news

sotall:
I can see some fans already consoling themselves after managing to get zero shots on target in their backyard.

na space booking nah

dominique:
Both teams are yet to qualify o. Don't write out both opponents, anything can happen in the second leg

lol

Liverpool face Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday, with Jurgen Klopp potentially facing a selection dilemma.
The next seven days could shape Klopp's legacy at Anfield but his decisions in terms of managing a squad as he tries to juggle a European and a pivotal Premier League clash just 72 hours later in Newcastle - live on Sky - should not be underestimated.
Jamie Carragher pondered last week: "The question of which tournament to prioritise has been shrugged off until now, Klopp deflecting the question by explaining the 'next game' is most important."
But, it is something that can be ignored no longer. If Liverpool can win at Newcastle on
Saturday Night Football, they will return to the top, therefore piling the pressure back on to Manchester City for their clash with in-form Leicester on Monday Night Football.
Liverpool team news
Roberto Firmino appears to be winning his race to be fit after a muscle tear, but a late decision will be made. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is available after returning against Huddersfield following a serious knee injury earlier this season. Young striker Rhian Brewster was included in the 23-man travelling party.
Newcastle vs Liverpool
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The data shows that an away trip in a Champions League semi-final can affect the performance level in the next league game. Manchester United failed to win four of their seven league games following an away day European semi-final and Liverpool themselves were beaten 1-0 at Chelsea last season after travelling back from their second leg with Roma.
Liverpool have tended to struggle for intensity at times after a European midweek trip. As the table below shows, the Reds have struggled for goals, scoring just 17 in 11 games. That is an average of 1.5 goal per game which is well down on their usual average of 2.24 per game under Klopp in the last two seasons. Included in those 11 games is a 1-1 draw with Saturday's opponents Newcastle in 2017, where Liverpool lacked spark after a midweek trip to play Spartak Moscow.
So, should Klopp rest some of his stars with Saturday in mind? His major decision will regard his front three. Roberto Firmino missed last Friday's Premier League defeat of Huddersfield with what Klopp described as a "small muscle tear" - he is in the squad but can he be risked to play two emotionally and physically draining matches within 72 hours of each other?
Barcelona team news
Barcelona have a near full-strength side to select from with Rafinha the only player missing with a long-term knee injury. Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho both only played 45 minutes on Saturday to keep their legs fresh for this encounter.
And then there is Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, with 50 goals between them this season. Having at least one of them fully charged for Saturday makes sense - but resting them for a Champions League semi-final? Klopp wouldn't would he?
Analysis
Ahead of Wednesday night's game, Sky Sports take a look at three main talking points; whether Liverpool's former players will hurt them, why Jurgen Klopp two-legged knockout tie record is up there with the best, and just how Liverpool can find a weakness in the newly-crowned La Liga champions.
Messi and Barcelona stand between Liverpool and a second-straight Champions League final
Gary Neville's view....
"Carragher summed it up on Friday Night Football saying if Manchester City dropped points at Burnley then Klopp would have prioritised the huge Newcastle game and leave two or three players out in Barcelona, as two wins would have made them champions.
"However, now City have won, Liverpool should play their best team in Barcelona as they've got a chance to get to a Champions League final against Tottenham or Ajax. The problem with that is you're asking Liverpool players - who don't look like they're tiring by the way - to go to the Nou Camp, which is a different level of mental and physical asks. They'll then have to deal with the travel back to Anfield and then play away on a Saturday evening in Newcastle. It's a tough ask.​​​​​​​
"People will be thinking 'these players are on so much money - how can it be so difficult?' But even when I travel back from games now and get home at 3am, I don't feel quite right for the next 48 hours. And that's how footballers are but they are being asked to produce a physical job. Klopp should go full-strength in Barca."
Van Dijk keen to erase Nou Camp memory
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk wants to erase the memory of his only other appearance at the Nou Camp... a 6-1 defeat while at Celtic in December 2013.
"It is a nice stadium, an historic stadium and for me it was a great experience to play over there," he said. "It was my first time, my only time and my last time so far, so I am looking forward to playing them again, one of the best teams in the world, but I think this can be totally different than when I was there the last time."
Man City vs Leicester
May 6, 2019, 7:00pm
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Valverde: Unleash Messi!
Lionel Messi won the La Liga title for the 10th time in his 15 seasons with Barcelona on Saturday. He scored the decisive goal that allowed the team to clinch their eighth league title in 11 seasons.
"I've rested Lionel Messi more than usual but this has been a month with two Champions League clashes, and twice we had to play three games in a week," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said
"We wanted to clinch the Spanish league title, but at the same time we also wanted to make sure he was prepared for this tie. I think I've probably got the balance right."
Debate guest Liam Rosenior reckons Liverpool's front three will worry Barcelona as much as Lionel Messi might worry the Reds.
Klopp on Messi and Coutinho
Klopp rates Messi as the best footballer he has seen in his career, telling reporters: "I didn't see Pele live but there are a lot of good players. Lionel Messi is for me the best."
The Reds boss will be reunited with Philippe Coutinho and admits he did not think he side could prosper as they have without him.
"Yes we miss Coutinho, a lot, because he is a world-class player and I loved working with him. But we had to deal without him and we really did well. When I first heard he wanted to go to Barcelona, I didn't imagine we could be that good [without him]."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted he didn't believe his team would be as good as they are when they sold Philippe Coutinho.
Charlie's prediction
"We are into the Hollywood part of the tournament now, and these two will be favourites to lift the trophy whoever reaches the final. Barcelona clinched the title and Lionel Messi scored in a 30-minute cameo and was, crucially, rested. When you hear Messi speak about individual things you know he means business, and he has come out and said he wants the Champions League in his locker once more.
"This is a 50/50 tie in my eyes, though. When you go to the Camp Nou, you have to be cautious. When you go and attack teams, Liverpool's weakness, if there is a weakness, is their midfield. The instinct here is to say lots of goals. The defensive qualities of both teams have improved, so Liverpool will have to be patient, they are quite good at doing that. That said, I fancy Luis Suarez to get his first goal of the campaign against his old team to leave the tie wide open for the second leg."
CHARLIE PREDICTS: Barcelona 2-1 Liverpool



https://www.skysports.com/football/barcelona-vs-liverpool/406464

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Milner, Fabinho, Henderson, Keita, Salah, Mane, Firmino. against FC Porto

SolelySolar:

Why are you laughing ?

My support goes to Spur

Tottenham take on Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final but how can Spurs stop the Premier League champions? We take a look at the challenge they face in their new stadium on Tuesday evening...
Mauricio Pochettino is calling it "one of the most important games" of his coaching career. Tottenham's new stadium has already hosted its first game but the visit of Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final could be its first classic encounter. City are chasing the quadruple and the onus is on Pochettino to find a way to stop them.
There is a 16-point gap between the two teams in the Premier League, but there was an 18-point gap between City and Liverpool when the Reds eliminated Pep Guardiola's side at this stage last season. "Different team, different year, different players," says Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, but Tottenham intend to go with the same front-foot approach.
Pep: More to Spurs than Kane
Poch: My most important game
"I think they know and he knows that we are brave playing football, going forward, being aggressive and trying to be protagonists," says Pochettino of what Guardiola's team can expect on Tuesday evening. "We are going to be aggressive and try to play and beat them."
The first win of Pochettino's managerial career came against Guardiola's Barcelona in the Camp Nou. The plan that night was for his Espanyol team "to press high and surprise them" and it worked well as, according to the Spanish media at the time, they dragged Barcelona into the quicksand with their guerrilla warfare tactics. For Pochettino, it set the template.
The problem is that he has not been so successful against Guardiola of late. "Last season, we didn't compete with Manchester City there or at Wembley," Pochettino acknowledged, having been beaten by an aggregate score of 7-2. He was happier with what he saw when the teams met again at Wembley in October but
Spurs were still beaten 1-0 .
Pressing Ederson
Is there any reason to expect a different outcome? Tottenham have at least disrupted City's approach, even in defeat. They have worked hard to prevent Ederson from building the play from the back by cutting off his short passing options. The Brazilian has a passing accuracy of 69.3 per cent against Spurs - by far his lowest against any Premier League team.
Ederson's passing accuracy is significantly lower against Tottenham
The result is that Ederson has hit 31 passes into the opposition half against Spurs since coming to England, much more than against anyone else. Unfortunately for Pochettino, such is Ederson's range of passing, forcing him to kick long is not necessarily a victory in itself because he is capable of picking out players further forwards and bypassing the press.
Even so, this has given Spurs more of a foothold in games. Over the past two seasons, City have dominated possession against every single Premier League opponent, but Pochettino's side have had more of the ball against them than anyone - restricting Guardiola's team to 52 per cent of the ball. Manchester City have had at least 57 per cent against everyone else.
Full-back problem
The challenge, of course, is to do something with that possession once they do have the ball. That means exploiting what few weaknesses City do have. Defensively, the obvious target for Tottenham will be the full-back areas because these appear to be an area of relative concern for Guardiola right now due to various injury issues.
Fabian Delph and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been unavailable recently due to injury and while Benjamin Mendy did return to the starting line-up against Brighton on Saturday, Kyle Walker had to be withdrawn at half-time as a precaution because of a hamstring problem.
C Palace vs Man City
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Heung-Min Son could be the man to exploit any uncertainty in those wide areas by running in behind the back line. The forward has been among the substitutes for both of Tottenham's home defeats to City in the past two seasons but was in the line-up for the 2-0 win in 2016/17 and came off the bench to equalise in the draw at the Etihad Stadium that year too.
Son's pace could be a big factor and finding him will be the key. Harry Kane is now bringing his team-mates into the game better than ever before and is capable of coming up with that incisive pass when dropping deeper. Christian Eriksen could be crucial too if given time on the ball.
The key players
Pochettino will want to get that trio on the pitch alongside Dele Alli but there is no perfect solution, whether it's in a 4-2-3-1 or the back three that he went with for the 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in the previous round. Jan Vertonghen played at wing-back in that tie and loading the team with aerial threats could make sense here too.
Set pieces will be important because they are a strength for Spurs and a weakness for City. Only Liverpool have scored more goals than Tottenham from set pieces in the Premier League this season, while City are the only team to have conceded more than half of their goals from dead-ball situations. City are not the tallest and Spurs could take advantage.
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Whatever happens, hard work will be a prerequisite. "We need to match every situation with City," says Pochettino. "It will be 11 players against 11 players. If the teams are close, the first thing you need to do is run. Players like David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, they have unbelievable quality but first they run."
Fatigue factor
Aguero, who has scored 43 goals in 64 Premier League appearances against top-six opposition, is available again after missing the last two games but the fitness factor should work in the home side's favour. They had the weekend off while City were fielding a strong side to see off Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday. It's an advantage for Spurs.
Pep Guardiola says Tottenham have always been more than just Harry Kane
"Of course, it's an advantage but to fight for everything, you have to overcome that," says Guardiola. "Spurs have had six days to prepare and we have had two-and-a-half, but when you play this amount of games and win the Carabao Cup, it's normal. If we were out of the cup, we would have had more days. Big clubs don't complain about these situations."
Stadium inspiration
Big clubs enjoy big nights too and this certainly falls into that category. But how much of a factor will the new stadium be? Not everyone is convinced. "I don't care about the stadium," says De Bruyne. "I care about the team we play. Everybody talks about the stadium like it's something special. Everybody has a stadium. Everybody has supporters."
Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva reflect on Manchester City's challenges
Could Tottenham make De Bruyne and City regret those words? Pochettino claims this is a bonus for his team after their brush with Champions League elimination in the group stages and that the pressure is on City. But any attempt to downplay expectations should be treated with caution.
The stakes are high, the scene is set, and the rewards are huge.
Charlie predicts
"Man City are getting the job done," Charlie Nicholas tells Sky Sports . "Tottenham have got the glamour of the new stadium and this should be a spectacular night. They are an attack-minded side. Do they have to win the football match? Probably not.
"Man City have been resting and teasing teams at the moment, and there is an efficiency about them. They are going to squeeze Tottenham a bit. Tottenham could get caught up in the drama of the new stadium, but nothing changes for Man City.
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"It is how Tottenham use the aggressive nature of their pressing. They may try to force it so I think Manchester City will pick them off. Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero will play, so do Tottenham go for a back three or back four? I think they will go to a back three. The form of Kevin De Bruyne gives City an edge at the moment."
Charlie predicts: 1-2


https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/11688079/tottenham-vs-manchester-city-how-do-spurs-stop-pep-guardiolas-side

Underrate Porto at your own peril.

Dominique

The Reds will be looking to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League as they visit St Mary's on Friday night
The drama continues...
Liverpool left it late to secure victory over
Tottenham on Sunday, but Jurgen Klopp's side cannot afford to dwell on their good fortune as they take on Southampton at St Mary's on Friday night.
The Reds can return to the top of the Premier League table with another win, but know that Ralph Hassenhuttl's Saints will provide a stern examination of their title credentials.
Editors' Picks
Liverpool, of course, boast a few Southampton old boys in their ranks, and the atmosphere is likely to be hostile as the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane return to their former clubs.
Here, Goal takes a look at everything you need to know ahead of Friday's meeting...
Liverpool Injuries
Van Dijk will be available despite suffering a knock towards the end of the win over Spurs. The Dutchman has trained at Melwood this week and will continue his run of having started every league game this season.
Other than that, it looks like a clean bill of health for Klopp's side, who is getting players back at a crucial time.
Joe Gomez is back in full training, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster are closing in on returns. Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected back in training this week.
Liverpool Suspensions
Liverpool do not have any suspended players for this game.
Liverpool Likely Line-Up
Yet again, the big question surrounds the midfield.
Klopp went with James Milner, Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson against Spurs, but it is fair to say the trio failed to convince. Both Henderson and Milner were replaced before the end.
The option is to bring back Fabinho, who made an impact off the bench, while Adam Lallana and Naby Keita are also pushing for a start. Lallana, the former Southampton captain, would relish the chance to feature here.
In attack and defence, it will be 'as you were' for the Reds.
Southampton Team News
Danny Ings, on loan from Liverpool, is ineligible to face his parent club, while fellow striker Shane Long is a doubt due to a groin injury.
Michael Obafemi (hamstring) is out and both Jannik Vestergaard (groin) and Mario Lemina (abdominal) face late fitness tests.
TV Channel & Kick-Off Time
The game will kick off at 8pm UK time. It will be screened live on Sky Sports Main Event.
In the United States, the game can be watched live on television on NBC Sports, kick-off 3pm ET.
Best Opta Match Facts
Southampton are winless in their last five Premier League meetings with Liverpool (D2 L3), failing to score each time.
Liverpool have won their last three Premier League games against Southampton – they’ve never won four in a row against Saints in their league history.
Southampton have won five of their 10 Premier League games against Liverpool at St Mary’s – they’ve only beaten Everton more often at the ground in the competition (6).
This will be Southampton’s first top-flight home game on a Friday since December 1991 (1-1 vs Notts County) with all five of their such games in the Premier League coming away from home (W1 D2 L2).
Liverpool have won five of their last six Premier League games on a Friday (D1) since a 2-4 loss at Arsenal in April 2004.
Southampton are looking to win three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since May 2016 (a run of four).
Liverpool have conceded just nine goals in 16 away league games this season, the joint-fewest along with Man City. In fact, they’ve shipped more than once on one occasion on the road this season, in what was their only league defeat so far in 2018-19 (1-2 vs Man City).
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has scored in all three of his Premier League appearances against Southampton, netting four goals in total.
Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in any of his last eight appearances in all competitions for Liverpool – his longest run without a goal since a run of 10 games with Roma between November 2015 and January 2016.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp won the only previous meeting between him and Southampton’s Ralph Hasenhüttl, with Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund beating VfR Aalen 4-1 in a German Cup match in October 2012. Liverpool Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Southampton
Neil Jones
Liverpool FC Correspondent  
17:23 04/04/2019 
LIVERPOOL SOUTHAMPTON V LIVERPOOL
Discarded by Germany,

https://www.goal.com/en/news/liverpool-team-news-injuries-suspensions-line-up-vs/yrfyv6jdc771kiv2okvcnjsz

Tottenham are without Eric Dier and Harry Winks for Sunday's game against Liverpool at Anfield, live on Sky Sports .
Dier was forced to withdraw from the England squad last week after picking up a groin injury in the 5-0 win over Czech Republic, while Winks is continuing on-field rehabilitation after a groin injury.
Liverpool vs Tottenham
March 31, 2019, 4:15pm
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Right-back Serge Aurier will be assessed ahead of the game after sustaining a hamstring strain while on international duty with the Ivory Coast.
Mauricio Pochettino will be envious of his counterpart Jurgen Klopp, who has virtually a fully-fit squad ahead of Spurs' trip to Anfield.
Eric Dier was injured early in England's European Qualifier against Czech Republic
Long-term absentees Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have returned to full training with the squad, but neither is ready for a match day yet.
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri have also resumed training after recovering from injuries which forced them to withdraw from international duty with England and Switzerland respectively.
Opta facts
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expects Tottenham to be back to their best when they visit Anfield on Sunday, live on Sky Sports
Highlights from Liverpool's 2-1 win against Fulham
Highlights from Southampton's win over Tottenham
Merson's prediction
The pressure is going to be on Liverpool, draws are no good with Manchester City in front.
It's going to be a tight, entertaining game with Liverpool needing to win adding another layer - if Liverpool are drawing with 20 minutes to go they have to go for it.
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But I think they will get the job done, cranking up the pressure on Spurs in the race for the top four.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1
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Poch confirms Dier injury
'Klopp prepared to stop games over racism'
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 24 home Premier League games against Spurs (W15 D8 L1), a 0-2 defeat in May 2011 under Kenny Dalglish.
Spurs have won just one of their last 12 Premier League games against Liverpool (W1 D4 L7), winning 4-1 at Wembley in October 2017.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 36 home Premier League matches. If they avoid defeat here, it will be the joint-second longest unbeaten home run in the competition's history (Chelsea 86 2004-2008, Man City 37 2010-2012).
Spurs are winless in their last four Premier League games (D1 L3). They last went five without a win in the same campaign back in February-March 2012 under Harry Redknapp.
Tottenham's Harry Kane has been involved in four goals in four Premier League appearances against Liverpool at Anfield (3 goals, 1 assist).
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has never won against Jurgen Klopp at Anfield in four meetings in all competitions (W0 D2 L2). His only victory away against Liverpool was as Southampton manager in September 2013 when the Reds were managed by Brendan Rodgers.
No player has scored more Premier League goals in 2019 than Liverpool's Sadio Mane (9, level with Sergio Aguero), with the Senegalese star's nine goals coming in his last nine games.
After a run that saw him score 11 goals in 12 games in all competitions between December and February, Son Heung-min has failed to score in his last five appearances for Spurs


https://www.skysports.com/football/liverpool-vs-tottenham/391074

Line up please

Jurgen Klopp has called on his Liverpool players to take the opportunity to return to the top of the Premier League table when they take on Fulham, live on Renault Super Sunday.
With current leaders Manchester City in FA Cup quarter-final action this weekend, a win at Craven Cottage would take Liverpool back above Pep Guardiola's side, two points clear albeit having played a game more.
However, Klopp warned th[center][/center]at relegation-threatened Fulham are playing without pressure since Scott Parker took caretaker charge and should not be taken lightly.
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"Scott is in now and nobody thinks so desperately about staying in the league, it's about playing football, getting points and seeing where it leads to," he told Sky Sports.
"There is no pressure anymore really, that's what makes them dangerous. Not only that, we had a tough game against them [at Anfield].
"It was difficult enough that day, we know that and we respect that but it's still a game for us. So it has to be an opportunity as well, hopefully we can use it."
Liverpool should arrive in the capital in confident mood after progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will play Porto , with a memorable 3-1 win away at Bayern Munich .
Virgil van Dijk scored Liverpool's second in their win in Munich
The time on the training ground that Klopp values so highly will therefore be at a minimum as they challenge on two fronts, but the German is not spending any of the precious free time he and his team do have worrying about it.
"We are pretty experienced in that, it's not the first time," he added. "Pretty much since I came in, apart from one year, we have always been in two competitions until the last match day, we were in the Europa League final, Champions League final and this year we're still in the competition.
"It's a normal thing, we cannot train a lot, that's how it is. You have to use each minute to rest and relax, for the boys it is very important, for us as coaches it is important as well.
"Then, in the moment when the rest is over you have to immediately restart, reboot the machine and then it's onto the next one."
Highlights from Liverpool's 4-2 win over Burnley in the Premier League
Liverpool's hunt for a first league title since 1990 will be put on hold for a couple of weeks after the Fulham game as Klopp's charges jet off to play for their respective national teams.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss will be counting the days until they return though, he hopes fully fit and ready for one final sprint to the line.
"The boys should know to inform me immediately after the game (that they are fine), a thumbs up is enough or if it's not a thumbs up then that's not so cool but that's information as well," he added.
"[A thumbs up to the camera] would be cool but they don't think about me immediately after the game, that's OK but I think constantly about them so that's the difference."
Fulham are playing without pressure under Scott Parker, says Klopp
The only thing that might make the time away from his players that much more bearable for Klopp would be the knowledge that his side are top of the table for the duration of their absence - and for that, Liverpool must beat fulham.


https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/11666702/jurgen-klopp-urges-liverpool-to-take-opportunity-at-fulham-and-return-to-premier-league-summit

Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool's players are refusing to contemplate a Premier League-Champions League double, as they know one stumble could derail that dream.
It was impossible for the Netherlands international to disagree with the suggestion that Jurgen Klopp's side could win both competitions, but he stressed that lifting trophies could not be further from their minds at present.
Liverpool lead the Premier League by two points from Manchester City, who have a match in hand, and host Porto at Anfield on Tuesday (kick-off 8pm) in the first leg of a favourable Champions League quarter-final draw.
"We are still in the race, so it's possible. But I think it's still a bit too far to think about it," said Van Dijk, when asked about any potential double.
Sadio Mane scores during Liverpool's 5-0 win over Porto last season
"We have to take it game by game. We know in the Premier League any points dropped or slip-up can end our title dreams.
"That's the same for them (City), so the only thing we can do is just keep going. The only thing we can do is focus ahead of us, first Porto and after that Chelsea. It's the only way we should think.
How to follow game?
Access minute-by-minute commentary with us from Anfield at 6pm on Tuesday. Kick-off at 8pm.
"I don't think there's any time for slip-ups in the Champions League either. Porto are at this stage as they deserve to be, they are going to be coming for revenge as well.
"We just need to keep doing what we have been doing all season; playing well, defending well and enjoying every bit of it as well."
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are 'on fire' as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title and Champions League success
The way Liverpool's season has panned out, with just one defeat in 33 league matches and a number of late goals keeping their title challenge on track, has led to suggestions they are destined to finally end their long wait for a domestic title.
Victory at Southampton - secured with two goals in the last 10 minutes - coupled with Arsenal's defeat at Everton - ensured Klopp's side are already guaranteed a return to the Champions League.
Porto have failed to win any of their last 12 away knockout games in the Champions League - losing eight - since a 1-0 victory at Deportivo La Coruna back in May 2004.
Mohamed Salah in the home tie with Porto in last season's Champions League
Indeed, the Portuguese side went on to win the trophy during that campaign under manager Jose Mourinho.
But Van Dijk rejected suggestions that should ease the pressure in Europe.
"We should play with freedom anyway, also in the Premier League, because otherwise we can't show our qualities properly," he added.
"But it's game by game. Tomorrow will be a big game because hopefully we set a base to take to Porto, we know how tough it can be over there."
Highlights from Liverpool's 3-1 win at Southampton in the Premier League
Team news
Liverpool will be without suspended left-back Andy Robertson against Porto, who were beaten 5-0 at home when the two teams met in the last 16 last season
Midfielder James Milner is expected to deputise as although Alberto Moreno is Klopp's other option, the Spaniard has not featured since early January.
Adam Lallana is a doubt with a minor muscle injury which forced him to miss Friday's win at Southampton.
Alex Telles, right, could miss the first leg at Anfield on Tuesday
Porto have problems of their own, with injuries and suspensions leaving them with only 16 available outfield players.
Former Real Madrid defender Pepe is suspended, while captain Hector Herrera was booked against Roma meaning he too is banned for the first leg.
Left-back Alex Telles faces a fitness test after complaining about a bursitis in his right hip.
Liverpool v Porto is part of Tuesday's Super 6 game. Head here to chose your scores for the chance to win £250k!
Opta stats
Charlie's prediction
Liverpool are doing the business collectively. Everyone is saying this is a cracking draw for them. At Anfield, they are creating a big noise at the moment and are getting results. I think this is another one of those nights and the Anfield crowd will spur them on.
Charlie Nicholas says the return to form of Roberto Firmino has aided Salah
Mohamed Salah got a much-needed goal on Friday, but he has not been playing that well. Any player in any position can be out of form and he started to rush things. He never went away Salah, he just had not been scoring. Roberto Firmino is returning to form too.
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It will not be as easy as some people will think. I think a 2-0 result is a comfortable first-leg scoreline and will put them through in the end.
Charlie predicts: 2-0 ()
Popular In the Community Liverpool vs Porto preview
Winners play either Barcelona or Manchester United in the Champions League semi-finals


https://www.skysports.com/football/liverpool-vs-fc-porto/preview/406457

Match day live

BronzeMajik:
I cant wait to watch this match, Liverpool is going down.

From a Man.U fan right ? This is champions league.

Dejan Lovren could return to Liverpool's starting line-up after a two-month absence when they host Burnley on Sunday (kick-off 12pm).
The Croatia international is set to be included in Liverpool's squad with a hamstring injury.
Ahead of the game, Jurgen Klopp insists he has "no bad feelings" about Burnley despite a fractious encounter the last time they met.
Following the 3-1 win at Turf Moor in early December, Klopp was outspoken in his criticism of the Clarets' physical approach which left defender Joe Gomez with a fractured leg from which he has still not recovered.
He described the manner of Burnley's tackling like 10-pin bowling "because you get the player as well".
Jurgen Klopp says he is not worried by Mohamed Salah's lack of goals in recent weeks
It sparked a row with Sean Dyche, a manager Klopp admires for the work he has done at Turf Moor, but the Reds boss said that had all now been forgotten.
"There is nothing to say about that any more," Klopp said. "I say what I said at the time, nearly three months ago.
"We are human beings, we react in the moment. I made a lot of mistakes in my life, and most of the time I regret them.
"For me, the game is a special situation and in different circumstances, you can imagine what is said in and around the game."
Highlights from Liverpool's win over Burnley in the Premier League
Burnley midfielder Steven Defour is unlikely to play again this season after undergoing calf surgery, Dyche has revealed.
Defour's injury-disrupted season has seen him make only nine appearances in all competitions, the most recent coming in the 5-0 FA Cup loss at Manchester City on January 26.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Dyche said of the 30-year-old Belgian: "He's had an operation on his calf basically to release the muscle.
"So he's recovering now. We're very confident that will clear the problem but it is unlikely he is going to get back before the end of the season, which is a bit of a blow."
Team news
Steven Defour is unlikely to feature again for Burnley this season after undergoing calf surgery, says Sean Dyche
Lovren may return to Liverpool's squad for Sunday, while James Milner had been hampered by a muscle problem but is expected to be fit in time.
Joe Gomez, out since December with a fractured leg, is likely to return after the international break at the end of this month while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, sidelined since April by a serious knee injury, made his playing comeback for the under-23s at Derby on Friday.
For Burnley, Defour has undergone surgery while Aaron Lennon is out with a knee injury.
Opta stats
Merson's prediction
Paul Merson predicts Liverpool will win 3-1
Liverpool need to win this game and they need to score early because the longer the game goes on, the bigger the panic. Before they kick off, they could be four points behind Man City so they need to start well because the pressure is going to be majorly on now. If they draw this game, all of a sudden it could be three points and a bit of goal difference so it is a massive football match for Liverpool.
I've always said this league is going to be about who plays first and who plays second and you want to be playing first because it can take its toll.
I think Burnley will be alright in the Premier League, but they've got to be careful. They had a great result against Tottenham but got well beaten by Newcastle and Crystal Palace so they have to be careful but I would expect them to be alright.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 ( 10/1 with Sky Bet )
Popular In the Community Liverpool vs Burnley preview
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Last Updated: 10/03/19 7:37am
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Liverpool have won nine of their last 11 home games against Burnley in all competitions (D2) since a 0-1 loss in September 1974.
Burnley have picked up just four points from their 27 available in the Premier League against Liverpool (W1 D1 L7), winning 2-0 at Turf Moor in August 2016 before drawing this fixture last season.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 35 Premier League home games (W25 D10). There have only been three longer such unbeaten runs in the history of the competition - Chelsea (86 games between March 2004-October 2008), Man City (37 between December 2010-December 2012) and Man Utd (36 between December 1998-December 2000).
Burnley have won two of their last three Premier League games played on Sunday (L1), as many as they had in their previous 20 (W2 D4 L14).
Liverpool have failed to win five of their nine Premier League games in 2019 (W4 D4 L1) - they'd only failed to win three of their first 20 before the turn of the year this season (W17 D3 L0).
Burnley have only lost one of their last five away league games (W2 D2), though it was their last such match on the road (0-2 vs Newcastle).
Mohamed Salah has failed to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time at Liverpool. His next goal will be his 50th for the club in the competition.
Burnley's last nine Premier League goals have been scored by either Ashley Barnes (5) or Chris Wood (4).
Ashley Barnes has scored nine Premier League goals this season - he could become just the fourth Burnley player to reach double figures in a single campaign in the competition (Danny Ings 11 in 2014-15, Sam Vokes 10 in 2016-17, Chris Wood 10 in 2017-18).
Sadio Mane has scored in each of his last five home Premier League games for Liverpool, netting six goals in total.

https://www.skysports.com/football/liverpool-vs-burnley/preview/391053

Dominique

Real Madrid's failure to replace Cristiano Ronaldo's goals has contributed to their struggles this season, says midfielder Luka Modric.

Real, chasing a fourth European title in a row, host Ajax in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday having won 2-1 in Amsterdam.

But they come into the game on the back of three consecutive home defeats - including two by Barcelona last week.

"Given what he did for us and this club, we miss Cristiano," said Modric.

Ronaldo was top scorer, or joint top scorer, in the past six Champions League seasons. He scored a club record 450 goals in nine years before his £99m summer move to Juventus.

But they failed to sign a big-money replacement and only three of their players have scored more than five goals this season - Karim Benzema (20), out-of-favour Gareth Bale (13) and centre-back Sergio Ramos (11).

They have lost three of their last four games, 2-1 to Girona, 3-0 to Barcelona in the Spanish Cup semi-final second leg and 1-0 to Barca in La Liga to leave them 12 points off top.

"The club wanted the other players to make up for what Ronaldo did, divided between the strikers and that is not easy," Modric said.

"Cristiano scored 50 goals and you can't find someone today who scores that many. Some of us have to take a step forward and, while not scoring 50, what we need is two or three players who score 15, 20, or 10 goals and we don't have that.

"That is our biggest problem this year. For example against Barca in the cup we had many chances and when you don't take advantage your opponent punishes you."

Real captain Ramos starts a two-game ban for "for clearly receiving a yellow card on purpose" during the first leg - which the Spanish side were fortunate to win, while midfielder Marcos Llorente is injured.

Could Mourinho return to Real?
Real Madrid "have always been more courted than Julia Roberts" said coach Santiago Solari amid rumours of a Jose Mourinho return.

Mourinho said he would "have no problem at all" returning to an old side, adding: "It's really a reason of pride when a club where you worked before wants you back."

Mourinho, who managed Real from 2010 to 2013, had been working as a pundit on Bein Sports reviewing Real's El Clasico defeat by Barcelona on Saturday

"Return to a club that I have been before?" said Mourinho, who had two spells at Chelsea. "If I think the right club, the right structure, the right ambitions, I will have no problem at all."

He had been linked to the job when Solari replaced Julen Lopetegui in November, but he was Manchester United boss at the time and was sacked the following month.

'Ramos a mental loss for Real'
Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag says the absence of Real captain Ramos could benefit his side, as the Dutch giants look to reach the last eight for the first time since 2003.

"I think he is the boss on the pitch and in the backline," he said. "Him being absent is not only a tactical loss for them but also a mental one.

"Our goal is clear and is the same for every game - scoring goals. This is Ajax, and we don't care about who we play, our intention will always be the same - dominate, score goals and win.

"We always have the intention to take the initiative. That's our style of playing football.

"For Real Madrid, this is the last chance to win something. We are still active on three fronts and our players are so ambitious they will try to win the three competitions."

MATCH FACTS
100% of teams to have won 2-1 away from home in the first leg of a Champions League knockout match have progressed to the next round (eight previous cases).
Real Madrid have won their last seven games in all competitions against Ajax (22 goals for, three against) - a run going back to 1995.
It is 22 years since Ajax progressed through a Champions League knockout stage tie - when they beat Atletico Madrid.
Juventus were the last team to eliminate Real in a Champions League knockout phase, back in the 2014-15 semi-finals.
Real have reached the Champions League semi-finals in each of the last eight campaigns, a record run.
Real Madrid have lost two of their last five home games in the Champions League (W2 D1), as many as in their previous 48 at the Bernabeu combined (W40 D6 L2).
Karim Benzema has either scored or assisted a goal in each of his six Champions League matches against Ajax (four goals, four assists).
Four of Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio's five Champions League goals have been scored in the knockout stages.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47442879

Dominique

Michael Keane says Everton can dent Liverpool's title hopes with a victory in the Merseyside derby on Sunday
Everton defender Michael Keane is focused on helping his side's chances of securing seventh place, and would be happy to dent Liverpool's Premier League title hopes in the process.
Jurgen Klopp's side sit top of the Premier League with 69 points after 28 games - and no side to have earned the same number of points or more at this stage have failed to be crowned champions.
But ahead of facing Liverpool on Super Sunday, Keane says that Everton will use their own target of finishing as high as possible to derail their neighbours' quest for a first league title in 29 years.
"It's not the main reason we want to win the game - we want to win the game for ourselves," the centre-back told Sky Sports when asked if dashing Liverpool's hopes provides additional motivation.
"We're chasing seventh place ourselves, but in the back of our heads, if we can take points off Liverpool and get a win, that will dent their title chances which is great. That should make the fans happy.
Michael Keane is relishing the prospect of denting Liverpool's title hopes
"We want to put in a performance and we want to win the game, and we want the fans to be happy. If that's what they want, then that's what we want."
Everton were in sixth place before the reverse fixture at Anfield and went into the game in excellent form having won five and drawn one of their previous seven matches.
Since Divock Origi's bizarre 96th-minute winner at the start of December, Marco Silva's side have won just three times in the league, but the 3-0 victory over Cardiff in midweek has injected confidence into the squad ahead of the 200th league meeting between these cross-city rivals at Goodison Park.
Keane says he has connected more with the supporters this season
Keane dismissed the suggestion that Origi's strike has had a long-lasting impact on the club's season, and has challenged his team-mates to close the gap on Wolves, who are currently four points above them in seventh - a position that has been good enough for European football in each of the last four campaigns.
"I wouldn't say it dented confidence but it killed our momentum at the time," the 26-year-old added. "It killed the run we were on and the momentum we had but I think the players at that point were all still really confident because we had put in a great performance.
Keane has had to play as part of three different centre-back partnerships this term
"We had a few draws at home [against Newcastle and Watford] after that which we should've won and had we done so, it might have been a different story so I don't think you can just blame that moment.
"We're strong enough as a group to move on from a moment like that and put it in the past. We need to have the belief that we can and that we will beat them. With our fans behind us, we'll have a great chance.
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"Seventh is still within our grasp, definitely. We know we've got the players capable of getting there, and we know we can put in the performances needed.
"It's just a case of being able to do it consistently, which we haven't done for the last three months so we're going to have to change and we're going to have to improve. Hopefully we can do that and find ourselves there come the end of the season."
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https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/11652114/michael-keane-admits-denting-liverpools-title-hopes-provides-extra-motivation-for-everton



See hatred from Everton.. God help us o