Benfica v Liverpool
UEFA Europa League Quarterfinal 1st Leg
Estadio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal
1 April 2010 – 20:05 GMT
Liverpool begins the quarterfinal round of the UEFA Europa League with a trip to Lisbon to face Benfica.
Benfica v Liverpool Preview
While Liverpool continues their challenge for fourth place in the English Premier League, they will have a tough test in facing Portuguese Liga side Benfica. Both teams are capable of winning the entire competition and it should be a close first leg.
Liverpool’s main problem this season has been their horrible away form. At Anfield, they remain one of the toughest teams in the world but they’ve struggled in all competitions on the road. If they are to win at Lisbon, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard will need to lead the way. Torres has had several injuries this season but appears to be healthy and showed his clinical finishing ability on Sunday’s win against Sunderland. Gerrard has scored few goals this season but is known for his strong performances in European competitions.
Benfica has only lost one match in the Europa League this season and advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 away win at French side Marseille. Their top scorer in the Europa League is Oscar Cardozo who has six goals. Benfica has been very strong at home in the competition and has not lost at the Estadio da Luz.
The combination of Liverpool’s poor away form and Benfica’s strong home form should make for an entertaining match. Liverpool’s season has been disappointing with their EPL title hopes gone and their inability to make the knockout stage of the Champions League. Their last hope to win a trophy is the Europa League and could salvage their season.
Benfica needs a win in the first leg because its will be unrealistic to expect a draw or win at Anfield. Liverpool haven’t shown the ability to get wins on the road and Thursday will be no different.
Benfica v Liverpool Prediction
Benfica will win the match 2-1.
Watch Benfica v Liverpool Live Online
You can watch Benfica v Liverpool live online as well as all other Europa League games. Read our live Europa League football page for more details.
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