- Liverpool take a five-goal advantage into their last 16 second-leg at Anfield
- Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick in the first-leg romp at Porto last month
- Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to make wholesale changes despite the strong lead
Liverpool already have one foot in the last eight of the Champions League after thrashing Porto in last month’s first-leg in Portugal.
But Jurgen Klopp will be taking no chances when they arrive at Anfield on Tuesday night with the tie all but over after a 5-0 rout at the Estadio do Dragao.
The Reds looked in high spirits as they were put through their paces at Melwood on Monday afternoon ahead of looking to secure their first quarter-final berth in the competition in nine years.
Mohamed Salah was all smiles as he trained on Monday ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Porto
Sadio Mane and Salah were the goalscorers at the weekend as Liverpool beat Newcastle
Goalkeeper Loris Karius shares a laugh with team-mates Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk
Jurgen Klopp looks on as he prepares his side for their Champions League last 16 second-leg
Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino also on target as Liverpool made light work of the Portuguese league leaders in the first-leg.
Fresh from a third successive Premier League win at the weekend, a 2-0 home win over Newcastle, Liverpool will be looking to continue their fine recent form.
James Milner insisted on Monday that, on their day, they can be a match for anyone in Europe.
‘We’re getting closer. We’re improving all the time and moving forward,’ Milner said.
Roberto Firmino was wrapped up warm for the chilly conditions at Melwood on Monday
Reds centre-back van Dijk was put through his paces ahead of protecting a five-goal lead
‘We’re learning to manage games better and that maturity is coming through.
‘You need to have that belief you can win it and we’ve proven we can beat anyone on our day. We’ve improved over the last couple of months, that game management.’
Though a date with Manchester United at Old Trafford lies on the horizon, Klopp is unlikely to make wholesale changes despite the five-goal advantage.
That would entail another start for Salah, who scored his 32nd goal of the campaign in the win over Rafa Benitez’s side.
Milner was full of praise for the way the Egyptian has lit up Anfield in his debut season.
Ben Woodburn and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will hope for some game time at Anfield
Liverpool only need to avoid a defeat by five or more goals to secure their quarter-final spot
‘In games you need those moments of brilliance at times and he can create goals out of nothing on his own but we have to make sure the goals are shared out throughout the team,’ Milner added.
‘He’s had a great season so far and hopefully it continues. He’s a good character and has fit in very quickly off the field. That’s important. We’re lucky to have a really good dressing room. Hopefully he can keep his season going and banging those goals in.
‘I’ve been lucky to play with some great players and he’s up there. He’s been ruthless and has shown he’s a top player.’