Virgil van Dijk warns Liverpool to expect ‘tough’ Champions League clash with Porto  

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool are favourites to reach the Champions League semi-finals as they prepare to take on Porto at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s men were handed a favourable draw in their bid to reach a second consecutive final, with the Portuguese club widely regarded as one of the weakest sides left in the competition.

Van Dijk admits that Liverpool should earn a first-leg advantage, but the in-form defender has also warned his team-mates to be ready for a difficult match. 

Jurgen Klopp celebrates with Van Dijk after Liverpool’s win over Southampton on Friday

‘I think Liverpool as a club, if you look at the whole season and results at Anfield especially, we will go into tomorrow as favourites,’ Van Dijk said. ‘We have to enjoy it and perform.

‘We know it will be tough. They (Porto) don’t want to experience what they experienced last year.’

Asked about completing a Premier League and Champions League double after returning to the top of the table on Friday night, Van Dijk said: ‘We are still in both races so it’s possible.

Liverpool face Porto in the Champions League, with the first leg at Anfield on Tuesday night

Van Dijk believes Liverpool have what it takes to win the Premier League and conquer Europe

‘It’s game-by-game. Tomorrow we hopefully set a base to take with us to Porto. In the Premier League we know any slip can end our title dreams.

‘We should play with freedom otherwise we can’t show our qualities properly. But I don’t think there’s room for slip-ups in the Champions League either.

‘Hopefully (it is our time). Hopefully it can be great at the end of the season.’