Barcelona v Liverpool: match preview, tips, odds team-news & TV channel

TV: BT Sport 2, 8pm Wednesday

It looks increasingly likely that Liverpool will come up short in a thrilling Premier League title race but they remain in control of their destiny in the Champions League and look overpriced to defeat Barcelona in the semi-final which kicks off with a mouthwatering first leg in Catalonia.

The away leg is a daunting prospect for the Reds, who are bidding to become the first visiting side to win a Champions League match at Camp Nou since Bayern Munich triumphed 3-0 in the second leg of the 2012-13 semi-final.

Since then Barca have won 28 and drawn three home Champions League matches, although one of those stalemates came last December when Lucas Moura's goal secured a crucial 1-1 draw for Tottenham.

Barca rested several key players that night, including Lionel Messi, who was restricted to a cameo role off the bench.

The challenge facing Liverpool will be a lot tougher and much depends on how they cope with the Argentinian magician, who is going to finish the campaign as La Liga's top scorer for the sixth time in his career.

Two weeks ago Messi ruthlessly finished off Manchester United with two goals inside the opening 20 minutes of the quarter-final second leg.

Since then he has been used sparingly – making one La Liga start and two substitute appearances – but he should be in perfect condition for a match Barcelona would consider to be the biggest of their season.

• Didi Hamann: I expect Barcelona and Liverpool go down to the wire

The supporting cast – set to include ex-Liverpool attackers Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho – isn't too shabby and would strike fear into most defences.

But Liverpool's rearguard is the best the Premier League has to offer – conceding just 20 goals in 36 league games – and is led by Virgil Van Dijk, one of the world's best defenders.

It will be fascinating to witness the moments when Messi and Van Dijk go head-to-head but talk of the duel has been overplayed.

Messi will roam across the Barca front-line, probing for any area of weakness, and the key for Liverpool is how well they defend as a unit.

Jurgen Klopp will be mindful of giving his defence some added midfield protection by including Fabinho, who is fully recovered from the head injury sustained during a 2-0 victory at Cardiff ten days ago.

He may also consider James Milner, who started the away matches against Bayern Munich and Porto which Liverpool won 3-1 and 4-1.

Playing a more defensive-minded midfield makes sense because it is unlikely to negate the threat Liverpool pose on the counter-attack.

Barcelona will be aware of the need to establish an advantage before travelling to Anfield but playing an aggressive, attacking game will be fraught with danger.

Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are at their best when afforded space to run in behind and their pace and movement were too much for Bayern and Porto in previous rounds.

There had been an injury doubt over Roberto Firmino which would be a concern because his work-rate and link up play is important to how the Reds' attack functions.

But the Brazilian has been reported as playing a full part in training on Tuesday, and Liverpool's attack looks potent enough to score in both legs, which could be enough to send them through to a second successive Champions League final.

Recommendation
Liverpool to qualify
1pt 23-20 Betfair

La Liga standings

Premier League standings

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Barcelona
No fresh injuries are reported. Ernesto Valverde will choose between Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele to complete his front three.

Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp is hoping to recall Roberto Firmino, who missed the 5-0 victory over Huddersfield with a groin strain. Divock Origi stands by to deputise. Virgil Van Dijk has recovered from a knock.

Key stat
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 19 matches.

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