Liverpool vs. Benfica Predictions: Back The Reds to score in both halves

The 350th away goal of Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp era opened proceedings at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Ibrahima Konate's no-nonsense towering header ensured The Reds got off to a flyer. 

 With Trent Alexander-Arnold front and centre as the conductor in front of a raucous Lisbon crowd, Liverpool should have been out of sight halfway through the first leg. The one scouser on the field of play in Portugal carried out what appeared to be a lesson in defence-splitting, game-defining passes. Trent's ball to January recruit, Luis Diaz, set up Sadio Mané's simple finish and Liverpool's second.

 Just before the referee whistled for the break, Alexander-Arnold plucked out another pass of the highest order, letting the ball run between his legs before sweeping a right-footed pass into the path of Salah. Liverpool's talisman found himself through on goal, exactly as Trent had envisaged before his effort was well saved by a strong right arm.

 The 45 minute-showing should have put the tie to bed, with Benfica largely in debt to Greek shot-stopper Odisseas Vlachodimos. Yet, at 2-0, Benfica were still in the game, summed up by Jurgen Klopp after the match; "They fought for their lives after we opened the door for them." 

 It was an unnerving time to be a Liverpool fan for periods in the second half in Lisbon. Not a statement often muttered by the red fraction of Merseyside. Two more goals came before the final whistle, one apiece, making it a 3-1 scoreline to take back Anfield.

The bookmakers have Liverpool priced as short as 1.22, so you'll need to swerve the 1x2 market if you fancy the home side here.

 Picking out a selection that landed in the reverse tie, Liverpool to score in both halves comes in at 1.85 on William Hill. With Benfica chasing a deficit and Liverpool able to exploit any efforts to claw back into the tie, we should see chances afforded at both ends and in both halves. 

 Liverpool have scored in both halves in 62% of Premier League games this season, whilst amassing the most goals in the division this term. At home, goals at Anfield average 2.6 per90 this term.

 Benfica's leaky nature this season is almost guaranteed to rear its head on Wednesday. In 29 domestic matches this campaign, 29 goals have been shipped at the wrong end. Conceding with such regularity isn't something that a club of Benfica's stature is used to in their homeland.

 One thing I should note regarding the main selection is the Manchester City FA Cup fixture just three days after the Champions League quarter-final. This could prove somewhat of a worry in terms of Liverpool taking their foot off the gas. Although, Benfica should keep Liverpool honest for the entirety. 

 Benfica rested six players in their win over Belenenses SAD on Saturday evening. Evidently, Verissimo's priorities were clear for all to see, with the 3-1 deficit not large enough for him to consider throwing in the towel. The Eagles' second-half performance in the first leg will have encouraged the group, providing that bit of belief needed before taking on such a finely tuned Liverpool team. 

 Speaking of finely tuned, Benfica will need to be at their best to land the longshot selection. It landed on home soil in the first leg, and it is a big ask for it to land at Anfield. I've fashioned a bet365 bet builder, including Darwin Nuñez to have over 2.5 shots and Benfica to rack up over 8.5 attempts - 4.33.

With the game state how it is and Nuñez firmly in the shop window, I expect Benfica to give it all they've got. I don't anticipate the away side causing too many problems, but they should be able to muster double-figures in terms of shots at goal.

 Liverpool average just 7.44 shots conceded per90 in the Champions League. The Reds certainly won't roll over and allow waves of Benfica attacks. Nonetheless, a rested Benfica chasing a lead should be capable of pushing that average higher. 

 Highlighting Nuñez specifically; the Uruguayan has hit 2.23 shots per90 in the Champions League this term. In Portugal, across 24 displays, Nuñez's attempts figure reaches 3.00. Benfica's hitman is not only willing to pull the trigger in and around the box, but he's also capable of dominating aerially. His aerial presence should afford his side opportunities from set-pieces, an avenue Benfica need to capitalise on if they stand any chance.

 'European Royalty' is the term coined by adoring Liverpool fans, and rightly so. Their success on the continent is imposing, as is their intent to build on said achievements. 

 In the 1977/78 season, Liverpool swept Benfica aside in the quarters to the tune of 6-2 on aggregate. In 1983/84, it was a familiar story; a 5-1 quarter-final win.

 In 2021/22, will history repeat itself?