Champions League: Key battles for Liverpool against Porto

Nov 28 2007

Liverpool must beat Porto tomorrow night to keep their Champions League dream alive, but as the Portuguese showed in the first clash between the two sides in Oporto, they will be no pushovers.

Here, the Liverpool Daily Post looks at the key duels...

ALVARO ARBELOA v RICARDO QUARESMA

Spanish utility defender Arbeloa has frequently been favoured over Steve Finnan in the right-back berth in Europe and he has not let anyone down. A solid presence with good pace, the 24-year-old will need to be at his best defensively while offering an outlet in attack.

One of the most high-profile players in Portugal, Quaresma has consistently been linked to Europe’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool, after demonstrating that his disappointing spell at Barcelona should prove no more than a blip in a glorious career. Outrageously talented, he usually operates on the left wing and was the man of the match in Oporto.

JAMIE CARRAGHER v LISANDRO LOPEZ

After proving himself more than the mediocre utility man he was often branded earlier in his career, Carragher has established himself as the Reds’ defensive mainstay and, alongside Steve Gerrard, the Scouse heartbeat in Rafael Benitez’s cosmopolitan squad. One of the best centre-halves in the competition over recent years, a lack of pace is his sole flaw.

Lopez is an Argentina international with an eye for goal and he caused Rangers no end of problems in scoring twice against them in the 2005/06 campaign. If Liverpool’s concentration flags, he can deliver the knockout blow.

FERNANDO TORRES v PEDRO EMANUEL

When Torres plays, Liverpool look like world-beaters - simple as that. Fast, strong, skilful and up for the fight, he has rapidly established himself as the Reds’ key figure alongside Gerrard.

Emanuel has been a solid performer for his club since 2002 and captains with passion. He will need more than that, though, if he is to silence the lively Torres.