Liverpool vs Benfica Live Predictions – Europa League

The Europa League quarterfinals match between Liverpool and Benfica will take place at Anfield on Thursday 8 April 2010, kick-off set for 8:05 PM. Portuguese side Benfica’s visit to Anfield is relevant because is not an event like the other matches that Liverpool have played in this season. There is an undeniable sense of urgency that simply was not present in any other recent match. It surely goes beyond the so called race for the fourth spot in the EPL, it means to rescue some prestige at the European level.

Liverpool and Benfica go through different realities. Benfica Portuguese table is comfortable leading the championship of their country and come from winning 2-1 in the first leg, while Liverpool is in its worst crisis in 10 years.

Liverpool is the favourite for winning this first edition of Europa League, Benfica played really well in the first leg and the Portuguese may aim now for a draw at Anfield, a result which will bring them into the semifinals.

With the planning for next season already in motion what is critical right now is Liverpool’s basically last chance to put forth a quality performance and progress to the title game in the Europa League. Again, maybe not something that carries much weight for the fans but the chance to be one of only eight teams left playing in the continental competitions is nothing to complain about, although the Europa League is not to be compared with the quality of the Chamipons League.