Liverpool vs Barcelona Betting Tips

Few would have predicted that Liverpool would go into the second leg of their last 16 Champions League clash with Barcelona in the driving seat. But following a momentous victory at the Nou Camp where Rafa Benitez's charges came back from a goal down to win 2-1, the Reds have a cracking chance of eliminating the reigning champs when take two occurs at Anfield tonight. Defending champs have a poor record in this tournament - in fact, no side in the history of the competition has ever won this competition back-to-back - but manager Frank Rijkaard will not have lost all hope just yet, for Barca have beaten Liverpool in each of the three occasions that they've visited Anfield. But, on the flipside, they've got to score at least two goals against Pool this evening and that will not be easy. Indeed, Liverpool's defensive record at Anfield during the past couple of seasons is exemplary and they've conceded the least goals at home in the Premiership during the current campaign. The Reds' defense stifled the omnipresent attacking force of Manchester United for over 90 minutes in their league encounter at the weekend and while they were eventually sunk by an injury-time Johnny O'Shea winner, they lost no caste in defeat. Conversely, Barcelona were turned over by Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday and their overall performance only added extra weight to the view shared by many, that all is not well with the Catalan club at present. Their displays have lacked the spark and pyrotechnics that we were treated to last season and, unless they can rediscover that magic this evening, the journey back to Spain will be a somber one. Apart from Harry Kewell and Luis Garcia, both of whom are on the long-term easy list, Rafa has no selection problems; meanwhile Rijkaard has named both Deco and Lilian Thuram in the 18-man squad for this visit, having left them out during the defeat against Sevilla. As such, everything is set fair and there can be no excuses. Few coaches are more tactically astute when it comes to European football than Benitez and he'll ensure that his men are watertight in defense - expect to see skipper Steven Gerrad playing far deeper than usual. Even if they lose 1-0, Pool will still progress, so while I doubt they'll sit back and let Barca attack, I reckon their strategy will be a defensive one, as there is simply no need for risk-taking. My advice is to opt for 0-1 in the total goals market at 9/4 with Blue Square. Liverpool will keep it tight and, given that Barca have hardly been scoring for fun of late, they will probably become frustrated by the home side's dogged defending. If anything, I see the Reds as the most likely winners. For me, Barcelona are a shadow of their former selves at present. Verdict - 2pts 0-1 in the total goals market @ 9/4 (Blue Square)