Liverpool headed to Barcelona last week with more an a bit of optimism to start their Champions League semifinal tie at Camp Nou. The final score, which saw the hosts win by a 3-0 margin, does not accurately capture the competitive nature of the majority of the match. The two sides both had arguments for early penalties, as Sadio Mane looks like he was taken down in the box (but might also have been offside ) and then it looks like two members of Barcelona both used their hands on the ball in the box. A goal near the midpoint of the first half for Barcelona was followed by a lot of pressure from the Reds, who put more shots in the air before the intermission — but with none on target. Barcelona withdrew into a defensive shell, and Liverpool tested Ter Stegen in goal mightily, but nothing went through. Then Messi put in a rebound and buried a perfect free kick to deliver the final margin. Now Liverpool prepares to host Barcelona for the second leg — but without striker Mohamed Salah, who went down with a concussion over the weekend. Can Liverpool mount enough resistance to deliver the upset? Or will Barcelona roll to the sweep? Don’t miss our Champions League betting preview of this semifinal action.

Liverpool vs Barcelona 2019 Champions League Odds & Game Prediction

Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of #LFC‘s @ChampionsLeague semi-final second-leg tie with @FCBarcelona on Tuesday.https://t.co/X4c49voP55

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 6, 2019

When: Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 3:00pm ET Where: Anfield, Liverpool TV: ESPN Radio: None Live Stream: fuboTV 2019 Champions League Odds: Liverpool +140 / Barcelona +175 / Draw +240

Why should you bet on Liverpool?

Liverpool defeated Newcastle United on Saturday, 3-2, but that win was most costly, as Salah went down with a head injury. A collision with the Newcastle goalkeeper on a cross sent Salah to the ground hard, and he will not get medical clearance in time for the second semifinal tie. The Reds will also have to play without forward Roberto Firmino, who has a leg injury. Divock Origi did come on for Salah to score against Newcastle, and Daniel Sturridge will start in place of Firmino, but Barcelona and Newcastle are not in the same class in terms of talent and performance. Liverpool must come out on the attack — but they also have to be smart on the back end, because all it would take is one away goal for Barcelona to hold an effective four-goal lead in the tie, which would be all but impossible to overcome. The loss of two key contributors is an immense factor, particularly given the fact that Barcelona got to rest Messi, Luis Suarez and Pique through the weekend (as Barcelona to Celta Vigo in a mostly meaningless game given the big lead Barcelona has in La Liga. If you like Liverpool, you’re a big fan of the underdog.

Why should you put your money on Barcelona?

Barcelona has not surrendered a goal in Champions League play since March 13, when they routed Lyon, 5-1, at home after a scoreless draw in the first leg away during the Round of 16. Finding that combination of offensive aggressiveness and defensive discipline is what has taken them to the top of La Liga, and it is why their quarterfinal legs and the first leg of the semifinal have all comprised clean sheets. The biggest reason to take Barcelona here is the value on their moneyline. With Liverpool missing two key starters out of their lineup (and with Salah representing so much of their offense), Barcelona could slip into a defensive shell and just turn an error or two around into the Reds’ net and deliver an emphatic win.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Liverpool vs Barcelona

I like the terrific play Liverpool has brought in the Premier League — and they and Tottenham have lasted longer in Champions League play than Manchester City did. However, with those two key absences and with the solid play of Messi and Suarez, I don’t see any way to take Liverpool here. I take Barcelona with that value on the moneyline to win, 2-0.