Liverpool vs Porto: Virgil Van Dijk admits Reds are favourites to make Champions League semi-finals

The Reds host the first leg of their quarter-final as they aim to carry their form from the title race into Europe against the Portuguese giants

Virgil van Dijk has conceded Liverpool are favourites to advance past Porto to the Champions League semi-finals.

The Dutch centre-back has starred at the back for the Reds this term with momentum built in recent weeks through a number of late goals securing vital wins in the title race.

With the first leg at Anfield, Van Dijk admits the Reds must contend with expectations they will advance to the final four.

“I think Liverpool as a club, if you look at the whole season and results at Anfield especially, we will go into tomorrow as favourites,” Van Dijk said. “We have to enjoy it and perform.

“We know it will be tough. They (Porto) don’t want to experience what they experienced last year.”

Van Dijk also commented on the potential for Liverpool to win a famous double, underlining the importance to play with freedom.

“We are still in both races so it’s possible,” Van Dijk added.

“It’s game-by-game. Tomorrow we hopefully set a base to take with us to Porto. In the Premier League we know any slip can end our title dreams.

Virgil van Dijk concedes Liverpool are favourites (Getty)

“We should play with freedom otherwise we can’t show our qualities properly. But I don’t think there’s room for slip-ups in the Champions League either.

“Hopefully (it is our time). Hopefully it can be great at the end of the season.”