Stuart Pearce claims Liverpool are near favourites to lift the Champions League

According to pundit Stuart Pearce, Liverpool are near favourites to win the Champions League this term. The Reds have been in incredible form of late and seem to have become better in the second half of the season under Jurgen Klopp.

On Tuesday night, Klopp’s men secured a safe passage to the semi-finals of the Champions League, thanks to a memorable and an eye-catching performance in the quarter-finals that saw them beat Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate.

Liverpool’s front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been imperious all season and the way the trio has ripped apart defences with ease.

The Reds’ style of play under Klopp has been a treat to watch and Stuart Pearce reckons the Merseysiders are the most impressive side, heading into the Champions League semi-finals.

Pearce, who is currently an assistant to David Moyes at West Ham, feels that Liverpool are the team to beat.

“I personally would put them in near enough as favourites from what I’ve seen over the last couple of nights in regards to the opposition they are up against,” he explained on The Debate, as quoted by the Daily Star.

“I think out of the quarter-finals they looked like the most impressive team heading into the semi-finals.”

Much is often made about the draw during the knockout rounds of the European completion with many feeling that it is very crucial to get the first leg away from home.

However, Pearce believes that the opposite would benefit Liverpool, thanks to their high-octane style of play and never-say-die attitude.

“What might help Liverpool is being drawn at home first,” he added.

“Normally the old saying used to be get drawn away and then with the second leg at home we’ll get them at home.

“The way Liverpool play and the way they play on the counter-attack, they’ll be delighted to go away from home even or with their noses in front.

“That’s because they will score on the road more often than not with the way they play.”

Liverpool have a glorious chance to go all the way and win the Champions League this term. We didn’t just beat City over two legs but ransacked them, which would have certainly boosted the morale of the players.