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.”

Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders Show all 9 1 /9 Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders epa06160739 View of the UEFA Champions League trophy during the UEFA Champions League 2017/18 draw, at Grimaldi Forum, in Monaco, 24 August 2017. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER SEBASTIEN NOGIER EPA Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders Spurs triumph in classic Tottenham edged an instant classic against Manchester City, who were the favourites entering the final eight. They lost 4-3 in the second leg but triumphed on away goals after trailing in the tie with 30 minutes remaining. City joined Borussia Dortmund as scalps in an impressive run to the semi-finals REUTERS Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders 4. Tottenham Hotspur Champions League grade: A- Odds: 4/1 Getty Images Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders The dream run continues This super talented team marches on after repeating their last 16 shock over Real Madrid to eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus. A collection of supremely talented young players with experience sprinkled in, nothing fazes this side Getty Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders 3. Ajax Champions League grade: A+ Odds: 4/1 Getty Images Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders Liverpool return to last four The Reds have eliminated Bayern Munich and Porto to arrive at this stage as perhaps the most complete side. With a different identity to last season's chaotic approach, Jurgen Klopp's side now have greater control, but who can truly control Lionel Messi? AFP/Getty Images Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders 2. Liverpool Champions League grade: B+ Odds: 5/2 Bongarts/Getty Images Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders Messi still on top Still capable of hitting heights no player in world football can, Lionel Messi is inspiring Ernesto Valverde's side, with Lyon and Manchester United dispatched so far. Philippe Coutinho is now brimming with confidence after a difficult season, while Luis Suarez remains one of the most deadly strikers in the game, they continue to look fragile at the back and lack the usual vice-like grip of control their midfield once gave them, but Messi still makes them the team to beat Getty Images Ranked and rated: Champions League contenders 1. Barcelona Champions League grade: B+ Odds: 6/4 REUTERS

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.