Former Liverpool defender Josemi Gonzalez has labelled the Reds as favourites in the Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona.
Josemi, who is currently a delegate for Malaga, has highlighted Liverpool's advantage of playing the return leg at the Anfield.
"In this tie I will be with Liverpool, as I believe that they can take an advantage [in the first game] for the return leg," he told Radio MARCA.
"Having [Lionel] Messi can help a team to win, but Liverpool's high pressure can hurt Barcelona, [although] it's going to be very close.
"I think this Liverpool is nothing like the one I played in, as the current one is much more powerful than the one I experienced.
"They have a very balanced squad and they have improved compared to last year."
Josemi departed Malaga for Liverpool in 2004, only to return to Spain one year later to join Villarreal.