Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Preview: Lyon v Liverpool FC


Liverpool will be looking for revenge when they take on Olympique Lyon in tonight's Champions League Group E encounter.

The Reds lost in heartbreaking fashion to the French champions a fortnight ago at Anfield after Cesar Delgado hit a stoppage time winner to give the visitors a 2-1 win, leaving Rafael Benitez's side with it all to do in their remaining three group matches.

Questions have been raised about the Spaniard's ability to lead the club to success following eight defeats in all competitions this season but he sought inspiration from the Anfield anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' during his pre-match press conference.

He said: "I'm very pleased to be here and I wish to be here for a long time.

"The players are strong enough for this challenge. The mentality is good, and they are determined to win.

"When you walk through a storm with your head high, I will try to keep it high."

Benitez is still without captain Steven Gerrard (groin), Albert Riera (hamstring), Martin Kelly (ankle), Martin Skrtel (muscle), Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio (both calf).

Alberto Aquilani returns to the side after a virus ruled him out of the 3-1 defeat to Fulham at the weekend. Also missing at Craven Cottage were Daniel Agger (back) and David Ngog (ankle) who are expected to be available for this evening's clash at the Stade Gerland.

Benitez continued: "We have good players but too many injuries. If you think of any of the top sides in the world, if they lose three players who could start, and four or five who could be on the bench, it is not easy.

"Gerrard has been working with our physios and fitness coach. He was improving, but it is too early. We have to wait two or three days to see his reaction, but he is doing well."

History appears to be on Liverpool's side as they found themselves in a similar situation at the same stage of the competition in 2007-08 where they won their remaining games which Benitez looks to ahead of tonight's match.

He added: "We have been talking about this. We have some experience and we know it is difficult, but you always have to have the belief you can do it because we have done it in the past.

"We have a lot of respect for Lyon because they are a good team, but we have to try to do our job and win.

"At a top side, every game is important. We will try to do our best, but we can't do anything other than be ready.

"We have a lot of very good memories here in France, and it will be a massive achievement for us if we can win.

"We have experience of winning in the last games when we needed to, so it is important to have the spirit and belief we can do it and take confidence from these very good memories."

Kick-off is at 7.45pm

by Mark Lawless(clickliverpool.com)

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