It was a close one - not as close as the one on Rafa’s facial hair - but the latest poll on the site asked what was more important; winning in Marseille tonight, or defeating Man United on Sunday. 55% voted for a victory in France this evening - recognising the importance to progress into the next phase of the Champions League and the financial reward that is associated with it.

Forum member Chronic summed up most fans’ feelings when he wrote:

“Marseille is more important because if we lose that one we are out of the richest and most powerful competition in world football, missing out on millions and lowering our reputation.

If we lose against United it is merely a premiership game and the 3 points we drop could be made up at a later date.

Saying that, there is no doubt that I will be more involved in the United game because as a Scouser I despise them and everything connected with them.”

Our new poll asks whether we have missed or are still missing Jermaine Pennant since the winger has been out with his broken leg and won’t return to the side until January at the earliest.

Pennant is the only natural player who supplies width down the right side of our midfield - something which was severely lacking at Reading on Saturday. But some might argue it frees up another midfield role and allows Gerrard to often play more advanced with Pennant out the team and two more midfielders in the centre.

What do you think? Vote on the right side of the site and discuss it in the forums.

Related Links:
Polls archive
Forum Debate: Are we missing Pennant?
Forum Thread: Marseille or United?