Match Preview: Maccabi Haifa (H)

Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round, 1st Leg
Wednesday 9th August 2006
8.05pm Kick-off
Anfield

Rafael Benitez is set to name a strong side after a very dissapointing pre-season. The Reds lost three from five pre-season friendlies, being crushed 5-0 by German side FSV Mainz on Friday night.

New signings Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Pennant and Mark Gonzalez are expected to play as the Reds look to get a solid victory before the trick away leg in two weeks time. Althought Gonzalez is struggling with a calf injury.

Robbie Fowler will miss the game with a knee problem and defender Daniel Agger with his ongoing ankle injury.

Should Liverpool progress to the first stage of the Champions League, they will be amongs the top seeds at the first stage draw later this month.

More team news to follow.

Liverpool Mishmash Poster

To mark the end of the 30-year wait for a league title, the ‘Liverpool Mishmash’ poster is available to order exclusively on This Is Anfield — the history of the Reds in one image!