Standard Liege arrive at Anfield for Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier second leg. The first leg ended goalless in Belgium two weeks ago, meaning Liege have the slight advantage of the potential for an away goal, but Liverpool remain favourites to progress.
With the tie evenly poised and so much riding on the outcome, Rafa Benitez will field a full strength side and thus not underestimate the Belgium champions.
Something Jamie Carragher says: “They are definitely the toughest opponents we’ve had in a qualifier. I know people expect us to get through, but it’s not as if we’re playing a Mickey Mouse team.
“The Belgian league has a lot of quality and their champions are used to getting into the group stages.”
While Benitez promises a better performance: “Our display this time will be much, much better. Of that I am confident. Our performance in Liege was poor, but the result was good. We did not concede an away goal and we hope that playing the second leg at Anfield will make a massive difference.
“The entire team did not play well. They [Liege] were organised, pressed well and were very aggressive.”
Team news
Ryan Babel could be battling for a starting place after coming on against Boro at the weekend following his return from the Olympics. It is too soon for Mascherano or Lucas to be involved though, especially with Mascherano having played in the final in 107 degree heat on Saturday.
Agger, Skrtel and Hyypia will continue to battle for a place alongside Carragher in defence.
Kick off is 8.05pm, live on ITV1 in the UK. Online streams will be available via our forums.
