[Mighty T.A.L.]

Match preview

The Reds are looking for their first win in Group A after a 1-1 draw with Porto in their opening game last month.

Rafa Benitez takes charge of his 50th game in the Champions League and he will be determined to see his side kick-start their European campaign.

The home side will be without the suspended Jermaine Pennant following his sending off against Porto.

Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun are both battling it out to replace Pennant with Benayoun expected to get the nod following his recent goalscoring heroics.

Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger are both still sidelined with foot injuries, while Harry Kewell is still a way off from returning.

Benitez says Reds skipper Steven Gerrard is in the right frame of mind despite being involved in a car accident earlier this week.

Peter Crouch could get a rare chance to start in attack as Benitez again rotates his forwards.

Former Liverpool duo Cisse and Zenden are both expected to start for Marseille as new boss Erik Gerets takes charge of the French giants for the first time.

Marseille will be without highly-rated playmaker Samir Nasri as he is suffering from a viral infection.

Ronald Zubar returns from suspension after missing Marseille's opening win over Besiktas, but Jacques Faty has not made the trip because of a thigh problem.

Skysports