CL: Marseille 0-4 Liverpool (11.12.07)

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Last season's finalists need to secure a win in the South of France to book their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Pressure is growing on Reds boss Rafa Benitez as he prepares for a week which could go a long way to defining their season.

Fernando Torres has been declared fit to play after recovering from an ankle injury he picked up against Reading at the weekend.

Dirk Kuyt is being tipped to partner Torres in attack after being an unused substitute at Reading.

Harry Kewell and Yossi Benayoun could earn recalls to the starting XI as Benitez reverts to a 4-4-2 formation.

Sami Hyypia will resume his central defensive partnership with Jamie Carragher with Jack Hobbs making way.

Steve Finnan is also expected to return at right-back after recovering from injury with Alvaro Arbeloa switching to left-back.

Daniel Agger, Xabi Alonso and Jermaine Pennant are still sidelined through injury for Benitez.

Boost

Marseille are boosted by the return of playmaker Samir Nasri after he missed the weekend win over Monaco.

Skipper Lorik Cana is expected to shake off a calf problem to take his place in the starting XI.

Former Reds hero Djibril Cisse is likely to have content himself with a spot on the bench, but another former Red - Bolo Zenden - is expected to start in midfield.

Source: Skysports

[robinho]

Zenden Dreams Of Crushing Liverpool's European Campaign

Marseille's Dutch winger Bolo Zenden wants just one thing ahead of tonight's game with Liverpool: to dump his former club out of the cup.

Liverpool go into tonight's Champions League clash with Marseille knowing that they almost certainly need a win to avoid being knocked out at the first hurdle.

But speaking ahead of the match, L'OM winger Bolo Zenden reckons the atmosphere in the Stade Velodrome will be too much for the Reds to handle.

"This game will be like a final and people have us as favourites because we are at home," said the Dutchman, who left Liverpool in the summer.

We're Ready To Eliminate Liverpool

"I have played for both clubs but my dream now is the elimination of Liverpool," he continued. "The key is in the mentality of the players. Marseille have a clear plan. We will stop them playing and keep control of the match. Any Liverpool player is dangerous - Torres, Gerrard and Crouch are great players - but our defence is ready for the challenge."

Nervous Encounter

With so much at stake and Liverpool unable to take the risk of going one goal down, Zenden reckons it could be quite a cagey affair. "The game will be full of tension and the atmosphere will be amazing. That will help us, though, for me, this match will be a real tactical battle. I certainly bet Benitez will not attack from the start.”

from Goal.com - Liverpool - Zenden Dreams Of Crushing Liverpool's European Campaign

[Vargas_4]

I think the outcome will be something like this

Marseille 2 v Liverpool 3

But who knows... Can't wait for it

[Jager]

Looks like Marsielle have not shown up today at home....3-0 now for Pool.

Very surprising to see a french team get run out of the park in their own backyard.

[MUFC]

I dont think i seen a poorer defensive display in the champions league this season, they have been absolutely shocking in the way they play the offside trap.

But Torres goal was class i have to give credit where its due.

[Jager]

Let me add also that Marseille have absolutely shocking kits...by far the ugliest that i have seen. You would have to be a diehard to wear that....

..and I agree they have been crap on defense.

[sinoy1]

My brother is gutted at this result.He's a Marseille fan somehow ( dont even get me started on the Pro Evo and Fifa 08 battles we have had ).

Good stuff from Liverpool.Didnt see the Torres Goal but heard it was a good one.Congrats.

[Robinho4Ever]

4-0 to Liverpool.
Scored: Steven Gerrard, Torres, Kuyt, Babel.

Congrats Liverpool.
I didn't watch the game, I watched Real Madrid vs Lazio.

What happened to Nasri ?? why he was substituted in the 35th minute ?? was he so bad ?? did he get injured ??

[Podolski]

مرسيليا vs لي�ربول: الهد� الثاني للي�ربول من توريس torres goal

[Vargas_4]

Awesome goal by Torres

Good win for Liverpool.

[Werdna]

Yup another poor poor display by an opposing defense...

Just like Derby, Besiktas, Porto, Bolton, Newcastle etc.

Maybe...just maybe...Liverpool are also playing much better going forward than they have in recent years. Just a thought, it is late after all

[lionel]

realy class goal of torres! this guy is amazing!

shocking display of the french team. even embarrassing.

Originally Posted by R4E

What happened to Nasri ?? why he was substituted in the 35th minute ?? was he so bad ?? did he get injured ??

no mate, he was just recovering from injury and wasn't 100% fit so the manager didn't want to start with him so when he saw that the team are playing crap, he decided to put the injured nasri in. he entered in the 35th minute.

[Jager]

My god!

Nice finish by Torres, but you can't let players walk up to the goal like that!

[kennethlindheim]

I never thought it would be that easy for Liverpool. Great win of course, but Marseille should be ashamed of themselves.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Originally Posted by MUFC

I dont think i seen a poorer defensive display in the champions league this season, they have been absolutely shocking in the way they play the offside trap.

But Torres goal was class i have to give credit where its due.

Liverpool v Besiktas

Can't be worse.