PSV Build Up

[Matt]

From Beeb

Robbie Keane is expected to be handed the task of leading Liverpool's attack in their final Champions League group D match away to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

Off-form Keane was left on the bench for Saturday's 3-1 win at Blackburn, but is in the party of 18 to face PSV.

Fernando Torres (hamstring) and Fabio Aurelio (calf) are out, while Dutchman Dirk Kuyt is rested and did not travel.

PSV have a doubt over Danny Koevermans (hamstring), who has scored all of four of their Champions League goals.

Midfielder Ibrahim Afellay is battling an ankle injury, while defender Carlos Salcido and striker Danko Lazovic have both hit out at coach Huub Stevens recently.

Liverpool's Emiliano Insua, Nabil El Zhar and Sami Hyypia all miss out as they are not registered with Uefa for group matches.

Manager Rafael Benitez has added reserve keeper Martin Kelly, plus local products Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing, to the squad.

Keane scored his first goal since his £20m move from Tottenham in the reverse fixture at Anfield in October.

Liverpool are through from group D to the Champions League knockout stages, alongside Atletico Madrid.

Fourth-placed PSV have already been eliminated from the Champions League but victory over Liverpool could still see them qualify for the Uefa Cup.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liverpool from: Reina, Cavalieri, Kelly, Dossena, Agger, Riera, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Keane, Arbeloa, Babel, Lucas, Carragher, Ngog, Spearing, Darby.

Interesting - Babel seems certain to start then.

[Matt]

Actually scratch that, didn't see Benayoun's name so as always Babel is definitely not certain to start

[Matt]

Cavalieri

Arbeloa Carra Agger Dossena

Mascherano Alonso

Benayoun Gerrard Babel

Keane


please Rafa

[Resu]

Something I just read:
If we win 2-0, and Valencia win 1-0 we`ll be top of the group due to a higher ranking.
I don`t know if that`s fair or not, bu tis there any other way could solve it?

[Reece]

Something I just read:
If we win 2-0, and Valencia win 1-0 we`ll be top of the group due to a higher ranking.
I don`t know if that`s fair or not, bu tis there any other way could solve it?

Atletico Madrid

[Resu]

Atletico Madrid

Hmmm, I think you might be right.
Why did I write Valencia

[bobbyfallon]

Hmmm, I think you might be right.
Why did I write Valencia

you know something the rest of us dont

its ok - i thought freidel was in goal the other day for blackburn

[Reece]

Rafael Benitez has hinted he could opt to make full use of his squad when Liverpool face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Champions League PSV Eindhoven

The Reds could yet top Group D if they can better Atletico Madrid's result in Marseille, but having picked up several knocks in the weekend win over Blackburn, the Spaniard is preparing to deploy fresh legs at the Philips Stadion.

"It is difficult to say now who will play in Eindhoven, but it is clear that we will be making several changes," he said.

"But we will probably take most of the senior players because of the prospect of injuries.

"The players are involved in more matches these days. Kuyt, Carragher and Arbeloa have all played a lot of games this season.

"But we have to send out a squad with four local players because of the regulations, so that does not make it easy.

"We cannot obviously, use young players who are not on the list registered for the tournament, so we are limited in making many changes.

"But Lucas will be involved. People have criticised him recently but he has been working so hard, he is the kind of player with a great character who will become very important for us."

Although both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid have qualified for the knockout stage all four sides still have it all to play for.

Benitez is well aware of this and is keen to respect the threat PSV could pose to his side.

"There is still a lot on the match itself. It is still important for PSV and Marseille to get points to get into the Uefa Cup," said the Reds boss.

"But it will be difficult for Marseille against Atletico because their opponents are very good on the counter-attack and dangerous.

"And PSV also need to win, so they will make it very difficult for us. They have ability, pace and they are playing at home."

He added: "It is difficult to know whether you want to finish first or second in the group.

"We cannot play an English side in the last 16, so that reduces the options.

"Looking at the groups we could finish top and still end up playing against Juventus or Real Madrid, it is also possible to face Lyon or Bayern Munich so it is very difficult to decide who you would rather play next.

"The best thing about winning the group is that you play the second leg of the next round at Anfield, which is very important for us."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162425081208-1143.htm

[Slim]

I must admit that I am really not that fussed about this match. I know it could be the difference between winnning the group and finishing second, but once you get to the knockout stage all the matches are tough and I'd back us to see off anyone in the CL under Rafa anyway. We've proved time and time again that over two legs we are as good as anybody out there.

I'd rest some players with an eye on Saturday, and definitely play Keane up front. A decent display will boost his confidence.

[BFG]

Cavalieri
Darby Carra Agger Dossena
Benny Lucas Plessis Babel
Keane Ngog

[Nicey]

Cavalieri
Darby Carra Agger Dossena
Benny Lucas Masher Babel
Keane Ngog
_____________

[The_weatherman]

Cavalieri
Darby Carra Agger Dossena
Benny Lucas Plessis Babel
Keane Ngog

Don't want to see Lucas and Plessis again in midfield. Nothing happens going forward, I'd like to see Lucas along with one of Gerrard, Alonso or Mascher, preferably the first two.

Otherwise I hope you are right. Might even be tempted to give Babel a run upfront with Riera on the wing and Ngog on the bench.

[BFG]

Don't want to see Lucas and Plessis again in midfield. Nothing happens going forward, I'd like to see Lucas along with one of Gerrard, Alonso or Mascher, preferably the first two.

Otherwise I hope you are right. Might even be tempted to give Babel a run upfront with Riera on the wing and Ngog on the bench.

Ideally I'd have one of the three in as well but I'd just be worried about injuring one of them in a game that isn't so important. One for Rafa to weigh up I reckon.

[Nicey]

Masher needs the game .. he has been rather ****e of late

[Craig_H]

Masher needs the game .. he has been rather ****e of late

Actually think Mascher needs a rest. He has indeed been poor, but what with the world cup in 2006, the copa america in 2007 and the olympics in 2008, he's basically been playing for 3 years straight, without a break.