Liverpool hosts French side Olympique Marseille in a Group D meeting of Champions League at Anfield on 26 November 2008. The match is very important for either side for the qualification into the last 16 of the tournament. Liverpool currently secures the second place in the Group A point table with 8 points from 4 outings, while Marseille managed only 3 points from same number of matches and takes the third place in the standing. So, a victory for Liverpool will hand them a place in the knock out stage, while even a draw could take them to the last 16 if Atletico Madrid can at least draw with PSV Eindhoven. For Marseille, on the other hand, it is a must win match in order to keep their hopes of progressing to the last 16 alive.
Match: Liverpool vs Olympique Marseille; Group D, Champions League 2008-09
Date: 26 November 2008, Wednesday
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Kick off: 19:45 BST (British Standard Time)
Live on TV and Radio: Sky Sports, BBC Radio Five Live, and BBC Sport website
Since the league cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool is yet to get back their top form. In the recent premier league fixture, Liverpool was held to a frustrating goalless draw by Fulham at home. However, still Liverpool is going hand in hand with Chelsea atop the premier league table with 33 points from 14 matches, though takes the second place on goal difference. However, Liverpool fans can feel some relief knowing that Captain Steven Gerrard is all set to return with the Wednesday’s home match against Marseille as the midfielder has already shaken off his groin injury that kept him out of England’s victory over Germany in an international friendly last week and Liverpool’s recent draw with Fulham at home. Last but not the least, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will have Spanish striker Fernando Torres available for the first team contention against Marseille. Torres recovered from hamstring injury last week and is ready for the match.
Manager Rafael Benitez is not happy with the draw against Fulham on Saturday, but he does not want to spend any more time to think about that defeat; rather he wants to analyze the problems and find the solutions by the time they face Olympique Marseille.
BBC reported:
"We are disappointed about Saturday but we cannot talk about past games now. We have to think about making mistakes and analyse why and find solutions for the next game. "We are frustrated, really frustrated. How can we change that now? We have to analyse and talk to the players about the mistakes and try to change for the next game."
Olympique Marseille has not been at their best at this moment as they lost five points in their last two outings in League 1. However, Marseille is still in the title race as they secure the third place in the league table with 27 points from 15 matches, 6 points behind league leader Olympique Lyonnais. The French club will look to build on their 3-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in their last match in Europe. Liverpool will also try to build on their away victory over Marseille in the previous meeting. However, Marseille can take inspiration from their 1-0 away victory over Liverpool last season.
Online Live Score and Update
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports television channel. BBC Radio Five Live will air the live commentary of the match. However, if you can not manage your time to stick to your television channel then visit the following live score and update website from where you can get the live score and updates of the match:
Live Score
Goalzz
Live Football Scores
Goal.com
Footie Scorez
Liverpool is definitely favorite against Marseille, despite their recent lackluster form. They will try to compensate their fans for the recent home draw with Fulham, winning the match at Anfield. However, Marseille has a balanced side and I think, they can make the task very tough for Liverpool. I just hope to see an exciting match at Anfield.
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