Liverpool vs. Marseille on Tuesday

Tuesday, 11 December 2007

Marseille hosts Liverpool on Tuesday with a spot in the next round of the Champions League at stake. Marseille coach Eric Gerets said it will not be easy for his team against Liverpool on Tuesday, even though they are at home. "We have proved at Anfield, perhaps our best match of the season that we can hold our nerve on the big occasion. That said, Liverpool did not have their best team when they played us. It would be a disaster for Liverpool if they failed to qualify but it would be a disaster for us too because we would have come so close. Liverpool's experience in this kind of match is without doubt an asset and on paper they are favorites.”

SBG Global Line: Liverpool -350, Marseille +200, Total 2.5 under -155

Three Way Line: Liverpool -150, Marseille +325, Draw +225

Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has said that Tuesday’s game will be much tougher than the first meeting. Marseille can play for the tie on Tuesday while Liverpool must win to advance. “On Tuesday we have a very important opportunity for the club,” Valbuena said. “We know how talented Liverpool are - we caught them cold. They are not going to come in the state they were for the first match when they underestimated us a little. They are confident and we will be vigilant and will have to play at an intense pace. We need to recuperate and prepare for this match well.”

Soccer Betting at SBG Global.

It is unlikely that Marseille will have playmaker Samir Nasri for this match. He has been out of the lineup much of the season and is doubtful. "I don't know if he will be ready in time and we will have to see. On Sunday he ran and kicked a few balls but without any real opposition.” Gerets said,

"Samir has missed quite a number of weeks training and matches. I think it will be difficult for him to start the fixture."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez is putting everything into Tuesday’s match. He withdrew several key players in Saturday's 3-1 loss at Reading FC in the Premier League. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres were withdrawn to keep them fresh for Marseille. "Right now, the Champions League is the most important competition for us," said Benitez, "We were really disappointed to lose the Reading game, but we're only thinking about this one and finding the right solutions."