Liverpool v Standard preview
by Alex Livie, 27 August 2008
Liverpool face a test of nerve and character on Wednesday night, as they entertain Standard Liege with a place in the group stages of the Champions League at stake.
The tie is evenly poised following a 0-0 draw in the first leg, but The Reds owe their clean sheet to the heroics of keeper Jose Reina who made a string of stunning saves including a penalty.
Liverpool 1/5, Draw 5/1, Standard 14/1
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Home advantage tips the balance in Liverpool’s favour and the bookmakers have dismissed the chances of the Belgians, but The Reds will be well advised to guard against complacency.
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Middlesbrough came within six minutes of beating Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend and coach Rafa Benitez has made it clear he wants his charges to improve.
Benitez feels Standard are the toughest team Liverpool have faced in their Champions League qualifiers down the years, but he can welcome back Ryan Babel following his trip to the Olympics with Holland.
Javier Mascherano and Lucas have not been included, while Benitez is also likely to be without defender Sami Hyypia who is nursing a hamstring complaint.
Standard have never before reached the group stages of the Champions League, but they are in fine form heading into the game. Wins over FCV Dender EH and KVC Westerlo have seen them take the lead on the domestic front and coach Laszlo Boloni has a full complement of players to choose from.
Oguchi Onyewu is set to return from suspension, while captain Steven Defour is expected to figure after sitting out the win over Westerlo.
Pivotal player: Robbie Keane
The Irishman has demonstrated glimpses of his quality, but this could be the perfect stage for him to announce himself on Anfield.
Prediction: 3-0
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