Champions League - Champions League preview

Eurosport - Tue, 11 Dec 14:24:00 2007

Rafa Benitez needs to add to his list of great European victories to keep Liverpool in the Champions League, while Chelsea can take it easy.

FOOTBALL 2007-2008 Liverpool Rafa Benitez - 0

Click the links on the right for probable teams from all six games, and LIVE text commentary from 7.45pm!

GROUP A

Marseille v Liverpool

Liverpool must win to go through. A draw will be enough if Besiktas win at Porto. Rafael Benitez's top players are more rested than they would like, and will operate in the familiar 4-4-2 after Saturday's 4-3-3 disaster. Dirk Kuyt is likely to partner Fernando Torres up front, with Yossi Benayoun on the right and Harry Kewell on the left of midfield. Former Anfield 'favourite' Djibril Cisse should be on the bench while Bolo Zenden starts for Marseille.

Porto v Besiktas

A Besiktas win here would mean a draw is enough for Liverpool, with the Turkish side capable of anything on their day - including losing 8-0. They know a win - and only a win - will do them. A point is enough for the hosts, but they are out if they lose.

GROUP B

Chelsea v Valencia

There's not quite nothing to play for at Stamford Bridge, what with Coefficients and a possible Valencia UEFA Cup berth up for grabs. It will hardly be a classic, though. Expect a much-changed Chelsea team with starts for the likes of Claudio Pizarro, Steve Sidwell and Tal Ben Haim.

Schalke v Rosenborg

If it's excitement you want, Gelsenkirchen is the place to be. Hey, when isn't it? It's a straight shootout for second spot. Schalke must win to reach the last 16, otherwise the Norwegians are through. The vanquished side may have the added inconvenience of a UEFA Cup spot inflicted on them.

GROUP C

Real Madrid v Lazio

The most complicated group in the history of the world. Basically, Real know a point at home to the Italians will see them through, but a Lazio win could see UEFA making a quick call to Stephen Hawking to work out the permutations. Basically, if Bremen win, Lazio must win by two.

Olympiacos v Werder Bremen

With Stuttgart already out and the fate of Schalke and Bremen going to the last day, Germany risks having no teams in the last 16 for the first time since.. ooh, we don't know, but it's a long time. Werder can make sure this doesn't happen by winning in Greece. A point is enough for Olympiacos.

Alex Chick / Eurosport