Lyon v Liverpool: match preview

04 November 2009 09:14
Wednesday, Nov 4[LNB]Lyon v Liverpool[LNB] Related ArticlesThe Daily Bung: Rafa won't be scared of Lyon's denFive seasons on the brinkBenitez to 'walk through storm'Rafa Benítez lacks striking optionsLyon facing problems ahead of Liverpool gameRafa Benitez makes mistakes, but not as many as his criticsStade GerlandKick-off: 19.45TV: ITV1, ITV HD. [LNB]Touchline duel: Claude Puel v Rafael Benítez[LNB]Forthright and strident, Puel's approach to the game at Anfield mirrored his personality, with his team encouraged to take the game to their staggering hosts. Benítez, starting to show the strain of Liverpool's imploding season, would do well to ape his counterpart. [LNB]Talking tactics [LNB]So scant are the resources available to Benítez that he is likely to switch to 4-4-2, incorporating young David Ngog as a runner for Fernando Torres. Lyon are accustomed to scoring at home they average two in every European outing but can expect to face a red wall. [LNB]What they are saying [LNB]Claude Puel [LNB]"Liverpool may have their problems, but after we beat them they turned in a great performance against Manchester United. [LNB]"We will only be thinking about winning, not just playing for the draw. [LNB]"Three teams can still qualify. It is a very tough group and maybe 12 points will not be enough to win the group. [LNB]"I believe that Liverpool will work very hard, put us under a lot of pressure and be determined to reverse the results that they have been getting so far in Europe this season. [LNB]"They will be tough opponents, and we must not forget what they did to Manchester United recently." [LNB]Rafael Benítez [LNB]"Two years ago we also needed to win our final three group matches, and we succeeded. We can do that again. [LNB]"The players here are strong enough for this challenge. The mentality of the group is good, and they are determined to win." [LNB]Team details (probable) [LNB]Lyon (4-3-3): Lloris; Cissokho, Cris, Toulalan, Reveillere; Kallstrom, Makoun, Pjanic; Lisandro, Gomis, Govou.Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina; Insua, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Carragher; Kuyt, Lucas, Mascherano, Benayoun; Ngog, Torres.Referee: B Kuipers (Holland) [LNB]

Source: Telegraph