Source: Daily_Mail
Skipper Gerrard convinced Liverpool can save their season in Hungary
Liverpool set off for their make-or-break Champions League showdown in Budapest with skipper Steven Gerrard insisting that they can still salvage their season. [LNB]The Reds, with one win in 10 games in all competitions, are seventh in the Barclays Premier League and face a Champions League exit when they face Hungarian champions Debrecen in Budapest. [LNB]Only a Liverpool win and a Lyon victory away to Fiorentina on the same night, will save the Reds from elimination at the group stage - the first time that will have happened under boss Rafa Benitez. [LNB] Reds alert: Gerrard and his team-mates must win against Debrecen[LNB]But Gerrard, who will almost certainly need another pain-killing injection in his groin to allow him to play in the Ferenc Puskas stadium, is confident that Liverpool's worrying season can be saved. [LNB]He said: 'The mood in the camp is really good, although we know our position in the table isn't good enough. But we have faith in our ability. We know we can put things right. [LNB]'It's been a frustrating few weeks because as soon as I was fit we had the international break. I've been desperate to play and can't wait to really get going properly again.'[LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Who is your Merseyside derby hero? Sportsmail's Derek Lawrenson and Jerry Hayes have picked their top 25 stars from the Merseyside derby but we want to know what you think. Let us know who you consider King of the Kop or a Goodison glory boy. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Gerrard started his first game in a month on Saturday when Liverpool drew 2-2 at home to Manchester City, and he is expected to continue in the side in Budapest despite problems with cramp in his calf muscles at the weekend. [LNB]Fernando Torres has been ruled out again by Benitez, who says: 'He will not travel. But we will monitor him closely, although we are not sure whether he can play at Everton next weekend.'[LNB]Liverpool have doubts over Daniel Agger (cut head) and Ryan Babel (ankle), but Yossi Benayoun, Fabio Aurelio, Albert Riera and Glen Johnson are expected to travel after injuries. [LNB]Defender Martin Skrtel, who scored his first goal for the club against Manchester City, believes Liverpool can stay in the Champions League. [LNB]He said: 'We now have a big game coming up on Tuesday, and we have to forget about the City result and start thinking about Debrecen because it is a game we have to win. [LNB]'I am looking forward to it and I will give my all to try and help us get a good result. We believe we can get to the last 16.'[LNB] Off the mark: Skrtel celebrated his first Liverpool goal on Saturday[LNB]He added: 'I was very happy to score my first goal for Liverpool at the weekend. I have been waiting a long time for it, so it was a good moment for me. [LNB]'I am in my third season here and hadn't managed to score until Saturday, but I hope this is the first of many. [LNB] 'But we were frustrated to have drawn again and we are not happy because of that. But there is nothing we can do about the result now and we have to look forward to the next game and try to win.'[LNB] Benitez hoping the return of Gerrard can help to rescue European dreamIce-cool Rafa Benitez knew Liverpool would not be beaten by Man UnitedAlan Fraser: Quirky tale of Liverpool's Champions League win will cause a stirTHE LIST: Everton v Liverpool special - Sportsmail's Merseyside derby heroesLiverpool 2 Manchester City 2: Tevez told to ponder job as an impact subLIVERPOOL FC
