Compelling Soccer

Lyon v. Liverpool

Lyon: 3-0-0, 9 pts, top of Group E

Liverpool: 1-0-2, 3 pts, 3rd in Group E

Stakes: As the title indicates, this is it for the Reds. As unlikely a run into the knockout stages of the Champions League is at this point, it has to begin with a win in Lyon. Down by six points with three games to play, they need a lot to go right to vault ahead of Fiorentina or Lyon. If they don't get a result here, they might as well forget about advancing past the group stage. With the Premiership already lost, that would end Liverpool's hope of hardware, unless you want to start rationalizing the FA Cup. Realistically though, that probably wouldn't be enough to save Rafa's job if it came on the line here. Rational or not, the CL is the last chance for Liverpool to bring back something meaningful from this campaign. This is their last shot in the CL so you can do the math. And for everything to be essentially removed from the conversation in November; such talk has been unheard of at Anfield in years.

For Lyon, a point sends them through to the second round. This game is anything but essential for them.

Thoughts on the Opposing Side: Not much. Lyon showed their worth when they beat the Reds at Anfield two weeks ago. This time they'll be at home, where they've already beaten Fiorentina.

Questions I Have: Gerrard? Out. Torres? He's playing but how will he look? He's managed in his first two games back, but with reports surfacing that surgery maybe necessary for him and Stevie G, one wonders how much more he can push it. It certainly makes Rafa's decision against Fulham more defensible, though potentially also more of a stalling tactic than anything else. If they both need surgery, then the Reds are absolutely finished for this season no matter if they beat Lyon 10-0 today. As for today, you have to wonder when you here quotes like this from Rafa:

"We have to take Fernando to Lyon because we don't have too many options."

Does that inspire you with confidence over his fitness?

Aside from that, little else matters. You might bring up the usage of Yossi Benayoun, but really, it's all about Torres. We know Gerrard is out. If Fernando Torres is 90% of Fernando Torres, then the Reds are in business. If his injury is getting worse, then Lyon is definitely going to the knockout stages today and Liverpool is certainly crashing out.

Will I Be Watching: I'll try to keep track. But as usual, work days prevent me from paying extremely close attention.

Expectations: Liverpool's supposed Premiership last stand against Man U ended with the Reds playing spirited and coming away with a 2-0 victory. But that was at home and we saw Torres make it happen. On the road with Torres remaining a question mark, I don't expect much. A draw is possible, but a win? I just can't see it happening.

Liverpool vs. Lyon

Liverpool: 3 pts, 3rd place in group E, -1 GD

Lyon: 6 pts, 1st place in group E, +5 GD

Stakes: With the EPL season in disarray, Liverpool's best hope for hardware comes in the form of the Champions League. Groin problems or not, the game is important enough that Steven Gerrard will be in the starting XI and Rafa is hoping that's just what the struggling Reds need. This one is a home game for Liverpool, so if they'll need three points if they want to put themselves back into the mix for the knockout stages.

Liverpool v. Debrecen

Champions League Group Stages Game 1

Stakes: The Reds see a team I've never heard of at Anfield to kick off Group E. Lyon and Fiorentina, two squads I most definitely have heard of await. Needless to say, three points is essential and expected.

Thoughts on the opposing side: Debrecen's team page on Soccernet has links to just seven player names. That can't bode well for their talent level. After a little bit of research I've learned they are a Hungarian side and apparently the second team in the last 14 years from Hungary to qualify for the Group stages. Congrats to them. Nonetheless, these are the match ups where you got your cheap wins in club mode for FIFA.

Will I be watching? Workday, so I'll try to pick up some updates and maybe grab a feed. But watching with intent is going to be impossible.

Questions I have: Will Liverpool bring out their typical starting XI? It's the Champions League after all, but this side shouldn't pose problems. Meanwhile the Carling Cup is next week and could provide a better spot to give the big guys a rest.

Expectations: Anything less than a win will be surprising. Anything less than a convincing win would be disappointing. I may not be an expert, but I know this: a top tier English side should smack down an Hungarian side 10 out of 10 times at home. Another thing I have learned, even in my periods of waning interest, Rafa's squads always perform well in Europe.

Lineup: Turns out Rafa is using the same starting XI as Saturday against Burnley.

Game Thoughts and More After the Break: