 |
|
UEFA Champions League Preview: Real Betis v Liverpool (Group G) [Tue Sep 13th, 2005]
The UEFA Champions League is back. And the champions are back in it. Liverpool kick off the defence of their trophy at Real Betis in what has been described as the Group of Death, with Champions League favourites Chelsea and Anderlecht making up the numbers.
BACKGROUND
It will be interesting to see whether the Reds as champions are able to live up to the pressure and show their pedigree, and maybe answer the critics, who have deemed their title as nothing more than a fluke.
Betis however provide the first potential banana skin, and though they haven’t featured in the tournament before, they are a side of vast quality with exciting players such as Oliveira and Joaquin.
They will not be daunted by playing Liverpool and will look to dampen the Reds' start to the competition. However the vast Spanish contingent in the Liverpool team will know what to expect, and Rafa Benitez will know Betis' weak points from his tenure in Spain.
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool WDWLD
The Reds are in relatively good form they are yet to concede in the Premiership a feat matched only by Chelsea. They however have only scored 1 in the league which is poor. The loss came in Europe against CSKA Sofia at home, but other than that the Reds had been rather solid in their performances, being much harder to beat so far this season.
Real Betis WDLW
Betis have only just started their season and have played only two games in La Liga in which they lost to Valencia away but disposed of Osasuna at home both games having been decided by one goal.
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool:
Fernanado Morientes is still sidelined with a thigh tear picked up while on international duty and is likely to be out for the next 2 weeks. Didi Hamann is doubtful with injury he picked up in the Spurs match on Saturday. Kewell may make the squad but is also doubtful to play as he recuperates from his surgery and slowly regains his fitness.
Betis:
Betis have injury problems with Luis Fernandez sidelined for three weeks with a pulled muscle in his left leg and Brazilian forward Edu out with a twisted knee. Spanish winger Joaquin Sanchez is a serious doubt after taking a blow on the knee which led to him being substituted in Betis victory over Osasuna on Saturday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool:
It would be easy to say Gerrard or Alonso but for me it will be Crouch with the Betis defence all under 6 foot Crouch will pose a huge aerial threat and I would expect the Reds to hit a lot of high balls and put in a lot of crosses.
Real Betis:
Joaquin will look to cause problems down the right side and make the Liverpool left back have a torrid night. Oliveira will also look to turn the defence with his pace and skill.
PROBABLE STARTING LINE-UPS
Liverpool:
Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Sissoko, Alonso, Gerrard, Cisse, Crouch
Real Betis:
Doblas, Rivas, Varela, Juanito, Oscar Lopez, Joaquin, Rivera, Assuncao, Fernando, Oliveira, Xisco
Seye Olufunwa
News headlines from around the world.