Following a satisfactory (if not scintillating) win over Unirea in the last 32 stage, the Reds will now face French side Lille OSC after their last-ditch win over Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
For fans, players and coaches wary of all that a trip to "Hell" brings (both on and off the pitch), a very different kind of trip to Istanbul has been avoided as Liverpool escape a long trip into Eurasia and instead the Reds can hop on the train or ferry across the English Channel.
Although Liverpool among the hot favourites to lift the UEFA (sorry Europa League) trophy in May and Lille have a less-than-illustrious European pedigree, Liverpool should remember last season's scare against Liege before underestimating their opposition.
Off the pitch, like Liverpool, Lille had a season of turmoil. Manager Rudi Garcia was surprisingly sacked after disagreements over transfer policy with the chief executive (something Benitez is all too familiar with this). However, he was soon after reinstated when the chief executive resigned a la Rick Parry and the main shareholder and president re-appointed Garcia. In another coincidence, "Les Dogues" (The German Mastiffs") have been in limbo over protracted plans to build a new stadium, now delayed until 2012 at the earliest.
On the park, Lille finished 5th in Ligue 1 last season and soon lost their star man, top scorer and playmaker Brazilian Michel Bastos to runners-up Lyon for 18 million euros. However despite all this turmoil, Lille have mounted a title challenge this campaign, currently lying 5th, only four points adrift of leaders and reigning champions Bordeaux.
Bastos' replacement, flamboyant Ivorian forward Gervinho has been a revelation with 16 goals so far. He is now a fixture in the Ivory Coast squad, playing alongside Didier Drogba to great effect recently in the African Nations' Cup.
Another notable recruits include French international goalkeeper Mickael Landreau from Paris St Germain and Gabonese international striker Pierre Aubameyang, on loan from AC Milan. Following the lucrative departure of Bastos, Garcia has kept most of last year's squad together (despite a few transfer requests following Bastos' exit and the uncertainty over Garcia) and the addition of attacking options have more than compensated for the Brazilian's exit.
Alongside Gervinho (16 goals including 5 in Europe), the former French U21 striker Pierre-Alain Frau (13) have made Lille's attack the most prolific in the French top flight.
Other mainstays are diminutive defensive midfielder Rio Mavuba whose early promise prompted lofty comparisons to Jean Tigana and, more accurately, Claude Makelele. Over the years he has been linked with many top clubs but a short and successful spell at Villarreal in 2008 was curtailed as the Frenchman failed to settle in Spain. Nevertheless he is a very effective holding player and has been capped six times for Les Bleus. Alongside him the slightly
more creative Yohan Cabaye, 22, a former U21 international who was part of France's u19 World Cup-winning squad.
On the flanks, beware the aptly named Eden Hazard. The 19-year old Belgian international winger made his international debut at just 17 as part of a hugely promising Belgium side (Reds will remember Axel Witsel and Steven Defour of Liege - add to that Fellaini, Kompany and Vermaelen: all now established Premier League stars).
Hazard himself is a tricky, technically gifted winger who is a wonderful dribbler and his mazy runs and tricks allied to ever-improving crossing have led to six assists so far this season and three in his ten appearances for Belgium. He is right footed but can play on either wing, often cutting in from the wing and unleashing powerful shots from range. His exciting displays led him to international honours and was named Young Player of the Year in France, the first time an overseas player has won the award. Following reported interest from several top European clubs, Lille improved and extended Hazard's contract until 2014.
Don't take my word for it? Check this compilation of his greatest hits (if it's too long for you, cut straight to 3:48 for his goal against Lyon and some glowing endorsements in French from Arsene Wenger)....
In defence, Adil Rami, the Frenchman of Moroccan descent is their lynchpin. The central defender is noted for his aerial prowess and is a big threat from set-pieces (highlighted with his late equaliser in Istanbul which set up this tie). He has turned down several approaches to play for Morocco in favour of waiting of a cap from his native France. Rami's recent form has lead to his inclusion in the French squad for the final World Cup qualifying matches and this week's friendly against Spain. There have even been reports in France that Liverpool are monitoring the defender's progress with a view to signing the player this summer as our French scout Laurent Viaud has been spotted at recent games (although more likely in anticipation of a potential Europa League clash).
In January, Garcia added Portuguese stopper Ricardo Costa, a key versatile defender, often alongside Ricardo Carvalho in the heart of Jose Mourinho's all-conquering Porto side.
First 11 (4-3-3, R-L): Landreau; Debuchy, Rami, Beria, Costa; Balmont, Mavuba, Cabaye; Hazard, Frau/de Melo, Gervinho.
Form: In Europe, Lille qualified from a tough second round group containing Valencia. Genoa and Slavia Prague. Back-to-back wins over the Czechs, a home win over Genoa and a home draw with Valencia secured their passage despite defeats at Spain and Italy.
Domestically, Sunday's narrow home defeat v Auxerre was their first home defeat of the season. Lille could point to the adverse conditions which led to a 2 hour delay to kick-off and a controversial decision to play following torrential rainstorms saturating the surface. Furthermore, their long trip to Turkey last Thursday must have had an effect on the players.
Losses at Marseille, PSG, Auxerre and Montpellier earlier in the season were no disgrace.
Going into their winter break, "Les Dogues" recorded 7 wins in a row including a wonderful 4-3 win over Liverpool's tormentors Lyon.
Injuries: Star forward Gervinho is sidelined with a knee injury until at least late March which effectively rule him out of both legs of the match. This would be a big blow as he is Lille's top scorer and with 5 in 7 games in the Europa League so far.
Calendar: Ahead of the home leg, "Les Dogues" face a tough trip on Saturday to struggling St Etienne (a stadium known as "The Cauldron" for its fervent atmosphere). In between the legs, Lille then entertain bottom side Grenoble: a perfect opportunity to rest players without dropping vital points. On the other hand, Liverpool (thanks to ESPN?) have rescheduled the fixtures (Wigan away, Pompey home) prior to each leg to Monday night leaving the squad minimum chance to rest, recuperate and prepare for Lille. One benefit for Benitez, it allows extra time for players returning from international duty this week ahead of the Wigan game but on the other hand, the squad and staff have just two days to rest up, travel and prepare the side for the trip to Lille a week on Thursday. Only time will tell how our squad will cope.
The diagnosis of Skrtel's broken metatarsal (out for 8 weeks), Aurelio's thigh tear and Agger's heavily bruised knee are tempered thankfully by the return from injury of Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson plus Soto Krygiakos from suspension in defence. Up front, fingers crossed Fernando Torres continues his return to fitness for Spain in France on Wednesday as we can ill afford any further injury scares ahead of this crucial period in the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment