21.11.2004 - Monaco v Liverpool preview
Liverpool take on French Ligue 1 side Monaco on Tuesday, aiming to take the points which would ensure a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
The Reds are currently in second place in Group A, one point ahead of Monaco, and can qualify for the last 16 if they record a second successive away win in the competition.
And while Liverpool have recently been hit by a number of injuries to key members of the squad, Monaco themselves have had problems of their own of late, with no wins in their last 8 French league games, during a period which also included a 1-0 defeat to Olympiakos in thelast round of Champions League games, and a result which has left them in a position where they can be eliminated from the competition before the final round of games takes place.
Their performance during Friday's loss to Sochaux was labelled a 'disgrace' after the game by an angry Gael Givet, who captained the side in the absence of the injured Julien Rodriguez.
"I find it hard to find the words to express my feelings, we were a disgrace," Givet said. "I do not understand what is happening to us at the moment, but we need to bounce back very soon. Certainly against Liverpool."
Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez will also be looking for his side to bounce back, after a fifth Premiership defeat of the season at Middlesbrough yesterday, in a game which saw a reversal of the scoreline when the sides met in the Carling Cup earlier in the month.
Benitez has been boosted by the return of Gerrard, and the captain could make his first start in over two months in Tuesday's game. But the lack of striking options is still likely to provide a problem for the Reds boss, with Luis Garcia having scored just one in his last ten games, and Harry Kewell having played 31 times for Liverpool since his last goal for the club, way back in February.
Liverpool's European record against French teams has generally provided a mixed set of results. Despite a so far unbeaten record at Anfield against French league sides, Liverpool have won just once in the return fixtures, against Auxerre in 2003, with all other trips ending in defeat.
None of those losses included previous visits to face Monaco, with the sides meeting for the first time this season.
However, Liverpool have played, and won, in the Stade Louis II in the past, when they lifted the 2001 Super Cup following a win over Bayern Munich.
Rafa and his players will be hoping for a equally satisfying outcome on Tuesday evening.
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