Group E Preview (Oct. 20)
Debrecen vs. Fiorentina
The Viola has to like their chances as Tuesday’s game approaches. They have taken points from Liverpool and Juventus in recent matches and they face a team who haven’t scored in their own two games in the Champions League this year.
Fiorentina receive star striker Gilardino back from suspension after his ban was reduced to one game. The Italian is scoring for fun as he produced a heroic comeback win virtually on his own in the Azzurri’s 3-2 victory against Cyprus. Debrecen has to be cursing their luck as technically, they would not have had to face the Italian until their next meeting.
Debrecen will want to send a message that they will not just stand aside and let the Italians win because the two sides will face off again 15 days after Tuesday’s game.
Player to Watch:
Aforementioned Gilardino is the Viola’s primary danger man and will be eager to make up for missing the Liverpool clash. Look for him to bag at least one goal.
Match Prediction:
While I believe Fiorentina are more than capable of winning this game by three or four goals, I am going to have to predict a 1-0 scoreline and a victory for the Viola.
________________________________________
Liverpool nation's hopes may ride on the back of Gerrard and Torres
This is one of the matches I am most looking forward to. Not because I love either one of the teams – I don’t – but because of current circumstances. This is an extremely important match as far as Liverpool is concerned.
If Fiorentina win and Liverpool fail to take three points from Lyon, then they will be in third place and three points out of second. If that becomes the case, then realistically Rafa cannot hope for a better finish than second (although miracles do happen, especially for Liverpool in the Champions League).
On top of this the Reds are in desperate need for some confidence going in to next weekend’s match against Manchester United which could make or break their title challenge this season.
Both sides are coming off disappointing losses in their respective leagues and so they will have something to prove to their fans on Tuesday.
I will keep you updated as I learn the status of Gerrard and Torres’ injuries.
Player to Watch:
Because I do not know the status of Liverpool’s two main men, I will pick someone else. Lyon’s Gomis is sure to cause Liverpool’s defence problems.
Match Predictions:
Liverpool at home makes this match tricky to predict. My gut tells me Lyon will win, but it’s hard to count Liverpool out at Anfield. I predict a 1-1 draw
Stay tuned for more previews.
Play Beautiful!
