Liverpool vs Benfica (Thursday)

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We host Benfica at Anfield on Thursday in the second leg of the Europa League Quarter final.

Having lost the first leg 2-1, a score of 1-0 will be enough to see us through however we should really grab two goals and focus on keeping a clean sheet to avoid possible extra-time or even penalties.

The last time Benfica came to Anfield we lost 2-0 and got eliminated from the Champions League, we can not allow that to happen again, this is our last chance of some glory this season.

Benfica will without their Argentinian play-maker Javier Saviola who was injured over the weekend while Luisao is doubtful.

As far as Liverpool are concerned, Maxi will not feature as he is cup-tied, Fabio Aurelio, Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel are injured and Ryan Babbel and Emiliano Insua are both suspended.  It will interesting to see who Rafa will play in left-back with both Aurelio and Insua unavailable or will he go with a radically different formation?

I have a feeling that Rafa will give Aquilani another chance to shine and go with a team similar to the one that trashed Sunderland last week with Kuyt taking the place of Maxi and Kyrgiakos playing in central defence while Agger swings to the left.

Predicted lineup:
Reina, Johnson, Carra, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Mascherano, Aquilani, Kuyt, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres

Kick off is at 8:05 PM (UK Time)

More Stories Benfica Europa League Fabio Aurelio Kyrgiakos Luisao Martin Kelly Martin Skrtel Maxi Saviola

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