The term ‘fortress’ is bounded round far too often in reference to this or that team’s ability to get results at home, but when it comes to Anfield it’s completely justified.
Liverpool must overcome a one-goal deficit in Thursday’s home tie with Atletico Madrid if they are to reach the final of Europe’s silver medal competition, the Europa League.
Neither of these teams wanted to end up in the Europa League this season but they both need to win it to rescue disastrous campaigns. Quite frankly we fancy Athletico’s chances more.
Have Villa blown their Champions League chances? Popular wisdom says yes with Martin O’Neill’s team seven points off of fourth spot and the bookies agree with odds of 20.00 plus on Villa finishing in the top four.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez appears resigned to failure in his team’s quest to finish in the fourth Champions League position.