Rafa to stick with hot-shot Benayoun
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is expected to hand goalscoring
midfielder Yossi Benayoun the chance to shoot down Marseille in the
Champions League on Wednesday night.
Summer signing Benayoun has struck fine efforts in his side's last
two matches, including Saturday's late winner at Wigan.
But he has been very much part of Benitez's rotation policy this
term and has started only four matches as Liverpool have remained
unbeaten in all competitions.
But with Jermaine Pennant suspended, Benayoun is expected to get
the nod over Dutch youngster Ryan Babel to provide the firepower
from the flanks against Marseille in a Group A clash at
Anfield.
Benitez said: 'Benayoun has quality and he can change games for us,
he has proved that already. I will decide between him and Babel for
this match.
'But Yossi has shown how important it is to be able to bring on
players with quality, and fresh legs, to win matches.
'I have the option of Benayoun or Babel on the wing. One will play
now Pennant is suspended.'
After Liverpool's fortunate 1-1 draw in their opening match in
Porto, Benitez wants to see a vastly improved display this time
around.
He said: 'It is important to win your home games in this
competition, and in particular for us after drawing our first
game.
'We know Marseille's players, their qualities and we expect our
former players Djibril Cisse and Bolo Zenden to do well, but we are
concerned that, although we have watched the videos of them, a new
manager may well change things.'
Erik Gerets, who won and lost group matches against Liverpool in
the Champions League as Galatasaray boss last season, will be in
charge of Marseille for the first time on Wednesday.
Benitez said: 'Marseille have had 10 days to prepare for this, and
although they have not been doing well in their league, we know
they will see this game as one that is vital to them particularly
because they have already got one win in the group.
'A new manager makes it more difficult. You do not know what he
will do.
'We knew him from Galatasaray, but it is difficult for us to know
how he will alter things.
'So we must concentrate on our own game and getting that right
rather than worrying about what effect the new manager will have on
Marseille.'
