Liverpool takes on PSV Eindhoven in their last Group D match of UEFA Champions League on Tuesday (9 December 2008). With 11 points from 5 games, Liverpool already clinched a place in the round of last 16. However, Liverpool will look for a win against PSV Eindhoven so that they can go into the knock out stage as the group champion in what they might face easier opponent in the first match of the knockout stage. For the Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven, this is a very important match because they can still clinch the third place in the group by which they can qualify for the round of 32 of UEFA Cup. They are currently at the bottom of the table with 3 points from 5 matches. Marseille also has equal 3 points, but they have better goal difference by which they take the third place in the standing. However, even a victory over Liverpool can not ensure PSV Eindhoven a place in the UEFA Cup unless Olympique Marseille can not win against Atletico Madrid in their last group match.
Match: PSV Eindhoven vs Liverpool; Group D, UEFA Champions League 2008-09
Liverpool is currently leading the English premier league table with 37 points from 16 outings. Last night (Saturday) Liverpool defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-1 on the road, keeping the 1 point lead at the top of the table. Liverpool has not lost any game in Champions League so far this season and they have equal 11 points of Atletico Madrid who are currently leading the Group D point table with 3 wins and 2 draws.
There is no doubt that PSV Eindhoven’s performance so far this season has not been impressive both at home and in Europe. The Dutch giants lost 4 out of their 5 Champions League matches so far. Even in Dutch league, PSV Eindhoven currently takes the 5th place in the league standing with 25 points from 14 matches, seven points behind leader Alkmaar Zaanstreek (AZ). However, on Saturday, PSV got an inspirational 4-2 victory Groningen. So, they can go into the Liverpool match full of confident.
PSV Eindhoven will have home advantage against Liverpool and will look to avenge their 3-1 defeat away at Liverpool. On the other hand, Liverpool will look to build on their excellent home victory over the Dutch club. Well, Liverpool will definitely miss their Spanish striker Fernando Torres who is now suffering from hamstring injury which, many fear, might rule him out of the rest of the season or at least several weeks. However, club manager Rafael Benitez thinks the player will be back in action within due time.
"Fernando is progressing and improving so hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later," he told the club's official website.
"It's just a question of waiting and not pressuring the player. I was with him today and he was okay. He has a lot of confidence now and when you have confidence, you can be fitter sooner.
Here, one thing is, for sure, that Torres will definitely miss the trip to Netherlands. There is at least another worry for Liverpool and that is the current off form of summer signing Robbie Keane who could not yet find his natural form at the new club. Recently, manager Rafael Benitez dropped him in the substitute’s bench for the Blackburn Rovers match. So, it is not yet confirmed whether Keane will be handed a place in the starting line up against PSV Eindhoven. So, there is no doubt, Captain Steven Gerrard will have some added responsibilities in the absence of Torres and due to the shaky form of Robbie Keane. The good news for the Liverpool fan is that Gerrard has been in an excellent scoring form. Scoring 5 goals in Champions League so far this season, Steven Gerrard jointly shares the top place in the highest scorers’ list along with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.
Online Live Score and Updates
Here, I am giving some names online live score and update websites from where you can get the online live score and updates of the match:
Live Score
Goalzz
Live Football Scores
Goal.com
Footie Scorez
Liverpool seems to be favorite against PSV Eindhoven, taking the reent form of both sides into account. However, the Dutch club will have home advantage and might play inspirational football in front of the home fans against Liverpool in what would take a stern test of the English club. I think, PSV Eindhoven will not leave any stone unturned to qualify for the UEFA Cup. Herein lies the indication of an exciting match.