CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW
What a difference a treble makes! Before Michael Owens hat-trick destroyed Manchester City and simultaneously restored the striker's confidence in the process, Spartak Moscow must have been relishing the prospect of facing Liverpool, optimistic that they would be able to remove the 'whipping boy tag they have 'earned to sit bottom of the group. But you can bet that the news of Owen's renaissance has filtered through to the Russian capital ahead of the game that could decide the Champions League fate of at least one of the teams in tonight's encounter.
Anything less than a win for Liverpool will almost certainly relegate them to the less prestigious UEFA Cup. However Owen has returned to the goal standard and the accompanying confidence boost will give Liverpool a boost ahead of the match. Although it has to said that the England striker received a great deal of help from the Fred Karno School of Defending at Maine Road, which is unlikely to assist him against Spartak.
As with the game against Valencia, Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of Stephane Henchoz. The Swiss international is set for a very late fitness test and if he doesnt make it there could be a significant shift in team personnel. With Markus Babbel fit and now back in full training, the German could slot in at right back with Jamie Carragher moving into central defence. However Gerard Houllier may decide the game is too much too soon for Babbel and Abel Xavier, suffering from a virus, could play on the right instead. Vladimir Smicer is still out, with a broken toe, but Dietmar Hamman has served his one-match ban and his experience will be crucial to Liverpools hopes of victory.
Liverpool must be wishing the game was in Moscow as their record in recent away games in Europe is very good. The Reds know that Spartak will be a tough prospect; and like most visitors the Russians are sure to raise their game for their appearance at Anfield. Houllier also knows his team has to win the game, and at some stage we are likely to see him unleash a three-pronged attack of Owen, Baros and Diouf, although the African Footballer of the Year will probably start on the bench.
