One goal down and with a place in the Europa League semi-finals at stake, Liverpool will be desperate to reverse the damage done in Portugal last week as they play host to Benfica.
A pair of second-half penalties from Oscar Cardozo gave the Eagles the first-leg spoils, but Daniel Agger's back-heeled opener in Lisbon means the Reds remain well and truly in this tie.
The Anfield giants' form is not all that encouraging, and nor was captain Steven Gerrard's much-publicised reaction to the surprise substitution of Fernando Torres at St Andrews.
With a top-four finish in the Premier League now looking only a remote possibility, Rafael Benitez and his men will be all the more determined to progress in Europe - but they face an opponent which has the smell of silverware in its nostrils.
Benfica already have the Taca da Liga under their belts and are closing on their first league title since 2005, and wouldn't they love to emphasise their return to the top by clinching a treble with a win in the inaugural Europa League?
That is but a dream for now, but Portugal's greatest club can take one step closer by reminding everyone that they know how to close out a tie against English opposition - for it was they who ended Liverpool's Champions League defence in 2006, after all.
A pair of second-half penalties from Oscar Cardozo gave the Eagles the first-leg spoils, but Daniel Agger's back-heeled opener in Lisbon means the Reds remain well and truly in this tie.
The Anfield giants' form is not all that encouraging, and nor was captain Steven Gerrard's much-publicised reaction to the surprise substitution of Fernando Torres at St Andrews.
With a top-four finish in the Premier League now looking only a remote possibility, Rafael Benitez and his men will be all the more determined to progress in Europe - but they face an opponent which has the smell of silverware in its nostrils.
Benfica already have the Taca da Liga under their belts and are closing on their first league title since 2005, and wouldn't they love to emphasise their return to the top by clinching a treble with a win in the inaugural Europa League?
That is but a dream for now, but Portugal's greatest club can take one step closer by reminding everyone that they know how to close out a tie against English opposition - for it was they who ended Liverpool's Champions League defence in 2006, after all.
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool
Apr 4: Birmingham City 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Apr 1: Benfica 2-1 Liverpool (Europa League)
Mar 28: Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
Mar 21: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Mar 18: Liverpool 3-0 Lille (Europa League)
Benfica
Apr 5: Naval 2-4 Benfica (Portuguese Liga)
Apr 1: Benfica 2-1 Liverpool (Europa League)
Mar 27: Benfica 1-0 Braga (Portuguese Liga)
Mar 18: Olympique Marseille 1-2 Benfica (Europa League)
Mar 14: Nacional 0-1 Benfica (Portuguese Liga)
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool
Ryan Babel is unavailable after the Dutch winger received a highly controversial red card for his 'confrontation' with Luisao in the first leg. Left-back Emiliano Insua is also out of the tie after receiving a yellow card in the first leg.
Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible for the competition, while Alberto Aquilani (ankle), Martin Skrtel (foot), Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Martin Kelly (knee) are injured.
Last starting XI (vs. Birmingham City): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Lucas, Gerrard, Maxi, Kuyt, Benayoun, Torres.
Benfica
Javier Saviola missed last week's clash at the Estadio da Luz through injury, and it has been confirmed that the Argentine forward will take no part in the return date at Anfield.
Strikers Weldon - who scored twice on Monday night - and Mantorras have also remained in Lisbon.
Last starting XI (vs. Naval): Quim, Pereira, Luisao, Luiz, Coentrao, Javi Garcia, Amorim, Aimar, Di Maria, Cardozo, Weldon.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool - Fernando Torres
The Reds need goals to go through, and this is the man most likely to provide them. The Spaniard has been left frustrated on his last two outings, and he will want to show his gaffer that he can be a danger every minute he's on the pitch.
Benfica - Angel di Maria
Cardozo may have put the ball in the net, but it was Di Maria who caused all the problems in the first leg. His pace, sharp turn and wicked left foot were all in evidence, and they will have to be once more if the Argentine is to help his side into the final four.
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