I Don't Fear For My Job - Benitez

Rafael Benitez insists he does not fear for his job even though Liverpool now need a miracle to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

The Liverpool boss had seen victory snatched from his team by Lyon, who equalised through Lisandro Lopez in the dying seconds of their Group E clash at the Stade Gerland on Wednesday night.

Ryan Babel had fired Liverpool ahead with just seven minutes to go, but they still left with a 1-1 draw despite a vastly improved performance.

Liverpool now must rely on Lyon winning away to Fiorentina in their next match, and hope they will still have their destiny in their own hands in their final group matches against Debrecen and the Florence club.

Benitez's own position has been under threat during Liverpool's recent horror run, but when asked if he feared for his job, the Spaniard was quick to respond.

"No, I am only thinking about the next game, nothing else," he said.

Benitez, who also revealed that striker Fernando Torres played through the pain barrier for the 87 minutes he was on the pitch, remains hopeful his side can still progress even though the odds are stacked against them.

He said: "We have to be really disappointed, we had so many chances and we were almost there.

"But again it was a late goal by Lyon, and it is a massive difference for us.

"Clearly it is difficult now, but not impossible. We have to win our next game in Debrecen and wait to see what the result is between Fiorentina and Lyon.

"We have to keep going and try to win. We have achieved miracles before and we can do it again."

On his own feelings and the pressure he is under, Benitez said: "It is simple for me to keep my head high, and that is by watching the players on the pitch and see their performances. Hearing the fans singing after the game because they know that we are improving and getting better.

"But football is like this, sometimes you have to have some luck and we did not have any luck at the end of the match.

"We were not caught out by them at the end, we were not caught on the break and had plenty of players in the box to defend.

"We just made a mistake, but not because we were thinking about attacking and caught out.

"I have not seen the replay so I do not know whether (Michel) Bastos was offside in the build-up to their equaliser. We just had to do better, we had too many players around the scorer and should have stopped him.

"It is something we have to improve on because it has happened before. When we are winning we have to close the game out and stop teams scoring against us at the end of matches, like Lyon have done in both games against us.

"We have to learn to keep the ball at times and be stronger in the challenge."

He added: "Torres was playing with pain, and that is not easy. He was inconsistent, he had to keep stopping and starting again because of the problem.

"He was playing with pain, hopefully he will now have some time for us to work with him and we will see how he progresses.

"The players must not give up hope, Lyon can win away to Fiorentina. We need to win against Debrecen and not talk too much about the other game.

"We must do our job properly first, then we will look at the other result. We will see what happens and hope to take it to the last game when we are at home to Fiorentina."

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher refused to concede his side's campaign is over despite their late lapse here.

Carragher told ITV 1: "We still believe we will get through. We know it's going to be difficult but we're not out of it yet. All we can do is win our next two games and see what happens.

"We have been in difficult positions before and we've come through like in 2005 when we had to win in Marseille in the group stages and we came through. It's disappointing but a draw doesn't mean we're totally out of it."

Meanwhile, Carragher was quick to spring to the defence of beleaguered boss Rafael Benitez who is sure to come under more pressure following another setback for his out-of-form side.

Carragher added: "If you look at the manager's record in Europe we've won it and been to the final and semi-final and quarter-finals. So our Champions League record under the manager has been superb."

Arsenal, Liverpool And Man City Chase CSKA Moscow Winger Milos Krasic

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are weighing up a move for CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic.

The Premier League trio were represented in the stands at Old Trafford on Tuesday night as the Serbia international impressed with the Russians' second goal in the 3-3 draw.

Krasic, who is 25 and 6ft 1ins, has forged a reputation as an intelligent player with good pace and an eye for goal.

He would not come cheap, valued at around £9million, but scouts are convinced he can adapt to the Premier League whether playing wide or in an attacking midfield role.

Real Madrid and AC Milan made inquiries about him last year but CSKA then scared them off by demanding £18m. Manchester United have also had him watched.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are also continuing to monitor Hamburg's highly-rated left winger Eljero Elia. The Dutch international only joined in the summer after moving from Twente Enschede for £7million.

Aldo: Rafa's The Man

Despite Liverpool's desperate start to the season John Aldridge still believes manager Rafa Benitez is the right man for the job.

The Reds' hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League are now out of their hands following Lyon's late leveller on Wednesday night. They now have to hope Lyon do them a favour and come away from Florence with at least a point.

Having already suffered eight defeats this campaign the knives are out for Benitez. However, Liverpool legend Aldridge still supports the Spaniard, and insists that a change of manager would destabilise the club even further.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Aldridge stated that the fans are still behind Benitez. "Liverpool fans aren't as fickle as most," he said. "They don't press the panic button. There's enough uncertainty around the club with the owner, the debt and the new stadium. The last thing you need is to be going out looking for a new manager.

"Rafa Benitez hasn't turned into a bad manager overnight. The pressure is on, but I'm fairly confident that when they get the likes of Steven Gerrard back after the international break, they have a squad good enough to go on a good run and move into the top four, and hopefully get six points in the Champions League and progress."

Liverpool only came away with a point from their trip to France, despite dominating proceedings. Substitute Ryan Babel's long range stunner looked to have secured a vital victory for the visitors, only for Lisandro Lopez to strike seconds from the final whistle.

"It went to plan brilliantly until the 90th minute," said Aldridge, who scored 63 goals for the club. "They played well, defended well, there was no real threat apart from when they scored. To drop their guard and concede so soon after scoring was very disappointing.

"The door was open for Liverpool to progress and then all of a sudden it was slammed in their face. It was strange the way it happened. Fernando Torres goes off, which takes away a bit of attacking threat. That gives Cris the licence to go forward and all of a sudden you've a different threat; he's very good in the air.

"Kyrgiakos got a little too close, Cris got a flick on and it was a tremendous finish. Liverpool just got caught out. That can happen because the lads put a lot of effort into it. A lack of concentration just caught them out. You have to give Lyon credit for that."

Liverpool now need to win their final two group games, starting at home to Debrecen, and hope that Lyon can get a result away to Fiorentina. It's a big ask, but it's a situation they're familiar with in this competition.

"It happened in 2005 and 2007; is a hat trick asking too much?" asked Aldridge. "Law of averages says you can't keep going to the well. Lyon will go to Fiorentina looking to win the group, as it gives them a favourable draw in the knockout stages. If they can do so it's in Liverpool's own hands.

"They should been Debrecen as they're the whipping boys, which would leave them needing to beat Fiorentina by more than two goals. They'd settle for that at the moment."

Liverpool Ace Fernando Torres Visits Clinic For Tests On Troublesome Groin

Fernando Torres has undergone tests at a private hospital as Liverpool look to find a cure for their talisman's groin injury.

The Anfield hierarchy are desperate for their Spain striker to avoid surgery as they attempt to put Liverpool's season back on track after six defeats in eight games.

But under-fire boss Rafa Benitez has admitted star duo Torres and Steven Gerrard might need to go under the knife to solve the injury problems which have plagued their season.

Torres looked a long way from match fitness as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw in Lyon on Wednesday night which takes their hopes of progress to the Champions League last 16 out of their hands, while Gerrard missed the match entirely with a similar problem.

And Benitez admitted the Spanish striker is still feeling pain from his groin-related injury. He said: 'Fernando played with pain, and after the game he still had the same problems that have troubled him for a few weeks.

'He wants to wait, rather than have an operation. He wants to work with the physios to try to solve his problems, but still he has pain. He told me he needed to keep stopping during the game because of the pain.

'Whether there is the need for him or Steven to have an operation is a decision we will probably not take straight away. We must see how they can improve, and by how much. Then we will decide about any possible operation.'

Before the stalemate in France, manager Benitez had said: 'We are trying to manage Fernando because he was close to having an operation.

'He is not comfortable. He has not got the power he had before, so we have to manage and try to protect him. He cannot play well if you keep pushing him. Maybe if you push him he will be injured for a long time.'

Torres, 25, has a little more recovery time than usual until his side's next fixture as Liverpool do not host Birmingham in the Premier League until Monday evening.

Benitez also insisted today that his side's display in France had given him encouragement but admitted he had concerns over how the team close games out in future.

'We have to improve when we are leading near the end of the game,' said the Spanish boss. 'We must start showing more experience in such situations.'

'But nobody let the club down, that was the positive outcome from the draw in Lyon.

'We had so many problems with injured players. But you cannot complain about the performance because the team did everything they could to secure the victory.

'The performance was good and the fans who were in the stadium with us could see that. They were singing at the end and after the whistle because they knew they had seen everyone give everything.'

Raging Reds Keeper Pepe Reina Slams Liverpool's 'Disgraceful' Champions League Campaign

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina has branded Liverpool's Champions League performances this season 'disgraceful'.

The Spain international was left fuming after conceding a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw in Lyon on Wednesday night which has left the Reds' qualification from the group stages in the hands of rival teams.

Liverpool now require Lyon to take something from Fiorentina in Florence on November 24 – and win their final two matches against Debrecen and the Italians – to stand any chance of progressing.

After seeing Ryan Babel's stunning opener cancelled out by Lisandro's last-minute strike, Reina said: 'Disgracefully we are not depending on ourselves; we need Lyon to get something in Fiorentina.

'It's not the end. We have got two games to go. Our priority is to win our two games that remain and we will keep trying.

'Miracles? They happen, particularly at Liverpool.'

Anfield manager Rafa Benitez's future has been further questioned after the result in Lyon as a Europa League campaign beckons.

Liverpool were missing seven senior players and started with a clearly unfit Fernando Torres at the Stade de Gerland.

And Reina and Co were left especially disappointed by the outcome.

'That was our best performance in the Champions League so far this season,' he added in an interview with the Liverpool Echo. 'Even in some of our league wins, we didn't play as well as that.

'We didn't deserve anything but a win. I'm really disappointed as we were unlucky. We have got to look for the positives and that is we played well under big, big pressure. We can handle the pressure.

'We can trust in ourselves and we will turn this situation around, I am sure of that. We have got enough quality and enough character.'

Reds Duo To Wait On Ops

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists he is in no rush for star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to have operations.

Torres is playing through the pain barrier to feature for the Reds while Gerrard is currently on the sidelines.

The Spanish striker is hampered by groin-related injury while Gerrard has been struggling since aggravating a similar injury on international duty.

Benitez has revealed Torres was in great discomfort in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Lyon, although he still nearly completed 90 minutes.

Liverpool's boss is keen for the duo to return to full fitness, but is against booking them to see surgeons just yet as he hopes their conditions will improve.

"Fernando played with pain, and after the game he still had the same problems that have troubled him for a few weeks," explained Benitez.

"He wants to wait, rather than have an operation. He wants to work with the physios to try to solve his problems, but still he has pain.

"He told me he needed to keep stopping during the game because of the pain.

"Whether there is the need for him or Steven to have an operation is a decision we will probably not take straight away.

"We must see how they can improve, and by how much. Then we will decide about any possible operation."

Puel Makes Reds Promise

Lyon coach Claude Puel has assured Liverpool they will be doing their all to beat Fiorentina, despite already securing qualifcation.

Liverpool's hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League is out of their hands after Lisandro Lopez's dramatic late goal denied the English side all three points in France on Wednesday night.

Rafa Benitez's men need results to go their way if they are to have any chance of progressing as a win for Fiorentina against Lyon next time out would dump the Merseysiders out of the competition.

However, Puel has vowed Lyon will do their best to help Liverpool's cause by trying to beat Fiorentina in Florence later this month.

"We will play fair, we want to win the group and avoid getting a tougher draw in the next stage," said Puel.

"Liverpool have no need to fear what may happen.

"We will play to win the game and that will leave the situation in Liverpool's hands to win their last two games and go through themselves."

Struggling Liverpool FC Secure Another Cash Boost

English Premier League club Liverpool may have had a difficult week on the pitch, but has had a great time off it, adding its second new sponsor in three days.

Halliwell Jones BMW will become the club's official supplier of motor vehicles this season, a position which entitles it to 'prominent exposure at Anfield, engagement with Liverpool Football Club’s fan base and the opportunity to provide fans with unique football and motoring experiences.'

More importantly to Liverpool, the partnership is worth a significant sum of money to the club, despite not being on the scale of the partnership signed with 188Bet earlier in the week.

"Liverpool Football Club is always proud to work with prestigious companies such as Halliwell Jones," said Ian Ayre, Liverpool's commercial director. "As an active business within the region, Halliwell Jones will enable us to develop a number of initiatives that will benefit our fans."

Phillip Jones, Halliwell Jones managing director, added: "We at Halliwell Jones hold a strong presence within the North West of England & North Wales. Having commenced our business operations in 1987, the Group has developed to its present position of employing in excess of 300 people at our seven sites throughout the region.

"In addition to our commercial interests, our strong social conscience has seen the group involved in many community and charitable areas also. Having been commercially involved with the club in a smaller capacity throughout the last few years we are naturally delighted to enter into this major partnership with one of the world's most prestigious football clubs."

Match Report: Lyon 1 - 1 Liverpool

Liverpool's hearts were broken by a cruel last-minute equaliser that has all but ended their Champions League dreams for a traumatic season.

The much-maligned Ryan Babel had scored a wonderful goal with just seven minutes left and if Liverpool could have hung on to that lead they would still have had a realistic chance of reaching the last 16.

But Liverpool's season has been littered with shattering luck and bitter body blows, as well as beach-ball goals.

And when Lisandro struck an equaliser in the final seconds for Lyon - sending them into the last 16 - Liverpool knew their own hopes were left hanging by a thread.

Fiorentina's expected win over Debrecen keeps them firmly in second spot and Liverpool will need more than a miracle now after this devastating blow.

Daniel Agger passed a late fitness test on his back injury to play in this crunch Group E clash in the Stade Gerland, boosting the Anfield club's side who were eventually missing seven senior players as they battled for their European lives.

Fernando Torres was also in the starting line-up, while Alberto Aquilani was on the bench, Andriy Voronin partnering Torres up front.

Lyon made two changes from their side that won at Anfield a fortnight ago. Michel Bastos and Bafetimbi Gomis came in for Ederson and Sidney Govou, who were both in the bench.

At first Torres looked barely able to run, certainly with nothing like his usual mobility.

The occasional sprint when needed was about his limit early on such is the severity of the serious groin injury he is carrying.

Lyon may have been lulled into a false sense of security against the Spanish ace, and when he found a yard of space in the box he almost had Liverpool ahead after 12 just minutes.

Emiliano Insua swung over a cross from the left, and the striker met it first -time eight yards to force a fine point-blank save from Hugo Lloris, who was to deny Liverpool twice more before the break.

Liverpool defended deep and in numbers, desperate not to concede early while Lyon had plenty of possession. They moved the ball around crisply and Bastos tested Jose Reina from 20 yards while the giant Gomis had Liverpool's keeper stretching again with a 25-yarder.

But Liverpool were searching for a breakthrough of their own, and another Insua cross gave Dirk Kuyt the chance of a clever lob, again Lloris needing to be at his best to touch the ball over the bar.

The French side then lost Anthony Reveillere and Miralem Pjanic to leg injuries with Lamine Gassama and Ederson taking their places.

Liverpool's third decent chance of the half came after a foul on Torres deep in his own half.

Javier Mascherano's quick free-kick cleared Lyon's back line and allowed Voronin a clear run at goal. His shot was low, but again Lloris was up to the task, blocking the effort with his legs.

Agger was booked after 33 minutes for blocking Gomis' run on the halfway line, with Lisandro cautioned for a foul on Kuyt a minute later.

Lyon started the second period with a quicker tempo, and Lisandro hooked over an Aly Cissokho cross. The full-back's next cross saw Bastos head over the far angle.

The match was now unbelievably tense, one mistake could ruin a creditable performance by Liverpool.

And Lyon were increasing the pressure to grab the goal that would put them into the last 16.

As Liverpool pressed forward, the gaps were appearing behind them, and Gomis looked increasingly dangerous.

Liverpool's first change came after 67 minutes when Babel replaced Voronin, Torres being left on this time.

Then Lloris made yet another stunning save, turning away Lucas' effort with his left hand with Kuyt following up with an overhead shot that was kicked off the line.

Lyon brought on Govou for Gomis, before Reina had to make his first serious save of the night, blocking Lisandro from close range.

Lisandro got away again after 78 minutes, turning Agger and then firing a curling shot just wide of the far post with Liverpool now playing with four men up front.

Torres' misplaced header gave Bastos another chance to run at Liverpool's defence, his shot being deflected for a corner.

But Liverpool broke from defence after a painful bout of head tennis to get the ball away and grabbed a sensational goal after 83 minutes.

Yossi Benayoun spun the ball out to the left for Babel, who cut inside to unleash a thunderous drive into the top corner from 30 yards, before being engulfed by his team-mates.

Three minutes from the end Torres was finally taken off, David Ngog taking over up front.

But with just seconds left, Liverpool's dream crashed. Lisandro got past Insua in the box and lifted his shot over Reina for the equaliser.

Rafael Benitez Happy To Be At Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that he would like to remain as the tactican of the Merseyside club for many more years to come.

The Reds are in a serious crisis, as six losses in seven games has threatened to throw the club's ambitions out the window. A seventh loss - against Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League - would be catastrophic for the Anfield outfit, as it would be their worst run since the appointment of the legendary Bill Shankly as manager of the club.

But with injuries to Steven Gerrard, Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera, there exists a real chance of the Reds succumbing to yet another defeat.

On top of the humiliation that would come with bowing out of Europe's top club competition at the group stage, the Merseysiders would suffer losses of around £15 million should such a thing come to pass.

"I am very pleased to be here and I wish to be here for a long time," Benitez is quoted by the Press Association as saying.

The club's two most important players - captain Gerrard and Fernando Torres - are in danger of having to undergo surgery to correct their respective injury problems.

"We do not want either player to have an operation, we will hope that they continue to improve. It is too early to say just yet," he said.

However, Benitez's side will receive a minor boost, as summer signing Alberto Aquilani is reportedly on the verge of starting his very first game in a Red jersey.

He continued: "At one stage 14 players were injured or had a virus, no club could cope with that.

"It is not easy with this injury crisis. If any of the top sides in England lost four or five of their very best players and then four or five from their bench, they would struggle.

"People do not realise how important Torres and Gerrard are until you lose them, this situation is not easy for anyone. But we will do our best and we do have the experience of such situations.

"Two years ago we also needed to win our final three group matches, and we succeeded. We can do that again.

"The players here are strong enough for this challenge. The mentality of the group is good, and they are determined to win.

"The players are working very hard, they are positive and determined. They know this result is important for the club, for everyone.

"But our fans have not turned. They are clever people, they know the position the club was in when I arrived and they know what position it is in now, they know this is the only way."

The under-fire boss insisted that his side will turn things around when some of his charges regain their fitness.

"It is important for everyone to see the bigger picture, I am sure things will change in a few weeks when we have our players fit again," he said.

"When we have our big players available, everything will change."

The gaffer then commented on his transfer policy, which has been subject to questioning on more than one occasion.

"I do not accept that we have not signed good players, some may not have settled as quickly, but we are doing a good job," he said.

"This is not the right time to be discussing our signings. But we do have good players, and we have too many injuries.

"We have signed very good players, we have a good team and a good squad.

Touching on the looming clash in Lyon, Benitez continued: "Losing would be bad for us, bad for the club, but we will keep going. But we are not thinking that way, we are only thinking of winning.

"In a few weeks these problems will have gone. Key players will be fit."

Dire Doss To Head Home

Liverpool flop Andrea Dossena is set to end his Liverpool nightmare by securing a January loan switch to Napoli.

Dossena, 28, is one of under-fire Reds boss Rafa Benitez's worst signings and has failed to convince the Spaniard he deserves a first-team berth.

The Italian cost £7 million when he joined from Udinese in the summer of 2008.

Benitez has come under huge criticism for selling John Arne Riise to Roma for £4 million and paying a much bigger fee for Dossena who has struggled to make any impact on the starting line-up at Anfield.

The left-back has played just one minute in the Premier League this season - in the 3-2 win at Bolton in August.

He has dropped behind Emiliano Insua in the pecking order and is desperate to secure a move back to his homeland to revive his career.

Napoli boss Walter Mazzari is keen to take Dossena on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

But it is understood Dossena's wages, thought to be around £40,000 a week, could prove a stumbling block to a full transfer.

Wenger Lends Further Support To Under-fire Benitez

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has once again publicly supported Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

The beleaguered Anfield supremo remains a man under mounting pressure, yet his Premier League rival suggests Benitez is the perfect man for the job, and Liverpool’s hierarchy should not do anything foolhardy.

Wenger told CNN International: “Rafa Benitez is a super manager.”

“We live in a world where democratic judgment is only in the present, and that's why it's very important to have directors who are strong enough to resist to the judgment, who is sometimes infant, and as well to explain why they resist.”

Liverpool FC Lose Appeal Against Philipp Degen Red Card

Liverpool FC's manpower crisis has got worse after they lost their appeal over full-back Philipp Degen's red card in Saturday's defeat at Fulham.

Injury-hit Liverpool had both Swiss defender Degen, and stand-in skipper Jamie Carragher sent off in the second-half of the match at Craven Cottage which they lost 3-1. Liverpool FC appealed against both decisions and now await the FA's deliberations over Carragher's foul on Bobby Zamora that saw him red-carded.

"At a Regulatory Commission hearing, a claim for wrongful dismissal by Liverpool defender Philipp Degen was rejected," read an FA statement.

"Degen was sent off for serious foul play during Liverpool's Premier League match with Fulham on Saturday 31 October. Degen's three-match suspension begins with immediate effect."

Degen will now be unavailable for the Premier League games at home to Birmingham and Manchester City, plus the Merseyside derby clash at Everton on November 29.

With fellow full-back Glen Johnson's calf injury forcing him out of Wednesday's Champions League Group E clash in Lyon, Degen - who is not registered for Europe - could have found himself getting an extended run in boss Rafael Benitez's first-team.

Liverpool felt that Degen's foul on Clint Dempsey merited only a yellow card, but the FA do not agree.

If Johnson does recover in time for Monday's game with Birmingham, Degen will probably find himself completing the ban in reserve football.

Steven Gerrard Still Rues Xabi Alonso Exit

Steven Gerrard was "devastated" when Xabi Alonso left Liverpool FC and admits the Reds have missed the Spaniard.

Liverpool FC captain Gerrard, who is currently injured forged a good understanding with Alonso in midfield. Alonso moved on to Real Madrid in the summer, since when Liverpool have struggled for form in the Premier League and Champions League.

"Devastated, yeah. Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it," Gerrard said.

"Xabi said a long time ago that he wanted another chapter in his career and finally he got it and his team-mates and the coaches couldn't stand in his way. We just have to say thanks and move forward without him."

Liverpool recouped around £30million for 27-year-old Alonso, and spent most of that on bringing replacement Alberto Aquilani to Anfield from Roma.

Aquilani missed the first two months of the season due to injury and Liverpool have already lost seven matches.

Gerrard knew it would take Liverpool time to adapt to life without Alonso, who in a playmaker role had a vital duty in Rafael Benitez's team.

Gerrard said: "It's always going to be different when you lose one of the best players in the world - and people are finally realising that's what he is, on the back of his form for Real Madrid and the difference in us from last year.

"We've got other midfielders here doing a good job but it will take a while before Alonso's out of our system because he was such a top player."

Reds Look At Youngster

Liverpool have handed a trial to Norwegian youngster Christian Landu Landu, according to the player's agent.

The 17-year-old has also been linked with Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs.

But it appears as though The Reds have stolen a march on their rivals by taking a closer look at the Viking youngster.

Landu Landu's agent Stig Lillejord has confirmed the deal, stating his close ties with the club helped the trial come to fruition.

"The deal has been made possible by my close relationship with Liverpool," Lillejord told

Massive Cash Boost For Struggling Liverpool FC

Liverpool, the English soccer club which signed a record shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered earlier this year, has agreed another lucrative partnership.

The club will be backed by 188Bet, the online betting company which already has partnerships in place with Aston Villa, Chelsea, Bolton and Wigan. The partnership will last for three years, and is expected to earn the club as much as US$7.5 million.

"We are delighted to welcome 188Bet to our family of partners. Their innovative approach to betting will enhance the fan experience, in addition to benefiting good causes through the 188 Foundation," said Ian Ayre, commercial director of Liverpool Football Club.

"Given 188Bet's presence in Asia, we will develop a number of initiatives that will mutually benefit our respective organisations. 188Bet has made a clear commitment to marketing their brand through football, and we are looking forward to developing a successful partnership," he added.

Liverpool To Get Windfall Worth Hundreds Of Millions

The city of Liverpool claims it would receive a £200 million (US$330 million) boost if it is a host city for the 2018 World Cup, should England win the rights to host the tournament.

The city is arguably the biggest heartland of English soccer, with both Liverpool and Everton having secured multiple trophies over the years. Though neither side has won the Premier League since its inception in 1993, Liverpool have been English league champions 18 times, and Everton nine.

However, the city's chances of selection as a host city could be affected by the continuing doubt over both clubs' stadiums. Liverpool are keen to leave Anfield for a new stadium in Stanley Park, while Everton have their own plans for a move. But with the current situation unclear, the city could miss out to other cities where developments are more concrete.

The city's bid is based on both clubs having new stadiums by 2018, but Anfield is being used as a fallback option. However, another nine years of use would see the famous stadium slip further behind the league's new grounds in many of the areas Fifa focus on when considering bids.

The English bid team will decide in three weeks which cities will be included as part of the country's bid.

Saudis Want Liverpool Pair To Revive Nation's Fortunes

Saudia Arabia's soccer chiefs are head-hunting former Liverpool pair Gerard Houllier and Rick Parry to sort out their football.

The oil-rich government plan to recruit former Kop chief Houllier as their new director of football to oversee the national team and their top sides.

Houllier is in charge of France's football empire and could even be allowed to do both jobs - although the cash in the Middle East may tempt him to go there full-time.

Parry is also being chased to run the administrative side of the Saudi game. He is available after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season and has wide knowledge.

The Saudis are fuming that they missed out on the World Cup finals next summer after some disastrous results and they believe that bringing in two of Anfield's old boys will sort out the game from the top down.

Match Preview: Lyon vs. LiverpooL

Two weekends ago, Liverpool thought they had reached the turning point of what has been a frustrating campaign on all fronts. A 2-0 win over Manchester United seemed to silence the doubters and catapult them back into Premier League contention.

Now, though, after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Fulham (and the League Cup loss to Arsenal), it's back to panic stations for Rafael Benitez and his men as they look to resurrect their Champions League campaign.

The Reds' Spanish boss was heavily criticised for his early substitution of Fernando Torres at Craven Cottage, as he took the superstar striker off with the scores still level. Some feel Benitez was wrapping 'El Nino' in cotton wool for Wednesday's away game at Olympique Lyonnais, so the pressure is on to get a result at the Stade Gerland.

The Merseyside outfit sits third in Group E with just three points from three games, having followed up their 2-0 loss at Fiorentina with a shock home defeat to Lyon last time out - Cesar Delgado grabbing a late winner at the Kop end.

OL are cruising through the group stages with a maximum nine points under their belt. And although their domestic form has been mixed since plundering Anfield, they sit just two points shy of Ligue 1 leaders Girondins Bordeaux.

A win for Claude Puel's side this week would simultaneously guarantee them a spot in the knockout stage and dash Liverpool's faint hopes of topping the group. And if Fiorentina beat Debrecen as expected, the Scouse giants will be left facing demotion to the Europa League.

It's do-or-die for Rafa's Reds, but the statistics fall in their favour - they have won on each of their last four visits to France. However, they'll be missing their talismanic skipper this time around.


FORM GUIDE

Olympique Lyonnais

Oct 31 Saint-Etienne 0-1 Olympique Lyonnais
Oct 24 OCG Nice 4-1 Olympique Lyonnais
Oct 20 Liverpool 1-2 Olympique Lyonnais (Champions League)
Oct 17 Olympique Lyonnais 0-2 Sochaux
Oct 3 RC Lens 0-2 Olympique Lyonnais

Liverpool

Oct 31 Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
Oct 28 Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool (League Cup)
Oct 25 Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United
Oct 20 Liverpool 1-2 Olympique Lyonnais (Champions League)
Oct 17 Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool


TEAM NEWS

Olympique Lyonnais

Playmaker Kim Kallstrom and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are available once more, having both shrugged off groin problems to feature against Saint-Etienne at the weekend.

Jean-Alain Boumsong (groin), Mathieu Bodmer and long-term absentee Anderson (knee, calf, shoulder) remain sidelined, meaning Jeremy Toulalan should continue to partner Cris in central defence - a role in which the midfield general has impressed immensely.

Michel Bastos sat on the bench at Anfield due to fitness concerns, but the Brazilian star - recently called up to Dunga's national team - could start this time around.

Last starting XI (vs. Saint-Etienne): Lloris, Clerc, Cris, Toulalan, Cissokho, Makoun, Ederson, Pjanic, Bastos, Govou, Lisandro.

Liverpool

The big blow for the Reds is the absence of Steven Gerrard, who is recovering slowly from a groin injury he exacerbated when these two teams last met. It is thought that both he and Fernando Torres will need surgery, although the latter is expected to start in France.

In more bad news for the travelling side, Alberto Aquilani is laid up with a virus having only just returned from the ankle injury that delayed his debut until last week's League Cup loss to Arsenal.

Glen Johnson is battling a calf problem, Martin Kelly - who impressed on his senior bow in the reverse fixture - is out with ankle trouble and Philipp Degen isn't part of the Champions League roster, leaving a hole at right-back that Jamie Carragher may be forced to fill.

Last starting XI (vs. Fulham): Reina, Degen, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas, Mascherano, Benayoun, Voronin, Torres.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Olympique Lyonnais - Miralem Pjanic

Of all the creative talents at Lyon's disposal, this youngster is perhaps the most exciting. Many were left underwhelmed by the Bosnian's display in the reverse fixture, but on home soil he may feel more able to take charge of the game and show off his considerable gifts.

Liverpool - Fernando Torres

The Spaniard's goal against Fulham at the weekend - fashioned from what commentator John Motson termed 'a quarter-chance' - underlined just why, even when not fully fit, he is considered one of the world's deadliest strikers. He's yet to find the net in Europe this season, though, and will be eager to change that - especially with his prolific skipper sidelined.

Lyon Wary Of Liverpool Threat

Lyon insist they will not be lulled into a false sense of security ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The English giants are staring at a premature exit after Lyon's 2-1 victory at Anfield a fortnight ago left them with two defeats from three in Group E.

Rafa Benitez's men were reduced to nine as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at Fulham on Saturday - their fifth loss in 11 Premier League games - and have a host of injury problems for the trip to France.

Lyon need just a point to book their place in the knock-out stages and coach Claude Puel is under no illusions about the Reds' big-game pedigree.

"Liverpool may have their problems, but after we beat them they turned in a great performance against Manchester United," he said.

"They were tough, played at a great pace and fully deserved the victory. We saw then that they have great potential to bounce back.

"They are still a great club and capable of playing great games when they want, with fine players and a great coach.

"But we will only be thinking about winning, not just playing for the draw," Puel added. "Whether it is one point that we need or three, we will always play the same way.

"But we must get something from this match. We do not want to be needing to get points to qualify in the match against Fiorentina in Florence.

"Three teams can still qualify. It is a very tough group and maybe 12 points will not be enough to win the group.

"I believe that Liverpool will work very hard, put us under a lot of pressure and be determined to reverse the results that they have been getting so far in Europe this season. They will be tough opponents."

Liverpool dominated English and European football in the 1970s and 80s, and although they have not won a league title since 1990, Benitez has led them to two Champions League finals in the last five years.

Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson have not travelled, while star striker Fernando Torres is struggling with a hernia problem, but Lyon's Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom remains wary of the Reds.

"As a boy I watched Liverpool on TV and always admired them, many youngsters back then did," he said.

"I suppose that to see them in their current position is a surprise, but it is not something that they cannot turn around.

"Things happen like this to even the greatest teams. There can be a few defeats, then a dip in confidence and one bad thing follows another.

"Everything seems to go wrong all at once. But they can recover from this.

"We know they have injuries, but it is not something we have been talking about.

"We have to plan for the match as if nothing of that sort had happened. They are still a great club with great players, and we must not forget that."

Kallstrom added: "He (Torres) is probably the best in the world, I have played against him at international level and he is very clever with the ball and a very tough opponent.

"He is Liverpool's best player and whatever injury he has, we must concentrate on stopping him and being clinical in our own play to get the result we need."