Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League round of 16 were crushed last matchday when 2nd place
Fiorentina defeated group leaders Olympique Lyon. Although the Reds won their home match against Hungarian side Debreceni, Fiorentina's victory made it statistically impossible for the Merseyside club to place in the top 2.
Benitez will no doubt want revenge against the Viola and will try to stop them from finishing 1st in the group. Despite this, the Reds' 0-0 draw against Blackburn Rovers does not give much confidence to a club that has been struggling all year. On Saturday Liverpool have a tough matchup against Arsenal, so the Spanish manager will likely rest
Fernando Torres to keep him fresh.
Fiorentina have had good results both domestically and in the Champions League. They are currently placed 5th in Serie A, just 1 point from overtaking 4th placed Parma. They have an easier matchup at the weekend against bottom feeders Chievo and
Cesare Prandelli will field a strong squad in hopes of getting something at
Anfield. When these teams met in late September, midfielder Stevan Jovetic took the spotlight with 2 second half goals that gave the Viola a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. As their Champions League hopes may depend on a favorable draw in the group of 16, expect a determined match from the Italian club.
Liverpool's form this season has been nothing short of a train wreck. Although they have underperformed in both the Premier and Champions Leagues, the Reds have been able to show up for the big games. This consolation match does not fall into that category, so expect
Fiorentina to get a draw or win in this game.
Liverpool F.C. vs. ACF Fiorentina
Wednesday December 9, 2009
Venue: Anfield Stadium
Kickoff: 20:45 CET
Watch this match Online for Free!Tip: Fiorentina +0.5 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 1.80 @ Bet365
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