Liverpool – CL qualifier/Week 2

Liverpool advanced to the main Champions League draw with a hard-earned 3-2 aggregate victory over Maccabi Haifa. Some salient points to take from the match:

+ Gerrard, Bellamy, Aurelio all started on the bench, making them, in my opinion, strong candidates to start the weekend game. Aurelio came on for the injured Warnock after 28 minutes, and with Riise also hurt, seems a lock to play. Gerrard was thrown into the fray after about 67, and Bellamy right at the end.
+ Of note, Alonso and Garcia both started, but there are better midfield picks.
+ Sissoko was also injured and is out for 2-3 weeks. I think that cements Gerrard’s spot in center midfield (which is where he plays his best anyhow).
+ The Reds again gave up a goal to what I consider weaker competition. Coupled with the goal allowed to Sheffield at the weekend, it makes me question the clean sheet potential here. West Ham are no slouches offensively. The only thing worse than giving up a goal is doing so with almost no saves – which is a distinct possibility with Liverpool. So, choose Reina with slight caution.