When Liverpool comes up in conversations, people invoke memories of glory. The dramatic Champions League win in Istanbul, FA Cup glory, the footballing machine that dominated England in the 70’s. More recently, though, things have been a struggle for the Anfield club, and this season has been no exception.
Liverpool vs. Basel, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
Liverpool host Basel as the two sides are set for a make-or-break slugging match at Anfield for the last knockout round qualification spot in their Champions League group.
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Liverpool have struggled to adequately replace Luis Suarez and build on last season’s success, so now find themselves mired in ninth place and an extended run of painfully mediocre form. That form has included their Champions League play, including a 1-0 loss against this Basel side in Switzerland, a scoreline that probably flattered how poor Liverpool was on the day. That poor play has left Liverpool staring up at Basel and second place in Group B, a position they very much did not want to be in heading in to the final group matchday.
The situation is this: if Liverpool do not win, Basel advances to the knockout rounds. Pure and simple. Basel have a two-point edge on Liverpool in the group, so a draw does them no good.
Liverpool struggled mightily with Basel’s style of play the first time these two teams met, and have continued to struggle with similar styles since then.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Sturridge (thigh), Mario Balotelli (hamstring), Mamadou Sakho (hip), Jon Flanagan (knee), Suso (groin) In doubt: none
Basel injuries and suspensions
Out: Ivanonv (knee) In doubt: Sio (unspecified)
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 P.M. local, 2:45 P.M. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ITV 1 (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2 GO (U.S.)
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