• Europa League

Liverpool and Fulham target European fightbacks

David Trezeguet's strike in the first leg could have put the tie beyond Fulham © Getty Images

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Liverpool and Fulham will need European nights to remember if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday.

The Reds, whose history is steeped in memorable Anfield comebacks, must overturn a 1-0 deficit at home to French side Lille, while Fulham have the toughest task of the evening as they bid to humble Italian giants Juventus by cancelling out a 3-1 first leg defeat at Craven Cottage.

Fulham v Juventus - Live on ESPN
The size of Fulham's challenge can be summed up by the trophy cabinet of visitors Juventus, who can boast three Uefa Cups and two European Cups in their illustrious history. They also have World Cup winners in the likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Fabio Grosso, Alessandro Del Piero, Mauro Camoranesi and David Trezeguet.

Rarely have the Craven Cottage faithful seen such names on their home turf since the likes of George Best and Rodney Marsh glided over the West London grass, but on Thursday 15-goal Bobby Zamora and Co. must find a way to shoot down a two-goal deficit.

In the eyes of former Real Madrid defender Cannavaro, there is next to no chance of that happening. "We have already demonstrated the power of our attack and now it is time to use our heads and play in a practical manner to get through," he was quoted as saying in the Sun.

"Victory is not guaranteed but the tie is in our hands. No one in the squad believes we will waste this chance, even though Fulham will pile on the pressure. After failing in the Champions League we must get to the final of this competition - it's the minimum we owe the fans. The key for us is to take control and avoid the typical English game."

Fulham do have a habit of upsetting the odds though. They have already held Roma to a draw this season and dumped out the reigning champions Shakhtar Donetsk over two legs. And Juventus have a plethora of injury problems. Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, Claudio Marchisio, Amauri and Michele Paolucci are all injured for the match, while Nicola Legrottaglie is suspended. Gianluigi Buffon and Alex Manninger will also be absent.

Liverpool v Lille
Not for the first time this season Anfield will be a divided place on Thursday evening, after Albert Riera accused Rafael Benitez of failing to communicate with his players on a day to day basis.

Fernando Torres has been linked to Chelsea © Getty Images

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Riera's attack could barely have been timed worse as the Reds gear up for a trip to Manchester United on Sunday, just 72 hours after their bid to keep their one hope of silverware alive against Lille.

Benitez asked his men for commitment on Wednesday, declaring goalkeeper Pepe Reina as the example to follow as the Spanish shot-stopper prepares to sign a new contract. The commitment of Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and co will be questioned until the end of the season - when Liverpool find out if they have Champions League football to offer - but for now Benitez will call for commitment of a different kind on the pitch.

A late Eden Hazard goal deflated the Reds following a decent first leg performance, and any hopes that Benitez had of fielding a similar team to the one that smashed Portsmouth 4-1 have seemingly been disturbed by a virus to Alberto Aquilani. Maxi Rodriguez remains cup-tied, so Lucas Leiva and Dirk Kuyt come into contention against Lille.

Liverpool have won the Uefa Cup three times in the past, the last time being under the reign of the man Benitez replaced, Gerard Houllier. Whether this season proves to be Benitez's last may very well rest on the Spaniard's ability to emulate his predecessor.

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