Mark Lawrenson assesses Liverpools CL chances.

By Kate7
March 19 2005

Mark Lawrenson believes Liverpool can go in to their CL match against Juventus with confidence. Juventus are the obvious favourites to go through but Lawrenson thinks Liverpool’s CL form should give them belief that they can beat Juve.

Lawrenson says:

"It will be a big ask, but I agree with Jamie Carragher that it isn't always the best team which wins the competition. Even the most myopic Liverpool supporter would agree than Juventus are stronger, but who knows what will happen?

"The task for Liverpool's midfielders will be to grab hold of the game and I wouldn't be surprised to seeing them play five in the middle at Anfield. Then Gerrard can bomb on as and when he sees fit, but they must establish control first."

Despite insisting Liverpool can emerge victorious in the tie, Lawrenson also pinpoints the main dangermen in the Juventus side.

He added: "Juventus are obviously a very strong side and haven't had to go through anything like the rebuilding exercise that Rafa Benitez is attempting at Anfield.

"Nedved to me will be a real threat because he has unfinished business in this competition after missing the final a few seasons ago. He offers such quality from midfield.

"I have watched Ibrahimovic a lot for Sweden and in the Champions League and he is a proper player, a real handful who carries a real goal threat. There are some other big names too like Trezeguet and Thuram."