Reds will ease to group stage
Aug 10 2005
By Tommy Smith, Liverpool Echo
CSKA SOFIA might present a slightly more difficult task tonight, but I expect Liverpool to come through comfortably over the two legs.
The earlier Champions League qualifiers effectively gave Rafa Benitez's men competitive training exercises.
The clash in Bulgaria is a step up, against opponents who are their country's national champions, so they will have some useful players. But the Reds had far harder games before becoming European champions, and I expect them to produce a professional performance.
I feel that Benitez has a stronger looking squad after his summer excursions into the transfer market with Pepe Reina looking solid in goal, Momo Sissoko a busy looking player who has added strength to the midfield, and Peter Crouch, a target man who can develop his talents to become a regular scorer and provider.
Another factor should be that the players will be that little bit fitter as a result of the friend-lies and qualifiers they have played - a point Benitez made towards the end of last season after suggesting he didn't think some of his stars were as fit as they should be.
I know that the boss is searching for another central defender, but in Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia he has two excellent players who are always dependable.
The midfield is built on the strength of Didi Hamman, another crucial "signing" in the summer, and Sissoko, plus the creativity of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and John Arne Riise.
With injuries and suspensions, the attack is a cause for concern, with only Djibril Cisse and Fernando Morientes available if you discount Milan Baros, but the goal flair from midfield should compensate - for now.
It might still be an area that needs improving, along with the need for at least one natural wide player, who can provide decent service for Morientes and Crouch.
However, the Reds are on a high and Gerrard is leading in every sense.
Cisse stands firm against racistsLiverpool striker Djibril Cisse is determined not be affected by racists following the crowd abuse directed at him at CSKA Sofia on Wednesday. The matter is to be reported...
Don't be surprised if he is on target again against Sofia.
Consistency is key
CSKA racistsPMD UEFA TO REPORT CSKA RACISM "Liverpool have been told by UEFA delegate Trygve Borno that he will include in his report the incidents of racial...
WHAT chance the Reds making more of an impact in the Premiership this season?
Very good, I suggest. Chelsea, of course, are still the team to beat with their summer strengthening, while Arsenal have plenty of talent but how much they will miss Patrick Vieira remains to be seen.
Manchester United have had their problems on and off the field in the build-up and I don't think they possess the overall quality to be title frontrunners.
The Reds could easily match them this season because confidence must be sky high after winning the European Cup. I am certainly looking for big improvements in form, consistency, and the ability to knock over the lesser sides of the league they struggled against last season.
As for Everton, I think they are capable of a top six finish if David Moyes can inspire them to the dizzy heights they reached to qualify for Europe.
Surprise team? Could be Tottenham, who have a talented squad, but too often seem to lack self belief.
