Houllier awaits magic moment

Olympique Lyonnais coach Gérard Houllier believes his side will need to produce "a moment of brilliance" to defeat AS Roma at Stade de Gerland and reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the fourth year running.

Close contest
In each of the last three seasons, the French champions have eased into the last eight having won away in the first leg. That run ended with the goalless draw at the Stadio Olimpico, and Houllier is predicting another close contest on Tuesday. "Roma are the strongest side we've met at this stage of the competition," he said. "We'll need to keep our solidity and produce a moment of individual or collective brilliance. We'll also need some luck."

'World class'
Houllier singled out his captain Juninho Pernambucano as a potential source of inspiration, saying: "Our biggest strength is our collective play. But in this competition you also need two or three players of a superior, even world-class level. Juninho is one of them. He can produce something special at any moment."

'A good rehearsal'
The Brazilian stayed on the bench throughout Saturday's 3-1 win at AS Saint-Etienne, a result that suggests Lyon are emerging from an uncharacteristic slump. "St-Etienne was a good rehearsal for a top-level game," said Houllier, before hinting that his team would adopt an offensive approach despite the narrow margins involved: "This match is like a final. In a final, it doesn't matter if you concede so long as you score more goals than your opponent."

Diarra chance
The former France and Liverpool FC manager has been boosted by the recent returns from injury of Sylvain Wiltord, Karim Benzema and Alou Diarra. Only the suspended Jérémy Toulalan misses out, paving the way for Diarra - another French international - to step into the holding midfield role. "Diarra has different qualities to Toulalan and he'll be very useful," Houllier said.

'A big performance'
One of Diarra's most important tasks will be to monitor Roma's influential captain Francesco Totti, who plays despite struggling with a back problem. "Francesco cares a lot about the club and the city and I expect a big performance from him," said Giallorossi coach Luciano Spalletti.

'Critical moment'
The visitors' slim title hopes suffered another blow on Saturday when they drew 1-1 at bottom club Ascoli Calcio 1898, and Spalletti is under no illusions as to the importance of Tuesday's game. "This is a critical moment in our season," the 47-year-old said. "I don't want to dwell on past results because the future still promises much. Lyon are an excellent team but we can go into the match with optimism."

Attacking intentions
Spalletti is urging his players to capitalise on any attacking opportunities as they bid to become the first side to win at Lyon in the UEFA Champions League since 2002. "We won't play for a 0-0 draw - it's not in our nature," he insisted. "Maintaining our shape is important, of course, but it's also important to attack and take our chances." With Brazilian forward Taddei back from a thigh strain, the return of defender Cristian Chivu should be Roma's only change from the first leg.

Probable teams
Lyon: Grégory Coupet; Anthony Réveillère/François Clerc, Sébastien Squillaci, Cris, Eric Abidal; Tiago, Alou Diarra, Juninho Pernambucano; Sidney Govou, Florent Malouda; Fred.

Roma: Doni; Christian Panucci, Cristian Chivu, Philippe Mexes, Max Tonetto; David Pizarro, Daniele De Rossi; Taddei, Simone Perrotta, Mancini; Francesco Totti.