Liverpool lifted by Gerrard return

Liverpool FC are likely to welcome back their inspirational captain Steven Gerrard as they aim to secure their progress to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages for the fifth season in succession with victory against Olympique de Marseille at Anfield.

Key performer
Gerrard has long been a pivotal presence on European nights – salvaging a point for Liverpool with a stoppage-time penalty in the 1-1 draw with Club Atlético de Madrid on Matchday 4, having scored both goals when the English team opened their Group D campaign with a 2-1 comeback win in Marseille. The midfielder's creativity was sorely missed on Saturday, a groin injury keeping him out of the goalless home draw with Fulham FC which left Liverpool second in the Premier League, behind Chelsea FC on goal difference. Gerrard's manager Rafael Benítez said: "He was training today and he's available. It depends on the player but clearly he is fit so he can play if necessary."

'Very difficult'
A draw would also send Liverpool through to the last 16 if Atlético, level with the Reds on eight points at the head of the section, do not lose to PSV Eindhoven in Madrid, but Benítez – whose side lost 1-0 at home to Marseille in last season's group stage – warned: "They have skilful, dangerous players and we have experience of them from last season. After the draw [was made] people were talking about this being an easy game, but after watching them on the pitch we knew it would be very difficult." The Spaniard insisted lessons had been learned from the weekend, adding: "We were analysing why it happened and we know we have to improve. There was a lack of intensity and we have to change this."

Victory vital
Marseille's 3-0 home success against PSV last time out kept them in contention, but they must beat Liverpool to stay in the competition. Inspiration can be taken from their victory at Anfield a year ago, but the goalscorer on that occasion, Mathieu Valbuena, has a knee strain and is set to miss out. Thigh injuries may also rule out defender Elamin Erbate and midfielder Modeste M'Bami, although Karim Ziani should rejoin Marseille's midfield following a groin injury, while defender Julien Rodriguez is available again after a long-term ankle problem but is short of match fitness.

'Something special'
The French team drew 2-2 at home to LOSC Lille Métropole on Sunday, slipping down to third in Ligue 1, six points behind leaders Olympique Lyonnais. Coach Erik Gerets admitted: "We know it will be extremely difficult [on Wednesday] but we did something special last season and we will try to do the same thing again." The visit to Merseyside last October was the Belgian's first game in charge of OM and he is keeping his tactical options open in the sequel. "There are two possibilities: you either go for broke, really risk everything and attack Liverpool to put them under pressure, or you let them come on to you and soak up pressure to try and create spaces behind them on the break," he explained. "We will see."