I'll Take It!

In midweek, Liverpool welcomed the opening round of Group D in the Champions League, traveling to face Ligue 1 side Marseille.

After parting ways with Nasri, their standout midfield core from last season, Marseille's overall strength had not declined. If anything, it had quietly improved, because they had quickly signed the talented midfielder Ben Arfa from Lyon, while also bringing in Côte d'Ivoire winger Kone. The two players had cost Marseille a combined twenty million euros in transfer fees.

With greater strength came greater ambition.

In last season's Champions League Group Stage, Marseille had suffered a disastrous 0–4 defeat to Liverpool in the final group match and had ultimately been forced to drop into the UEFA Cup. Everyone at Marseille had been deeply frustrated by that.

Now back for another campaign and strengthened, the Ligue 1 powerhouse naturally wanted to make an impact at home.

Especially considering that, apart from Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Eindhoven both possessed the strength and qualifications to reach the Round of Sixteen, the Ligue 1 side was even more aware of the danger. They had to fight desperately in every match, especially at home.

Unlike the formidable Marseille, Liverpool had been heavily depleted lately.

The internationals had all traveled long distances to return to their countries and serve their national teams. After coming back, they had immediately battled Manchester United. Everyone was physically and mentally exhausted.

So Benitez made some appropriate rotations for this match.

In defense, with Carragher returning, Daniel Agger went back to the bench. Carragher partnered Skrtel in central defense, while Arbeloa and Aurélio took the two full-back positions.

In midfield, Mascherano and Lucas Leiva formed the Double Defensive Midfielders. Xabi Alonso and Gareth Barry were both left on the bench, while Gerrard started in the attacking-midfield role.

The front Trident