Liverpool vs. Lyon preview: Benitez in need of a boost

After their disappointing start to the season, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez knows he is under pressure to get results quickly, with the next two games likely to determine whether or not he will still be in his job.

In the Champions League tonight, the Reds take on in form French team Lyon, who have impressed in recent weeks, with striker Lisandro Lopez particulary in great form.

A defeat tonight would leave them struggling to qualify, with two tough away games to follow.

On Sunday another big game will take centre stage, with Manchester United coming to Anfield, in which a defeat would surely rule out any possibility of winning the title this season.

Benitez’s team have struggled to get going this season, with four league defeats already doubling their total for the whole of last season.

Xabi Alonso’s exit has effected them greatly, with his replacement Alberto Aquilani still recovering from injury.

The usually reliable Steven Gerrard has also been out of sorts, and the defence have also  been poor which is very unusual for a Benitez team.

This is in stark contrast to Lyon, who are beginning to show signs of a return to their best form, after a disappointing campaign last season.

Despite the loss of two key players in Karim Benzema and Juninho, they stand top of Ligue 1 and of their Champions League group.

A win tonight would all but put them through to the knock out stages, although they have only won once on British soil previously.

Benitez faces one of his toughest weeks as Liverpool manager. Winning both games this week will quieten his critics and give his team the lift they will need to push for honours this season.

Picture courtesy of Jspace3