Liverpool vs. Basel: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Champions League Game

A decade and a day after Liverpool's famous must-win Champions League match against Olympiakos, the Reds face a similar scenario as FC Basel arrive at Anfield for the final game of the group stages.

Only a win will see Brendan Rodgers' side progress.

Having lost the corresponding fixture 1-0 in Switzerland earlier in the year, Liverpool will have their work cut out to get the victory they need against a Basel side who have won their last five Swiss league games in a row, conceding just once and scoring 14 in the process.

Indeed, Paulo Sousa's side have suffered just one defeat in their last nine games, in a narrow 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the last group match.

Meanwhile, Rodgers' side have stopped the rot lately, going four games unbeaten after four consecutive defeats in all competitions. The revival of form began with a draw in Bulgaria against Ludogorets Razgrad last time out in the competition.

We take a look at the key issues and decisions that will shape the crucial encounter for the Reds. 

Lucas as Holding Midfielder

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Liverpool's improved form and stability has been due to the long overdue decision to drop Steven Gerrard as the holding midfield player—whether used as the deepest midfielder or as a two-man pivot—and bring Lucas Leiva back in.

The Brazilian has added a much-needed defensive shield in front of Liverpool's fragile defence. His presence, along with the decision to drop Dejan Lovren and keep Kolo Toure in the side, has seen Liverpool pick up two clean sheets in their last three games.

Admittedly, this defensive stability has come at a cost at the other end, with the Reds unable to register a single shot on target in the first half against Stoke and Sunderland.

"

0 - For the second successive Premier League game at Anfield, there was no shot on target attempted by either side in the first half. Afraid

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 6, 2014"

Lucas impressed again in the stalemate against Sunderland, though, and he was one of the few to come out of the match with any credit.

He'll be needed to break up play in midfield, release the pressure on the centre-backs and provide the energy to push the side on. 

Gerrard's Role

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The return of Lucas has seen captain Steven Gerrard used behind the forward in a more attacking role. He was also rested for the games against Stoke City and Sunderland, the latter being with the Basel match very much in mind.

Gerrard shone in the second half of last week's win at Leicester City as the advanced midfielder, scoring the second goal from inside the box, getting into positions to threaten and showing more energy and drive after being rested in the game previous.

Gerrard will certainly start against Basel, that is not in doubt. He'll line up behind Rickie Lambert in attack, with Raheem Sterling offering the pace out wide.

Gerrard, despite now being 34 years old, is still Liverpool's main man for the big occasions. They will be hoping he can produce the magic on another big European night—just as he did against Olympiakos 10 years ago. 

Creative Players

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Rodgers' side against Basel appears to be relatively straightforward to predict.

He's very likely to play Gerrard just behind Lambert, Sterling on the left and Jordan Henderson on the right, while Lucas and Joe Allen line up as the two holding midfielders.

That, on paper, lacks creativity. However, it focusses on stability and ball retention.

It means no Adam Lallana or Philippe Coutinho in the starting XI, but the game plan will be to get Gerrard on the ball, use Sterling's pace out wide and have Henderson make runs from midfield into the box. 

Full-Backs

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With Kolo Toure surely set to continue alongside Martin Skrtel in defence, and Glen Johnson's place seemingly assured no matter what, the only question in defence is over which Spaniard gets the nod—Alberto Moreno or Javier Manquillo.

Moreno started against Sunderland, while Manquillo started at Leicester but was withdrawn at half-time.

Given Moreno's European experience with Sevilla last season, he will likely get the nod at left-back, with Johnson at right-back.

Borini on the Bench?

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With so much being written about the Olympiakos match 10 years ago, when the Reds won 3-1 to secure the two-goal margin required to progress on the road to Istanbul, it was two substitutes that night that helped change the game.

Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Neil Mellor both came off the bench and scored for Rafa Benitez's side.

However, Rodgers hasn't even named a forward on his bench in recent games, despite Fabio Borini being fit and available.

"That is a decision I make as a manager," Rodgers replied when asked about the forward’s absence on Saturday, as per The Press Association (via This Is Anfield).

Surely, needing a goal late on, Rodgers will want a forward on his bench?