GROUP E

LIVERPOOL are clinging on for their dear lives as far as Champions League qualification is concerned.

In fact, even if they win their match against Hungarian minnows Debrecen in their penultimate group game today morning (Singapore time), they are not assured of a spot in the knockout round in February.

For if Fiorentina win their home game against already-qualified Lyon, then the Italian side goes through at Liverpool's expense.

It takes a brave man to deny that the Reds are virtually out of the competition.

And a Liverpool away win is not a given.

Last Saturday's poor display in the 2-2 home draw against Manchester City shows that they have not yet turned the corner.

With just one win in their last 10 matches, the confidence of the players is possibly at an all-time low in Rafael Benitez's reign.

The spate of injuries that has hit the club is showing no signs of dissipating, with Ryan Babel and Daniel Agger substituted during the Man City game because of injuries, although the latter could make a return for this upcoming game.

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Babel was left at home with a twisted ankle. So too, Fernando Torres who's nursing a groin injury. Glen Johnson (calf) and Jamie Carragher face late fitness checks.

Skipper Steven Gerrard could take another pain-killing injection just to play.

Missing several top players, the demoralised side will not find it easy against a Debrecen side which limited the Reds to a 1-0 win at Anfield in September.

Yes, Liverpool still look too experienced to drop yet more points. But even a win is unlikely to rescue their campaign.

The Reds have only themselves to blame for being in the plight they are in.

Lyon under pressure to go all out?

IF IT'S of any consolation for Liverpool, there could be some pressure on Lyon to go out to beat Fiorentina.

During the World Cup Play-offs, France eliminated Ireland with a goal in extra-time, one which had Ireland up in arms as France striker Thierry Henry handled the ball twice before setting up the goal for William Gallas.

As a result, there should be plenty of attention on French club Lyon, who have already made it to the knockout stage. Many believe that if they field a second-string side or take it easy against Fiorentina, it will do the image of French football even more damage.

Fiorentina need a draw to be virtually sure of progress, and a win to be absolutely certain that Liverpool are eliminated.

Said Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez: 'I don't know if the Henry incident will affect Lyon, but it could be good for us.

'If they want to show everyone in the world they are good professionals and want to win every game, it would be good.'

However, Fiorentina have a side capable of defeating Lyon under any circumstance anyway. With 11 goals scored, they are the joint top-scorers in the Champions League group stage, along with Real Madrid.

The only game they lost so far was to Lyon - a 1-0 defeat in France.

GARY LIM

What chances of a Debrecen upset?

DEBRECEN'S first foray into the Champions League group stage is proving to be anything but a fairytale.

The first Hungarian club to make it to this phase since Ferencvaros in 1995, they are still without a point after four matches.

A look at the form guide paints a rather bleak picture for the team.

With the worst defence among all the participants - they have let in 14 goals so far - they are going to have a hard time against Liverpool.

Even the advantage of home support doesn't seem to be of any help.

In their previous two home games, they lost 4-0 to Lyon and 4-3 to Fiorentina. Their last match ended in a 5-2 defeat away to Fiorentina.

Even though Liverpool will be visiting with a depleted side, the Hungarian club may find it difficult to avoid a loss.

But if they can keep the scoreline down, it will nevertheless be a killer-blow to Liverpool should the progress to the next stage be eventually decided on goal difference.

GARY LIM

THE EQUATION

SCENARIO ONE:

Liverpool win (against Debrecen), Fiorentina lose (to Lyon)

This is the best scenario for the Reds. It leaves Liverpool needing a win in their final group game against Fiorentina to be certain of a passage to the next stage.

SCENARIO TWO:

Liverpool win, Fiorentina draw.

This is the most complicated scenario.

Liverpool must next beat Fiorentina to match their tally of 10 points.

A victory by a one-goal margin will end in elimination for Liverpool. This is because Fiorentina inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the Reds earlier, which means Liverpool go out on goal difference between them.

If Liverpool manage a win over Fiorentina by a three-goal margin or more, Liverpool are assured of progress.

But if Liverpool next beat Fiorentina by 2-0 - then qualification will be decided by overall goal difference. Should Fiorentina sneak an away goal at Anfield, then the Reds must beat them by at least three goals.

SCENARIO THREE:

Liverpool win, Fiorentina win.

Liverpool are out because Fiorentina will have an unassailable five-point lead with one match left to play.

SCENARIO FOUR:

Liverpool draw or lose.

It's bye-bye, Liverpool, too.

It doesn't matter what happens in the Fiorentina-Lyon match.

GARY LIM