BORDEAUX .......

.... coach Ricardo Gomes is shouldering the blame for his side's poor start to the season.

They have already lost 4 times in Ligue 1, which is only one less than they suffered in the whole of last season. Without a goal and with just one point from their opening two group games they will be forced to go looking for the win at some stage tonight and Liverpool, with Pennant and Bellamy, have the pace to exploit them.

Both teams are weakened by injuries, but I am happier with the options available to Rafael Benitez, who seems far more confortable in Europe. He has already tasted victory at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, his Valencia side winning in the UEFA Cup quarter final of 2003-04.

Bordeaux had little idea how to break down the resolute PSV defence in their last CL game and it is hard to see how they will find things any easier tonight. They have a dismal recent record in Europe and it is not about to get any better.

Probable teams....

Bordeaux: Ulrich Ramé; Franck Jurietti, Henrique, David Jemmali, Florian Marange; Geraldo Mauricio Wendel, Fernando Menegazzo, Johan Micoud, Rio Antonio Mavuba; Lilian Laslandes, Jean-Claude Darcheville.

Liverpool: Pepe Reina; Steve Finnan, Sami Hyypiä, Jamie Carragher, John Arne Riise; Luis García, Boudewijn Zenden, Xabi Alonso, Jermaine Pennant; Peter Crouch, Craig Bellamy.

4 points Liverpool level ball asian line 1.83.

Good Luck.