The Swiss side have beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham in home European matches in recent years and are the Reds’ main rivals to progress from Group B along with Real Madrid.
I worry for Liverpool. They were unconvincing in their opening victory against Ludogorets Razgrad and are struggling to find anything like the intensity in their play that we saw last season.
A defeat in Basel could see the Reds’ Champions League dream start to become a nightmare. I’m not sure if Rodgers even knows how to play for a draw, but they need to show some savvy that has been missing from their performances so far this season.
POCHETTINO BRAVERY SHOULD BE APPLAUDED
Finally, a word of praise for Mauricio Pochettino for his decision to throw in academy product Ryan Mason for his Premier League debut in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with north London rivals Arsenal on Saturday.
Mason, 23, could have been forgiven for thinking that his chance had passed him by but immediately caught Pochettino’s eye with his performances in pre-season training and tour matches in the United States.
In fact, Mason was in line to start for Spurs in their opening day clash against West Ham but was ruled out through injury.
That Pochettino selected Mason on Saturday over the likes of Mousa Dembele and Paulinho reflects the bravery, faith in youth and system of meritocracy that convinced Tottenham to hire him in the first place. (goal.com) [eap_ad_3]
