Liverpool looking to avoid three Euro defeats in a row

Liverpool v Basle

Liverpool staged their 100th home European tie determined to avoid losing three consecutive games for only the second time in that century of matches.

After defeats in Leverkusen last season and Valencia last week, the Anfield outfit know another defeat will equal the dismal run of 33 years ago.

Back in the 1967-68 Liverpool lost two legs to Ferencvaros and then an away tie the following campaign against Athletic Bilbao – all in the Fairs Cup.

And if Liverpool lose tonight, qualification for the next stage will be a long shot. With Valencia victors at Spartak Moscow already today, this group B game is already effectively a battle for runners-up spot.

Basle, who won in Moscow last week, would open up a six-point gap over Gerard Houllier’s men if they win this one.

The Liverpool boss went with the front pair of Michael Owen and Milan Baros which played well on Saturday against West Brom – the only change from that victorious side is Emile Heskey, who moves into midfield in place of the suspended Dietmar Hamann.

Stephane Henchoz, against his Swiss countrymen, played his 150th game for Liverpool.

The game represents a first visit to Anfield for Basle boss Christian Gross - who did not last long enough at Tottenham to experience more than a 3-3 White Hart Lane draw between the clubs.

Gross, White Hart Lane boss from November 1997 to May 1998, has led Basle to the Swiss double and their first appearance in the Champions League.

Gross recalled brothers Murat and Hakan Yakin and Argentinian striker Christian Gimenez, who were rested for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Neuchatel.