Unless Liverpool overcome Debrecen, a side that have yet to score a point in Group E while conceding more goals (14) than anyone else in the competition, the Premier League side can forget about going any further. Liverpool have won just once in their last 10 game. Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City only added to Benitez’s headache with Daniel Agger needing five stitches for a head wound while Ryan Babel limped off with an ankle injury. Liverpool are already without Fernando Torres but are confident Glen Johnson will have recovered.

Barcelona also in danger

Barcelona’s reign as defending champions could be over if they lose at home to Inter Milan and Rubin Kazan beat Dynamo Kiev. The fact that Lionel Messi was one of six players who missed training on Sunday added to Guardiola’s woes. Barcelona go into the game in third place in the group with five points, one behind Inter. Rubin also have five points and can make it eight when they host Kiev. Even if Barca finish level on points with Rubin, the head-to-head record would give the Russians the edge.

Arsenal need only a point at home to third place Standard Liege to reach the last 16. Four points behind, Olympiakos hold second place and travel to last place AZ Alkmaar. In Group G, second-place Unirea host leaders Sevilla, while Stuttgart visits Rangers.