Juventus
Anfield boss Rafael Benitez has called for Liverpool and Juventus to look to the future as close friends as the clubs prepare for an emotional first meeting since the Heysel disaster. Benitez is acutely aware of the history and emotions that will surround the Champions League fixture at Anfield. "All of us, the people around the team and the club, have the same idea," said Benitez. "This is the opportunity to be closer as clubs and to talk about football all the time, rather than what happened in the past. "I want our fans to support us all the time, and hopefully to enjoy our victory. We must concentrate on football because it is the only way to help people in this situation. "The players are aware of the situation, but they were all very young when it happened.
The best thing they can do to help is to play as well as possible and at the end of the game to talk of football and not other problems. That is the best thing for everyone. He added: "We are aware of how important the game is for the fans and their families. But if you want to help people you must talk about positive things and the future. "Only positive words can help those who experienced the tragedy from both clubs, we must talk of the future and not the past because we cannot change that. "I recall watching the game and seeing the problems. Now I know the best thing is to think of the future and a good relationship between the clubs. "There must be no problems, we want to make this a great occasion and then move on to other matches and other things. "As a club we have done all the things we need to do at this moment. My job is to prepare the team and to make sure they play as well as possible. "Now we all want, and that is from both clubs, is a better relationship for the future." Czech striker Milan Baros summed up the feelings of the players about what will be an emotional night. He said: "I obviously can't remember what happened at Heysel, I was only four years old. "But I have read about it and know what happened, and I feel that once the game starts it will be the match and result that will be the only thing on the players' minds. "Of course Juventus supporters will be welcome in Liverpool, and we know that everyone will be thinking about what happened 20 years ago before the game. "Yes, I know it is more than a football match. But I was very young and only know what I have been told. "Of course it was very sad what went on, and I know the Italian fans will be very welcome here." Baros will return to the line-up - the Czech striker is currently serving a three-match domestic ban but is able to play in Europe. Midfielder Dietmar Hamann is likely to miss both matches with a knee injury and Fernando Morientes and Mauricio Pellegrino are cup-tied, so Sami Hyypia will return to the defence. Benitez will also make a late decision on whether to bring back Jerzy Dudek, who missed the 1-0 win over Bolton with a hamstring strain, or stick with his understudy Scott Carson.