Liverpool or Atletico Madrid could book their place in the last 16 when they meet at Anfield.
Reds have fingers crossed for return of Torres
Liverpool or Atletico Madrid could book their place in the knockout stages of this season's UEFA Champions League when they meet at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Both sides are on seven points at the top of Group D and a victory on Merseyside, combined with a PSV Eindhoven defeat at Marseille, would secure a place in the last 16.
Liverpool - who suffered their first defeat of the season at Tottenham on Saturday - will hope to have star striker Fernando Torres back at their disposal as they bid to reach the latter rounds.
The Spaniard is desperate to face his former club but is in a race against time to recover fitness after spending five matches on the sidelines and manager Rafa Benitez is set to make a late decision on the forward's status.
However, Atletico will be eager for their former employee to miss out as they bid to capitalise on rattled confidence by causing a European upset.
Threat
Coach Javier Aguirre - who will begin a two-game touchline ban imposed by Uefa - was unfortunate not to see his Primera Liga outfit take three points from Liverpool in the corresponding fixture at the Vicente Calderon in October and he is again likely to have his side offering an attacking threat.
Torres is Liverpool's only major concern, with Albert Riera expected to maintain his place on the left wing after overcoming a muscle complaint to start against Spurs.
Fabio Aurelio could come in for Andrea Dossena at left-back, while Xabi Alonso is expected to be the man to make way if Torres is deemed fit.
Centre-back Martin Skrtel remains on the long-term injury list and Denmark international Daniel Agger, who Benitez is eager to secure on a long-term contract, should keep his place.
Atletico attacker Sergio Aguero, who scored twice in Saturday's 2-0 win against Mallorca, will start, while former Liverpool players Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama Pongolle should also feature at their old home.
Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet (thigh) has returned to fitness. Czech international centre-back Tomas Ujfalusi and Greece defender Giourkas Seitaridis are both injured.
