We've already played the Peasants (what a great nickname) in the group stage and had it been a knockout round, we'd have advanced 2-0 aggregate. The first leg of that affair was marked with a few bar bangers, but the overall excitement level was that of a church youth group pizza party. Most notable of the match was the absence of each club's skipper, Gerrard eventually coming on with 18 minutes remaining and Cocu missing the entire game due to suspension. In the second leg at Anfield, a 2-0 win for the 'Pool, injuries plagued our effort with Xabi, Gonzo, and Pennant all going down in the match, with Gonzo's being the most serious with a torn hamstring. Cocu missed this match as well, due to illness and Momo was out with the shoulder injury he suffered earlier in the month against Birmingham City. Here are the goals from that match:
The only thing that worries me about this draw is if we underestimate PSV Eindhoven. Hopefully the memory of Benfica will be fresh in our players' minds. Sissoko will not be available for the first leg due to suspension, but as long as we have a healthy Mascherano or even former Peasant, Bolo, we should be fine. It's comforting to know that the second leg is at Anfield, where if we need a miracle we at least have a chance as long as Stevie G plays.