Bookies bet against Reds strikeforce

Last updated : 23 July 2004 By Chris Maxwell
The Reds boss had insisted that he would not swap his star-studded forward-line of Euro 2004 Golden Boot winner Milan Baros, Anfield hero Michael Owen and £14m record buy Djibril Cisse for any other currently available in England.

While the Spaniard's confidence is understandable, bet365 are giving Liverpool fans a great opportunity to back their team at odds of 7/2 that Ciise and co will leave the rest trailing in their wake come August.

Spokesman Steve Freeth said: "Benitez has given his three main strikers a boost by saying he wouldn't swop them for anyone, but we have them at 7/2 to outscore their rivals.

"New signing Cisse has scored for fun in France over the last few years, Baros finished top scorer in Euro 2004 and an in-form Michael Owen knows where the back of the net is, so you can see why the manager has confidence in his strikers.

"We just want to take them on as Cisse is unproven outside France, Baros has yet to really produce it in the Premiership and Owen has been known to have the odd injury or two."