Former Red predicts tense battle

"I've liked watching Liverpool at times this season," said the former Liverpool man, who now works for the Spanish media. "There have been times when they've looked particularly good, and there have been times when they've left me with the sensation that I'd like to get hold of them and say 'Do a bit more'.

"I don't think tonight will mean any more to Rafael Benitez just because the opposition are Spanish. It's a Spanish team, so obviously it will mean something to him but I don't think it will mean more than any other Champions League match.

"I do think it will be tense and one of those games where both teams might be frightened of losing. I think Luis Garcia is going to be important because he is a spontaneous sort of player.

"Deportivo have had an awful start to the season, but they always know how to bounce back. They've been like Joe Frazier always coming back and landing the heavy punch.

"I hope Liverpool beat them to it tonight."