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'Red Issues' updated by Peter Talbot

Last updated : 19 March 2002 By Peter Talbot, Red Issues
Gerard Houllier's illness means there is no pressure on the club to win anything this season. But there is two months of the season left and we still find ourselves two points of the top of the Premiership and a win away from the Champions League quarter-finals.

Thommo
We have Thommo to thank for keeping us in with a shout
You would have to say that Phil Thompson has done a tremendous job this season to keep us up there. He, along with many players who will be challenging for player of the season, is the reason we are still challenging on two fronts.

If we beat Roma by two goals, we are into the quarter-finals, despite the media claiming that the last three Champions League games were "must-win" games. And we are still in with as good a chance as any to pick up the Premiership too.

Unfortunately, we are not competing for the FA Cup this season, but there is no shame in going out to, who I believe are by far the best team in the league at the moment, Arsenal.

I said earlier that there are a number of players competing for the player of the year award. The regulars of Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypia will obviously be in contention. But three players, who I believe don't get the recognition they deserve, are surely in with a chance - Dietmar Hamann, Stephane Henchoz and Jerzy Dudek.

I have praised Didi Hamann in one of my previous articles, listing the qualities he brings to the side. We do miss him when he's not playing and his suspension for the Roma game is a big blow.

It can't be easy for Stephane Henchoz living in the shadow - literally - of Sami Hyypia. Although, that's probably the way he would like to keep it! They are by far the best defensive partnership in the league and his performances have won just as many points for the club as Michael Owen's goals.

What can I say about Jerzy "The Dude" Dudek? One of Houllier's shrewdest signings. His performances have been first class and he has proven Houllier right in replacing Sander Westerveld.

Whatever happens in the remainder of the season, it promises to be exciting.
The match on Tuesday is a huge game and the atmosphere is bound to be electric. Lets hope it goes down as another night of European triumph at Anfield!