Aldridge: Recreate Chelsea atmosphere
John Aldridge has urged Reds fans to recreate the special atmosphere of European nights gone by when Zenit St Petersburg visit Anfield on Thursday.
Liverpool trail the Russian side 2-0 following last week's Europa League first leg but the former striker says the supporters can help alter the tie in the return.
"I can't remember a really special atmosphere at Anfield this season and it's time to put that right against Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday night," the 54-year-old told the Liverpool Echo.
"If Liverpool are going to advance to the last 16 of the Europa League then Kopites will have a big part to play.
"This is the one cup competition we've got left to play for and everyone has to give it everything they've got - supporters as well as players.
"Brendan Rodgers' side need the 12th man from the first minute until the last. We've seen in the past on those famous nights against the likes of Bruges, St Etienne, Auxerre and Chelsea what a difference that backing can make.
"The fans need to intimidate Zenit. That noise will inspire Liverpool and could make the Russians crumble."
The Irishman acknowledged that the challenge facing Liverpool is 'really tough' but observed signs in the opening encounter that Zenit could leak goals.
"It's going to be really tough and we have to keep a clean sheet," Aldridge continued.
"If we can get an early goal then it will be game on. But if we concede then the tie is basically over as to score four goals against Zenit would be a massive ask.
"What gives me hope is that I thought their defence looked vulnerable in the first leg.
"We should have been a couple of goals up at half-time but didn't have our shooting boots as some great chances went begging."
The Reds have won four of their last five fixtures at home and Aldridge believes that recent form and the result against Swansea in particular can boost their hopes of a comeback.
He said: "The 5-0 thrashing of Swansea was ideal preparation for Zenit. A lot was made about the fact that Michael Laudrup rested players ahead of their cup final but you have to give Liverpool credit.
"We were excellent and made Swansea look poor in the same way as we made Fulham, Norwich and Sunderland look poor when we put them to the sword at Anfield in recent months.
"When we pass the ball around like that and take our chances then we look a very good side.
"We've put three past Sunderland, four past Fulham and five past both Norwich and Swansea. The one blip at home was the defeat to West Brom last Monday which was a freak result.
"In general there are signs of making Anfield a fortress again.
"We've already won more home games than we did last season so that shows you how far we have come. We're taking teams apart and getting back to what it should be like.
"The mentality has to be right from the start against Zenit. Let's get at them and demonstrate that Anfield is once again an intimidating place to come and play."