Lallana: We'll need everyone to chip in
Adam Lallana saw enough from Ludogorets Razgrad when they visited Anfield in September to know that the reigning Bulgarian champions will pose a stern test in Sofia tonight.
Despite being one of the tournament's rank outsiders when the draw was made in August, Ludogorets proved stubborn opposition against the Reds in their opening Group B fixture on Merseyside.
A staunch display forced Liverpool to leave it late before breaking the deadlock through Mario Balotelli - but sheer determination from the visitors hauled them level in the 90th minute when Dani Abalo struck.
Javier Manquillo's late surge led to a penalty being awarded and Steven Gerrard's composure from the spot sealed victory for the Reds; however, their opponents had laid down a marker performance-wise.
The Bulgarians went on to suffer a narrow home defeat by Real Madrid in their second tie before beating FC Basel at the Vasil Levski stadium in October.
Lallana featured for 67 minutes when Ludogorets played at Anfield and he believes Liverpool will need to a muster a substantial collective effort if they are to gain a much-needed victory tonight.
"We have beaten them once already but we can't underestimate them," the 26-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com. "They proved at Anfield that they are not a team to be underestimated.
"They deserve respect like any other team. As long as we go there and do our job professionally, hopefully we can get the three points.
"We're going away from home so we have got to be hard to beat and look to keep a clean sheet, because I'm confident we'll score. It's important that we all chip in, especially when we've not been playing too well.
"Goals have not been coming as freely as last year. It's important we lead from the front in defending as well and keep clean sheets, because we may not steamroller teams like last season.
"It's important that we find different ways of winning games, and that might be by keeping it tight and nicking it with one or two goals. A result there could kickstart our season.
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"We have been saying that for weeks now, but it's about time we made it happen. It's not going to be an easy game; they proved at Anfield that they are a tough and well-organised team. We're looking to put it right."
Lallana carved a fine assist for his long-time teammate Rickie Lambert to open the scoring against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, but the Eagles were resurgent in the game.
Neil Warnock's side hit three goals without reply in the capital to overturn an early deficit and inflict a fourth consecutive defeat on the Reds in all competitions.
"It was disappointing," reflected Lallana. "We had a chat after the game - we know we've got to turn it around. It's down to the players - we're responsible for the performances we're putting in and we're not getting the results at the minute.
"So it's hugely important that we put in a great performance and get the result on Wednesday night because it's massive to stay in the competition and take it to the last game."