'The Kop will make it so tough for Basel'
Stephane Henchoz believes FC Basel could be in for a tough night at Anfield on Tuesday, predicting that the roar of the Kop will inspire Liverpool in their quest for Champions League qualification.
The former Reds defender played 36 times in the European Cup and UEFA Cup for the club, and therefore knows well how the crowd can make a significant difference when occasions demand a performance from their team.
He was part of the side that successfully secured a result over AS Roma at Anfield in 2002, for example, on the night Gerard Houllier returned from illness - and hopes for more of the same this evening.
"I believe it will be a special night," Henchoz told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I played against Roma and we had to win by two clear goals. The atmosphere definitely made the difference on the night because I don't think we were a better team than Roma.
"They were a very strong team with [Fabio] Capello as their manager. They were the Italian champions but that night when they came to Anfield they were surprised.
"When they came onto the pitch I'm sure they never expected an atmosphere like that - for us it was a massive boost and for them it was very difficult.
"You always try to focus on your task. You do your best and you know what you have to do, but when you have the support of the crowd like that you do feel it, and it's the same when they are against you.
"If you haven't scored after around 25 minutes you feel the crowd is getting impatient and it makes your life harder, but on Tuesday night the crowd will definitely be the 12th man for Liverpool.
"I think it will be very difficult for Basel. They have a young team and their players will definitely not have experienced an atmosphere like they will on Tuesday night."
That said, the 2001 treble winner also issued a word of warning against complacency, adding: "I think Liverpool will start very strong with a fast pace and it will be an electric atmosphere at Anfield.
"It's important that Liverpool take the game by the scruff of the neck because Basel can play. If you let them play they can keep the ball and they have got a few good players who can hurt you, especially up front.
"They've got three good strikers in Marco Streller, Breel Embolo, who is a very young lad who is talented, and Shkelzen Gashi, who all score goals in the Swiss league. They can hurt you so it's very important for Liverpool to start strong and to press Basel."