Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told his players to tackle tomorrow's Europa League last-16 first-leg tie against Lille as if it was their "most important game of the season."

Considering the state of the current campaign, the Spaniard's comments have more than a ring of truth to them. After Monday's dismal performance in a 1-0 defeat to Wigan - described by Benitez as "a blip" - the Reds' hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League have diminished considerably. As a result the Europa League - a consolation prize for an early exit from this season's Champions League - represents the club's only realistic chance of success.

"A game right now will be a chance for the players to show their character," said Benitez. "The last 10 games we have been all right. We had character, everyone was working hard, helping each other and working together. It was a surprise and hopefully this result (Wigan) is just a blip and we will see the real Liverpool on Thursday."

But there are two sides to the story: maybe their confidence is decreasing but they now know the importance of the Europa League and winning it will be one of their objectives.
Lille coach Rudi Garcia on the perils of playing the wounded Reds

Defender Fabio Aurelio is still sidelined with a thigh strain and midfielder Yossi Benayoun will miss out after suffering an ankle knock in that match against Wigan.

Lille look to up the pressure
Lille coach Rudi Garcia is not reading too much into Liverpool's latest defeat. "Liverpool are a big team and big teams are always there," said Garcia. "We cannot under-estimate them, but we'll see if they perform again like they did against Wigan.

"It will be difficult (for us) after this more-than-average game they had against Wigan," he said. "But there are two sides to the story: maybe their confidence is decreasing but they now know the importance of the Europa League and winning it will be one of their objectives.

"Liverpool are probably the most legendary team in England, but then again maybe we have to write our own story the way St Etienne did when they played them in the quarter-finals back in the 1970s. We will see that maybe when we play at Anfield, but it is magical to play against such a team," he continued.

Lille will be without defenders Nicolas Plestan and Mathieu Debuchy, and forwards Tulio de Melo and Gervinho - all out injured - for tomorrow's tie.