KEY POINTS:
The road to Moscow will become a little clearer for many of Europe's top soccer clubs this week as they clear some of the last remaining obstacles to join Arsenal and Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions League.
For AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid, one point will suffice but for others, the journey has become a white-knuckle ride.
Two defeats and a draw from their first three matches in Group A left Liverpool in the mire and needing a Houdini-like escape act to stay alive.
Three victories were required and while Besiktas were duly thumped a record 8-0 at Anfield in the last round, group leaders Porto will prove a far sterner test.
The slick Portuguese can secure their knockout round place with a win, although a draw would be sufficient if Besiktas do not beat Marseille.
Portuguese clubs have troubled Liverpool before, but manager Rafael Benitez believes the situation could work in his side's favour.
Valencia's prospects are even bleaker than Liverpool's as their fate is not even in their own hands.
They sit bottom with three points and must beat Schalke at home to have any chance of making progress.
Group leaders Chelsea will be wary of a trip to surprise package Rosenborg after the Norwegians drew at Stamford Bridge and beat Valencia home and away.
A win would send Chelsea through but Rosenborg will be fired-up with a last 16 place within touching distance.
All four Italian heavyweights are in good shape. Milan travel to Benfica in Group D knowing a draw will be enough, Inter host Fenerbahce in a match that will result in qualification for whoever wins.
Lazio are at home to Olympiakos with three points probably enough and Roma will surely beat a dispirited Dinamo Kiev in a freezing Ukraine.
The stakes will be high at Celtic Park where Celtic play Shakhtar Donetsk. Both have six points and whoever wins will be favourites to join Milan in the next round.
Sevilla will be hoping Arsenal rest some of their big names when they host the already-qualified English leaders. After defeat in their Champions League debut by the Gunners, Sevilla have recovered well and victory could even allow them to snatch top spot in Group H.
- REUTERS
