Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has acknowledged the magnitude of his side's potential make-or-break clash with Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.
The Reds are left with it all to play for heading into their final Group E fixture after relinquishing a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 away to Sevilla a fortnight ago.
Spartak travel to Anfield sitting third in the standings and three points adrift of their opponents, who wasted numerous chances to only draw 1-1 when the sides last met in September.
A draw will be enough for Liverpool to progress through to the last 16, while three points may be needed to finish top, and Klopp is under no illusion just how important a positive result is on Wednesday night.
"It's 'the' game. 'The' game. It's a home game, and if we win we are through so that's cool," he told reporters. "I'm really looking forward to it. They have important players back, so it will be an exciting game and that's how the Champions League should be. I don't want to make it bigger than it is but it's very big.
"I don't think about Sunday already, we have enough time. We will not hesitate to line up our best team. We will line up for this game and we cannot line up for the derby as well. I think the atmosphere can and should help us tomorrow, we all know how special this place can be and that's what I'm looking for.
"Thank God it's a little bit cold so everybody needs to move to keep warm! I'm really excited about the opportunity. You don't have guarantees in life, the only thing is if you don't try, you get nothing."
Sevilla, two points above Spartak and one below Liverpool, travel to Maribor in their final group-stage outing.
Daniel Lewis
