Top strikers on show in Rome

In what promises to be a thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter between AS Roma and Liverpool FC tonight, two of the top strikers in the world will come face to face in the Olimpico stadium. Michael Owen, in electric form this season, and Gabriel Batistuta, a forward who needs little introduction, will undoubtedly be the focal points in this crucial Group B tie.

'The best'
Owen, on 98 goals in his Liverpool career and with 19 in as many matches for club and country this term, is in the form of his life. But he is also respectful of Batistuta's abilities and offered the Argentinian high praise ahead of the Rome match. "There is no doubt in my mind that from the point of view of finishing and making incisive runs, Batistuta has to be the best there is," Owen said. "I have to say it was one of the highlights of my career being on the same pitch as him. He is world class, a fantastic striker who would score in any team."

Team effort
Liverpool's caretaker manager Phil Thompson, in charge in the absence of Gérard Houllier, recognises the attacking options that Owen offers but was quick to point out that Liverpool's success this season is due to fine team performances and not the work of one player. "Michael Owen is a world-renowned name and obviously they will need to stop him," said Thompson. "But we do have others within the team who can score goals and damage them. That is important for us. Just stopping Owen is not the key."

Sweet revenge?
Roma will be seeking revenge tonight, following defeat in their two previous meetings in European competition. Defeat in the 1983/84 European Champion Clubs' Cup final was followed by another Liverpool victory in the fourth round of last season's UEFA Cup. Liverpool will be hoping to eradicate the memory of their 3-1 defeat at the hands of FC Barcelona on Matchday Seven, while Roma will be keen to build on the point they earned against Galatasaray SK in Turkey.

Totti starts
Francesco Totti has recovered from the ankle injury he suffered in training on Monday and takes his place alongside Batistuta in attack. Brazilian defender Cafu is out of the game after failing to recover from the knee injury and is replaced by Gianni Guigou. Roma coach Fabio Capello has opted for a 3-5-2 formation, with Francisco Lima playing a holding role behind the midfield central pair of Damiano Tommasi and Brazilian Emerson da Rosa.

Hamann returns
Liverpool have been boosted by the return from suspension of Dietmar Hamann and he replaces Gary McAllister in the centre of midfield. Grégory Vignal (broken foot), Marcus Babbel (virus) and Nick Barmby (ankle) are all missing from the squad. Owen and Emile Heskey continue their fruitful partnership up front, while Jari Litmanen's place on the bench is confirmed following the sale of Robbie Fowler to Leeds United AFC.