Akopolis now - let's come back as European champions, urges Gerrard - Sport

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The skipper's headed goal launched a spectacular recovery that ended with a penalty shoot-out victory over Milan two years ago.

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Jump to it: Liverpool skipper Gerrard will demand heroic performances from his team in Athens tonight

He led from the front yesterday with a rousing battle cry for another showdown with the Italians in Athens' Olympic Stadium.

Bolo Zenden has declared himself fit to patrol the left flank after hastening his recovery from an ankle injury with acupuncture, while Jermaine Pennant is expected to start on the right with Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso in the middle.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is ready to exploit Gerrard's match-winning qualities in a forward role after working on a 4-4-1-1 system this week.

The England midfielder, who will play just behind lone striker Dirk Kuyt, gave an insight into the pep talk he will deliver before kick-off.

He said: "The players do not want to come back from Athens upset and with regrets that we have not brought the Cup home.

"We want to make history, be heroes and come home winners.

"To win one final was absolutely magnificent. To do it twice would be really special.

"The expectation level is exactly the same as in Istanbul.

"The same prize is there to be won, that is what we are aiming for. Two years ago, we even shocked ourselves by winning it and we had to accept we were not necessarily the best team in Europe.

"This time reaching the final was our minimum expectation and if we win it again, it will put us up there with the great European teams."

Best foot forward: Steven Gerrard stretches during training yesterday

Benitez, bowing to superstition, sent his players tenpin bowling yesterday, echoing their preparations in Istanbul, but he insisted luck played no part in their run towards a sixth European Cup.

"We are there on merit and all we need to do in the final is to avoid conceding an early goal and concentrate on the things we are good at," he said.

"No-one needs to try and produce the greatest piece of skill the game has ever seen, or dribble the ball out of the area or do something that will be remembered for ever.

"If we stick to our strengths, we will have a great chance."