Glenn Hysen previews Fiorentina clash

Ahead of Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Fiorentina we spoke to Glenn Hysen, a man who played alongside Roberto Baggio with La Viola before featuring in Liverpool's last title-winning side.

Hello Glenn. As a man who has played for both Fiorentina and Liverpool, what will your emotions be when they lock horns on Tuesday night?
 
Well there's no doubt about it, I feel more for Liverpool. I had three great years with the Reds and I've followed them ever since. Fiorentina was okay but I had a great life when I lived on Merseyside and want Liverpool to win in Florence.
 
Are we right to assume you are still a keen follower of both English and Italian football?
 
Well, I don't take too much interest in Serie A if I'm honest. I watch the Barclays Premier League every week because it's the best in the world.
 
What can you tell us about Fiorentina?
 
Well they've got a decent team. They have (Alberto) Gilardino and (Adrian) Mutu but I don't think they are as strong as Liverpool. I expect the Reds to qualify in first position and ease into the knockout stage.
 
How have La Viola fared in Serie A so far this season?
 
Well I know they made a good start and were in and around fifth place when I last looked. They are doing okay. It's difficult for them because they are always likely to be behind the big guns like Inter Milan and Juventus.
 
You've mentioned former Chelsea forward Mutu, he's one of their star performers isn't he?
 
Yes, he a good player and he forms a dangerous partnership with Gilardino. They've got an impressive front two but I still don't think they have enough to trouble Liverpool.
 
How much of a blow is it for them that Gilardino is out suspended?
 
It's a big blow for them. He's a fine player and he scores a lot of goals for them.
 
How do you see the match playing out on Tuesday night? Are you expecting a Liverpool win?
 
Yes. The three points is all that matters at the end of the day but I think they will win by a two or three nil scoreline.
 
You've said you expect Liverpool to qualify from Group E, but what about Fiorentina?
 
I think they can get second place. I suppose it will be a fight between them and Lyon for the runners-up spot. Like I say, I'm very confident Liverpool will win the group.
 
And finally, how far do you think the Reds can go in the Champions League this season? Will they make it all the way to the Bernabeu?
 
Yes, I think they can do it. They have a strong group and they can win it. They can win the Barclays Premier League too, but I've been saying that for 19 years! Hopefully this will be the year though and they will be crowned champions.