Anfield anything but United

Victory over their bitter rivals can't mask the disharmony between Liverpool's factions.

Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa, left, battles with Carlos Tevez of Manchester United on Saturday.

LIVERPOOL // As the television cameras panned to the directors' box at Anfield, George Gillett mouthed, rather unconvincingly, the words to Liverpool's club anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone". If not quite as embarrassing as Tom Hicks' interview last season, professing his love for the city of Liverpool in an insincere Texan drawl, the American's first appearance on Merseyside for nine months merely served as a reminder that neither of the co-owners has the club in their DNA. Defeating their bitterest rivals, Manchester United, is one thing. Ending their internal squabbles seems tougher altogether. As Liverpool prepare to face Marseille tonight in their quest to conquer Europe for a sixth time, it is to a backdrop of in-fighting. The influential fans' group, Spirit of Shankly, organised the march in protest against the owners from across the Atlantic. With the delay in building a new stadium and Jamie Carragher, defensive totem and the most credible critic of the owners, branding them "two ruthless businessmen who saw us as a moneymaking opportunity", there is no doubt supporters would welcome a takeover by a more fan-friendly investment group - but long-term suitors Dubai Investment Capital have now ended their interest in the club. This appears a week when old wounds have been reopened. In truth, they never healed. Liverpool last went to Marseille in December, winning 4-0, at a time of speculation about Rafa Benitez's future and amid demonstrations against the owners. The Spaniard is secure because the warring factions have reached gridlock, but little else has changed apart from Gillett's improved attendance record. He will watch a second game in four days at the Stade Velodrome tonight. Having met representatives of Spirit of Shankly on Saturday, he also talked to Benitez. "We spoke about the team, the club, everything and it was positive, nothing special," said the Spaniard. Beating Manchester United was a vindication of the manager, but the PR battle continues. In his self-congratulatory column in the club's official magazine, Rick Parry reflected somewhat smugly on Liverpool's summer dealings. He may not have been echoing Benitez's thoughts. While Albert Riera enjoyed an auspicious debut, the left winger's arrival was a consequence of the failure to buy Gareth Barry and an inability to sell Xabi Alonso for the required fee. Together with Javier Mascherano, Alonso excelled on Saturday and at least now Benitez finds himself with the right kind of selection dilemma. Liverpool were branded a two-man team, but they overcame the European champions when neither of that duo - Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres - started. With both closer to full fitness after groin and hamstring problems, there is the likelihood that someone will be harshly omitted. Mascherano's calf problem is the only new concern, but his absence would be significant, as Benitez said: "The work-rate of Javier Mascherano in the midfield is amazing. He gives the others more freedom. If you play with Gerrard you know the fact Javier is around gives him more room. Momo Sissoko covered a lot of ground, but Javier has better positioning usually as well, and has the experience." Liverpool will find similarities upon their arrival in Marseille. Both are working-class ports notable for a passion for football and blighted by poverty. Perhaps familiarity enabled each club to triumph away from home in last season's meetings. "We must not show must not show any inferiority complex," said midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, who scored Marseille's winner at Anfield. In the other Anglo-French encounter, Chelsea face Bordeaux. It marks the continental debut of Luiz Felipe Scolari who, having won the major competition in international football, now has to do likewise in the club game. The Brazilian's predecessor, Avram Grant, reached the Champions League final and that was not enough to keep him in employment. "The Champions League is not more important than the Carling Cup," he insisted, though few will believe that. John Terry, who has unfinished business with the Champions League after scuffing the penalty in the final that could have taken the trophy to Stamford Bridge, said: "I feel last season's experience has toughened me up. It had to make me tougher mentally." Didier Drogba, a substitute at Manchester City on Saturday, is fit again but suspended after his red card against Manchester United in Moscow. That means Nicolas Anelka, whose tame spot kick ultimately allowed United to triumph, should lead the line against his compatriots. [e-mail]