The focus of Tuesday's newspapers remains firmly on Liverpool and Rafa Benitez, with the Champions League clash against Lyon taking on paramount importance following a fourth Premier League defeat of the season against Sunderland at the weekend.

Various sources describe how the pressure is steadily building on Benitez after a poor start to the season and a fourth defeat in a row in all competitions would certainly be a huge setback. But Henry Winter, writing in the Telegraph, leads the Anfield rallying cry by appealing to the club's glorious European heritage. In 'Rafael Benítez must summon some Liverpool passion', Fleet Street's most dapper correspondent sets the scene perfectly.

"It is an occasion for emotion, not logic, for the passion of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, not the cold tactical precision of Rafael Benítez. The players must look to the Anfield stands, spotting old faithfuls such as David Fairclough. They must listen to the Kop in full, beseeching voice and find inspiration to beat dangerous foe from France and jump-start their season.

"Liverpool have been down this boulevard before, overcoming adversity and St-Etienne on a cacophonous night in 1977, the roof almost lifting off when Fairclough, weaving past opponents, sent Bob Paisley's men into the European Cup semi-finals as the Kop chanted "Allez les Rouges''.

"They had a strong team out against St-Etienne, Keegan, Toshack and Heighway all leading the charge before Fairclough's astonishing late contribution, intensifying his "super-sub'' reputation. Sometimes, the game plan goes out of the window and a team survive on raw emotion. Since St-Etienne, Anfield has witnessed events when the sheer guts of adrenalin-filled players such as Gerrard and Carragher accounted for Olympiakos and Chelsea.

"Lyon's visit is only a group-stage encounter yet it feels a make-or-break game for Benítez's side. Winded by an inflatable pitch invader at Sunderland in the Premier League, defeated last time out at Fiorentina in the Champions League, Liverpool know they cannot falter tonight. The Premier League title already looks beyond them. Only Europe offers salvation."

Sticking with Liverpool, the Guardian alerts us to a potential prank brewing in Manchester. Apparently a certain item of Liverpool merchandise has sold out at the club's shop following the infamous intervention of a beach ball on Saturday and it is believed that United fans have been enthusiastically buying them up ahead of the meeting between the two great rivals at the weekend.

Andy Hunter explains how Anfield stewards will be on the lookout for any inflatables, fearing an ironic tribute from the travelling supporters on Sunday.

"Liverpool have sold out of the £10 "Beach Set" that diverted the team's title prospects at Sunderland and will search Manchester United supporters for any offending items, including beach balls, before Sunday's Premier League clash at Anfield.

"The club's online store has experienced a rush on the 'Beach Set' package following Darren Bent's winning goal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, when his shot struck a Liverpool-crested beach ball and ricocheted beyond goalkeeper José Reina. United supporters are suspected of being behind the increased demand for Liverpool beach products, with a 'tribute' to Bent's goal planned but risk having them confiscated at the turnstiles on Sunday. 'It will be the normal search policy,' said a Liverpool spokesperson."