Dumped out of the FA Cup in January and miles off the pace in the Premier League - Liverpool's season now rests on success in Europe.
Yet another stumbling block in Jurgen Klopp's plans is that their European knockout adventure begins with a tough test against Julian Nagelsmann's RB Leipzig - who come into their last-16 tie against the Reds in fine form.
Last season's Champions League semi-finalists have won five out of their last six games in all competitions as they continue to put the pressure on perennial winners Bayern Munich at the top of German domestic football.