Match Prediction: Everton vs. LiverpooL

Home advantage has been the key to this classic derby clash in the last three seasons - with four of the six matches going to whoever was on their own turf.

And there have been fewer clear-cut triumphs at Goodison for the Toffees than their 3-0 verdict 11 months ago.

David Moyes' men were always in control that day as they wrecked Liverpool's run of 17 games without defeat and the Reds again come into this on the back of an unbeaten start to the current league campaign.

There are doubts about both sides though. Everton's defence has looked strangely shaky recently - they let in three against Newcastle last time out and have just two cleans sheets in 12 matches this term.

They came against Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday but Liverpool's expensively assembled forward line looks sure to pose a far greater threat.

The problem for the Reds is a familar one as their form has dipped ever since Rafa Benitez started to tinker with his starting XI for the game with Portsmouth a month ago.

Since then they've drawn three out of four and Benitez's hands could be tied this weekend as his players come back after international duty.

The big worry is Fernando Torres and, with his presence hugely important for Liverpool, anyone thinking of supporting should wait until his name is on the team sheet.

But, with home advantage, we fancy Everton to get something out of this game and if that's the case then Mikel Arteta has a key role to play.

He's outstanding virtually every week for the Toffees and it's been no surprise to see him linked with a host of big clubs recently.

If Everton avoid defeat then he's going to have a big shout for the man of the match award, especially as he's much fresher coming into this than many of his main rivals.

That last point clearly applies to Steven Gerrard who looks a dodgy favourite in this market as he's been nowhere near his best in recent weeks for either club or country.

Verdict: Everton 1 Liverpool 1

Premier League: Everton vs. LiverpooL

Victory for Everton over Liverpool in the 177th Merseyside league derby would lift David Moyes' team to equal on points with their arch-rivals from the other side of Stanley Park.

Both clubs have won four Premier League matches this season, but while the Toffees have also lost four, the Reds are still unbeaten. Should the 206th competitive meeting end all-square, it would be Everton's 1,000th draw in top flight football, and Liverpool's 1,000th in their league history. Liverpool didn't manage to score against Everton last season, but are chasing a sixth victory in eight visits to Goodison Park.

Liverpool's recent form has been disastrous, though saying this, they do still remain unbeaten in the Premier League. Early season form that had Reds fans purring and the media beginning to take Liverpool more seriously has dissipated after a spate of lacklustre performances. The Reds were woeful against Marseille and fortuitous against Wigan and Spurs. The pressure is on Rafa Benitez, and he dare not rotate the side for this crunch match.

Everton fans still hold fond memories of the 3 – 0 annihilation of the Reds at Goodison Park. They will feel that there is no better time to play the Reds, with the confidence seemingly sapping out of Rafa’s boys week by week.

With doubts over Torres and Hyypia seemingly there for the taking with the pace of Yakubu, Everton fans will be gleefully rubbing their hands together.

This game will be a very important test for the Liverpool players - it will be an indication of whether they have the mettle to win the league. With Arsenal in scintillating form and Man United grinding out results the Reds can ill-afford to drop any more points.

The Bluenoses will have high expectations of their league campaign this season. David Moyes has made a huge outlay on the excellent Yakubu who had begun to go stale at Middlesbrough. He is seen as the perfect strike partner for Andy Johnson. However, both of late have been struggling for form while James McFadden has been receiving major press coverage due to his heroics for Scotland.

Steven Gerrard is suffering his worst crisis of form since Houllier hauled him off the pitch against Basel all those years ago. There has been no hiding place for the Reds' captain who put in an abject display as England captain, though he was not alone in that aspect. He did miss an absolute sitter that could be the difference in England qualifying for the European Championships and Steve McClaren keeping his job. Will this be playing on his mind? There is no better game for him to return to form, he should need no motivation to perform well in this game. So, I ask the question, will we see the real Steven Gerrard?



FORM GUIDE

Everton

Oct 7 v Newcastle (A) LOST 3-2 (Prem)
Oct 4 v FC Metalist Kharkiv (A) WON 3-2 (Uefa)
Sept 30 v Middlesbrough (H) WON 2-0 (Prem)
Sept 26 v Shef Wed (A) WON 3-0 (Carling)
Sept 23 v Aston Villa (A) LOST 2-0 (Prem)


Liverpool

Oct 7 v Spurs (H) DRAW 2-2 (Prem)
Oct 3 v Marseille (H) LOST 1-0 (Champions league)
Sept 29 v Wigan (A) WON 1-0 (Prem)
Sept 25 v Reading (A) WON 4-2 (Carling)
Sept 22 v Birmingham (H) DRAW 0-0 (Prem)


TEAM NEWS

Everton

Tim Cahill is vying for a return to the side after a long lay off through injury. However, whether Moyes will risk him for 90 minutes is far from certain. McFadden is pushing for a start up front after recent good form. Thomas Gravesen is recovering well from a knee injury and there is a possibility he could join Cahill in the squad. Andy Johnson is still out and will likely be out for another two weeks.

Probable starting X1 (Howard, Lescott, Yobo, Baines, Hibbert, Cahill, Peinaar, Arteta, Neville, Carsley, Yakubu)


Liverpool

Fernando Torres is undergoing intensive treatment in the hope of making this match. Xabi Alonso could also be another inclusion as he returns from a metatarsal injury. The game however has come to fast for Harry Kewell and Daniel Agger who remain on the sidelines. Dirk Kuyt has seemingly recovered from the injury that ruled him out of the Dutch squad and will be vying for a starting spot.

Probable starting X1 (Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher, Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Benayoun, Crouch, Torres)


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Everton

Tim Cahill simply loves playing against the Reds, this game is primed for his comeback.


Liverpool

Steven Gerrard will look to bounce back from a disappointing week for himself by leading the Reds to victory.

Liverpool Boss Urges Players To Stay Calm In Merseyside Derby

Rafa Benitez has told his Liverpool players not to lose their composure in Saturday's potentially explosive Merseyside derby against Everton.

There is no love lost between Benitez's side and Everton at the best of times, but the 206th meeting between the old enemies will be even more combustable than usual.

Everton defender Alan Stubbs piled pressure on Benitez this week by claiming clubs of Liverpool's size should be challenging for the title every year.

That outburst may have been provoked by Benitez describing Everton a smaller club than Liverpool last season.

The rows will raise the temperature when the teams collide at Goodison Park in a game Liverpool desperately need to win.

After a run of one victory in four league matches left them trailing in the wake of leaders Arsenal, Benitez knows he cannot afford a repeat of last season's 3-0 defeat at Everton, so he needs all his players to keep cool in the derby malestrom.

"In these kind of games it is more important because everyone is talking about the rivalry between both teams," he said.

"You must be as focused as always with maybe more determination. You must analyse the game with a cool mind because if you think about last year you will lose your concentration and it is important to make the right decisions.

"If you are top of the table or bottom of the table it doesn't matter because this game is different. Collective responsibility is not the key just for this game it is the key for a winning team."

Fernando Torres, Alvaro Arbeloa, Andriy Voronin, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun and Javier Mascherano are all in line for their first taste of a Merseyside derby.

While Benitez is concerned by his side's recent struggles, he believes Liverpool can reverse that poor run if they don't panic.

He said: "It is a good game for us now because we are not playing well and this one after the international break is important for our confidence.

"In football everything goes so quickly so it is important to be calm, look at the big picture and analyse everything.

"You have to say, 'I have a lot of confidence in my team, I want to win trophies with my club so if I have confidence how can I do this?' By working hard and getting the right selection."


Torres is making good progress from a thigh problem, while midfielder Xabi Alonso is close to a return after recovering from a broken metatarsal.

Rafa: My Tactics Caused Dip In Form

In a rare candid moment Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez conceded that the team’s recent poor form is solely down to him.

After a bright start to the season had the Anfield faithful dreaming of a serious title campaign, draws against Portsmouth, Birmingham and a home defeat to Marseille in the Champions League soon bought the fans back down to earth.

Since then criticism has been rife about Benitez’s rotation policy and tactical changes.

The Spanish tactician accepts that tactics are very much his domain and he is more than willing to accept responsibility for his side's recent demise.

"The problem is a tactical problem and it is my problem," said Benitez.

"Confidence (of the squad) is also an issue but not the physical condition of the players.

"We are running more and faster than before."

Benitez could be boosted ahead of this weekend's Merseyside derby by having Fernando Torres available for selection, despite the Spain international pulling up in midweek.

"Yesterday he was training with the ball and the physios. Hopefully today he will be better and then we have another day so we will wait and see," Benitez added.

"I need to decide if he is really fit or will be a risk. In this case maybe it is not a risk."

Alonso Ready For 'Special Game'

Xabi Alonso insists the foreign players at Liverpool are well aware of the importance of Saturday's Merseyside derby with Everton.

As Liverpool embark on a week which could define their season, the Spaniard said: "The foreign lads always know it's a special game.

"You pick up on the atmosphere when you are out and about in town, of course. Everyone on both sides cannot wait for kick-off - it is a really big day for the city."

After the Premier League clash at Goodison Park, Liverpool take on Besiktas in Istanbul on Wednesday before Arsenal visit Anfield the following Sunday.

But the main focus in the city over the next 24 hours will be the derby match.

Alonso said: "We know how much it means to people. They have family who might support the other team and they talk about it.

"The excitement is the same amongst the players. I am looking forward to it, though of course this week it is different because the whole squad is not here. We'll only have two days together as a squad.

"But it's against the other team from this city, and for the fans it means a lot. I don't know if it means more for the local lads than the foreign players, but I am pretty sure we will be as committed as them."

Benitez: Torres Making Good Progress, As Are The Rest

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez provided an update on his stricken stars, whilst also revealing that Fernando Torres is making good progress in his aim to get back to fitness for Saturday’s Merseyside derby.

The £23m pound Spanish striker is currently working with the Reds medical team after suffering an adductor injury whilst with the national side, which effectively ruled him out of Spain’s Euro 2008 qualifier win over Denmark last weekend.

"He is much better and improving," said Benitez today.

"At the moment though it is too early to say anything about the weekend.

"It's always a risk when a player has an injury and we have to be careful. He is back with us now and working with the physios."

Benitez also delivered positive injury bulletins for both Dirk Kuyt and Harry Kewell as they both set their sights on a place in the squad this weekend.

"Dirk did the warm-up this morning with us and hopefully he'll be okay for the Everton game.

"The news with Harry is very positive as he did the warm up as well. For him, though, it's too early to talk about the weekend."

Metatarsal victims Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger are also continuing their recoveries, with Alonso able to do some light running this morning and Agger working in the gym.

Alonso Relishing Merseyside Derby

The Merseyside derby is one of the keenest fought derbies in Premiership football and Xabi Alonso feels Liverpool’s foreign contingent are just as motivated to get a positive result as his Scouse team mates, in this, the 206th meeting of two historic clubs.

Manager Rafael Benitez has brought many foreign payers to Anfield during his reign, but Spanish midfield intenational, Xabi Alonso, feels the importance of the derby is not lost on Liverpool’s foreign contingent.

The midfielder is a doubt for the game, as he is recovering from a metatarsal injury but recognises the importance of the rivalry to the fans.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv "I don't know how you would compare who feels what, but the foreign lads always know it's a special game.

"You pick up on the atmosphere when you're out and about, of course. Everyone on both sides can't wait for kick-off – it's a really big day for the city.

"We know how much it means to the people. They have family who might support the other team and they talk about it.

"The excitement is the same amongst the players. I'm looking forward to it, though of course this week it's different because the whole squad is not here. We'll only have two days together as a squad.

"But it's against the other team from this city, and for the fans it means a lot. I don't know if it means more for the local lads than the foreign players, but I'm pretty sure we'll be as committed as them."

Liverpool need a victory to keep their league title aspirations alive, in what is an important month for the club, as they face Besitkas in the Champions League next week followed by the visit of league leaders Arsenal, to Anfield.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Declares Reds Striker Peter Crouch Is Not For Sale

Striker Peter Crouch, who is reportedly unhappy not to be playing regularly due to the rotation policy being followed at Anfield, will not be sold, declared Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Amidst speculations over the England striker’s future since summer with the likes of Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin joining the Reds, reports suggested that Newcastle United, Manchester City and Portsmouth are interested in the former Southampton hit-man.

Benitez said in the Liverpool Echo: “People have been talking about Peter Crouch for two months, but he is our player and we don’t want to sell him.

“He is a nice boy, a good professional, a good player.

“It is clear that this team now with four strikers creates more competition for places, but I don’t have any problems because Crouch is a good player.”

Crouch was the top-scorer for the Reds last season but has started just one Premiership game this season, as Benitez has largely used the combination from Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Voronin.

Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez has disclosed his excitement at looking at all sorts of combinations between four of his strikers and finding that all – Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Andriy Voronin and Peter Crouch – are “equal.”

The Reds have been perched atop the Premiership table for the first time in five years with eleven goals scored in their opening four games.

As such, the Merseysiders have got off to a bright start that they were eyeing in this sesaon’s top-flight competition, which they haven’t won for last 17 years.

"The understanding between Torres and Kuyt is fine, but then when it was Kuyt and Voronin that was good also. It is the same when Crouch is playing with Torres, Voronin or Kuyt, I am pleased with all the combinations,” claimed Benitez.

"All of them know what we want, their movement is good and I am sure it will improve even more over the coming weeks.

"Now we have four players with quality and different skills. I can now manage in a different way because you know all of them can score goals.

"You cannot say that Torres will score more goals that Kuyt, Voronin or Crouch. They can all score and they are all equal.”

Benitez: We Will Improve, Despite Frustration

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez praised his team for their good early-season work, but has now instructed them to improve and maintain their current unbeaten run.

Liverpool trail Premiership leaders Arsenal by 6 points at the moment and are struggling in the Champions League, leading coach Rafael Benitez to reveal the sense of "frustration" around Anfield after such a positive start early in the campaign.

The Spanish manager told LiverpoolFC.tv, "Because we had started really well people were thinking perhaps this could be our year.

"Then we lost some points and then people thought, maybe not. I think there is frustration around the team."

It's true that Liverpool have gone off the rails of late, leaving Benitez to wonder whether or not his team's ideal start to the season did not have its costs.

"Sometimes you don't know if it's better to start really well or a little bit slower and continue progressing," he mused.

Nonetheless, the solution was clear. He added, "I think we are in a good position at the moment but it's true that we need to improve.

"It's important we have kept the unbeaten run going. It really was a little disappointing after the Tottenham game because we conceded two goals, two big mistakes, but we continue unbeaten and that's important."

Eventually, Benitez concluded that the mixed runs of form, while far from being perfect, were worth it overall due to Liverpool's enhanced place in the domestic standings.

What's more, he defended his rotation policy as being vital to keeping the team fresh and winning over the winter months.

"I think we are in a better position than last year. That is important," he emphasised.

"If we continue to be close to the top of the table, in two or three months and continue to change players I think we will be capable of doing something at the end of the season."

Benitez took over at Anfield in 2004 and has won both the UEFA Champions League and the Super Cup with the Reds.

Peter Crouch Can Play Key Role

Peter Crouch may have been deemed surplus to requirements by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, and while he still hasn't scored a goal this season in eight outings for club and country, the towering striker could still play an important role for England in Moscow.

While I am sure Steve McClaren will decide to persevere with Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney as his first-choice strikers, despite their failure to hit it off against Estonia, I reckon Crouch will form the basis of the head coach's Plan B and will no doubt prosper.

If things fail to click between Owen and Rooney again, and England are struggling, then I'd expect Crouch to be introduced because it was plain at Wembley last month that Russia are vulnerable to any aerial threat.

Russia will have been relieved that Emile Heskey won't be heading to Moscow because they were unable to cope with his power and industry. With Dean Ashton injured, Crouch is the obvious option if England are to attempt to exploit glaring shortcomings.

Crouch isn't as muscular as his Wigan counterpart, but at 6ft 7in you would bank on him to get on the end of crosses and high balls which the Russian defence and goalkeeper will be dreading.

At Wembley they were woefully weak and committed the cardinal sin of being pushed further and further back by Heskey to the delight of Owen, who helped himself to the second of his two goals at Wembley thanks to Russian frailties.

Guus Hiddink will strive to address those shortcomings but the fact remains that the goalkeeper, Vyacheslav Malafeev, might be decent when it comes to shot-stopping but would hate crosses aimed at Crouch and long balls into the area.

I'm sure McClaren and Terry Venables will both sit down at chat with Owen and Rooney to work out why they didn't combine effectively against Estonia to find a solution.

But I expect McClaren to keep faith with that duo in his starting line-up and will tell them they're both good enough and smart enough to make their partnership work. If they don't, Crouch will put the fear of god into the Russian back line.

Torres Determined To Play Against Everton

'I don't want to miss out on the derby, because it is such an important game'

The Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is confident he will recover from a thigh strain in time for Saturday's derby with Everton at Goodison Park.

Torres suffered the injury in training with Spain last Friday, and was initially expected to be out for eight to 10 days, but insisted today he was determined to play in his first Merseyside derby.

"I intend to be fit for the Everton game on Saturday," said Torres. "I don't want to miss out on the derby, because it is such an important game."

Torres, who has scored seven goals for Liverpool since joining in the summer, is now undergoing fitness work at the club's Melwood training headquarters in a bid to prove his fitness.

"Fernando has been assessed by the club's medical staff and underwent a scan which confirmed an adductor injury," confirmed Liverpool's spokesman Ian Cotton. "He will now undergo intensive treatment at Melwood."

Date Set To Decide Fate Of Liverpool FC's New Stadium

A crucial decision on Liverpool FC’s revised plans for its new stadium on Stanley Park will be made on October 30.

A special sitting of the city council’s planning committee will spend the day studying the proposals before making a final decision on the £300m project.

Last night, city council regeneration executive member Cllr Mike Storey said: “The right decision on the day will pave the way for a start on the new stadium early in 2008. This is so important not just for the club, but the Anfield community and the city as a whole.

“Liverpool FC is so crucial to our growing tourism sector. On match days every hotel room in the city is taken. I am delighted to see the scheme moving forward and look forward to seeing work start as soon as possible.”

Previous plans have already won approval and supporters of the new scheme are confident of winning official backing for the amended planning application.

Committee members will head for Stanley Park for a visit to the proposed stadium site before debating the scheme.

Last night, council sources said the American owners of the club, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, were pulling out all the stops to ensure planning documents and drawings were ready in time for what will be a crucial meeting.

US-based architects and planners are currently working alongside British design teams and the city council’s planning department.

The move comes just weeks after the final slice of public funding for the Stanley Park project was agreed by the board of the Northwest Regional Development Agency. The board agreed to an award of £9.3m to add to the £9m already given from the European Objective 1 fund.

The public cash will go towards refurbishing Stanley Park and building a new community partnership centre alongside the new ground. It is hoped the improvement scheme will give historic Stanley Park its biggest-ever facelift.

If the new plans are agreed at the end of this month, it will enable work on the new ground to start early in 2008, with opening planned for the start of the 2010/11 season.

The new plans are vastly different to the original proposals, hence the new planning application.

The scale of the project remains the same, with permission being sought for a 60,000-seater stadium, but there will be the possibility of extensions to add thousands of extra seats.

Ryan Babel Dropped By Holland For Oversleeping

Ryan Babel, the Liverpool midfielder, was omitted from Holland's team for Saturday's 2008 European Championship qualifying match with Romania because of oversleeping, according to coach Marco van Basten.

Van Basten picked Real Madrid's Arjen Robben in place of Babel as a punishment after the Anfield player twice missed team meetings.

"It was the second time that Babel overslept on a match day," Van Basten said. "That should never happen. That's why I left him out of the team. Robben trained hard and he is fit, so he played instead."

The Holland coach admitted Babel might feel deflated by the snub. "It is very well possible that Babel feels disappointed. It is also not my style to handle these kinds of things this way. But we also expect that players obey rules during a match.

"The first time that he arrived too late, he settled the matter with a joke. The second time he joined us too late for the meal and that was a bit too much. He has to appear on time, just like all the others."

Babel, 20, came into the match in the 78th-minute as substitute for Robben but could not prevent the Dutch from losing 1-0 to Romania in a clash between the two group leaders in Group G. Dorin Goian scored the only goal of the game.

Romania need five points from their last three games to be sure of qualifying for Euro 2008 while Holland are only two points ahead of third-placed Bulgaria.

Benitez Has No Fears Over Momo

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has backed under-fire midfielder Mohamed Sissoko to regain his best form for the club in the near future.

Sissoko has come under-fire in recent weeks for some below-par displays as the Reds have struggled to reproduce their early season form.

Benitez admits the Mali international is short of confidence, but the former Valencia chief is confident the all-action midfielder will bounce back.

"I see he is giving everything to play well," Benitez told the club's official website. "For our supporters that is the first thing any player must do.

"Momo was a key player when we won 82 points in the Premier League. Now we need to give him time to allow him to regain his confidence.

"I spoke to him after the Marseille game and said 'keep going.' He knows how I work because I managed him when he was 18 at Valencia, where he won the league and UEFA Cup with me.

"He knows I have a lot of confidence in him. I will push him and I will try to improve him."

Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed the departure of Pako Ayestaran as Benitez's assistant manager.

Benitez revealed last month Ayestaran was leaving Anfield after a reported bust-up between the pair.

A number of Spanish clubs and English sides were thought to be waiting in the wings to offer Ayestaran a job, but Liverpool have blocked any move for the highly-rated coach as he remains contracted to the club until the summer of 2008 as a result of the severance package.

"Following discussions between Rafael Benitez and Pako Ayestaran, it has been agreed that it would be in the best interests of all parties if Pako leaves his post as assistant manager," Reds chief executive RickParry told the club's official website.

"Pako, however, will remain under contract to us until next summer.

"The club want to thank Pako for his hard work and contribution to our success over the past three years."

Liverpool & Chelsea Linked With Athletic Bilbao Defender Fernando Amorebieta

Liverpool and Chelsea are linked with Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta.

According to reports in Spain, the Premiership giants are keeping a close watch on the 22-year-old Venezuela-born versatile defender, with a move said to be likely in the January transfer window.

The highly-rated Amorebieta, who has reportedly been watched by scouts of the Reds and Blues, sounded happy with the interest from the English clubs.

"I have not spoken to any English club, but their interest makes me determined to work to improve in Bilbao. England is a competitive league," he said.

Liverpool’s Aurelio To Move On After Injury Deprived Him Of Champions League Final & Brazil Chance

Liverpool full-back Fabio Aurelio has rued the timing of his injury blows so far in his career, but has expressed determination to move on.

The 28-year-old left-sided player joined the Reds in 2006 summer from Valencia, but had been pegged back by injury blows in his debut season, wherein he also missed being a part of the Champions League final against AC Milan.

In the past, he has missed out on earning his debut for Brazil due to injury setback.

"Missing out on a potential place in a Champions League final was a big blow for me," said Aurelio on the club’s official website.

"When I injured my knee at Valencia that also came at a bad time for me, towards the end of the season. I was top scorer at the club and had also been selected to play for Brazil.

"I couldn't go with my country in the end and missed the last three or four games of the Spanish season.

"That was a bad time, just as it was last season when I got injured. But I can't afford to think about what might have been.

"You have to leave these things behind and move on. At times like these, you need to be strong and have a lot of patience. In turn, you become stronger for it."

Liverpool FC Confirm Pako Ayestaran Departure

Pako Ayestaran is to step down from his position as assistant manager at Liverpool FC, the club announced today.

He will, however, remain contracted to the club through to June 30, 2008.

Chief executive Rick Parry said: "Following discussions between Rafael Benitez and Pako Ayestaran, it has been agreed that it would be in the best interests of all parties if Pako leaves his post as assistant manager.

"Pako, however, will remain under contract to us until next summer.

"The club want to thank Pako for his hard work and contribution to our success over the past three years."

It is believed there had been simmering tension between the pair, and Benitez was known to be disappointed when former assistant Paco Ayestaran was “too friendly” with ex Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after the clubs drew 1-1 at Anfield earlier this season.

That incident is believed to have been one of the reasons for the tensions between Benitez and Ayestaran coming to a head.

Ayestaran moved with Benitez from Valencia in the summer of 2004 and was described on Liverpool FC's website as being 'instrumental in planning training.'

Today's statement confirms what many had taken as already confirmed. Today's statement would appear to serve warning to other clubs, particularly Spanish ones rumoured to be interested in him, that he remains under contract at Liverpool.

Ayestaran's non-involvement in recent weeks has been blamed for Liverpool's recent poor form.

But when challenged on that Benitez said in the Liverpool Daily Post: “I do not believe that the management changes have affected the situation.

“We have been analysing the data regarding our players and we are running more, covering more ground and our physical condition is fantastic.

“With regards to the coaching, I was coaching with the team before. I am not a traditional English manager sitting in an office, I am always on the pitch with the players.

“I was on the pitch before, I was on the pitch today and I will be on the pitch tomorrow.”

Barca Set Sights On Mascherano

Stand by for the Tevez Affair Mk II. Barcelona are planning to test Liverpool's desire to hang on to Argentine star Javier Mascherano at the end of the season.

Like his fellow countryman Carlos Tevez, Mascherano's transfer rights are owned by Kia Joorabchian's company and Liverpool must pay MSI £20 million if they wish to make Mascherano their own.

With FIFA planning new rules on third-party ownership, Liverpool have stalled in talks, presumably hoping that they will drive a better deal if there are more stringent rules on the practice that was highlighted by Tevez's protracted move from West Ham to Old Trafford.

Barcelona would expect to get Mascherano for less than £20m, but they could yet outbid Liverpool.

Lucas Almost Steals Win For Reserves

Liverpool Reserves dominated the game, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Manchester United last night in the Barclays FA Premier Reserve League North.

The outstanding Jay Spearing gave Gary Ablett’s side a well-deserved lead after 34 minutes, when he finished well after Lucas Leiva had cleverly laid Sebastian Leto’s cross into his path.

Leto led the United defence a merry dance at times, and was harshly booked for diving when he was blatantly tripped in the penalty area. Spearing almost added a second just before the break, but his rasping drive was turned over the bar at full stretch by United keeper Zieler.

Spearing was denied by the keeper again after the break, while Leto wasted a good chance when he shot wildly over the bar.

United equalised with their first serious attack of the half when Lee headed in a Barnes cross with eight minutes remaining.

Goalkeeper Charles Itandje then saved well from Barnes, before Liverpool rallied again and almost regained the lead through Jack Hobbs, his header rolling across the face of goal and just eluding the in rushing Mikel San Jose Dominguez.

Deep into stoppage time Lucas almost won it for Liverpool when he rose well to meet another great Leto cross, but his header struck the inside of the post.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES: Zieler, Gray, Eckersley A, Eckersley R, Chester, Lee, Cleveley (Drinkwater 72), Hewson, Dong, Fagan (Wellbeck 62), Barnes.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES: Itandje, Darby, Insua, San Jose, Hobbs, Plessis (Flynn 78), Putterill (Crowther 62), Spearing, Brouwer (Lindfield 75), Lucas, Leto.

Kewell Return Expected

Harry Kewell is expected to return to full training at Liverpool next week.

The Australia midfielder has not kicked a ball for the Anfield club this season after picking up a groin injury while playing for his country in the Asian Cup in the summer.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv: "Harry has been working really hard with the physios and next week he could be training or running with the rest of the first team."

He added: "Harry is very important for us. A player with pace and ability who can score goals is always going to be important."

This could well be the last chance Kewell gets to extend his stay at Liverpool. Several teams were interested in his services during the summer, but Benitez wanted to give the former Leeds winger every chance to prove his value to the club.

But if Kewell fails to establish himself in the squad this time, he is likely to be surplus to requirements at the end of the season.

Despite heavy spending on bringing new wide midfielders to the club in Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun, Benitez insists Kewell still has a role to play at Anfield.

He said: "It's clear he's someone with great quality and experience and we need these kind of players for the rest of the season."