Reds Linked With Opare Move

Ghanaian starlet Daniel Opare has admitted it would be a dream come true to play in the Premier League, amid speculation linking him with a switch to Liverpool.

Opare was rated the best defender at last summer's Under-17 World Cup.

Still only 17, he has already been called up to Ghana's senior team and has been likened in style to Brazilian great Cafu.

He currently plays for Ashanti Gold SC in his homeland and is under contract until 2010, but a host of top European sides are understood to be interested.

Real Madrid and Milan are among Opare's admirers, but he has hinted that he would prefer a move to the Premier League.

"I'm calm about my future, but to play in Europe will be to fulfil my dreams," Opare said in the News of the World.

"The Premier League is sensational."

Opare's enthusiasm for the English game will have been noted by Liverpool, who have reportedly been tracking his progress for some time.

The Reds could now decide to make an offer, although Ashanti have inserted a clause in his contract that will not allow him to move for less than £1.5million.

Reds Close In On Slovakian

Liverpool are said to be closing in on the signing of Zenit St Petersburg defender Martin Skrtel for a reported fee of around £7million.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed he is looking to bring in a central defender in this month's transfer window to bolster his squad and it appears 23-year-old Skrtel is his man.

Liverpool have struggled for numbers in central defence this season, with Daniel Agger still sidelined through injury and Alvaro Arbeloa has forced to play as a makeshift centre-half in some games

Slovakia international Skrtel is highly regarded and is believed to have interested the likes of Everton, Newcastle, Tottenham and Valencia.

However, Liverpool are thought to have stolen a march on their rivals by tabling a firm offer for Skrtel.

Defensive Benitez Denies Concern Over Sack

Rafael Benitez again leapt to the defence of his selection policy as he denied suggestions he fears the sack as Liverpool boss.

Benitez's future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks and the rumours are unlikely to subside after his team were taken to an FA Cup third round replay by lowly Luton yesterday.

John Arne Riise's 76th-minute own goal gave the cash-strapped Hatters a money-spinning replay on Merseyside after Peter Crouch had opened the scoring against the run of play.

A 1-1 draw was no more than administration-hit Luton deserved against a disjointed Liverpool side that showed eight changes from their last outing, with Fernando Torres and Jose Reina both rested.

Asked about his team selection, Benitez said: 'What is my strongest team? Do you think our goalkeeper was troubled too much today?

'When you play Crouch, who is the centre forward for England, (Yossi) Benayoun, who is an international player, (Dirk) Kuyt, who is an international player and (Andriy) Voronin, you give the other team the message that you have a very strong side. The other players were injured.

'I think the team scored a goal and need to use their experience to control the game.

'But it's the FA Cup. Look at what happened to Everton, Blackburn and Bolton - that's the FA Cup.'

On the speculation over his job, the Spaniard added: 'I love the club and the fans and want to stay.

'I have two years left on my contract and if I could stay for two years more, I would be very happy.'

Asked if the club's American owners wanted him to stay, he replied: 'The people who own the club? I think so. But every day do I need to ask them that question?

'I love the club, fans. I want to stay. We are working together trying to improve the squad now and for the future.

'All I think is that we scored a goal today and should have controlled the game, I don't need to answer questions about anything else.'

For Luton, who have been unable to fully pay their players since being plunged into administration three months ago, the result meant a vital pay day in the replay.

Manager Kevin Blackwell said: 'I wanted to be talking about the football, but in terms of all the things that are going on, yes, it's the perfect result.

'But I'm disappointed because I thought we could have won the game.

'We asked the players to do certain things and we edged them in terms of chances.

'A bit more guile in the final third and we would have won. Our passing, invention and movement was just as good as theirs.

'We showed terrific heart and terrific fitness and when we needed a special save from Brilly (Dean Brill), he pulled it off.

'But in terms of the survival of this football club, it's a fantastic result.'

Inter Overtake Juve And Fiorentina In Sissoko Race

The race for Liverpool's Mohamed Sissoko is heating up, as over the last hours, Inter have surprisingly overtaken both Juventus and Fiorentina in the contest.

The Nerazzurri could be closing in on an important transfer according to 'tuttomercatoweb.com', as Sissoko has become the number one objective of coach Roberto Mancini.

Inter have thus stormed ahead in the negotiations that favoured Juventus ahead of Fiorentina until a few days ago: thus, the latest developments could see the French midfielder joining the Italian champions instead of either of these teams.

With Patrick Vieira almost certainly leaving the club at the end of this season, Mancini has requested Sissoko to president Massimo Moratti, as he believes that he would be the perfect replacement for the veteran midfielder.

Inter's sudden acceleration has surprised both Juventus and Fiorentina, who will now need to hurry things up if they do not want to lose the 22-year-old player.

Rafa Benitez: I Won't Quit

Rafa Benitez claimed he loved Liverpool and had no plans to quit as manager after escaping an embarrassing FA Cup exit at League One Luton last night.

Benitez, who has fallen out with the club's American owners, has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

But after a 1-1 draw with the Hatters, he said: "I'm very clear - I love the club, I love the fans I want to stay."

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has flown out to the US to be at a scheduled board meeting in New York tomorrow, where Benitez's future is bound to be among matters discussed.

Benitez is under pressure with the club fifth in the Premier League and 12 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Defeat to Luton would have added to that pressure and although Liverpool went ahead last night through Peter Crouch, a John Arne Riise own goal earned Luton the replay their spirited performance deserved.

A bullish Benitez showed more fight than his lacklustre team afterwards by insisting he wanted to stay at Anfield beyond his current deal, which runs out in 2010.

"I have two more years of my contract and if I can stay for more than two I'll be really happy," he said. "I want to stay. Finish.

"I will not talk about this all the time. I want to stay, I'm happy here, I love the club and the fans so you can write this."

When asked if he believed owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett still had confidence in him and if he would be at the club next season, he replied: "I think so.

"To help with the situation is just to keep working hard and keep winning."

Benitez Summit As Parry Flies To US For Crunch Talks On Liverpool Boss

Rafa Benitez's Anfield future will be discussed on Tuesday following fresh claims that he fears his Liverpool reign will end with the sack.

Chief executive Rick Parry is flying to America for a summit meeting with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett about plans for a new stadium at nearby Stanley Park.

But it is understood Benitez's increasingly uncertain position has been added to the agenda and yesterday's 1-1 FA Cup draw at League One strugglers Luton is unlikely to have improved his standing.

Benitez is desperate to remain at Anfield and said: "It is very clear. I love the club, I love the fans and I want to stay. I have two more years left on my contract and if I can stay for longer I will be really happy. I think the people at the club want me to stay.

"We are working together trying to improve the squad, now and also for the future."

Benitez saw his weakened line-up take the lead through Peter Crouch, only for John Arne Riise's own goal to earn Luton a replay tomorrow week.

All this on a day which started with the Liverpool manager's misgivings being aired by an unnamed confidant in a move that seemed to underline how he senses there may be no healing his rift with co-owner Tom Hicks.

For all the recent attempts to patch up their differences following a two-hour meeting over Christmas that was described as cordial and constructive, Benitez was said to be resigned to his fate and bracing himself for the axe.

There are echoes of Jose Mourinho's downfall at Chelsea about the way Benitez has taken on a wealthy club owner in a power struggle and antagonised him by stubbornly refusing to climb down.

Like Roman Abramovich at Chelsea, Hicks, in particular, has taken exception to what he views as his manager overstepping the mark.

Matters came to a head when Hicks felt Javier Mascherano's £17million permanent transfer was being pushed through without due consultation and he responded by ordering Benitez to back off and concentrate on the players already at his disposal.

Benitez evidently believes the unwavering support of Liverpool's vast following will stand him in good stead.

There are even claims that Hicks and fellow co-owner George Gillett, beset by problems over financing a new stadium and with their own relationship strained, may look to sell up before having the chance to dismiss the manager.

Even so, Benitez appears to be playing a dangerous game.

Suggestions that Real Madrid are waiting to offer him a fresh start hardly tally with the views of Bernabeu insiders.

Real are looking unstoppable at the top of the Spanish league, while coach Bernd Schuster has been widely credited with restoring discipline and harmony in the dressing room and revitalising the careers of Robinho and former on-loan Arsenal forward Julio Baptista.

Luton Town 1 - 1 LiverpooL

An own goal by Liverpool's John Arne Riise piled on the problems for manager Rafael Benitez and earned Luton a deserved replay in a thrilling third round FA Cup clash at Kenilworth Road.

Liverpool looked to have won the tie when Peter Crouch made the most of two defensive blunders to put the Reds in front in the 72nd minute.

But Luton were level inside three minutes when Riise turned a cross from Drew Talbot past his own goalkeeper. It had promised to be a good afternoon for Liverpool when Ryan Babel tested Dean Brill within seconds of the kick-off.

The striker spun into the penalty before firing in a right-foot shot that Brill did well to hold at the second attempt.

But it was Luton's turn to squander a real opportunity in the fourth minute when Dave Edwards got clear of the Liverpool defence but his shot was well saved by Charles Itandje.

It was the best possible start to the tie with both sides playing attacking football. But the lack of finishing class was proving to be a real problem, particularly for Liverpool.

Dirk Kuyt was the next Red to waste a real chance when he blazed a pass from Crouch over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.

Babel then provided a fine cross for Kuyt moments later but the striker failed to direct his diving header on the target and the chance went begging.

Luton were certainly not being outplayed by the Barclays Premier League side and they continued to cause the Reds problems.

Luton's Talbot proved a particular menace and in the 20th minute he burst down the left flank, left Hyypia for dead, and delivered a low cross which Itandje had to clear in haste.

England striker Crouch twice wasted clear chances to put Liverpool in front in the 34th minute but the tall striker could not find the target on either occasion.

But for all their early dominance, Liverpool struggled to provide either Crouch or Kuyt with a clear-cut opportunity to break the deadlock.

Just before the interval, Talbot was in the thick of the action again when he got the better of Jamie Carragher before sending over a cross that eluded everybody in the penalty area.

Under-fire Liverpool boss Benitez must have thought his side had taken the lead in the 51st minute when Riise let fly with a 22-yard drive which took a deflection off Chris Perry.

But Luton goalkeeper Brill pulled off a magnificent save when he palmed the ball to safety.

Liverpool had a lucky escape themselves in the 54th minute when Darren Currie crossed perfectly for Talbot but instead of planting the ball into the net, he headed the ball over the crossbar from six yards.

It was their second good chance of the game and they almost paid for their wastefulness seconds later when Brill froze on the edge of his penalty area and was robbed of the ball by Babel.

Luckily for Brill, Luton managed to clear the danger as Babel failed to control the ball quickly enough.

Luton's Calvin Andrew was off target when decided to let fly from 25 yards in the 58th minute but the home side were growing in confidence.

Liverpool's Riise was booked for bringing down Talbot when Currie put the Luton man in the clear. Riise was lucky to escape with just a yellow card as Talbot appeared to have a clear run on goal.

Currie then sent a right-foot volley just wide of the far post as Luton kept up the pressure.

But Liverpool looked to have won the tie when they scored against the run of play.

A catalogue of defensive errors finally led to Crouch breaking the deadlock in the 73rd minute.

Chris Coyne lost possession on the halfway line and there seemed no danger until Perry's wayward header allowed substitute Andriy Voronin a clear run on goal.

But although Brill saved Voronin's shot it ran free to Crouch to slot home.

But Luton deservedly earned a replay when Riise turned a cross from Talbot into his own net from six yards just three minutes later.

FA Cup Preview: Luton Town vs. Liverpool (updated)

Cast your minds back two years to 7 January 2006 and you will no doubt remember the classic cup-tie of the third round that year.

In a game that will surely go down as one of the most remarkable in the magical history of the world's oldest cup competition, despite going 1-0 down, Luton hit back to lead the mighty Liverpool 3-1. However a Reds fightback saw them run out 5-3 winners with two memorable goals from Xabi Alonso- one from 40 yards and one from within his own half!

So history repeats itself on Sunday as Luton once again welcome the Merseyside giants to Kenilworth Road with dreams of a big FA Cup giant-killing in the forefront of their minds. Could we be in store for yet another Cup classic?

The FA Cup tie against Liverpool will provide Luton manager Kevin Blackwell with a little light relief on Sunday, which on the surface, may seem a rather strange statement.

Blackwell though has far bigger worries than Liverpool on his mind as Luton battle for their future existence. The League 1 club have recently been charged by the FA for making irregular payments, placed into administration, had 10 points deducted as a result, and been put up for sale.

The manager and the players were not paid in November and received only 50% of their December wages. The former Leeds boss faces seeing his best players sold off, while at the same time being unable to sign any replacements due to a transfer embargo placed on the club.

So not the ideal way to prepare for the visit of the five-times Eurpean and six-times FA Cup winners Liverpol.

"I can't even look to the end of the week at the moment, " Blackwell has said. "Something different happens every day and it is never good news - always bad.

"Everybody sees the big clubs and thinks that it is glamorous but right now, I can tell you, there is no glamour at Luton Town. We have all been issued with termination notices. Our jobs will be in place until someone decides that we are no longer required" he explained.

"And there is a real danger that the club might not be in existence in February or March. If we can't get a bidder who will come in and take the club on and take the debts on then there is only one outcome" Blackwell added.

The frustrating thing for the 49 year old boss is that matters on the pitch are actually going well at the present moment. The Hatters were unbeaten over the Christmas period, collecting 10 points from a possible 12. Before the points deduction, Luton had climbed well clear of the relegation zone in League 1 and moved towards the play-off zone.

Earlier in the season the club also enjoyed a fantastic run in the Carling Cup beating both Sunderland and Charlton, before very nearly causing a shock against Everton.

So Liverpool have been warned. Luton Town are are a club in severe financial difficulty, but the FA Cup is renound for throwing up unlikely stories. With Liverpool 12 points adrift of Arsenal at the top pf the Premier League, Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Wigan at Anfield appears to have dealt the Red's title ambitions a serious blow. With that the case, Rafa Benitez may have to adjust the way he approaches this game, knowing that any little slip up would only give his detractors more ammunition to use against him.

With the game live on Sky Sports, millions will be tuning in on Sunday to see whether Luton can produce the kind of performance they did back in 2006 and cause a massive Cup upset this time around.

Xabi Alonso, the hero of the 2006 tie, insists that the Reds are foccussed on the third round tie and know they face a tricky game.

"This is the first round of the FA Cup for us and it is a great competition so we are really looking forward to it. But it is a tricky tie and we will have to see what happens" he admitted.

"The thought of getting to Wembley is a motivation for us but there are still a lot of games to play before anyone thinks of that and first we have to concentrate on Luton.

"It's going to be a huge game for Luton and I'm sure they are going to work really hard so it is not going to be easy for us" he aded.

Reds fans will be hoping that it is a positive omen meeting Luton again, and that they can go on to win their seventh FA Cup and their first at the new Wembley.


FORM GUIDE

Luton Town

Match Result Date Championship
Luton - Yeovil 1 - 0 01/01/2008 LEAGUE ONE
Port Vale - Luton 1 - 2 29/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Bristol R - Luton 1 - 1 26/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Luton - Tranmere 1 - 0 22/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Cheltenham - Luton 1 - 0 14/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Luton - Notts Forest 1 - 0 11/12/2007 FA CUP


Liverpool

Match Result Date Championship
Liverpool - Wigan Athletic 1 - 1 02/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City - Liverpool 0 - 0 30/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Derby - Liverpool 1 - 2 26/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Portsmouth 4 - 1 22/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Chelsea - Liverpool 2 - 0 19/12/2007 CARLING CUP
Liverpool - Man Utd. 0 - 1 16/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE



TEAM NEWS

Luton Town

Kevin Blackwell has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the visit of Liverpool. The Luton boss will have Chris Coyne back from suspension, but will have to do without Jaroslaw Fojut, who has returned to Bolton following his loan spell.

Anthony Grant is suspended, but Sam Parkin is pushing for a recall after recovering from injury and Paul Furlong could start after a hamstring problem.

Veteran striker Paul Peschisolido is ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious ankle injury, while veteran midfielder Don Hutchinson would dearly love to get the chance to face his old club. The 35 year old may have to settle for a place on the bench though.

Last Starting XI: Brill, Goodall, Perry, Fojut, Bell, Currie (McVeigh), Edwards, Keane, Spring, Andrew, Talbot (Furlong)

Liverpool

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is expected to shuffle his pack for the trip south after a busy festive programme, although not quite as much as some would have thought. Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Lucas and Andrei Voronin could all be handed places in the starting XI.

Steven Gerrard, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio have all been ruled out of Sunday's match. All three players picked up muscle injuries against Wigan in midweek and are sidelined for the trip to Kenilworth Road.

Last Starting XI: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano (Crouch), Gerrard. Pennant (Kuyt), Kewell (Benayoun), Torres


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luton- David Bell

The highly rated 23-year-old midfielder has been a first-team regular at Kenilworth Road so far, scoring four goals for Kevin Blackwell's side. His performances have been impressive enough to attract the attention of West Bromwich Albion, who are reported to be lining up a bid for the £1 million rated wide man. In Luton's current plight he will be for sale, but a god showing against Liverpool may see a few more suitors knocking on Kevin Blackwell's door.

Liverpool- Yossi Benayoun

With Jermaine Pennant making a return to fitness, Benayoun will want to impress Rafa Benitez in every game he plays in order to maintain his place in the manager's thoughts. The summer signing has impressed during his first six months at Anfield and will surely enjoy the extra time and space he will get against Luton. The Israeli is really determined to reach the final this year to try to make up for the disappointment of losing in the 2006 final at the hands of Liverpool.

Jose Waits As Benitez Prepares To Leave

Rafa Benitez reportedly believes he will be sacked by Liverpool at the end of the season - and Jose Mourinho is poised to replace him at Anfield.

While previous reports of Benitez's imminent demise have proved premature, the Sunday papers are united in their belief that the Spaniard is preparing to leave England after his spat with Liverpool's American owners proved terminal.

According to The Sunday People, 'Benitez will finally join Real Madrid in the summer - at the third time of asking. Benitez believes he is a dead man walking at Anfield following his war with the Kop's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.'

And a 'close friend' of Benitez is quoted as saying in the News of the World: "Rafa wants to stay but now he believes he will be sacked because the owners have not shown they will back him."

Should he depart, Benitez will not be short of alternative employment. Real Madrid are said to be keen on recruiting him, while the People claims that 'Top Italian sides Inter and AC Milan are hot on the Spaniard's heels, with Bayern Munich also massively impressed by the former Valencia chief'.

Martin O'Neill and Jurgen Klinsmann would most probably be installed as the favourites to move into the Anfield hot seat but, in an intriguing twist, The Observer leads with the claim that 'Jose Mourinho is growing increasingly restless in his search for a return to management and is monitoring the position of Rafa Benitez at Liverpool.'

Out of work since his dismissal by Chelski in September, Mourinho has apparently become disenchanted with his prospects of returning to management with either Barcelona, Real Madrid or AC Milan.

According to The Observer, 'There has been no approach to Mourinho by the Americans, but Hicks and Gillett are understood to be actively considering replacement managers and are well aware of the abilities of the Portuguese, who discussed becoming Liverpool manager before joining Chelsea in 2004. Asked last night to comment on the pair's interest in employing Mourinho, Hicks declined.

'Mourinho's family were keen to live in London again when he was considering becoming England coach, although they do not hold the same enthusiasm about the wetter, colder and (in their view) less cosmopolitan North-West. 'Liverpool is not the same as London,' said a friend. 'But Liverpool is a big club and Jose loves English football. For now we have to wait.''

Benitez Puts Job On The Line.. And Rotates Yet Again

Rafa Benitez is ready for an almighty scrap to save his Anfield career, after admitting he is prepared to take another massive selection gamble.

The Liverpool manager will rest key players for tomorrow's tricky FA Cup visit to Luton, even though he knows that if the risk backfires, his position will be placed under unbearable pressure.

He will give Fernando Torres (right), Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard - who has a slight knock - the day off, and with Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio injured, a vastly-changed Liverpool side will give Luton real hope of a huge upset.

While that may seem foolhardy following two desperately disappointing performances in the last week which saw them slip out of the title race, Benitez is adamant he should be allowed to use an expensively assembled squad in cup competition.

And defending himself against charges emanating from within the club his selection policy undermines results, Benitez insisted resting his top stars tomorrow must not be seen as a gamble.

"If you can't change players for an FA Cup tie at Luton, then you can't compete to win the three competitions we're left in," he said.

"I believe all the players in my squad are good enough to play against Luton. It does not matter if you use Torres, Crouch or Voronin, for instance, because for me, it is more or less the same.

"So where is the risk? We have three players injured because they played too many games in a row, so it's more of a risk to use Jamie Carragher again and Torres again than to use Crouch, Voronin or Kuyt, for example."

Benitez accepts that should his side lose at Luton then his position at the club will become almost untenable and crucially, he seems to have lost the support of the board at Anfield.

But he said: "We finished third in the last two years, we had 82 points which was the Premier League record for the club.

"We've won four trophies, including one Champions League and reaching another final, so the progress is clear."

Sissoko Precedes Van Der Vaart?

Rafael Van Der Vaart has confirmed “I can see myself at Juventus,” but in the meantime the Bianconeri turn to Mohamed Sissoko or Javier Mascherano.

The Dutch international’s deal with Hamburg runs until July 2010, but he has rejected an offer to add another two years with wages worth £3m per season.

“I still dream of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs and if I signed for Hamburg until 2012, I’d have to wait too long for that to come true,” the 24-year-old told ‘Bild.’

“I still have another two and a half years on my contract and it is quite a long period. It was very difficult for me to turn down the offer, as it was an excellent proposal and the club did everything it could to keep me here.”

Inter and several Premiership and Liga sides had also shown an interest in Van Der Vaart, but he has made his preference very clear.

“I have not yet received an official bid, but I did hear that Juve are interested in me. I can really see myself at Juventus.”

An £11m proposal is already on the table with a five-year contract for the midfielder to be signed in June.

In the meantime, the Bianconeri want a January reinforcement to replace the Olympiacos-bound Sergio Almiron, who has been something of a flop since his switch from Empoli.

Their sights are firmly set on the Premier League and specifically Liverpool, where Sissoko is the prime target for a mid-season swoop.

The midfielder admitted it was “a mistake” to reject Juve’s offer in the summer and is increasingly marginalised after his row with Coach Rafa Benitez.

However, Sissoko would not be able to join his new teammates in Turin until February, as he will be playing in the African Cup of Nations.

Another alternative is his Liverpool colleague Mascherano, who could arrive on loan with a fixed payment set for the end of the season.

Rafa Benitez Faith In Fringe Players For FA Cup Test

Under-fire Rafael Benitez will place his faith in his fringe players tomorrow in the confidence that whichever team he selects should be good enough to beat Luton Town.

Liverpool travel to Kenilworth Road to face the Coca-Cola League One strugglers in an FA Cup third round tie for the second time in three seasons.

The Anfield manager will be without the services of skipper Steven Gerrard, one of several injury concerns as the effects of the hectic festive programme bite into his squad.

One name that has been linked with Liverpool is 23-year-old Zenit St Petersburg defender Martin Skrtel.

The Slovakian, who featured in Zenit’s 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park in December, is valued at £4-5million.

Benitez has come under renewed scrutiny after successive draws against Manchester City and Wigan Athletic left Liverpool 12 points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League.

Defeat at Luton would heighten the pressure, but the Spaniard has no qualms with juggling his resources tomorrow.

“It’s important for us to progress in the competition,” said Benitez. “It is clear that the league is more difficult now than two games ago, but it is a long race and we need to keep going.

“All the players in our squad are good enough to play against Luton in the FA Cup. If we decide to use Crouch, Voronin, Torres or Crouch, for me it’s more or less the same.

“I need to look at players that have not been playing. For example, Lucas Leiva was playing a few weeks ago and doing well, so he is capable of playing in these games.

“If you can’t change players for an FA Cup tie at Luton, then you can’t compete to win the three competitions we’re left in.”

As well as Gerrard, who has a calf problem, Fabio Aurelio (hamstring) and Alvaro Arbeloa (calf) will also miss tomorrow’s tie, although all three are expected to be available for the league visit to Middlesbrough next Saturday.

Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt, Andriy Voronin, Yossi Benayoun, Ryan Babel, John Arne Riise, Lucas and Momo Sissoko are all pressing for a starting role at Luton while Charles Itandje could replace Pepe Reina in goal.

“We know that we have had too many players playing games in a row, and it could be a risk to use them,” added Benitez. “Now, after the last game, we have Aurelio, Gerrard and Arbeloa injured.

“It’s more of a risk to use Carra again and Torres again than to use Crouch, Voronin or Kuyt, for example. We need to manage the squad and use the best players for the game against Luton.

“I don’t think the team overall looked tired at the end of the Wigan game, but maybe some of the players that were playing a lot of games in a row were a bit tired.

“We have two or three weeks where we don’t play two games a week. It means we can prepare everything much better, the players will be fitter and we can prepare the team for the rest of the season.”

With doubts persisting over Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger, Jack Hobbs is on standby to start at centre-back.

“I need to see the situation with Sami and Agger,” said Benitez. “They will train tomorrow and it would be a risk for both. I need to speak with the doctor and see how they are, but if they are available I might use one of them or maybe both. If not, then I will use Jack Hobbs.

“Daniel needs confidence. He needs to be sure. We had a problem with Alonso against Arsenal and were without him for another three weeks, so with Agger we must be careful.”

Benitez yesterday dismissed rumours of moves for Chelsea’s Wayne Bridge and Mallorca midfielder Juan Arango while insisting Hyypia, a target for Fulham, is not for sale.

Instead, a centre-back remains the priority with Liverpool confident they are close to securing a signature.

“We are working hard with the owners and the chief executive,” said Benitez. “We are progressing in some business. We need a centre-back and are not looking for a left-back.”

Time Is Precious In Race For Premier Progress

It has become tradition that whenever he leads Liverpool to silverware, Rafael Benitez buys his wife Montse a watch. Such a gift is perhaps fitting given the Anfield manager knows all too well the value of time in a profession that doesn’t grant much.

The clock began ticking a little louder on Benitez’s tenure after a festive campaign in which his team fell further behind in their quest for the Premier League crown.

Successive draws against Manchester City and Wigan Athletic have increased the scrutiny of the Spaniard’s methods and exposed how Liverpool trail Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea in the top-flight pecking order.

Benitez will hope relief comes in the form of a lengthy FA Cup run, starting tomorrow with the visit to Luton Town in the third round.

A memorable 5-3 victory at Kenilworth Road at the same stage of the competition two years was the catalyst for a cup campaign which ended with the trophy being lifted by Steven Gerrard in Cardiff.

Benitez believes that triumph is an indication of the strides made under his tenure. But while confident that progress continues to be made at a rapid rate, the manager accepts keeping pace with their main rivals remains an increasingly difficult objective.

“We’ve won four trophies, including one Champions League and reaching another final, so the progress is clear,” says the Spaniard.

In the league, Arsenal, United and Chelsea have very good teams and are also spending big money. We are progressing but they are also. We need to progress faster than them, sometimes it’s possible and sometimes it isn’t.

“Expectation can be a problem. When we started this season, everybody was talking about how we can be title contenders this year. I think the same too, but with the other teams also improving their squads, you never know.

“If it’s just a race against the watch, then we are faster than before. But if it’s against the others, it depends on them also whether you finish first, second or third.”

Benitez adds: “As a manager at a football club you just think about winning. It’s difficult but it’s simple. If you keep winning then everybody is happy, the owners, everyone at the club, and the supporters.

“I don’t think that the owners are putting more pressure on me. We are working hard together now trying to improve the squad in January. I don’t have any problems with the situation now. I think it was a misunderstanding in the past, now we are working together. Foster Gillett is here now and I speak to him every day.

“We are doing the plan for this season, as this season hasn’t finished yet. We will continue thinking about this season and also the future.”

Liverpool are 12 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal and are currently outside the automatic Champions League places.

While Benitez hasn’t given up hope of the title just yet, he concedes his team will almost certainly need a maximum-point haul from their trips to the Emirates, Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge later this season.

“I have a lot of confidence that like two years ago we can win some games in a row and progress and try to get closer,” he says. “I cannot lie and say the Premier League will be easy. In England it’s always difficult and it’s now more difficult than it was two games ago.

No-one is the champion yet. But we must do everything almost perfect if we want to win the title. Now is not the time to ask if we can or cannot win the title. In two months time we will know more. The games against the other top teams will be more important now.”

With calf injury victim Gerrard among several players unavailable tomorrow, Benitez is expected to make a raft of changes for the visit to Kenilworth Road.

And the manager has urged his players to stamp out the profligacy that has undermined their efforts in recent outings.

“We were really disappointed after the Wigan game,” he says. “We deserved to win four games over Christmas and we could not. But we can’t dwell on that disappointment. We have to think about working, and the commitment of the staff and the players is 100%.

“If you analyse the other teams, then they sometimes have bad games but win, and that’s been the difference this season. We’ve been playing well but not scoring the second goal to finish off the game, and that’s been a problem. The players know that we need to improve in this particular area.”

Liverpool came from 3-1 down to win 5-3 in their famous third-round clash at Luton in January 2006, with Xabi Alonso scoring one of the competition’s great goals from inside his own half – despite Gerrard’s initial disgust the Spaniard had shot instead of passing.

And Benitez says: “It was an exciting game with a lot happening in it. I remember the goal of Xabi Alonso and how disappointed Gerrard was with the way he had shot for goal.

“Maybe I had the same reaction as Gerrard as I thought Xabi might have passed, but it was a fantastic goal in a very good game.

“I have good memories of that, if not the 5-3 scoreline. I am not sure my heart could cope with that again, especially as we were 3-1 down in the second half.

“It’s important for Luton to play against a top team. Their supporters will be pleased to see Liverpool again and maybe it will help the club’s financial situation.”

Hobbs Relishing Cup Chance

Liverpool's teenager Jack Hobbs is relishing the prospect of facing Luton in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The last time teenager Hobbs got the chance of a cup run-out for Liverpool Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink broke his nose.

The 19-year-old has been eased gently into senior action by manager Rafael Benitez these past few months but the former Lincoln City centre-back is likely to find himself involved in Sunday's third round tie at Luton.

Liverpool will be without calf injury victim Steven Gerrard at Kenilworth Road, but it is the absence of defenders Alvaro Arbeloa (calf) and Fabio Aurelio (hamstring) that increases the chances of Hobbs playing.

With Liverpool's other injury problems in central defence - Sami Hyypia (ankle) and Daniel Agger (foot) are still not fully recovered from long-term problems - Benitez may well be prepared to give Hobbs another chance to shine.

Benitez could use John Arne Riise in the heart of defence but Hobbs will fancy his chances of playing.

"We will wait for medical reports but youngsters like Hobbs and Lucas Leiva could be involved," said Benitez.

Hobbs originally made his Liverpool debut as a late substitute in the Carling Cup victory at Reading in September and his next outing came in the same competition when Cardiff arrived at Anfield with Hasselbaink and Kop legend Robbie Fowler up front.

"It was great to start that match and I learned a lot from facing Fowler and Hasselbaink," said Hobbs.

"They may not be in their prime now but they had so much experience. I really had to be on my toes against them."

But Hobbs was not quick enough to avoid colliding with the back of Hasselbaink's head, breaking his nose.

"Initially I did not realise it was broken when I collided with him. At the time the doctor put some ice on it and said it would be fine," added the teenager.

"I only found out how bad it was after the game. I don't think the medical staff wanted to tell me during the interval and I didn't want to be worried about such things then.

"The initial impact wasn't that bad, it only made my eyes water and there wasn't much blood.

"Hasselbaink gave me some stick after the collision but I didn't pay any attention to him."

But the real pain came when Hobbs needed the problem rectified afterwards. He said: "My nose had to be straightened and it wasn't a nice experience.

"The doctor needed three attempts to push it back into place. In the end he said 'Wiggle your toes' and when I did he pushed my nose back into place."

Since then Hobbs has been around the squad, travelling in the party to away matches, and got another chance when Jamie Carragher was injured in the home win over Bolton in early December.

Hobbs came on as a second half substitute and found himself facing Nicolas Anelka.

Liverpool were 2-0 up at that stage and Hobbs said: "One of my mates texted me afterwards and said I had Anelka in my pocket.

"That wasn't the case; he's one of the best around but he'd probably lost interest by the time I got on."

Whether Hobbs is plunged into a televised match against a Luton side desperate for a top club's scalp is open to debate.

Had Liverpool been in a better position in the league and viewing the cup ties as matches to rotate younger players into the action, Hobbs may have been a certainty to start.

But Liverpool need to win and attempt to give the back-end of a disappointing domestic season a significant target like an FA Cup final.

Hobbs said: "It gives me a lot of confidence that the manager has been willing to put me in the team.

"Now that I have played a few games it means he believes in me. I have got to pay back that trust by putting in good performances.

"Hopefully I will get the chance to do that in the second half of the season."

Preview: Luton Town vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool travel to Luton on Sunday aiming to avoid an early exit from the FA Cup.

The pair served up a cup classic when they met in the third round in 2006 with Liverpool finally prevailing 5-3 at Kenilworth Road.

Liverpool will be hoping that the draw is a good omen for them as they went on to win the cup in 2006 after overcoming Luton.

Luton, who were docked ten points after going into administration in November, go into the game in good form after winning three of their last four matches.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is expected to shuffle his pack for the trip south after a busy festive programme.

Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Lucas and Andrei Voronin could all be handed places in the starting XI.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has been ruled out with a calf problem.

Luton are still without suspended duo Chris Coyne and Anthony Grant.

Sam Parkin is pushing for a recall after recovering from injury and Paul Furlong could start after a hamstring problem.

Veteran striker Paul Peschisolido is ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious ankle injury.

More updated details soon....check back in 24 hours.

Alonso Awaits Luton Town Rematch

Liverpool face a potential banana skin of an FA Cup third round tie this weekend as they take on League One strugglers Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.

But the Reds have proved they know how to get the job done against the Hatters, even if they suffered an almighty scare during their cup clash in the same round two years ago.

Rafa Benítez' ultimately rounded out 5-3 winners, with the highlight being Xabi Alonso's strike from inside his own half. "Of course I remember that one," smiled Alonso when reminded of his last-minute wondergoal.

"I don't score so many goals so I remember all of them. That goal became very popular because of where it was scored from and because of Stevie's reaction. It was great for me, for the team and for the supporters.

"But I would think it's not likely to be repeated anyway. It brings back good memories for me though. It was a very exciting game and we managed to win it after being 3-1 down and we ended up going to the cup final that year."

Liverpool famously lifted the FA Cup that year after an equally entertaining 3-3 draw and penalties win over West Ham United, a game many fans heralded as the best FA Cup final for 50 years.

The Reds would like to repeat the feat in 2007, but Benítez would prefer that the players didn't put themselves in such great danger before coming back to win this time.

"The manager would just like us to win because I don't think he is really a big fan of big scores where you concede a lot of goals," explained Alonso. "This is the first round of the FA Cup for us and it is a great competition so we are really looking forward to it. But it is a tricky tie and we will have to see what happens.

"The thought of getting to Wembley is a motivation for us but there are still a lot of games to play before anyone thinks of that and first we have to concentrate on Luton. It's going to be a huge game for Luton and I'm sure they are going to work really hard so it is not going to be easy for us."

Wenger: Don't Write Off Liverpool's Title Challenge Yet

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has not written off Liverpool's title challenge just yet.

Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Wigan last weekend left them 12 points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal and outside of the Champions League places.

To make matters worse for under-pressure Anfield boss Rafael Benitez, his side still have to travel to Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

But Wenger knows from personal experience that Liverpool cannot be discounted with half the season remaining. In 1997-98, Arsenal came from 13 points off the pace to win the title.

And Wenger said: 'I wouldn't say it is completely (a three horse race). I still feel Liverpool are in the race but they cannot have any blips anymore.

'They are still a dangerous team. The disadvantage for them is that there are three teams in front of them (Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea) who might not drop many points.

'I still don't dismiss them at this stage. It happened to us in 1997-98 and we made the ground up.'

Rafa Eager To Keep Mascherano

Rafa Benitez wants to keep Javier Mascherano at Liverpool, and sign a new centre-half in January.

Mascherano has been a big hit at Anfield since arriving last January on an 18-month loan deal.

But the Reds have yet to take up a £17million option to sign him permanently, leading to speculation he could end up elsewhere.

Benitez however is hoping that Mascherano, a target for the likes of Barcelona, will stay on Merseyside. The player himself has already said he wants to remain with the Reds.

"We know Juventus and other top sides are interested in him but we have the option," Benitez told the club's official website.

"Javier is happy here and wants to stay. We will do our best to keep him here."

Benitez meanwhile says he's hoping to sign a centre-half during the January transfer window, and not a left-back as many reports have claimed.

Some speculation was linking Chelsea's Wayne Bridge with a move to Merseyside, but Benitez says he won't be arriving, and added that veteran central defender Sami Hyypia won't be leaving.

"We are looking for a centre back and not a left back," he added.

"We are working hard with the new owners and the Chief Executive to find an option."

Liverpool Show Interest In Wayne Bridge

Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge has emerged as one of the players on Liverpool's transfer window shortlist.

Liverpool have yet to make formal contact with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon over a possible transfer, but it is thought that the 27-year-old is one of a number of left-backs being closely monitored by the club.

Although Chelsea are unlikely to want to sell the former Southampton full-back to a top-four rival, Bridge could angle for a move away from Stamford Bridge as he sees himself as second choice behind Ashley Cole.

Despite playing the last two matches against Fulham and Newcastle, Bridge has spent more time on the sidelines since the arrival of Cole 18 months ago.

His prospects at Chelsea have further been given a setback with Serbia international Branislav Ivanovic of Lokomotiv Moscow closing in on a £10 million move to west London.

Ivanovic can operate anywhere along the back line and, while he has spent more time on the right, has indicated that he prefers to play on the left.

Bridge has already spent time away from Stamford Bridge following a four-month loan spell at Fulham at the end of last season.

He has also attracted the attention of Tottenham in the past but Bridge could see Liverpool as the club to reignite his career and a chance to return to regular first-team action.

A move could also aid his chances of adding to his 27 international caps with Fabio Capello to officially take over the England reins on Monday.

Barcelona Looking For Chance To Sign Mascherano

Barcelona are said to be one of a number of clubs in Spain eager to sign Javier Mascherano if Liverpool fail to convert his loan a permanent transfer.

The status of Javier Mascherano at Liverpool has been a vexed question for several weeks, with Reds' manager Rafael Benitez publicly urging the club's American co-owners to act quickly to sign the Argentine on a permanent basis - or risk losing the key defensive midfielder.

Benitez and owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, have appeared to fall out over this and related transfer issues, the Spaniard urging haste and suggesting that the Americans do not understand how the European transfer market works.

But the future at Anfield of Mascherano - and, some believe, of Benitez himself - remains uncertain.

Liverpool dropped more home points last night to struggling Wigan and were overtaken in the table again by Manchester City. Should Liverpool remain outside the top four, Hicks and Gillett will see their already-strained financial plans for the club further compromised, in turn putting Benitez under greater pressure.

It is looking likely that he will not be allowed to spend much money in the January transfer window, and with Mascherano's loan ending in the summer, they risk losing the Argentine star.

Hicks and Gillett are not willing to spend £17million to secure him now, which could prompt the player's agents to tout him around Europe to the highest bidders.

And Barcelona are, says the Daily Mail, poised to pounce.

Mascherano himself is quoted as saying: "With the time that has passed, it will now be more difficult for me to stay here because I need to do something about my future.

"I have done everything to stay but now the owners have to decide if they want to buy me or not."