Premier League Preview: LiverpooL vs. West Ham United

This game should have taken place way back in August, but so hectic has the fixture schedule been that only now can this game-in-hand be played.

Both sides are slightly adrift of their respective season aims – a win would put each of them right back in contention.

Everton keep on getting results, and as such Liverpool need to keep matching them and hope the Toffees stumble along the way. But this game in hand gives the Reds the chance to overhaul their city neighbours and regain fourth spot, albeit only on goal difference.

The calamity against Barnsley apart, Liverpool have shown significant improvement since they last met West Ham at the end of January. With the exception of a (still useful) 0-0 draw at Chelsea – a place where they so regularly lose – Liverpool have notched maximum points in the Premiership, and beaten Inter Milan 2-0 to boot.

It won’t bring them closer to the Premier League title – everyone knows that’s well gone – but it does help boost confidence. Sunday’s stroll at Bolton was particularly encouraging. Benítez has tinkered with his team less than usual in recent weeks (Barnsley aside), which some might say is responsible for the upturn in form. Fan favourites like Gerrard and Torres are now involved in practically every match.

But what was particularly promising at the Reebok – another ground where Liverpool traditionally have a rough time of things – is that the Reds netted three times without having to rely on either Torres or Gerrard for the goals. Great sides are packed with midfielders and defenders who can pop up with goals when the usual suspects are off form.

But either way, the most important thing on Wednesday will be to score, secure all three points and leapfrog Everton.

Sections of the Upton Park faithful have been getting restless with their side’s repeated involvement in low-scoring, unentertaining games. Before Saturday, only one West Ham United match (2-1 against Fulham) had featured more than two goals since New Year’s Day.

But supporters would surely have rather witnessed another drab 1-0 win when Chelsea came to East London rather than the 4-0 reserve they were served up instead. In five first-half minutes the Blues tore the Hammers to shreds, notching three quick goals as Alan Curbishley’s side looked clueless.

They may have beaten both Liverpool and Manchester United at Upton Park this season, but at the weekend West Ham were well and truly put in their place. Even Frank Lampard’s rather harsh dismissal failed to redress the balance as Chelsea extended their lead after the break.

Sure, West Ham fans probably prefer their current predicament to the one that so nearly saw them relegated last season, but there is nevertheless slight disappointment as the dream of European football slips further out of sight. Curbishley cautiously targeted 9th spot in the league this season, while more optimistic supporters envisioned a top six finish.

Injuries have more than played their part in the setback, but a win at Anfield would cap a tremendous league double over Liverpool and bring the likes of Blackburn, Manchester City and Portsmouth within touching distance. The form might not be great but the omens are good: in recent years no side from the rest of the league has proved more adept at winning away to the big four sides.



FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Bolton - Liverpool 1 - 3 02/03/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Middlesbrough 3 - 2 23/02/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Inter Milan 2 - 0 19/02/2008 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Liverpool - Barnsley 1 - 2 16/02/2008 FA CUP
Chelsea - Liverpool 0 - 0 10/02/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Sunderland 3 - 0 02/02/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE

West Ham

West Ham - Chelsea 0 - 4 01/03/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Fulham - West Ham 0 - 1 23/02/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham - Birmingham 1 - 1 09/02/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Wigan Athletic - West Ham 1 - 0 02/02/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham - Liverpool 1 - 0 30/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City - West Ham 1 - 1 20/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE





TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Steve Finnan's groin problem will keep him out again, but Alvaro Arbeloa may start in place of Skrtel, allowing Carragher to return to his preferred position of centre-back. Peter Crouch and Yossi Benayoun are pushing for recalls - we'll have to see whether Benítez sticks closely to the XI used at Bolton or opts to rotate with Newcastle and Inter in mind. Pennant, Agger and Voronin are still injured.

Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Reina - Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurélio - Mascherano, Alonso - Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel - Torres

West Ham

Julien Faubert took a knock at the weekend and it doubtful for the Anfield trip. Nobby Solano may start on the right instead. The Hammers’ injury list remains lengthy: Craig Bellamy misses the return to his former club, while Bowyer, Parker and Etherington are also sidelined. Alan Curbishley refused to criticise his players after the Chelsea game and should keep faith with most, though Dean Ashton may get a recall.

Likely XI (4-4-1-1): Green – Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney – Solano, Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg – Boa Morte – Ashton




PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool – Dirk Kuyt

As is always the way with Liverpool we can’t be totally sure he’ll play, but nobody can deny that Dirk Kuyt has upped his game in recent weeks. The Dutchman could never be accused of laziness – it’s clear he always tries hard – but he appears have become that much more clinical in recent outings.


Goals against Barnsley and then against Inter have boosted his confidence, as has a more regular run in the side, and by hitting the bar at Bolton he indirectly set-up Liverpool’s second goal. If Liverpool struggle to find the net early everybody will be looking to Torres, but Kuyt has a chance to prove he can deliver important goals too.

West Ham – Freddie Ljungberg

The Swede played a prominent role in a few smash-and-grab Anfield victories during his time with Arsenal. His West Ham career hasn’t taken off in the desired manner yet, partly due to injury, but Ljungberg nevertheless bagged his first goal of the season against Birmingham a few weeks back and – after failing to do so on Saturday – will seek to prove he’s still useful against big-name opposition.

Hicks, Gillett Reject DIC Bid To Buy Liverpool

Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. rejected Dubai International Capital's bid for the Premier League club Tuesday, The Associated Press has learned.

The 400 million pound (US$800 million) offer for the English club was turned down, a person involved with the negotiations told the AP. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

Hicks "turned down their offer immediately upon receipt,'' the person said, adding the Texan is still willing to allow Gillett to sell 49 percent of his stake as long as Hicks gets the other 1 percent.

Hicks and Gillett have the power to block the other from selling.

"They (DIC) want control but they can't get it,'' the person said.

Gillett, whose relationship with Hicks has reportedly broken down, believes the private-equity investment arm of the Dubai government underestimated the value of his 50 percent stake. He was "low balled,'' the person said.

DIC has given the Americans 24 hours to accept its offer, an executive working on the bid told the AP.

Gillett has been in close contact with DIC in recent weeks after deciding to end his troubled spell at Anfield.

Hicks, however, has said he is committed to retaining his share of Liverpool and can block Gillett from selling his stake. The Texan is also looking into buying all or part of Gillett's equal stake by raising private equity.

The DIC bid was made a day after chief executive Sameer al-Ansari said Hicks and Gillett had "come out of dreamland'' over the worth of the Premier League club.

Hicks and Gillett bought Liverpool for 218.9 million pounds (then US$431 million; ₤333 million) in March 2007. This included an agreement to pay off about 45 million pounds (then US$89 million; ₤68 million) of debt and a pledge to build and finance a new stadium.

Gillett and Hicks refinanced their Liverpool deal with a 350 million pound (then US$682 million; ₤470 million) package from two banks on Jan. 25. But the package left the 18-time English champions with debt of 105 million pounds (then US$205 million; ₤141 million).

Rotation's Back As Rafa Benitez Shuffles Pack For West Ham Game

With three key matches in seven days, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could shuffle his pack for tomorrow’s home Barclays Premier League game with West Ham, where a win will send the Merseysiders back into fourth place.

Liverpool have Newcastle at home on Saturday and then Inter Milan away in the Champions League next Tuesday. Although the Spaniard has intimated that he will not be rotating as much now as the season draws to a climax, he could well change the side that won at Bolton on Sunday.

Steve Finnan is definitely out with a groin strain, but it unlikely that he will continue with Jamie Carragher at full-back, so Alvaro Arbeloa is a likely replacement.

Youngster Martin Skrtel could step down to allow Carragher back into central defence, while Peter Crouch and Yossi Benayoun - both unused substitutes at the Reebok Stadium - could come into contention.

Defender Daniel Agger continues his comeback from injury in tonight’s home reserve game against Bolton’s second string.

Provisional squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Riise, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel, Kuyt, Torres, Crouch, Skrtel, Lucas, Martin.

Rafa: We Must Keep Eye On The Ball

Rafael Benitez has stressed Liverpool's players must lift themselves above the club's current off-the-pitch turmoil to secure success on it.

The current intrigue over the future ownership of the club could easily distract the team for Wednesday night's Premier League home match against West Ham.

If Liverpool win they will reclaim fourth place in the table, and be in pole position to ensure qualification for the Champions League next term.

"This is now a really important for us," their manager said.

"That fourth spot is always important; if we win this game we are there, and from then on everything will depend on us and what we do."

Liverpool would be fourth only on goal difference from Everton if they are successful against the Hammers, but Benitez would know that if they match their Merseyside rivals' results for the rest of the campaign they will almost certainly hold on.

He added: "I have confidence. It's not easy at this stage when you play in the Champions League as well, but we have some experience.

"We know we have to concentrate and be focused on every game, and see if we can progress in both competitions."

Benitez is still smarting from the 1-0 defeat at West Ham last month, following an injury-time penalty.

He said: "I can promise you I was very disappointed. We controlled the last 20 minutes; we attacked and attacked but then conceded after one of our own corners when they broke quickly to the other end. It was very frustrating for me.

"The lesson is that sometimes, if you cannot win the game in 90 minutes, you must not lose the game in the last minute."

Benitez, who will be without Steve Finnan for the match because of a groin problem, is unsure how West Ham will react to their 4-0 home drubbing by Chelsea at the weekend.

He said: "Maybe they will be low on confidence, but maybe they will say to themselves 'We need to show character and quality'.

"I prefer to say they will be positive but really I don't know."

Benitez is aware of the potential dangers from a side who have won more away league games than they have at home this term.

He said: "They have some good players. Carlton Cole is a decent target man, as is Dean Ashton when he plays.

"They also have good wingers. Freddie Ljungberg can get into the box and be dangerous, while they have some key players who can also be dangerous.

"They are also good on the counter-attack, because they have pace and energy.

"It has been a difficult season for their manager Alan Curbishley, because he has had a lot of injuries to contend with, but I think he is doing a good job now."

Liverpool Fans Unsure Over Bid

Liverpool fans have given a cautious welcome to Dubai International Capital's takeover bid, urging their American owners to accept the offer.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, supporters are expected to express their dissent towards the regime of George Gillett and Tom Hicks during tonight's Barclays Premier League match with West Ham.

Neil Atkinson, spokesperson for the Liverpool Supporters Union 'Spirit of Shankly', told the Daily Telegraph: "Should DIC make their way into the club, they should be welcomed with caution - they may or may not have the best interests of the club at heart."

Atkinson listed a number of perceived injustices by the current Liverpool owners - including delays in the construction of a new stadium and holding talks with Jurgen Klinsmann - before adding: "(DIC chief executive Sameer) al-Ansari talks about Tom Hicks' valuation of the club being 'in dreamland'. Mr Hicks is further in dreamland if he thinks he will ever be accepted at LFC.

"If he tries to grin and bear it then it emphasises what we already know - he's only in it for one reason: the money and the money alone.

"I'm sure Liverpool supporters will make their feelings known at the West Ham game - let Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett go now with their profit.

"Let us start again with new owners, keep our eyes open and work with them within our heritage and tradition."

Reds Owners Living In 'Dreamland'

Liverpool's American owners have been accused of living in "dreamland" by the government-run Dubai investment fund interested in buying the Anfield club.

Dubai Investment Capital confirmed on Tuesday it had been in talks with US duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett about purchasing a stake in the Reds.

DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari said: "It's no secret that we have been in discussions with the current owners.

"It's not easy because (they) are in dreamland about valuations."

Ansari later clarified that one of the club's owners "had come out of dreamland", without giving further details.

Hicks said last month he was not planning to sell a stake in Liverpool, denying media speculation he was in talks with DIC over a sale.

He also revealed that Gillett could not sell his stake in the Premier League club without his approval.

However, both Hicks and Gillett have become increasingly unpopular among Reds fans, drawing criticism for their treatment of manager Rafael Benitez and their financial management of the club.

That has given fresh hope to DIC, who were considering buying Liverpool before the Americans joined forces to complete their own takeover in February 2007.

Hicks said in January he had talked to DIC "once" about a 10-15% stake, but DIC said the valuation was too high.

DIC, which manages about £6.5bn of assets, is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

Rafa Wowed By The Power Of Babel

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez could afford a wry smile after Ryan Babel made the most of the wide open spaces at the Reebok Stadium.

The Dutch winger scored his eighth goal of the season in Sunday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory against Bolton.

Babel was on target with a clinical finish after a bizarre own-goal from Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 11th minute.

Steven Gerrard's effort was going wide but the Bolton goalkeeper inexplicably helped it into his own net with his face.

There was no way back for Wanderers after that and Fabio Aurelio added a spectacular third before Tamir Cohen scored a consolation for the struggling home side.

Babel could now have a more prominent role to play in the coming weeks of the season.

Benitez said: "It was a good game for him against Bolton as they were looking out for Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

"It meant that Ryan had more freedom and he is the kind of player who can run behind defenders."

Liverpool now entertain West Ham on Wednesday in good heart after this comfortable victory.

Benitez said: "Every win is important when you are fighting for fourth place. You need to put the other teams around you under pressure and we have done that.

"As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do not need to see the table every day.

"If we can win against West Ham then we go go into the game after that with confidence."

Benitez reiterated he is content at Anfield and claimed his focus was on winning matches and not his future plans.

"I am really happy here at Liverpool," he said. "At this moment, though, I am only thinking about our games."

Benitez had some sympathy for Jaaskelainen, but added: "It was disappointing for him but good for us.

"Sometimes these things happen and we went on to play well after a difficult opening few minutes.

"We knew if we did not pass the ball then we could get drawn into a physical game.

"We needed to play at a high tempo and keep our concentration and we did that."

Bolton may be in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but they remain in danger of relegation.

Due to face Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, they could be without captain Kevin Nolan as he suffered a back injury yesterday and came off at half-time.

Manager Gary Megson excused Jaaskelainen for his gaffe by saying: "Jussi is a fantastic goalkeeper. He made two great saves after that but he has held his hands up.

"The first goal can be vital and it took the wind out of our sails. We got picked off rather too easily after that."

Ryan Babel Eyes Europe Ahead Of West Ham

As Liverpool prepare to face West Ham at Anfield tomorrow, Ryan Babel pledged to make a greater contribution to their tussle with Everton and Aston Villa for the fourth Champions League place after finally coming through 90 minutes in the Premier League in Sunday's 3-1 victory at Bolton.

The 21-year-old former Ajax attacker, who also scored at the Reebok Stadium, had previously completed an entire match only in cup football. "Playing the full minutes in the league was a big hurdle for me to overcome," said Babel, who made Rafael Benitez's starting XI for the fifth game running, his best sequence since signing for £11.5 million last summer.

"But I'm realistic - I knew at the start of the season that I couldn't play a whole game. The manager also knew that, which is why I've been brought into the side slowly. Now I hope to stay in the line-up and build on the Bolton match."

Babel, whose previous league goal was also against Bolton three months earlier, has now scored eight times for Liverpool. While stressing that he was "coping better", he admitted that coming through that important physical and psychological 90-minute barrier had tested him to the limits. "Even now, after 75 minutes against Bolton, I was feeling a bit tired, as though I couldn't defend properly. Maybe I was lucky because they couldn't push forward much, but bigger teams would still be attacking.

"I don't think it's a mental problem. When you compare the level in the Dutch League to the Premier League, there's a massive difference. Everyone that comes from Holland needs time to settle."

Babel had struggled to live up to former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's prediction that he would "terrify" opponents with his pace and strength. But happily for Benitez, his adjustment to the intensity of the English game is well-timed for the Premier League run-in. "Hopefully my goal can give me the confidence to go on from this," he said.

It helps that I've been playing more matches lately. The more you play the more you grow into the squad and the system. It's helping my game, especially for myself as a player who has needed to play a lot of minutes to settle into the team."

Lucas Neill has called on his West Ham team-mates to find the form that kept them in the Premier League last season - to threaten the other challengers for a place in the Uefa Cup.

West Ham's hopes of Europe were hit last Saturday by a 4-0 home defeat by Chelsea but they have the chance to correct that set-back with a difficult trip to Liverpool.

The West Ham captain believes his side can put the shock of the size of the Chelsea loss behind them. "We're going to hurt like crazy for a couple of days and the best thing we can do is to get back on to the pitch and try and rectify the situation," said Neill.

"Our away form is very good and we've got to put everything into the Anfield game to get a result. We've got to keep believing we can get into Europe."

Hicks Is Set To Be Kop Dog

Tom Hicks has raised the capital to buy out his Liverpool co-owner George Gillett and take a 100 per cent stake in Anfield.

The Texan billionaire has quietly been negotiating with his American partner over the past week, and is edging closer to a deal that will make him the sole owner of the Premier League club.

The Mirror can reveal that while Arab investment company DIC has been trying to persuade Gillett to sell his 50 per cent stake to them in recent weeks, Hicks has been raising money in the background to block such a move.

Now he has backing from some powerful business associates in the United States, and is ready to test the resolve of Gillett by matching any offer DIC makes for the shares.

The investment arm of the Dubai government is expected to make a formal offer this week for half a stake in Anfield, but Hicks and Gillett have a deal allowing the other to block the sale of any shares in Liverpool to a third party.

Privately, Gillett has made known reservations about his partnership with Hicks.

But there are signs he may defer to Hicks - who is the more powerful of the two in American business circles - and sell his stake. That would leave Hicks in sole charge of the club.

Gerrard: Trophies My Driving Force

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists he remains focused on winning trophies for the Reds - but is adamant their league form must improve.

Gerrard last week admitted his side's failure to challenge for the Premier League title meant the season was destined to end in disappointment, regardless of whether they managed to win the Champions League.

Yet Gerrard claims the Champions League element of his comments was overplayed, as he would dearly love to get his hands on Europe's elite trophy again.

Liverpool face Inter Milan in the San Siro, with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, for a place in the quarter-finals next week.

Gerrard, the inspiration behind the Reds' 2005 success in the competition, told the club's website: "The message I was trying to get across was that we are disappointed with where we are in the league, but that we're going to try to get into the top four and improve our league situation next season.

"Hopefully while we're going along we can get to another Champions League final. That would be a really good season.

"But the headlines got twisted into 'If we win the Champions League it won't be important' - which is nonsense. That is not what I meant at all.

"There won't be anyone happier in Liverpool than me if we do win the Champions League again.

"Istanbul was the best night of my football career and if we go on to achieve that again it will be right up there with that.

"But, because we're Liverpool Football Club, even if we do win it, we'll still worry about and try to improve our league form. We are winners and we want to try to win every competition we are in."

Liverpool remain behind Everton in the race for fourth in the Premier League, and the lucrative Champions League spot that goes with it, after the weekend's fixtures.

The Reds briefly moved above their arch-rivals by winning 3-1 at Bolton on Sunday only for Everton to regain the place by beating Portsmouth by the same score later in the day.

Liverpool are back in action when West Ham visit Anfield on Wednesday.

Gerrard added: "The important thing short-term is to get in that fourth position, then we can regroup in the summer and have another go at winning the league.

"The players here know we've underachieved in the league this year.

"We're confident that if we play to our capabilities between now and the end of the season we'll take that fourth spot.

"Confidence is high at the moment but if we don't now go and beat West Ham, the Bolton result becomes irrelevant."

Bolton 1 - 3 LiverpooL

Rafael Benitez saw his Liverpool side end years of misery at the Reebok Stadium to emphasise their Champions League credentials.

It was a sweet success for the Spanish coach, but he got a helping hand from Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The Bolton goalkeeper sent Liverpool on their way with a bizarre own goal in the 11th minute and they never looked back.

Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio extended their lead before Tamir Cohen pulled a goal back.

Bolton meanwhile are locked in a relegation battle and the worry for manager Gary Megson is that goals have been hard to come by following the departure of Nicolas Anelka to Chelsea.

Yet they could have been two goals to the good inside the first 10 minutes.

El-Hadji Diouf's free-kick beat goalkeeper Jose Reina in the fifth minute only to come back off the post.

Four minutes later Ivan Campo swung in a corner from the left and Joey O'Brien peeled away from his marker.

O'Brien managed to get in a shot at the back post but Steven Gerrard made the clearance.

Liverpool made the breakthrough in bizarre fashion after 11 minutes when Gerrard's effort appeared to be going wide. However Jaaskelainen made a hash of it and inexplicably turned the ball into his own net.

Jaaskelainen redeemed himself in the 18th minute by turning over a rasping drive from Babel after he had latched on to a good ball from Gerrard.

Bolton almost drew level in the 27th minute when Kevin Nolan picked out Kevin Davies with a marvellous cross.

Davies got enough power on his header from close range but Reina made a superb save low down to his left.

Davies turned provider two minutes later. He clipped the ball through to Nolan, who had sprung the offside trap, only for Reina to make the block.

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia was then booked for tripping Diouf in the 35th minute and they almost paid for that indiscretion.

Matt Taylor delivered a good free-kick but Gary Cahill, under pressure from Martin Skrtel, headed wide.

Liverpool hit back and a minute later Babel weaved his way into the penalty area after a surging run only for Cahill to make a timely clearance.

Babel was a threat every time he had the ball and stung Jaaskelainen's hands with a powerful effort a minute before the break.

Liverpool were in the ascendancy and it was little surprise they extended their lead in the 59th minute.

Carragher whipped in a cross from the right and found Dirk Kuyt only for his smart volley to come back back off the post.

Cahill got the ball away but only as far as Babel, who swept his effort beyond Jaaskelainen.

It was now an uphill task for Bolton given that they had scored only two goals in their last four games in all competitions.

Liverpool were not content to sit on their laurels either with Babel, Kuyt and Fernando Torres giving them strong attacking options as the match reached a crucial stage.

They made it 3-0 in the 75th minute with a superb strike from Fabio Aurelio when there seemed little on.

He took the ball on his chest before smashing a shot beyond Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area.

Bolton to their credit, however, refused to lie down and pulled a goal back four minutes later.

Cohen, son of former Liverpool favourite Avi, ghosted in to head home a corner from Taylor.

Bolton may be in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but the prospect of second tier football next season is all too real.

Rafa Confident Of Fourth Spot

Rafael Benitez is confident of securing fourth place in the Premier League after Liverpool brushed Bolton Wanderers aside 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium.

The Reds moved to within three points of Merseyside rivals Everton with a game in hand after strikes from Ryan Babel, Fabio Aurelio and a Jussi Jaaskelainen own goal secured a straight-forward victory on Sunday.

Afterwards Benitez pointed to the Reds' momentum as reason to be positive in the race to claim the final Champions League spot.

He said: "Every win is important when you are fighting for fourth place.

"You need to put the other teams around you under pressure and we have done that.

"As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do not need to see the table every day.

"If we can win against West ham (on Wednesday), then we go into the game after that with confidence."

Meanwhile, Benitez reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield despite a turbulent season both on and off the pitch.

"I am really happy here at Liverpool," he added. "At this moment though I am only thinking about our games."

Rafa Urges Reds To Go Fourth

Rafael Benitez knows Liverpool are right in the frame to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

Benitez's side followed up last weekend's Barclays Premier League win against Middlesbrough by beating Bolton 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium.

It was a sweet success for the Spanish coach, given the club's miserable record on the ground.

A bizarre own goal from Jussi Jaaskelainen after 11 minutes sent Liverpool on their way to an emphatic victory.

The Bolton goalkeeper turned a shot from Steven Gerrard into his own net with his face and his side never really recovered.

Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio extended their lead before Tamir Cohen, son of former Liverpool favourite Avi, pulled a goal back.

Liverpool now entertain West Ham on Wednesday in good heart after this comfortable victory.

Benitez said: "Every win is important when you are fighting for fourth place.

"You need to put the other teams around you under pressure and we have done that.

"As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do not need to see the table every day.

"If we can win against West Ham, then we go go into the game after that with confidence."

Skipper Steven Gerrard told Setanta Sports 1: "As captain of the team, we are disappointed with where we are in the league.

"We need to keep together and keep fighting to the end.

"It was massive result. We have been inconsistent so it's important to get the points."

Benitez reiterated he is content at Anfield and claimed his focus was on winning matches and not his future plans.

"I am really happy here at Liverpool," he said. "At this moment, though, I am only thinking about our games."

Benitez had some sympathy for Jaaskelainen, but added: "It was disappointing for him but good for us.

"Sometimes these things happen and we went on to play well after a difficult opening few minutes.

"We knew if we did not pass the ball then we could get drawn into a physical game.

"We needed to play at a high tempo and keep our concentration and we did that."

Bolton may be in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup but they remain in danger of relegation.

Due to face Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, they could be without captain Kevin Nolan after he suffered a back injury and came off at half-time.

Nolan's absence would be a blow for Bolton but manager Gary Megson is more concerned about getting him fit for domestic duty.

He excused Jaaskelainen for his gaffe by saying: "Jussi is a fantastic goalkeeper. He made two great saves after that.

"He has held his hands up but these balls moved quite a bit in the air and it came back and hit him in the face.

"The first goal can be vital and it took the wind out of our sails. We got picked off rather too easily."

Moyes: Reds Still Favourites

Everton boss David Moyes insists Liverpool remain favourites to claim the final Champions League spot despite seeing his side reclaim fourth spot in the Premier League.

The Toffees boosted their top-four hopes with a 3-1 win over Portsmouth at Goodison Park on Sunday.

However, the Reds' own 3-1 success over Bolton Wanderers kept them three points behind their Merseyside rivals with a game in hand.

"Liverpool are still the favourites, they have to be. We have been consistent but for them fourth would be expected," admitted Moyes.

"We are doing everything we can to make a fight of it, but the bookies are probably right to make them favourites.

"They are looking at the two clubs and where they have been in the past and they are making their decision on who are the favourites in the light of that.

"We have to keep our play at this level and keep going right to the end.

"This has been a big week. We have now beaten Manchester City and Portsmouth - and they are two teams who have been pushing us all the way.

"They all want a European place. Portsmouth are a good side and hard to beat, but I feel we have realised that we can play against the best teams and cause them problems."

Peter Crouch & Sami Hyypia To Be Offered New Liverpool Deals

Liverpool are ready to offer new contracts to both Peter Crouch and Sami Hyypia.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is looking to tie the pair down to new deals in a bid to ward off growing interest in them from clubs at home and abroad.

Despite approaching his 35th birthday, Hyypia has been one of Liverpool's star performers this season and Benitez is keen to reward the long-serving Finn by offering him an extension which would see him clock up a decade of service at Anfield.

Newcastle, Bolton and Fulham are all interested in signing Hyypia but Benitez has acted quickly to give him the chance to remain at the club he joined for a bargain £2.5m in 1999.

Hyypia recently spoke of his desire to stay at Anfield despite being aware of interest from other clubs and it would be a major surprise if he was to decline an offer from Liverpool.

Crouch's situation is more complicated as he in the last 18 months of his current deal and, having been in and out of the starting line-up this season, it is unclear whether he will be prepared to commit his long term future to the club.

Under the terms of a recent landmark legal case which has had massive implications for players contracts, Crouch will this summer be in a position to take advantage of Article 17 of FIFA's regulations on the status and transfer of players.

This rule allows players under the age of 28 who have served three years of a four or five year contract to effectively hand in their notice and move to another club.

Players over 28 can take advantage of the ruling after just two years of their contract.

Crouch, 27, will finish the third year of his four-year deal at the end of this season and, as such, would therefore be able to move elsewhere if he is prepared to quit Liverpool and pay them compensation.

Benitez is ready to test just how happy Crouch is at Liverpool and a formal contract offer is expected to be made imminently.

Crouch On His Humble Beginnings

Although he has played in World Cups and Champions League finals, Peter Crouch insists his feet shall always remain on the ground.

Remembering his humble upbringing, the lanky Liverpool FC striker spoke on the club website about his roots from Dulwich Hamlet to little known Swedish part-time side IFK Hasselholm, all the way to the mighty Reds.

The 27-year-old said: "Don't get me wrong, I feel I belong where I am, I feel at home playing for England and playing the biggest games in the Champions League.

"When I am training with all these top players for Liverpool and England, I don't feel out of place. I feel part of it and worthy of being there. But at the same time I know it's been a long road for me to get to where I am and I'll never, ever forget that.

"Players like Steve Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, they were always going to make it from the youngest age. Their careers were almost mapped out for them as soon as they started playing.

"Their talent was obvious and it must come as second nature for them to play in the biggest games. But for me it has never been quite so easy.

"I loved it out there against Inter, I really did, every single second. I love those nights, that emotion of European football. But I remember too that when I was younger I was playing a different kind of European football."

The ‘different kind of football’ Crouch refers to is a widely unknown fact about the 6ft 7in striker’s past. Playing for Swedish part-time side IFK Hasselholm, whom he joined on loan from first club Tottenham Hotspur, Crouch’s outlook on life and football broadened as he mixed playing time with squalid living quarters nicknamed ‘The Ghetto’.

He explained: "Being Sweden, it wasn't too bad. I don't suppose it was the same notion of a ghetto that we had in south-west London. But when I went to Hasselholm the players asked me where I was staying and when I told them they were shocked.

"It was pretty rough and it was a pretty tough standard of football too, very physical for a young lad who was still trying to catch up with myself and my growing rate. But I loved it, I had a fantastic time out there.

"I was at Dulwich Hamlet too around that time in the Isthmian League and it was a million miles away from the lifestyle Premier League footballers have these days. In Sweden, a bunch of us used to live in digs in the 'ghetto', go out together, learn together, laugh together and I reckon it taught me a lot."

After Spurs, the 6ft 7in striker enjoyed spells at QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Southampton before a dream move to Merseyside at the age of 24. He reflected: "I think where I came from helped me. I'm not knocking those players who were always going to be big stars but I think I can keep my feet on the ground and appreciate what I have because of those days in Sweden and Dulwich.

"There's no doubt it helped me so much to develop my career, both physically and emotionally. I am a better person and a better player for it. It toughened me up mentally, but also gave me a good perspective.

"It makes me appreciate what I have. I had a long, hard road to get where I am. But I want to keep going, I want to win the Champions League this year, I want to break England scoring records. I want to continue that journey and I know I will."

Hicks' Sell-off Move Delays Dubai Takeover

Dubai International Capital's proposed takeover of Liverpool is being delayed by the attempts of one of the club's American owners to sell off a percentage of his sport businesses.

Tom Hicks is seeking an off-market placement of existing shares in Hicks Sports Group, which includes investments in Liverpool, the Texas Rangers baseball team and the Dallas Stars ice hockey franchise. Investment bankers JP Morgan have been advising on the 144A listing, which was first attempted in January but failed because of challenging financial market conditions. JP Morgan representatives are understood to have visited Liverpool in the last fortnight to work on the placement.

Hicks' current 50 per cent share of Liverpool is thought to be fundamental to the exercise. DIC's interest has helped the football club's value to rise during a period in which American companies with sporting assets have declined sharply in worth. While DIC would prefer to buy Liverpool in full, the Arabian investment group is currently concentrating its efforts on purchasing George Gillett's half share and establishing an agreement with Hicks that would allow it full control of Liverpool's day-to-day operations. Hicks has engaged in talks with DIC over a proposed management structure after the purchase.

Though it has been suggested that Hicks is attempting to raise funds to buy out Gillett and take total control of Liverpool, such a move would cost around £300million (£151m) in equity and loan guarantees. Hicks is not thought to have the resources to cover such a transaction, while his moves to place shares in Hicks Sport Group would effectively reduce his stake in Liverpool, making him a seller rather than a buyer.

Rafa Benitez: I'll Stay On At Liverpool

Rafael Benitez insists that, far from emptying his locker at Anfield this summer, he will extend his stay at Liverpool beyond the term of his current contract that expires in two years' time.

The manager's claim that he will be at the club for the long haul marks a significant shift after another turbulent week on Merseyside. There was renewed pressure on Benitez after Steven Gerrard voiced his frustration at another disappointing league campaign and another twist in the increasingly bitter boardroom power struggle.

Less than two weeks ago Benitez was forced to defend his record at the club against the backdrop of growing belief that only success in the Champions League this season would save the Spaniard's job.

Now, however, the former Valencia coach has spoken more bullishly about his long-term prospects. It reflects a shift in his relationship with co-owner Tom Hicks, who last week insisted he had no intention of selling up and vowed to block any attempt by his estranged business partner George Gillett to offload his 50 per cent share of the club to Dubai International Capital.

Benitez and Hicks became entangled in a public spat towards the end of last year over transfer funds. This related to the owners' delay in sanctioning the £18 million signing of Javier Mascherano, the Argentina midfielder who finally converted his loan stay into a permanent move when he agreed a four-year contract on Friday, and the revelation that the US owners had sounded out Jurgen Klinsmann as a possible replacement for Benitez.

Relations between the pair appear to have improved in recent weeks to the extent that the manager felt able to assert his belief that he was going nowhere.

"I have confidence I will be here for a long time, not just the two years, but for a long time," Benitez said.

The admission by Benitez that, with Mascherano on board, he was now attempting to secure new contracts for Sami Hyypia, the veteran centre-back, and England forward Peter Crouch, reinforces the view that manager and boardroom appear to have at last established a more effective working relationship.

"We are progressing," Benitez insisted. "This year we can only try to improve in the league to be in the top four."

Premier League Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Liverpool

After losing their previous league fixture 4-1, the last team one would think that Premiership strugglers Bolton Wanderers would have wanted to face would be a member of the ‘Big Four.’

However, even though Gary Megson’s Bolton team were beaten by a convincing margin last time out against Blackburn Rovers, it is fair to say that the overall performance of his team was not one of a side asking to be thumped by a Premiership rival.

Indeed, had it not been for some terrible refereeing and wasteful finishing, then an important victory could have been claimed by The Trotters in their fight for Premiership survival.

With Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool side now making their way to the Reebok Stadium, the Bolton fans will be hoping that their side will be able to build on the positive elements of the Blackburn game and inflict yet another body blow to Liverpool’s stuttering Premiership campaign.

For this to happen, Megson will need to bring out the type of performance from his players that has seen them come out on top in their recent UEFA Cup tie against Liga big boys Atlético Madrid, and beat Premiership champions Manchester United in his first fixture in charge of the club.

The Bolton manager will, however, be perfectly aware that the damage inflicted on his Bolton side last week by Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz has every chance of being replicated by Liverpool’s exquisite number 9, Fernando Torres.

Quite simply, Bolton must keep the Spanish international striker quiet to stand any chance of further derailing Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes, as they cannot rely on their own strikers to convert enough opportunities at the other end of the pitch.

If this does occur, then there is a chance that an unlikely few points could be gained in Bolton’s fight to beat the dreaded Premiership drop.

What a strange few weeks this has been for everyone associated with Liverpool Football Club. From the lows caused by a shock defeat to Championship team Barnsley in the F.A. Cup, to then beating reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan in their next fixture, consistency has not been a byword for Liverpool’s performance so far this year.

Another high point was seen last weekend in the Reds' 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough, when the Kop’s new idol Fernando Torres managed to score his first Premiership hat trick for the club.

However, this fixture can be seen to be a microcosm of Liverpool’s season so far, as from the highs of Torres’ headline grabbing performance, the actual nature of the Reds display left more than enough to be desired.

It is not often that Gareth Southgate’s men will be able to walk away from Anfield feeling aggrieved at the result, but this was the kind of display that such feelings can come from.

Rafa Benitez will though be more than aware of the threat that Bolton can cause to the Premiership elite at their Reebok home, and with Fernando Torres in his team, he will feel he has the weaponry to overcome this obstacle.

With no mid-week Champions League fixture to distract Benitez from selecting his strongest starting XI, it is imperative that Liverpool get back on the trail of usurping local rivals Everton in the race for 4th place, and the final Champions League qualifying position.

As such, a Bolton team devoid of the attacking talents of Nicolas Anelka should be easily brushed aside by a Liverpool team possessing far too much talent to be tripped up by their lowly North Western neighbours. However, as with all things to do with the Reds so far this season, nothing can be considered entirely predictable.

FORM GUIDE


Bolton Wanderers:

February 24th vs. Blackburn Rovers (A) lost 4-1 (PREM)

February 21st vs. Atlético Madrid (A) drew 0-0 (UEFA CUP)

February 14th vs. Atlético Madrid (H) won 1-0 (UEFA CUP)

February 9th vs. Portsmouth (H) lost 1-0 (PREM)

February 2nd vs. Reading (A) won 2-0 (PREM)


Liverpool:

February 23rd vs. Middlesbrough (H) won 3-2 (PREM)

February 19th vs. Inter Milan (H) won 2-0 (CHAMPS LG)

February 16th vs. Barnsley (H) lost 2-1 (FA CUP)

February 10th vs. Chelsea (A) drew 0-0 (PREM)

February 2nd vs. Sunderland (H) won 3-0 (PREM)



TEAM NEWS


Bolton Wanderers:

Gary Megson should be able to call on the vast majority of his Bolton squad for this fixture, with the only players unavailable for selection being the injured Heidar Helguson and midfielder Danny Guthrie, who is ineligible to play due to the fact he is on loan to the club from Sunday’s rivals, Liverpool.

Squad: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, A O'Brien, Cahill, Meite, J O'Brien, Steinsson, Gardner, Stelios, Nolan, Campo, Cohen, Taylor, Diouf, Davies, Samuel, McCann, Al Habsi, Alonso, Teymourian.


Liverpool:

Much to the delight of the Liverpool fans, Danish centre back Danny Agger may be involved in this game after a successful run out for the Liverpool reserves in mid-week. January signing Martin Skrtel should also be available for selection again after overcoming a short term injury. Indeed, the only guaranteed absentee for Rafa Benitez’s side is Andrei Voronin, who is making a steady recovery from an ankle ligament injury sustained in January.

Squad: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Riise, Babel, Kewell, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Torres, Kuyt, Crouch, Lucas, Itandje.



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bolton Wanderers: In a team that has been short of goals since the sale of Nicolas Anelka, January signing Gary Cahill will have to play a major role in stopping the Liverpool attack if Bolton are to take anything from this game. Gary Megson will be looking to the assured displays Cahill has exhibited since his £5 million pound move from Aston Villa, and will be hoping that the reckless challenge that led to the second of Blackburn’s penalty’s at the weekend was just a momentary aberration. As such, Cahill should be under no illusions that a repeat of this kind of defending will be punished severely by Spanish hot shot Fernando Torres.

Liverpool: After his hat trick against Middlesbrough, it is hard to look to anyone else other than Fernando Torres when naming Liverpool’s key player. The ex-Atlético man has been nothing short of a revelation since his big money summer transfer, and has often been the source of Rafa Benitez’s salvation in a disappointing campaign so far. Interestingly, the suspect Bolton defence could provide plenty of opportunities for Torres to close in on Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record for the most goals scored in a player’ first season in the Premiership, with El Nino currently sitting nine goals short of the Dutchman’s 24 goal mark.

McManaman: New Owners Can Cure Liverpool

When Steven Gerrard attacked Liverpool for their under-achievement in the Premier League it was seen as a slight against his manager, Rafael Benitez, but if he had said anything different, he would have lost the respect of the club's fans.

The fact remains that Liverpool invested more than £40 million in their squad during the summer and are in a worse position than they were this time last year. Talk to Jamie Carragher, another local lad, and you would hear the same criticisms that came from Gerrard - this season's form is nowhere near good enough.

The problems start at the top. While Gerrard attracts unconditional affection from the Anfield fans, Liverpool's American owners have frittered away what respect they had. The day Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jnr. bought into the club, I was delighted. They seemed shrewd businessmen, highly professional in their sports interests and committed to sustaining the club's traditions. One of those traditions is that Liverpool had always conducted its in-house affairs in a very open fashion, but that has been eroded of late - by the speculation over the manager's future and the rumours of a sale to investors from Dubai.

So, I can understand it when pockets of Liverpool fans stay behind, as they did after the defeat to Barnsley in the FA Cup, to chant messages like "Yanks out". It seems to me that the only way the club can move forward is through a change of ownership. Hicks and Gillett have already made a major mistake in raising the name of an alternative manager, in Jurgen Klinsmann, destabilising Benitez when what the club needed were firm and frank guarantees.

The situation is not unprecedented. You only have to look at Manchester United, who finished 21 points ahead of Liverpool last season; there, the Glazers are still not accepted.

But the fact that, despite a handover in ownership and a huge injection of money, Liverpool are now worse off reveals a breakdown of trust.

Gerrard is only speaking the obvious when he expresses his disappointment that the squad, managed by a man who has already won the Spanish title, cannot appear to challenge for the Premier League. Benitez would, no doubt, agree that a league campaign in which Liverpool are struggling to stay in touch with fourth place falls a long way short.

There is a real danger that the club could fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, scuppering another opportunity for revival. Achievements at European level represent one of the major reasons players of the quality of Fernando Torres were brought in.

The concept of a crisis at Liverpool can be exaggerated, though. Benitez should be given more time. You only have to see the outcry against Avram Grant after losing the Carling Cup - just one game, when a fortnight earlier he was preparing to set a record of successive wins at Chelsea - to know that pressure can pass.

Next week's game against Inter Milan has assumed huge importance for Liverpool, but it is best to keep perspective. The win in the first leg gave all the supporters an unexpected lift, and Gerrard's comments can only strengthen Liverpool's resolve not to go quietly.