Cesc Praises Torres Ahead Of Triple Header

Ahead of his side's hattrick of meetings with Liverpool - with each leg of their Champions League quarterfinal contested either side of a league encounter - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas has aired his views on compatriot Fernando Torres.

While Arsenal have no doubt outdone Liverpool in terms of silverware and consistency over the last decade, European glory has gone quite the other way.

The Gunners went close when making the final in 2006, but Liverpool can say the same of the more recent final in 2007, and added to that have the glorious if not somewhat miraculous success of 2005 to boast about, as well as the UEFA Cup won in 2001.

The two sides lock horns this week with Arsenal having only ever won a single Champions League quarterfinal - that of course in 2006 - of the four they have participated in. Liverpool meanwhile have an absolutely marvellous conversion rate, having made the quarters 11 times and progressed to the semi-finals on all but three occasions.

When considering general form this season, Arsenal started like a house on fire - something even the most devout optimists would not have foreseen in the club's first season in almost a decade without club icon and all-time leading scorer Thierry Henry.

Liverpool flattered to deceive as they have in recent years; falling away in the league, putting up little resistence in the Carling Cup and being embarrased by Barnsley in the FA Cup. However, since then, the Champions League has once more galvanised Benitez's side who, behind league leaders Manchester United, are without doubt the form team in England.

Wenger's Arsenal, meanwhile, conspired to lose a five point lead at the top of the table as they now trail by six, behind Chelsea in second but, thankfully for them, a comfortable eight ahead of Liverpool in fourth.

The two clubs now face each other three times in a week, with these games no doubt playing a monumental part in determining their respective fates this season.

“In these three games we will know the outcome of our season,” declared Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas. “The Champions League is of great importance. Liverpool have made it to the final twice in the last three years and know very well how to play these type of matches.”

Fabregas shared words with countryman Fernando Torres when the two met up for a friendly against Italy last week, a game neither impressed in. That said, both have been the respective stars for their club this season. Cesc revealed that Torres told him he would score, while the Arsenal man prefers to do his talking on the pitch.

From there on, though, he had only words of praise for the star striker and his magnificent first season in England.

“He said that he will score a goal, but I preferred to remain quiet, wait and speak later on the pitch,” remarked Fàbregas. “When a player comes to England, one can doubt whether he will settle, but Torres is doing fantastically well.

"English football suits him just fine: He is a strong player, hard to defend, he is clinical when facing goal and overall, he creates space, something which is paramount in England.”

Fàbregas opined that the 23-year-old's success hinges on him no longer dealing with all the pressure that was on his shoulders as Atletico Madrid's apparent saviour during a somewhat dark period in los Rojiblancos' history.

“He had all the plaudits, but when things went wrong, all the criticism as well,” explained Fàbregas. “It was as if Atlético was just made up of Torres. That is not very beneficial, especially Atlético was not going through the best of times and he got the worst of the criticism.

“These are things that when you are young can make you overanalyse things and go through a negative spell. Here, he feels he is more free, surrounded by quality players and he is going through a great spell.”

Reds Ready To Rock Arsenal - Torres

In-form striker Fernando Torres says Liverpool are full of confidence heading into their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

The Spain international has scored 11 goals in his last 10 matches - including the winner in Sunday's Merseyside derby - and has found the net four times in his previous four European outings.

Torres has 28 goals for the season and would dearly like to score at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to give Liverpool an important advantage heading into the second leg of the quarter-final tie.

"The first game at the Emirates will be very difficult. The most important thing is to score - if we score it is very good for the Anfield game but Arsenal play very well and it is very difficult to win," he said.

"They won a very difficult game on Saturday (beating Bolton 3-2 with 10 men) but we have confidence again now and we have the confidence to go and win against Arsenal."

The team produced the perfect response to the defeat to Manchester United a week last Sunday by claiming derby day bragging rights thanks to Torres' solitary strike.

And that goal, which saw him become only the fifth player in the club's history to score in six successive home games, has boosted the Spaniard ahead of Tuesday's crucial encounter.

"Whenever you have a bad result, you need a big game with a good result," added the 24-year-old.

"Every player is over the Manchester United result and the important thing is to win.

"Now we have an important game coming against Arsenal and six games in the league."

If there is anything Torres needs to add to what has been a stunning debut season in England it is the ability to score regularly away from home.

So far 19 of his 21 league goals have come at Anfield, with 15 of those coming in front of the Kop.

Torres admits he is more comfortable playing at home but cannot explain why.

"I always feel confident that I can score at Anfield. I've got 19 Premier League goals here now which is fantastic for me, and I seem to score most of those in front of the Kop," he said.

"I don't know why that is, but I'm always scoring at that end. It must be something about the stand, it is just different. I always feel confident when I'm facing that end of the pitch."

Despite the majority of Torres' goals coming at home, Liverpool's legendary record goalscorer Ian Rush believes the Spaniard has the necessary credentials to become feared across Europe.

"Torres has something that can make him really special," said Rush.

"When you've got pace and can kick with both feet, like he can, you are always going to cause the opposition problems.

"Defenders don't actually know which foot he is going to kick with. That's what makes him special. He has been a revelation."

Rush believes Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will play his usual tactical game against Arsenal and will probably look to win the tie back at Anfield.

"I think the game will be really tight and Liverpool will have the advantage simply because of the second leg," he told UEFA's website.

"I think they will go to Arsenal in the first game and just try to contain them. If you let Arsenal play, they're a joy to watch and I feel Liverpool's job will be to try and stop them playing.

"If they can get a draw, I think they can win back at Anfield. The atmosphere and the support Liverpool will have there will give them a head start."

Hicks And Gillett Head For Champions League Game - But Ask Not To Be Seat Together

Tom Hicks and George Gillett will both be at Liverpool's Champions League game with Arsenal on Wednesday - but both have asked not be sat together.

The pair are planning on attending Liverpool's Champions League tie against Arsenal at The Emirates on Wednesday night.

But sources in the club say both have requested not to be seated next to one another.

Hicks is travelling to London with a party of 12 while Gillett is flying in from Colorado with his son, Foster.

As the in-fighting and internal strife continues, chief executive Rick Parry has appealed for a solution to be found at the earliest possible opportunity for the good of the club.

The Reds chief executive has spoken out after George Gillett finally ended his silence and admitted his relationship with co-owner Tom Hicks is in tatters.

"My plea is that something happens this week," he said.

"There is a need for a degree of urgency but it is urgent to get it right, not urgent to come up with the wrong solution."

With Dubai International Capital reportedly keen to launch a full takeover of the Anfield club, Hicks has so far refused to do business unless he can retain a controlling share, while Gillett appears more amenable - claiming DIC would have been "responsible" owners.

Parry is keen to sort the issue out as soon as possible but insists the club have to take correct decisions - and not the most expedient.

"To move onwards and upwards we need a resolution but I don't think this is going to have a direct bearing on the players, that is pretty unlikely," he said.

"It is certainly not conducive to long-term planning and managing of the club.

"Over time, if we fail to deliver and fail to perform, that is when star players become dissatisfied but that is not an immediate fear from where I sit."

Pako Betrayed Me And It Still Hurts - Benitez Lifts The Lid On His Assistant's Anfield Exit

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has spoken for the first time about the departure of former assistant Pako Ayestaran from Anfield.

The departure of his fellow Spaniard has been cited as a major reason why the Reds have failed to mount a serious challenge in the Premier League this season, but Benitez insists he had no option but to tell his friend to leave the club.

He told The Times: "Pako was much more than a physical trainer, he was my friend and someone I trusted for many years. I worked with him for 11 years. It's a recent wound that still hurts.

"Liverpool gave him autonomy and power and I think that changed him a lot – he wanted more and more. One day I found out that he had serious contacts with other teams and that seemed to me a betrayal towards me and the club that I couldn't accept.

"He told me he wanted to leave the same day that we played against Toulouse, so I lost someone I trusted greatly, a key member of my staff at a crucial moment in the preseason."

And Benitez admits the club has taken time to recover from Ayestaran's exit, adding: "Logically, this has an effect on a team. The people that arrived had to adapt and familiarise themselves with a new environment.

"This meant that a transitional period started at the club, but we still managed to win games and play well. Then, when we started to draw games, people questioned our work.

"I believe that no one is irreplaceable and we have to keep moving forward. Paco de Miguel took over the role as physical trainer. Also, as a result, I have more of a presence around the team and try to have more involvement with the players."

League Title Is A Distraction For Arsenal, Says Gerrard

Steven Gerrard sought comfort in Arsenal's stirring fightback against Bolton Wanderers yesterday by claiming it could distract Arsène Wenger's team from a single-minded pursuit of the Champions League.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal approach tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final having scored psychologically important results at the weekend: the visitors reducing the pressure on qualification for next season's competition with victory over Everton and the hosts ending a run of five league games without success in dramatic fashion at the Reebok.

Arsenal remain six points adrift of the leaders, Manchester United, despite recovering from a two-goal deficit against Gary Megson's team but, argues Gerrard, their lingering interest in the Premier League title may affect the Gunners' motivation at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow night.
"If Arsenal hadn't beaten Bolton, maybe they'd only have had one thing to play for this season and that could have made it more difficult for us," the Liverpool captain said. "But with them still having half a chance in the league, maybe that could distract them a bit."

Gerrard was outstanding in the Merseyside derby at Anfield and his understanding with the 28-goal Fernando Torres, coupled with the availability of Javier Mascherano for the quarter-final, has fuelled Liverpool confidence for the first leg. The captain believes his club's consistency in Europe and the pedigree born of two Champions League finals in the past three seasons will favour Rafael Benítez's side in London tomorrow.

"Before the draw was made, we'd have been looking to get a team from Europe rather than another from the Premier League," said the England midfielder. "But you get what you are given and to win the European Cup you have to beat the best. When we won it in 2005, we had to beat all the best teams to win it and I'm sure we're going to have to do that again if we want to win it this season. We're a good side in Europe and we're always confident no matter who we come up against that we are going to qualify. I think the other teams are more worried about us because we've proved in the last two or three years that we're one of the best teams in the competition. We've got nothing to fear."

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 on their only previous visit to the Emirates, for a league game in November 2006, and Gerrard insists the eight-point gap between the teams in the league will have no bearing on their first European encounter. "The Champions League games against Arsenal are going to be different to the league game we have there," he added. "We found the Champions League games we had against Chelsea were different to the Premier League games, with it being a cup competition and not for three points. But we know we are in for two really tough games."

Gerrard's man of the match performance in the derby was tainted by the vile abuse he received from Everton supporters at Anfield, invective that prompted Benítez to criticise their "lack of respect" after a game in which players on both sides were subjected to personal attack. Everton responded to the Liverpool manager's comments yesterday by claiming their captain, Phil Neville, was punched as he prepared to take a throw in front of the Centenary Stand and have asked Merseyside police to investigate the incident.

"Whilst we would never condone the singling out of individual players for vitriolic insults, it is a shame that Mr. Benítez chose to ignore the actions of his own club's supporters," said an Everton spokesman. "Not only was Joleon Lescott subjected all afternoon to a long barrage of quite disgusting and quite audible abuse, Phil Neville was seemingly spat at several times and was also punched in the back by a supporter as he took a throw-in."

LiverpooL 1 - 0 Everton

Fernando Torres' early strike gave Liverpool a precious five-point lead over their Merseyside rivals in the race for Champions League qualification.

Torres cost Liverpool around £20million last summer, and this goal - of all the 28 he has grabbed so far - could be the one that earns the riches that come from participating in Europe's premier competition each season.

Liverpool dominated the first half, and should have been in total command. Steven Gerrard hit a post and a hatful of chances were wasted.

But Everton, to their immense credit, tested Liverpool to the absolute limits in the second-half, and the Kop stood in anguish as they watched their heroes defend the goal in front of them.

But Liverpool hung on to complete only their 12th league double over the Goodison Park side in what was virtually a final eliminator for fourth spot.

Liverpool were missing the suspended Javier Mascherano, while Everton were without the injured Tim Cahill and Andrew Johnson - arguably damaging the Toffees' system more than the Argentina midfielder's absence for the Reds.

And after a spirited opening spell, in which Mikel Arteta tested Jose Reina with a spin and shot from 25-yards, Liverpool set about establishing a superiority on this 207th Mersey derby.

With so much at stake, financially as well as local pride, the game was tense and needed a firm control from referee Howard Webb, mindful of the 36 yellow and seven red cards in the seven derbies since Benitez took charge at Anfield.

In a fixture that has more dismissals than any other Premier League fixture Webb did a pretty decent job of keeping the passions in check.

He booked both Lee Carsley and Phil Neville - on his 100th league appearance for Everton - inside the first 18 minutes for fouls on Torres and Lucas, by which time Liverpool were deservedly in front.

And it had to be that man Torres.

The Spaniard may not have fared too well with goals for Atletico in the Madrid derby, just one, but he scored inside seven minutes of his Merseyside derby debut.

It was Liverpool's 100th in all competitions this season and he equalled the club record of scoring in six successive home league games, his 28th of a stunning first campaign in the Premier League.

It came when Xabi Alonso caught Ayegbeni Yakubu in possession 20 yards out, a situation the Nigerian should have had under control.

But he dithered and the ball was poked back into the box for Dirk Kuyt to flick forward. And Torres was on it in a flash, drilling the ball inside Tim Howard's far post with the normally solid Everton rearguard all over the place.

And for the next half-hour Liverpool pinned Everton back, searching for further success.

Kuyt had shots blocked by Tony Hibbert and Howard in quick succession, Ryan Babel missed a gift close-in from a John Arne Riise cross before a brave saving header from Carsley stopped Lucas reaching a Steven Gerrard free-kick.

Gerrard, himself, on his 20th derby appearance, then almost uprooted Howard's right-hand post with a fierce, dipping drive from 25-yards.

But the feeling remained that Everton were still in it despite Reina barely being tested.

Everton, with Arteta in a more central midfield role, and Steven Pienaar a wandering, sporadic influence, had unquenchable belief.

That was reinforced by the way they were over-powering Lucas in midfield, possession constantly being conceded.

And they started the second period with growing intent. Pienaar was booked for a foul on Babel as the Blues' tempo increased.

Neville's move to a more advanced role on the left of midfield forced Kuyt to defend and stopped Jamie Carragher getting forward. And Everton started to win free-kicks, their dangerous trademark.

Leon Osman sent a header just wide from one of Arteta's accurate deliveries, with Liverpool now having to defend. Manuel Fernandes came on for Pienaar on the hour, and Everton continued to press.

Phil Jagielka was booked for a late challenge on Gerrard before Neville was withdrawn - presumably injured because he headed straight down the tunnel after grabbing a track-suit top angrily, before exchanging a handshake with Moyes.

Liverpool gambled on sitting back and trying to catch Everton on the break the more they came forward, increasingly desperate to salvage something.

Babel was withdrawn to allow Yossi Benayoun into the argument, while Everton sent Jagielka up front late on. Everton were a constant and growing menace which needed all of Sami Hyypia's experience and Martin Skrtel's brawn to contain.

The unease in Liverpool ranks increased with Torres booked for time wasting, before being withdrawn, Jermaine Pennant coming on with two minutes left.

Kuyt curled a 20-yarder just wide and Howard saved superbly from Gerrard, but it was all Everton as the seconds ticked away.

Liverpool sent on Peter Crouch for Gerrard in injury-time as they successfully used up the last moments.

Fernando Torres Overwhelmed By First Derby Experience

Liverpool match-winner Fernando Torres left Anfield with a feeling of amazement after his first Merseyside derby ended in victory.

The Spain striker scored the only goal in the seventh minute and after the game he expressed his delight at the performance, which put five points between the Reds and their fifth-placed local rivals Everton.

“The derby was amazing. It is always different for the fans. It is an important week and you feel this is a special game,” he said.

“The victory was most important and Everton are further behind than before.”

Torres, who has now scored 21 goals in the Barclays Premier League, said today made up for last week’s disappointing 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

“When you have a bad result you need a big game with a good result and now we have confidence again,” he added.

Gerrard Bemoans Liverpool’s Inability To Kill Off The Game By Scoring More Goals

Confident Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool should have won by an even greater margin after claiming victory over Everton.

A seventh-minute goal from Fernando Torres ultimately settled the 207th Merseyside derby at Anfield yesterday.

It ensured Rafael Benitez’s side opened up a five-point lead on their neighbours in the race for fourth place and the final Champions League qualification berth.

Liverpool dominated the first half before withstanding a belated Everton recovery after half-time as the hosts spurned a variety of good chances to add to their advantage.

And Gerrard, who was denied a spectacular goal of his own by the width of the post, reckons the visitors at times struggled to cope with their city rivals.

“It was a good win but we’re slightly disappointed we didn’t make it more comfortable in the first half, because we had plenty of chances to kill the game off,” said the Liverpool skipper.

“But I never once thought we’d lose the game or give a goal away.

“You’re always after a quick start in the derby and a quick goal and we got that, and in the first half we completely dominated the game. We maybe deserved a bigger margin of victory.

“We dominated for large parts of the game and we couldn’t quite convert another goal in the first half, and I was disappointed when my effort came back off the post.”

With only six league games remaining, Liverpool are now firm favourites to hold off their neighbours and retain their top-four place for Champions League qualification.

However, Gerrard insists there will be no complacency with the Anfield outfit preparing for a triple-header against Arsenal in the Champions League and Premier League over the next nine days.

“It was a big win and we knew how important this game would be for us,” said Gerrard.

“Hopefully now we can continue to pick up wins until the end of the season and grab that fourth spot.

“Credit to Everton they came back strongly in the second half – we couldn’t quite get that second goal which made it harder.

“But we are winning games and you’re happy as long as you are winning. These games are also about bragging rights and I’m sure the supporters will be pleased.

“We still have difficult games to go so it was important to get the result.”

Gerrard added: “For the time being the pressure is off us having to win the Champions League to qualify for the competition, because we know we have a gap now.

“But although we have to massive Champions League games coming up against Arsenal, we have to make sure we put a big performance in for the Premier League game in between and maintain that five-point gap or even increase it.”

Torres’s goal was his 28th of the season – 21 of them coming in the Premier League – and an admiring skipper Gerrard said: “It’s no shock to me the way Fernando finished for his goal.

“Give the guy the chances and he will put them away.”

Everton were shorn of a number of key personnel in attack and Gerrard concedes that perhaps blunted the threat going forward of David Moyes’s side.

“I think looking at Everton’s teamsheet and the way they lined up, they were playing for a draw,” he said.

“Maybe if Andrew Johnson had been fit, they may have been a bit more positive.

“But you have to give us credit for our performance, Everton couldn’t live with us in the first 45 minutes.”

Torres’s Star Show Hailed By Benitez

Rafael Benitez hailed ace striker Fernando Torres after his recordequalling goal earned Liverpool victory in the Merseyside derby and took them to the brink of Champions League qualification.

Torres struck in a sixth successive home game to equal a club record as the Reds opened up a five-point gap over fifth-placed Everton with six games to play. The Spaniard stole the points by coolly slotting past Toffees keeper Tim Howard after only seven minutes in a strangely subdued derby affair.

It was his 28th goal of what has been a memorable debut season in England and had delighted boss Benitez singing his praises. “We must admit that we are surprised by how well Fernando has settled here,” Benitez said. “We knew he was a great player, one of the best strikers in Europe, but for him to score 28 goals in his first season for the club is very impressive.”

Liverpool got off to the best possible start when Steven Gerrard’s corner was only half-cleared, Xavi Alonso stole the ball off Yakubu and Dirk Kuyt played in Torres to score.

Gerrard then came within a whisker of doubling the advantage five minutes before the break with a first-time volley which hit the post. Despite the result Benitez refused to accept the race for fourth was over. “We are at Arsenal next Saturday and that will be tough, while Everton are at home to Derby,” he added. “Things can change around very quickly.”

Rafa Benitez Blasts Everton Fans Over Steven Gerrard Abuse

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez slammed Everton's fans for taunting skipper Steven Gerrard - and revealed he was happy that his star man shut them up.

Gerrard came in for a torrent of personal abuse about his private life from the away end and Benitez rapped:

"I am sure some players will be really pleased about that win and I am really pleased for them. I don't like to hear some of those things and it is a lack of respect."

The Kop chief singled out Gerrard for praise as they basked in the glory of a derby win that takes the Anfield side five points clear of their rivals and red-hot favourites for fourth place.

Gerrard was the target for the hate mob but he preferred to focus on the vital victory and said:

"It's a big win for us and hopefully we can continue like that to the end of the season and grab fourth spot."

Fernando Torres was the match-winner with his 21st Premier League goal of the season and Benitez added: "We are surprised.

"We knew he was a fantastic player but to score that many in his first season isn't easy, especially for a foreign player.

"He is one of the best in Europe."

Even Everton boss David Moyes was impressed. He said: "It was like playing against two men at times in the first half because of the way he occupied our centre-halves."

DIC, Hicks And Gillett Ready For Crisis Talks

Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are due to meet with a representative from Dubai International Capital, in the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

It is understood that it will be the first time all three parties have shared the same room, meaning that the drama on the pitch of the Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal and Liverpool could easily be surpassed by tensions off it.

DIC remain optimistic that they can still launch a successful takeover and yesterday there were signs that the Liverpool power struggle was moving into its final phase. It has emerged that the pressure on Hicks may heighten in the coming weeks due to the possible need for him to refinance other assets. Market sources predict that the pressure of the global credit crunch could well force Hicks's hand.

Hicks has so far refused to do business unless he can retain a controlling stake but Gillett has made it clear that he will not sell to his partner.

Gillett does, however, regard DIC as "very responsible" possible owners and last week admitted to a Canadian radio station that his relationship with Hicks had been "unworkable for some time''.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has urged some sort of swift resolution. "My plea is that something happens this week,'' he said.

"There is a need for a degree of urgency but it is urgent to get it right, not urgent to come up with the wrong solution.

"I think George was pretty clear in stating the relationship between the two of them had broken down and, as a result of that, an alternative solution needs to be found.

"There is no question that to succeed you need unity at the top. I think it brings it to a head. All things are possible at the moment. Someone has to sell, that is clear if they are not able to co-exist.''

The uncertainty over the club's ownership has placed a question mark over Rafa Benitez's future as manager, although Parry has said that he believes the Spaniard can transform his great success on the European stage to the Premier League.

"We are very conscious that, from every Liverpool fan's point of view, the League is the big, big goal and that is the one we would really like to win,'' he said.

English Premier League Preview: LiverpooL vs. Everton

Sunday brings the 178th Merseyside derby to Anfield with both sides having plenty to play for. The Merseyside neighbours are both vying for the fourth and final Champions League spot with Liverpool currently leading Everton by two points in the table. A win for Liverpool would establish a healthy lead over their neighbours and give them some breathing space ahead of their triple header with Arsenal; whilst a win for Everton would see them leapfrog their neighbours into fourth.

Earlier in the season, Liverpool won the derby 2-1 in a fractious game that had practically everything: an own goal, two red cards, a last minute penalty winner for Liverpool and an even later penalty claim for Everton turned down by the referee in the dying seconds.

Everton will be anxious to gain revenge for that match which they felt unlucky to lose and also to prevent Liverpool from doing the double over them for the third time in the Premier League. However, they will be conscious they have won only two of the last sixteen derbies and have not won at Anfield since 1999. Despite this, their away form in the league is good with only Chelsea and Manchester United having picked up more points on the road.

Liverpool will be eager to bounce back from last weekend’s mauling at the hands of Manchester United. They were on an excellent run of form before that game with seven wins out of seven and will be looking to regain their momentum, particularly with important Champions League fixtures looming.

If recent form is anything to go by Sunday’s referee Howard Webb will have a busy afternoon. This fixture has seen more red cards in the Premier League than any other, as Everton will remember to their cost from the last fixture when Hibbert and Neville were both sent off. Steven Gerrard will also be well aware of this fact, having already seen red twice in this fixture in his career already.

Whilst Liverpool will be desperate to beat their local rivals and make up for last weekend’s defeat, they do go into this fixture with one eye on the midweek Champions League game against Arsenal. Whether Benitez will be able to resist rotating his side remains to be seen, especially seeing as many of his players were on international duty in midweek. He will certainly be without Mascherano after his red card last week so Lucas may come in and Benayoun may feature. Torres should be fit despite picking up a knock against United and coming off early in midweek for Spain against Italy.

Everton were furious with the referee after the last Merseyside derby for refusing to send off Dirk Kuyt for a late challenge on Phil Neville and also for not awarding them a last minute penalty, and they will be desperate for a result at Anfield.

However, since being knocked out of the UEFA Cup against Fiorentina their form has dipped at this crucial stage of the season, losing to strugglers Fulham and only managing a draw against West Ham in their last two games. A point may not be enough either if they seriously want to be playing Champions League football next season so they will head to Anfield looking for the win and to ensure that their otherwise excellent season does not start to slip away from them.

Their situation is not helped by the news that Tim Cahill is out for the season with a broken metatarsal and his goals will be missed, particularly seeing as he has scored in the derby in the last three seasons.



FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

23 March v Man Utd (a) LOST 0-3

15 March v Reading (h) WON 2-1

8 March v Newcastle (h) WON 3-0

5 March v West Ham (h) WON 4-0

2 March v Bolton (a) WON 3-1

Everton

22 March v West Ham (h) DREW 1-1

16 March v Fulham (a) LOST 0-1

9 March v Sunderland (a) WON 1-0

2 March v Portsmouth (h) WON 3-1

25 Feb v Man City (a) Won 2-0



TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Mascherano is banned after his red card against Manchester United and Lucas may come into midfield. Torres should be fit after picking up minor knocks in recent weeks. Although manager Rafael Benitez has resisted the urge to rotate his team recently he may have an eye on the midweek Champions League game against Arsenal and could possibly make changes from the team that started at Old Trafford.

Everton

Tim Cahill is out and will be a big absence for the Toffees. Pienaar, Yobo and Johnson are also doubts which means Osman may retain his place in the side and Anichebe may start up front with top scorer Yakubu.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool: Steven Gerrard

After less than impressive performances against Manchester United last weekend and in midweek for England, the Liverpool skipper may just be in the mood to put things right against Everton. He will be looking to add to his tally of ten league goals for the season and to keep Everton well behind his team in the race for fourth place.

Everton: Andy Johnson

If Johnson can shrug off a groin injury he could be the man Everton look to for goals in this game. The last time Everton beat Liverpool Johnson scored twice and he remains the last Everton player to score in a Merseyside derby (Everton scoring through a Hyypia own goal earlier in the season). If he finds the net at Anfield it will be his 100th league goal which should prove a huge incentive.

Rafa: Three Signings Already Confirmed

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been keen to reveal that he has already made headway in his bid to strengthen the club ahead of next season.

The Anfield Club are desperate to close the gap on the league's leading sides, and as such their manager has already got a jump on the summer transfer market, with a trio of new players already confirmed.

"We have agreements with two young players and one senior player who will be a starting XI player. That deal is already done," trumpeted Benitez. "We are also making plans for our preseason tour and talking to players here about new contracts."

The press have been speculating that the 'senior player' is likely Schalke's highly rated Brazilian full-back Rafinha, while the two youngsters are also believed to be South American in origin.

Perhaps more significantly than the signings themselves is that it strongly indicates that Benitez is planning for a future at Liverpool.

The Spanish tactician is said to be on the wishlists of several of La Liga's top clubs, and Inter Milan are also supposedly intent on luring him away from Anfield.

Arbeloa: Torres Deserves Award More Than Ronaldo

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa believes that club mate and compatriot Fernando Torres deserves the Player of the Year award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is the favourite to win this year's individual honours - both the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year, as well as the PFA Player of the Year - on the back of a season that has seen him score 35 goals already, and provide nearly as many assists.

However, Fernando Torres is not far behind, also having netted 27 this season, which is already the best by anyone in his debut season in the Premier League.

The Spaniard has adapted seamlessly to life in the English top tier, something even the likes of Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba failed to do, and Arbeloa believes that the striker deserves to be named the Player of the Year despite Ronaldo's heroics.

"Ronaldo's confidence level is so high everything he tries seems to come off and he is a step ahead of everyone else at the moment," he began, speaking on the club's official website.

"Alex Hleb of Arsenal and Chelsea's Joe Cole have also caught my eye but Torres has been massive for us.

"He has created a lot of goals for himself and is on a par with the best and I am sure he will be voted Footballer of the Year ahead of Ronaldo.

"He is an idol who has earned his stripes, particularly at Anfield, where he has scored most of his goals."

Awards such as these are often decided by the results of top European competitions, and with both involved in the Champions League, as well as set to feature in Euro 2008, there is everything to play for.

Parry Wants Quick End To Reds Saga

Rick Parry believes Liverpool's ownership saga is coming "to a head" and must now be resolved by the American co-owners as quickly as possible.

George Gillett revealed in an interview this week that his relationship with Tom Hicks had long since broken down, and Parry admits that he sees no way in which they can carry on as a partnership.

With Dubai International Capital reportedly keen to launch a full takeover of the Anfield club, Hicks has so far refused to do business unless he can retain a controlling share, while Gillett appears more amenable - claiming DIC would be "responsible" owners.

But whatever happens, Parry has called for matters to move quickly.

"I think it brings it to a head - clearly for the good of the club from where I sit," the Reds' chief executive told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

"The hope will be that it's resolved quickly now, it's dragged on for long enough and the ideal would be to move to as speedy a resolution as possible."

Parry added: "All things are possible at the moment - somebody's got to sell, that's clear. If they're not able to co-exist then there needs to be a solution where one buys and one sells, or both sell.

"There aren't too many other possibilities but it's pretty clear that to carry on with the status quo is going to be extremely difficult."

Petulance Must Not Mar The Merseyside Derby

Most Evertonians will be familiar with the on-edge, slightly queasy feeling I have as we approach an end of season Merseyside derby with a lot at stake.

We approach these games with trepidation because, in our eyes at least, they have delivered some big injustices over the years. You won't spend long in the company of an Evertonian before talk turns to a disallowed late winner in the 1977 FA Cup semi-final and an Alan Hansen handball on the line in the 1984 Milk Cup Final.

Questions of refereeing are never far from the after-match analysis of a derby but today, of all days, I'm hoping the headlines are about the result, not the referee - especially after recent events.

The debate about players abusing referees is not new. But I sense it now has the potential to become a serious issue for the game. There is a real risk that the game is increasingly perceived as becoming arrogant and laced with a culture of disrespect.

The words of rugby league international Adrian Morley struck a chord: "Far too many footballers have been allowed to get away with this kind of petulance and ignorance for far too long. The referee's decision is final and the referee is always referred to as 'Sir', even now in Super League. Footballers should learn from us."

Footballers may be tempted to shrug their shoulders but that would be the wrong response. I would be the first to point out that football culture is different from rugby. No one expects footballers to be angels. As my old Sunday league team-mates would tell you, I was not averse to having a say on referees' decisions myself.

But some of the recent scenes of footballers berating referees go way too far and it's a terrible indictment of our top flight that abuse of referees in junior football is growing. Of course it doesn't end there. Every weekend in the Premier League we are treated to an array of diving that would make the talented Tom Daley proud.

So football needs to act decisively on respect for referees. I'm pleased that the FA, under the leadership of David Triesman, is facing up to the scale of this problem.

The Respect campaign being trailed at grassroots level bans anyone but captains talking to referees. Barnet, to their great credit, recently adopted the same approach and went on a fantastic run. There is a real case for its introduction in the professional game.

The now-established Professional Game Match Officials Board, which draws together the FA, Premier League and the Football League is another step in the right direction.

Everyone in football has a responsibility to take this campaign seriously, including the managers who appear to make referee-bashing their second job. It pains me to hear time and time again some managers failing to take responsibility for a team's defeat and blame the referee instead. So it was encouraging to hear Fabio Capello talking about the importance of respect in relation to the England team.

But David Moyes has a point too. He will strike a chord with supporters of many clubs when he calls for more openness when things go wrong and poor decisions made that can cost clubs dear. If that happened, perhaps it would encourage managers to be more temperate in their remarks.

Everybody accepts that referees will make mistakes. But people pay a lot of money to watch games and it would help take the heat out of these situations if there was more acknowledgement of mistakes.

Why is it all so important? Football is so prominent in our society that it affects the behaviour of young people. Young boys and girls who grow up watching their role models respect authority are much more likely to go on to respect authority in their life.

It matters because football's reputation is in question and the game risks losing support and standing.

But, if we don't get a grip, who will be the referees of the future? It is a thankless job and people will simply not turn out to do it if the reward is abuse. If there is a shortage of referees, there is the risk of people refereeing without sufficient experience at every level - that can only lead to more argument between players, managers and the authorities.

It is a vicious circle football needs to break - quickly.

Wenger Wary Of Torres Danger

Arsene Wenger knows his Arsenal side must be wary of "dangerous" Liverpool frontman Fernando Torres and pass a "test of character" when the two English sides go head to head for a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Gunners host the first leg of the all-Barclays Premier League affair on Tuesday night in what will be a run of three matches against the Reds, with a domestic fixture at Emirates Stadium to come in between on Saturday.

Even though the Arsenal manager accepts both sides know each other well, Wenger maintains there will be no chance of his men underestimating the challenge which lies ahead.

"I rate Torres," said Wenger of Liverpool's in-form Spanish frontman. "I believe he had quite a good start after a spell when he was in and out.

"Since he is back on a regular basis, he is extremely dangerous."

Wenger revealed: "We have known about him for a long time, but I never tried to sign him.

"We were interested when he first started at Atletico Madrid, but we never made any offer."

Wenger maintains the familiarity of the opposition means mental focus will have a big influence.

"When you play a 'local' team in the European Cup it is a test of character. We know we can do it, but who wants it the most?" he said.

"Against an English team the competition is always different. You come back more to a formula - the mental strengths of the two teams will make all the difference in the game.

"We know each other well, so there are two things which will make the difference - the quantity of the mental strengths available in the teams and how well the players who can make a decision perform.

"We play each other three times in six days and it will be a case of 'who is ready again'?"

Wenger accepts preparation for the tie will be similar to what would happen in the build-up to a Premier League game, but with a different approach to the games themselves, given it is effectively a cup competition.

"You know in this game - a direct knockout - the goal conceded at home is the killer," he said.

"In a league game you think even if you can concede a goal you can still win it.

"So we have to be organised, cautious and make sure you defend well first before you attack."

Having knocked holders AC Milan out in the last round, following a goalless draw at Emirates and then a fine 2-0 win in Italy, Wenger accepts it will take another composed all-round display to see off the Reds, who won the Champions League in 2005 and reached last year's final.

"Liverpool will be more rough, more edgy and difficult to penetrate," he observed.

"Milan was a confrontation of two similar styles where we were better. Against Liverpool we will have to win the physical battle as well.

"They can raise their game and it is a team which at home can dig deep and produce a result."

Wenger noted: "We want to win the game on Tuesday, but 0-0 is never a disappointing result at home in the first leg because it puts the team who plays against you at home under huge pressure.

"They play with the idea that if they concede a goal they are out. That puts them a little bit in between - do we go for it or do we wait? It gives you a good chance."

Chelsea await the winners in the semi-finals, should they come through against Fenerbahce. Manchester United take on Roma in the other half of the draw.

Wenger - who guided his men to the European Cup final two seasons ago - sees no reason why there should not be Premier League representation again in Moscow.

"Certainly one English if not two will be in the final this year," he said.

"We were in the final in 2006 and we can come there again."

Penitent Mascherano Says Sorry To Referee After Being Fined By Club

Javier Mascherano has written to the referee Steve Bennett to apologise for the persistent dissent that caused him to be sent off against Manchester United last Sunday. The Liverpool midfielder, whose dismissal after running 20 yards to harangue Bennett was the low point of a petulant display, has been fined £20,000 by the club but also faces a Football Association charge and has asked for a personal hearing, at which he could have his one-match ban increased to three.

"The player wants to show that he has apologised," said Rafael Benítez, who will be without Mascherano against Everton tomorrow. "He accepts he lost control after the sending-off and has said sorry to the referee. I have also talked with him now and told him he would be fined by the club, and he has accepted that and wants the money donated to charity.

"It is clear that Javier is a player who was working hard and playing well. He was giving balance to us. Normally when a player is playing at this level you will miss him, but I have a lot of confidence in Lucas [Leiva], or [Peter] Crouch and [Andriy] Voronin, if we want to change the system."

Benítez does not consider indiscipline to be a problem among his players and trusts them to act with maturity amid the passion of Anfield. "You can see our record during the season. We didn't have any problems and you could see that was not the case with some other sides.

"[Tomorrow] is a derby and people will be more excited but the players have experience. We say before all the games, try and do the right things, watch the tackles, don't have problems with the referees."

Everton will be without their midfielder Tim Cahill for the rest of the season with a broken metatarsal. "It is the same toe he has broken before but, from what I've been told, I don't think it's a really big problem for his future," said his manager, David Moyes. "Tim has not had a rest from football for a good while with World Cups, Asia Cups, Confederation Cups etc, and maybe the workload has taken its toll. He will have an operation soon and a summer to recover."

Everton have taken one point from their past two games and Moyes conceded yesterday that they might ultimately have to settle for fifth place. "Our first priority is to finish fifth at worst, so that we can at least get back into Europe again," he said.

The Lyon midfielder Kim Kallstrom admits he would relish a summer move to Everton. "At this moment I'm focusing on playing well in France," he told L'Equipe. "England? Maybe. It's a great championship, so why not? And why not Everton? They're a great club who play at the top of the Premier League table. You never know. We'll see next summer, after the European Championship."

Talking Tactics: Steven Gerrard's Deja Vu

Steven Gerrard will suffer a severe case of deja vu if David Moyes gets his way at Anfield.

The Everton manager will have noticed how Liverpool captain was so successfully stifled by Claude Makelele when England played France in Paris the other night and he will ask Lee Carsley to perform a similar role today.

Gerrard has really been hitting it off playing 10 or 15 yards deeper than Fernando Torres for Liverpool because he has been granted the time and space in 'the hole' to drive forward.

Makelele ensured Gerrard didn't get either at the Stade de France by fulfilling the role of anchorman in exemplary fashion. He hardly moved from his post in front of the back four, an area Gerrard was out to exploit and so his opponent hardly got into the game.

Gerrard has been successful in that role with Liverpool because he doesn't have to deal with Makelele every week but Carsley is one of the nearest things you'll get to the French international.

Carsley might not be as disciplined as Makelele and he does like to wander forward but, on this occasion, he will be told to smother Gerrard and generally get in his way to make his afternoon an awkward one.

There is, however, a way for Gerrard to get the better of a good solid operator like Carsley and that will be to launch his attacks from a wider berth in the old outside right position and the same could apply when he's on England duty.

That's an area where he used to do best attacking work for Liverpool before Torres arrived and maybe Rafael Benitez will want him to return to his old ways in the derby so he can be more influential for his club than he was his country.

The way Gerrard plays will probably prove pivotal to how the game unfolds and maybe who finishes fourth and fifth this season.

Sometimes it appears as if David Moyes has his team playing the match in quarters. For starters, he'll adopt more direct tactics which are designed to force opposing defences to turn around. Only then will his team's pass-and-move tactics kick in as things settle down and opposing defenders have been given the run-around. It's a process that is repeated after half-time with the change in tactics so finely tuned it's as if the players hear an alarm clock.

Meanwhile, Carragher knows he won't have to chase Yakubu out wide because the Nigerian striker rarely wanders out to the wings, instead preferring to make angled runs between the centre-halves because he's quick on to the ball, strong, sharp and has a terrific eye for goal. He also has a powerful shot.

Rafa Benitez Focused Despite Anfield Board Rift

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says he will not be distracted by boardroom turmoil as he prepares for a massively important Premier League game against Everton tomorrow.

Off-field matters are grabbing the headlines after co-owner George Gillett described his relationship with Tom Hicks as "unworkable".

Gillett said Hicks' admission that they had courted Jurgen Klinsmann as a possible replacement for Benitez at the end of last year, was a key reason why he had received death threats.

"This partnership has been unworkable," Gillett said. "We have tried to be co-operative, we have tried to be supportive but when your public persona is more important than the facts, which make it difficult to have a rational relationship.

"We were very fair. We gave our partner a long period of time to try to make arrangements to buy us out. We didn't put pressure on him but he ultimately did not get to the finish line. Because of the things he said, the fans' reaction has been so negative towards him and towards us if we sold to him, which has now made that an untenable alternative for us.

"He threatened to block me selling to Dubai - that was certainly one of the things that made the fans upset.

"Lord knows, DIC have the money with oil prices going up every day, that's not an issue. They certainly have the history and they are fans. I think they would have been very responsible owners."

Ahead of the derby, Benitez said: "There is nothing I can do but concentrate on the game and prepare properly. I will just be thinking about Everton."

Benitez also said that Javier Mascherano, who has admitted a charge of improper conduct for his reaction to being sent off on Sunday, has been fined £20,000 by the club, with the money going to charity. Mascherano yesterday asked the FA for a personal hearing which is expected to take place in London next Friday.

Benitez said: "Javier knows he made a big mistake, he apologised to his team-mates and the supporters and he has now apologised to the referee. He accepts he lost control after the sending-off."