Returning Javier Mascherano Set To Miss Liege Clash

Javier Mascherano is unlikely to be involved in Liverpool’s Champions League crunch tie against Standard Liege on Wednesday.

Mascherano led Argentina to a second consecutive Olympic title in Beijing after his country retained their crown by beating Nigeria in the football final and he is heading back to Merseyside after his triumph.

The 24-year-old midfielder was due to leave China at the weekend, but boss Rafael Benitez does not think he will be prepared enough to face the Belgian champions at Anfield in the third qualifying round, second-leg tie.

The match is poised at 0-0 after Liverpool’s alarmingly poor performance a fortnight ago in the first leg in Belgium.

The Reds stand on the brink of losing a minimum of £10million prize money from UEFA if they fail to qualify for the group stages.

Benitez said: “Javier will be back with us soon. But I do not think he will be in contention to play in Europe.

“He has spent too much time travelling and playing, which makes it difficult to be at your best.

“The same thing applied to Ryan Babel. He returned from China last week after Holland were knocked out, but I only really considered him as a substitute at the weekend.”

Babel came on for the final 25 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Middlesbrough, but looked short of fitness.

Brazilian midfielder Lucas has also returned to Liverpool from the Olympics.

Liverpool Boss Benitez: Nabil El Zhar Was A Key Player Against Middlesbrough

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has acknowledged the impact made by youngster Nabil El Zhar in the weekend’s last-gasp 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Anfield.

The 21-year-old came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute when the Reds were trailing by a goal. The home side soon wiped out the deficit before the Moroccan international winger played an important role in the build-up to captain Steven Gerrard’s late winner.

Benitez said on the club’s official website: "That is the reason why Nabil was a key player for us at the weekend. I was saying to him 'stay wide, stay wide' and he offered the wide areas.

"Andrea Dossena was going forward in the first half and Alvaro Arbeloa in the second half but really our wingers are not players who play on the lines. We have to try through our full-backs and keep the other team back."

Carra: Liege Is The Toughest Tie

Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher has admitted that Standard Liege is one of the most difficult draws the club could have faced in Champions League qualifying.

Liege, the Belgian champions, held Rafael Benitez’s side to a 0-0 draw in the first leg and with the two sides scheduled to play the return match on Wednesday night at Anfield, Carragher has admitted the Merseysiders are in for a tough night.

Speaking to the News of the World, Carragher revealed that he felt being drawn against the Belgian side was one of the most difficult ties the club has ever faced in qualifying for the competition proper. He said: “They are definitely the toughest opponents we’ve had in a qualifier.”

Whilst a scoreless draw was disappointing for the Reds, it could have been a lot worse. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina saved a first half penalty which prevented Liege taking a vital lead in the tie.

However, the veteran centre back admitted that Liveropol were facing quality opposition. He said: “I know people expect us to get through but it’s not as if we’re playing a Mickey Mouse team. The Belgian league has a lot of quality and their champions are used to getting into the group stages.”

Despite Carragher’s remarks, Liverpool are widely expected to beat Liege and qualify for the group stages of the competition and the scoreless draw in the first leg was something of a surprise. The defender explained what had happened: “They caught us a bit cold in the first leg. Their manager said we were sleeping but they deserve credit for the way they played. They were spot on tactically, hitting us on the counter-attack. We didn’t play well and we know we’ll have to improve tactically.”

The former England defender also went on to praise Wednesday night’s opponents for their defensive display, which ensured that the Anfield side had few sights of goal. He confessed: “Any side which can keep Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane as quiet as they did in the first leg has quality. We didn’t have any chances in the game.”

Yet whilst Carragher is happy to praise Liege, he is clearly confident ahead of the second leg and admitted that it is vital that Liverpool win on Wednesday night to progress into the competition. He concluded: “It would be unthinkable for us not to be in the Champions League. To go through will give us momentum and confidence.”

Gerrard Close To Full Fitness

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has recognised that he is not yet at full fitness, but considers himself to be a mere three weeks away from his best.

The energetic midfielder is the hero’s name being sung in the Kop yet again, after he snatched a dramatic late winner against Middlesbrough at Anfield yesterday.

Liverpool looked unlikely winners against a very well organised Boro side, after Egyptian striker Mido put the visitors ahead on 70 minutes. This goal was cancelled out by Jamie Carragher, whose shot cannoned off Boro defender Emmanuel Pogatetz, to send the home fans into raptures.

The home side weren’t finished there however, as deep into injury time, the ball fell to Gerrard’s famous right foot on the edge of the box, and as so many times before, the heartbeat of the Liverpool side snatched all three points for his team.

Speaking to Football365, Gerrard said, “You could tell how much our winner meant to the fans, the roof came off when my goal went in.

“Everyone knows that these are the games we have to win if we are going to mount a serious title challenge. Too many home points were squandered last season.”

Liverpool’s home form was heavily criticised last season, as The Reds dropped a massive 15 points at Anfield, ending hopes of a serious title challenge, a point backed up by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

“Maybe our fans were thinking of what happened last season, when we drew too many games at home.

“But this time we have sent out a message that we can produce results like this.

“Last season we had some bad home results. But this time around we have tried very hard to be positive and to make sure such things do not happen again. This win shows we can do it.”

Despite showing he has what it takes to last the full 90 and more, Gerrard is still admitting that he is not yet at full fitness, but has said that it can be achieved sooner rather than later.

“I've had problems with my groin throughout pre-season, and things have not gone the way I wanted them to,” he said.

“I have missed a lot of training and I am a couple of weeks behind the other lads when it comes to match fitness.

“The only way I am going to get that edge again is to get out on the pitch and play.

“I am not at my best at the moment, but I hope the fans will be patient because I am only three weeks away from my best form and fitness.”

The Reds now sit at the top of the Premier League table for the moment, and they will continue their quest for a first Premier League trophy against Aston Villa next Sunday.

Gerrard: Reds Sent Out Message

Steven Gerrard feels Liverpool's 2-1 win at Middlesbrough was a sure sign that they are now ready to challenge for the Premier League.

Four minutes into injury-time, Gerrard's blistering 18-yarder secured a victory that had been the unlikeliest outcome as Middlesbrough deservedly led from midway in the second period.

Last season Liverpool finished 11 points behind champions Manchester United, who dropped only five home points. Rafael Benitez's side squandered 15 at home from six draws and one defeat.

It has been a blot on the Anfield landscape which has nagged away at the manager, players and fans all summer.

Benitez has persistently claimed that Liverpool's shocking home form last season cost them any hope of a serious title challenge.

So it needed the massive efforts of Gerrard, and his home-grown team-mate Jamie Carragher, whose 86th-minute shot deflected in off Boro defender Emanuel Pogatetz, to drag a 2-1 victory from the jaws of defeat.

Gerrard said: "You could tell how much our winner meant to the fans, the roof came off when my goal went in.

"Everyone knows that these are the games we have to win if we are going to mount a serious title challenge. Too many home points were squandered last season."

In a week which has seen 'peace in our time' statements from both Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry after a summer of acrimony between the pair, it was good to see Benitez and his captain also singing from the same hymn sheet as well.

Benitez said: "Maybe our fans were thinking of what happened last season, when we drew too many games at home.

"But this time we have sent out a message that we can produce results like this.

"Last season we had some bad home results. But this time around we have tried very hard to be positive and to make sure such things do not happen again. This win shows we can do it."

Gareth Southgate's organised, effective side had deservedly led with 20 minutes to go through a fine drive from substitute Mido.

But Carragher's deflected drive beat goalkeeper Ross Turnbull - a last minute inclusion when Brad Jones dislocated a finger in the warm-up - then Gerrard got the winner.

In a week where England manager Fabio Capello criticised Gerrard's lack of fitness, the player said: "I've had problems with my groin throughout pre-season, and things have not gone the way I wanted them to.

"I have missed a lot of training and I am a couple of weeks behind the other lads when it comes to match fitness.

"The only way I am going to get that edge again is to get out on the pitch and play.

"I am not at my best at the moment, but I hope the fans will be patient because I am only three weeks away from my best form and fitness."

Benitez explained: "Gerrard has quality, he can score the sort of goal he got. He has that ability right at the death, he has done it before and he will continue to have the mentality to win games at the end.

"We sent a lot of players forward, the idea was to have many people around their box. It does leave us open to a counter-attack, but it is a gamble we will take.

"We know we did not play well. But you have to win games like this if you want to be contenders for the title. It is a message for everyone for the rest of the season.

"Last season we would probably have lost or drawn. But now we have different qualities and we have many options.

Pennant Desperate For Anfield Stay

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has admitted he is eager to stay at Anfield despite reports linking him with a move away from the club.

Manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly been told he needs to raise funds in order to sign new players and Pennant had been one of those players rumoured to be expendable after being unable to cement a place in the first team.

Despite signing for the Reds back in 2006 for a fee thought to be in the region of £7 million, Pennant has failed to become a regular at Anfield and only managed 18 league starts and 2 goals for the club last season.

Recent reports have linked Blackburn Rovers with a move for the winger, with manager Paul Ince reportedly an admirer of Pennant. However, the former Arsenal and Birmingham City player has revealed he is not interested in leaving and wants to stay at Anfield.

Speaking to The People, Pennant who has yet to feature in either of Liverpool’s two league games this season, confirmed: “I want to stay at Liverpool.”

The winger then went on to explain why he is keen to stay on Merseysider rather than move to a club that could offer him regular first team football. He said: “I have been given a fantastic opportunity to play for the team I supported as a kid and all I want to do is work hard and fight for my place in the team.”

Yet with Liverpool manager Benitez having been linked with a move for a number of midfielders over the summer including Gareth Barry, Albert Riera and Stewart Downing, Pennant may find first team football even tougher to come by this season.

Match Report: LiverpooL 2 - 1 Middlesbrough

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard fired a stunning stoppage-time winner to floor Middlesbrough after they threatened an Anfield shock.

England head coach Fabio Capello suggested in midweek that Gerrard is not fully fit, but he was still going strong late in the game against Boro as Liverpool came from behind to claim three points.

Boro had not won in the league at Anfield since 1976, and when Mido came off the bench to put them ahead with 20 minutes left that record looked likely to be consigned to history.

But Jamie Carragher saw a 20-yard cross-shot deflect home off Emanuel Pogatetz for an own goal with five minutes of regulation time remaining, and then Gerrard rifled home a 20-yard winner deep into injury-time.

Liverpool replaced the injured Sami Hyypia with Martin Skrtel in defence for the match, while Gerrard shrugged off worries over a groin problem to start in a match which saw Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena make their home league debuts.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate initially named the side which beat Tottenham last week, with new signing Justin Hoyte on the bench.

But a pre-match injury to goalkeeper Brad Jones meant Ross Turnbull was thrust into action at the last moment.

He was put under immediate pressure by Liverpool. After three minutes Fernando Torres surged towards the penalty area and fed Dirk Kuyt whose fierce drive was turned aside at full stretch by Turnbull.

Then Dossena fired over a swirling cross-shot which Turnbull pushed behind.

Torres saw a flicked header go wide before there was a lengthy delay when Dossena and Jeremie Aliadiere clashed heads, both leaving the field.

Boro's French forward returned with his head heavily bandaged, while Dossena needed a stitch before being allowed back into the fray.

It then took a fine flying save from Jose Reina to touch over an 18-yard shot from Boro's Andrew Taylor.

Tuncay and Afonso Alves gave Liverpool central defenders Carragher and Skrtel plenty to think about before Gerrard almost scored at the other end when his dipping drive flashed just over, following neat build-up play between Torres and Kuyt.

Middlesbrough's England winger Stewart Downing, a possible target for Liverpool, cut inside two defenders from the left before sending a shot just wide of the far post.

The pace barely dropped, and only fine defending by David Wheater twice stopped Torres in the box, the second time after the Spaniard had been put clear by Kuyt.

Torres should then have given Liverpool a half-time lead but his shot was deflected wide by Emanuel Pogatetz.

Boro sent out Turnbull for a half-time warm-up in front of the Kop, the goal the visitors were due to defend in the second period.

But despite having the majority of possession, Liverpool were not making clear chances.

All the effort in the world was there from Keane and Kuyt, but Boro's defence was standing firm.

Liverpool's set-plays were weak and ineffective, and corners in particular were repeatedly wasted.

Boro sent on Mido for Alves on the hour mark, the Teesside club clearly believing they could get something out of the game.

And they almost took the lead after 62 minutes when Mido crossed from the left and Tuncay produced a clever turn and flick before forcing Reina into a sharp save.

Liverpool sent on Ryan Babel, fresh from his Olympic campaign with Holland, in place of Yossi Benayoun after 65 minutes.

Torres immediately went close with a 25-yard strike, but it was Boro who grabbed the lead after 70 minutes.

Xabi Alonso conceded possession and the ball was switched from Aliadiere to Mido, some 30 yards out. His fierce, low drive beat Reina and found the bottom right corner.

Liverpool replaced Dossena with Fabio Aurelio, with Boro sending on Hoyte for Taylor.

Keane was booked for dissent after Liverpool were denied a penalty when Gerrard's fierce drive was deflected wide, seemingly off a Middlesbrough player's arm.

Then Mido found his way into referee Mike Riley's book for time-wasting.

Liverpool sent on Nabil El Zhar for Arbeloa with seven minutes left and they finally managed to pile on the pressure.

They drew level when Carragher made the most of Riley playing an advantage after a shot from Alonso hit Gary O'Neil's arm.

Amid loud appeals for a spot-kick, Carragher unleashed a shot which looked to be going off target but deflected past the unlucky Turnbull off Pogatetz.

Turnbull made a fine save from a Gerrard free-kick in injury-time. But in the fourth minute of added time, Liverpool's talisman smashed home the winner, driving the ball into the right corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area after Wheater's poor defensive header.


Teams:


Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa (El Zhar 83), Carragher, Skrtel,Dossena (Aurelio 75), Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso,Benayoun (Babel 65), Keane, Torres.

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz,Taylor (Hoyte 75), Aliadiere, O'Neil, Shawky, Downing,Alves (Mido 60), Sanli (Digard 87).

Warning Signs For Liverpool Despite Injury Time Winner Against Boro

If Liverpool fans have dreams of winning the Premier League this season, they can kiss them goodbye. Today at Anfield, Liverpool escaped with a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough with a woeful performance that was rescued by an own goal and then an injury time goal by Steven Gerrard.

This was a cruel blow to Middlesbrough who played a strong defensive game for most of the match under a 4-5-1 formation. Despite creating far fewer chances in front of goal, Boro looked more dangerous after Tuncay spun around a Liverpool defender and his shot was saved by Reina. Then in the 70th minute, Middlesbrough took the lead after Mido struck the ball into the corner of the net.

Liverpool’s equalizer came later when Jamie Carragher’s shot took a wicked deflection off Pogatetz and into the Middlesbrough goal. Then, with the last strike of the ball, Gerrard popped up to rescue Liverpool by striking the ball into the back of the net to send the fans in The Kop into ecstasy.

While the result will go down as three points won for Liverpool, there were several major concerns about Liverpool’s performance today. After they were outplayed for portions of last week’s match against Sunderland, you would expect Liverpool to raise their standard of play for their first home league match of the new season. That was entirely not the case. Liverpool did create plenty of chances, but they were as wasteful as Arsenal are renowned for. Gerrard and Benayoun were practically invisible for most of the match, while Torres and Robbie Keane have still yet to strike up a good partnership.

But most of all, what was missing from Liverpool’s performance is their ability to strike the killer blow. For large portions of the match, especially in the first half, Liverpool almost put Anfield to sleep by playing at a slow tempo that was easy for Middlesbrough to defend against.

To me, that’s one of the major differences between Liverpool and Manchester United. With Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, you can often sense a goal when a goal is coming when they start their blistering attacks. With Liverpool, so far, they’re too predictable and will find it very difficult to outperform Man United, Chelsea or Arsenal this season.

Liverpool needs to improve considerably if they’re serious about trying to stay a top four club this season. Defensively they look strong as long as Hyypia stays on the bench, but they have issues in midfield and up front. The team is relying too much on Fernando Torres just as they did last season when they seemed to be waiting for Gerrard to create something magical.

This is going to be a long season for Liverpool based on their last two poor performances.

Mascherano Makes History In Beijing

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has become the first Argentinian footballer in history to win two Olympic gold medals.

Javier Mascherano helped the Albiceleste beat Nigeria 1-0 in this morning's Olympic final in Beijing‘s Bird‘s Nest Stadium, the winning goal for the South Americans being scored by Angel Di Maria in the 58th minute.

And in doing so, Mascherano made history, because four years ago in Athens, the defensive midfielder was also in the Argentina side that defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Olympic final. That means he is the first Argentine ever to win Olympic gold twice.

The Liverpool star, now 24, was selected in Argentina’s squad for Beijing by national team manager Sergio Batista as one of three allocated over-age players.

Mascherano is now expected back on Merseyside in the next few days, as stated on the Liverpool FC website, and he will be joined by Brazilian Lucas, who earned a bronze Olympic medal after Brazil beat Belgium 3-0 in the third place play-off.

Stevie Wonder

Matt Le Tissier was left feeling for Middlesbrough as Steven Gerrard got Liverpool out of jail again.

Gareth Southgate's side looked set to claim a surprise win at Anfield thanks to Mido's second goal in as many games.

But an own goal from Emmanuel Pogatetz dragged Liverpool back into proceedings before captain fantastic Gerrard popped up to break Boro hearts with a last-minute winner.

"Steven Gerrard probably had one of the worst games I've seen him play, but you have got to keep him on the pitch," Le Tissier told Soccer Saturday.

"The ball dropped to him 18 or 19 yards out and the moment you saw him striding on to it, you knew where it was going. He tucked it away very well and the keeper had no chance.

"But Liverpool have got out of jail.

"We say it all the time, but if you can nick a result when you're not playing well - and this was not Liverpool playing particularly well today.

"That's twice now they've done it and that was what was missing last season. If they keep nicking those results when they're not playing at their best, when they do hit form they've got a chance.

"But Gareth Southgate will be beside himself that Middlesbrough haven't got a least a point out of that today."

Le Tissier was still wondering just how Boro came away with nothing to show for a spirited display.

In the end, Lady Luck helped with Pogatetz deflecting in Jamie Carragher's shot although referee Mike Riley also played his part with an excellent advantage.

"I've got to give Mike Riley credit because for the first goal it started out on the right wing and (Xabi) Alonso tried to cross it but the ball was blocked by the arm of Gary O'Neil.

"He went to put his whistle in his mouth but saw the ball breaking for Jamie Carragher who took a touch and went on to strike it.

"It was disappointing for Pogatetz after such a good game, but it just flicked off his arm and that has taken it past Ross Turnbull in goal."

Rafa Gets Himself In Real Stew

Rafa Benitez will this week make an official approach to Middlesbrough for Stewart Downing.

The Reds boss had hoped Downing would remain on Merseyside for talks following Boro's 2-1 defeat at Anfield yesterday, but the winger's boss Gareth Southgate refused him permission.

Benitez is a huge fan of the England star and is prepared to meet the north-east side's £12 million valuation.

And his move for the player appears to represent yet another nail in the coffin of Gareth Barry's dreams of joining the Reds. Aston Villa's England midfielder has long been linked with Liverpool and, even though Anfield's top brass have ultimately baulked at the Villains' £18m asking price, many believed the deal would eventually be done.

However the Spaniard, who would have used Barry on the left of midfield, has now decided Downing is his man.

The move for Downing represents a sea change for Benitez, who has revised his foreign policy. He has decided home-grown players are now more appealing than imports as they take less time to settle at their new club. And there could be further movement into Anfield this week as Benitez would still have around £8m for squad strengthening in a desperate bid to keep up with Chelsea and Manchester United.

Two foreigners on their way out of Liverpool are striker Andriy Voronin and keeper Charles Itandje.

The Reds rejected Galatasaray's initial bid of £2.5m for Ukrainian Voronin last week.

Benitez has told them he wants an extra £500,000 and the Turkish side are expected to bow to his wishes in the coming days.

Third-choice keeper Itandje is set to sign a season-long loan deal with Lille after his own move to the Istanbul outfit collapsed.

Rafa Beams At Win

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was delighted with how his side battled to the end and claimed an unlikely three points against Middlesbrough.

Benitez said prior to kick-off his side needed to start winning 'ugly' this season and that could easily sum up their victory over Boro.

Mido had given the visitors a shock lead 20 minutes from the end, but Liverpool claimed all three points thanks to a deflected Jamie Carragher effort and a trademark Steven Gerrard curler into the corner.

"It was a fantastic ending, it was important to win in this way, with the passion and the commitment of the players - I think it is much better," Benitez told Sky Sports.

"Clearly last season we were drawing games like this and two games we haven't played really well but we have won and have got six points.

"It is important for us to keep winning and then we can talk about football and not other things."

Benitez threw everything at Boro in the latter stages and he was delighted it worked.

"I think we needed to change, we played with three defenders and everyone was playing in attack so we could score the first goal and okay it changed everything but the second one was amazing," he said.

Benitez was quick to hail Gerrard - who played through the pain barrier.

"That one [goal] could be really important and I am pleased for him," he said.

"We knew he had some problems because he has been injured for ten days and he is not 100 per cent fit but he has that quality and can score goals like that."

Betting Recommendation: LiverpooL vs. Middlesbrough

A quick quiz question……What connects Fernando Torres and the date January 21st 2008?

The answer is that it was the last time the Spaniard failed to score in a Premier League game at Anfield.

Since that blank against Villa, Torres has netted in eight successive Premier League home matches, scoring 12 goals.

It includes a hat-trick against Saturday's opponents while he also netted against Boro at the Riverside last season.

So having put four past Gareth Southgate's men last term and bagged the winner at Sunderland last week, the bookies should really be taking evasive action on the man whose goal settled the final of Euro 2008.

Offering 10/11 is asking for trouble and we won't let them get away with it.

Boro should be confident after their 2-1 home win over Spurs and pushed Liverpool in this fixture last season, losing 3-2, so might be able to nick a draw.

But stopping Torres wheeling away in celebration again may prove beyond them.

Verdict: Liverpool 2 Middlesbrough 1

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Middlesbrough

Both sides come into this game hungry for another Premier League victory in order to maintain perfect starts to the season. Last week Liverpool lacked sharpness and struggled against Roy Keane’s lively Sunderland side. A moment of Fernando Torres magic snatched Liverpool a victory late on but Rafael Benitez will certainly demand more from his men this weekend. Analysis of Middlesbrough’s victory over Spurs will confirm that Liverpool will have to raise their game to beat a Boro’ side who were full value for their three points last week.

Gareth Southgate has assembled a youthful side, spearheaded by the impressive Afonso Alves. Alves plays with the hybrid style of part traditional English centre forward coupled with a touch of Brazilian flair. Centre back David Wheater deputised at full-back and shone last week, in effect scoring twice after his first goal was wrongly disallowed. Stewart Downing, as ever, is a creative force in midfield but Tuncay’s tireless work down the right flank, if he plays in that role, will also be crucial. A slim line Mido made an almost instant impact from the bench and will be pushing Jeremie Aliadiere for a starting berth.

Clear the air’ talks between Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry took place this week in order to resolve issues over Liverpool’s transfer policy. Once again a united front has been presented for the cameras but whether these issues are truly resolved will remain to be seen. What this has meant is that Middlesbrough may have an off field distraction of their own as rumours mount once more that Liverpool are possibly looking to lure Stewart Downing from the Riverside. As much as Boro’ fans would normally want a class performance from their young winger, they may hope he remains a little bit quieter than normal at Anfield this Saturday.

FORM GUIDE – Last Five Results

Liverpool

Aug 2: Rangers 0 Liverpool 4

Aug 5: Valerenga 1 Liverpool 4

Aug 8: Liverpool 1 Lazio 0

Aug 13: Standard Liege 0 Liverpool 0

Aug 16: Sunderland 0 Liverpool 1

Middlesbrough:

Jul 29: Carlisle 1 Middlesbrough 2

Aug 2: Hibernian 2 Middlesbrough 3

Aug 5: Darlington 0 Middlesbrough 5

Aug 8: S. Rotterdam 1 Middlesbrough 6

Aug 16: Middlesbrough 2 Tottenham 1


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Ryan Babel has returned from the Olympics and is now available. He will probably start on the bench with Yossi Benayoun initially continuing on the left hand side. Javier Mascherano is still on Olympic duty and is thus unavailable. Xabi Alonso should be expected to be given an opportunity to prove his worth in the centre of midfield after impressing both as a substitute against Sunderland and whilst on international duty mid-week. A further change from last week could be that Daniel Agger slots in to the centre of Liverpool’s defence, replacing veteran Sami Hyypia.

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun, Keane, Torres

Middlesbrough

Justin Hoyte is available to make his debut but will struggle to dislodge David Wheater at right-back. This will mean that Southgate has to decide whether to field the same back four who did so well against Spurs or reshuffle in order to award Hoyte a starting berth. If Southgate opts to change his winning formula then Wheater could move to centre-half to partner Huth. This will mean that skipper Emanuel Pogatetz will move to left back and Andrew Taylor will miss out. Summer signings Didier Degard and Martin Emnes look likely to continue on the bench. Another decision for the Boro’ gaffer will be whether Aliardiere, Tuncay or Mido partner Alves up front. After linking himself with a move to Wigan this week, Mido may have made his managers mind up for him and could well be on the bench again. If so, Tuncay will play on the right with Aliardiere partnering Alves.

Possible Starting XI: Jones, Wheater, Pogatetz, Huth, Taylor, Tuncay, Shawky, O'Neil, Downing, Aliardiere, Alves


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

Xabi Alonso’s expected return after an influential second half display against Sunderland and two-goals for Spain mid-week will be eagerly awaited. Both of Liverpool’s expected strikers seem to enjoy playing against Middlesbrough. Last season Fernando Torres scored four times against them. Robbie Keane has scored seven times career goals against Boro’, scoring more against only one other club, Manchester City.

Middlesbrough

Afonso Alves will be the main threat up front, and will certainly keep the Liverpool defence on their toes. Potential Liverpool target Stewart Downing will also have more eyes on him than normal.

Benitez Reveals New Gerrard Injury Fears Ahead Of Anfield Opener

There may have been a welcome thaw behind the scenes at Anfield, but Rafa Benitez still wore an anxious look as he outlined new fitness worries over Steven Gerrard.

The Liverpool skipper returned from England duty amid more controversy over his role in the side, with Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp claiming it was ‘killing him’ playing him left midfield.

While national coach Fabio Capello accused Redknapp of misreading Gerrard’s true position, in the 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic, Benitez was more concerned about a nagging groin problem.

Fresh from clear-the-air talks with chief executive Rick Parry that he insisted were ‘positive’ and had ‘clarified several issues’, Benitez admitted Gerrard would need a late fitness check ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough.

He said: ‘Stevie first had this earlier in the year, and then he felt discomfort in his other leg, and it meant a couple of spells on the sidelines during the pre-season build-up.

'That is why he did not start against Standard Liege. It is clear he cannot be fully fit.

‘After missing so much preparation time, you would have to be superman to be 100 per cent.

'His fitness will improve, but at the moment he needs protecting a bit.

'With players like Stevie, though, even if he is not at his peak physically, he still has the quality to make an impact on games.

‘There has been debate at this club about his best position.

'We know he favours central midfield, but he has the ability to shine anywhere.’

Benitez hailed last Saturday’s unconvincing 1-0 win at Sunderland as evidence that Liverpool are finally ready to emulate the top teams’ knack of taking maximum points on an off day.

He said: ‘If you can win when you are playing badly, it makes all the difference. It keeps the points tally up and confidence levels high.’

Cherries Land Lindfield

Bournemouth have signed Liverpool's teenage striker Craig Lindfield on loan until the end of December.

Lindfield has yet to make a first-team appearance for Liverpool, but had loan spells at Notts County and Chester City last season.

He will be in Bournemouth's squad for Saturday's League Two game with Exeter City and Kevin Bond is happy with his new recruit.

"He's been out on loan before and sometimes they're an awful lot better with some experience," Bond told the club's official website.

"Craig has come through the ranks at Liverpool and is highly regarded. He's scored a lot of goals and they are looking for an opportunity to get him some games.

"This provides an ideal opportunity for him and I think it's a good signing for us too. He's here until the end of the year and is ready to perform this level and he's very keen to come and show us what he can do and I'm glad to have him."

The arrival of Lindfield could lead to Jo Kuffour's departure as Bournemouth had been reluctant to sell the wantaway striker until a replacement had been found.

We're Wasting The Special Talent That Is Steven Gerrard

England are wasting Steven Gerrard. They are ruining an outstanding talent. I've heard the word 'timid' being whispered as a reason for him not being a contender to take the captain's armband. Timid? You've got to be joking.

Here are some better words for him: Powerful. Explosive. Dynamic. Aggressive. Unique.

He needs to be given the run of midfield, in the centre, in his best position, not sent out to the left - or the right, for that matter.

Can you imagine the Germans sticking Michael Ballack on the left wing?

The shrinking of England's players when they pull on the white shirt is a problem that remains unresolved, and Gerrard is becoming the biggest problem.

Don't just take my word for it. Read what Fernando Torres says about him, or Javier Mascherano. They recognise him as a world-class footballer, so why doesn't this England manager see that?

Gerrard and Frank Lampard are match-winners for their clubs. With England, Gerrard has to play wide and Lampard has to endure 70,000 fans booing him!

What is that about … do these people think he isn't trying?

I say - again, because this is a subject we have visited before -that Gerrard and Lampard can play together in the centre. England can play another more defensive player with the pair, or trust Gerrard to play the disciplined role. It's not as if the midfield is functioning well without them being paired in the centre, is it? Or that there are so many candidates we can afford to look at alternatives for these two outstanding talents with their clubs.

Stevie G can play there, I've played for Liverpool with him alongside me. He first came into the team at right back and twice cleared off his own line on his Merseyside derby debut. He understands the defensive demands, he replaced Paul Ince in the Liverpool team and took on that role. He just needs to be trusted.

Rafa Benitez has played him in so many different areas it seems to have encouraged others to do the same. Stevie is such a willing lad, he will go wherever he is asked to play. I sense he is starting to doubt himself now, wondering if he is the player I think he is. And, when Fabio Capello plays him on the left and then substitutes him, it will not help his confidence.

He has such an engine, an ability to pass the ball, to break behind the strikers, to lurk around the edge of the box and he is also a terrific finisher.

England must get the best out of him. Even though he is close to Jamie Carragher, who retired from international football, there isn't a risk that Stevie will follow. He's not that sort of lad. But he is a better player than we saw on Wednesday night. And so is Lampard.

There was a lack of imagination from England, it was pedestrian through midfield, apart from one 10-minute spell before half-time, and there were too many long balls pumped in from wide to small strikers.

We need to work the ball, shift it around like Chelsea do by playing a similar system. This is the team who can get a result against Croatia (if all are fit), playing a versatile 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation.

James; G Neville, Terry, Ferdinand, A Cole; Barry, Lampard, Gerrard; Rooney, J Cole; Heskey.

Benitez Searching For New Names

Rafael Benitez is now hoping a summer of discontent amongst Liverpool's hierarchy can be consigned to the background.

He has admitted there were 'clear the air' talks with chief executive Rick Parry this week after acrimony over the proposed transfer of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

"We talked about the players that we have, how to progress, and we both know it is important for the club that we work together," Benitez explained.

"We are working really hard, we are moving in the right direction and hopefully we can do something positive in the next few days.

"The talks were positive, we cannot discuss names but we are now both working to improve our squad.

"There was no friction, but some personal problems. Now things are clearer and that is positive. It was a private conversation."

Benitez also admitted there had been no further developments on a deal for Barry with the transfer window set to close shortly.

He continued: "I have had no word about Arsenal wanting Gareth Barry, and that is all I want to say on the subject. Other than that we are working towards improving our squad.

"Likewise there has been nothing more on Xabi Alonso. At the beginning of the summer we were looking at ways of raising money, but now we are happy with Xabi, he is a very good player.

"The offer we had was not good enough, so why would we want to sell him?"

Meanwhile Benitez is confident striker Fernando Torres can seal his place in the club's record books and has backed skipper Steven Gerrard to rediscover his fitness and form.

Torres will be aiming to score in his ninth successive home league match for the club when the Reds face Middlesbrough in the Barclays Premier League side at Anfield.

If the Spain international is able to find the net against Gareth Southgate's side he will break a record set by Roger Hunt back in the 1961/62 season.

Gerrard meanwhile was criticised by England boss Fabio Capello - who used the midfielder in a controversial left-sided role in the disappointing draw with the Czech Republic - for not being fit enough, but Benitez expects him to return to his best in the near future.

Benitez said: "We hope Fernando can create his piece of club history, and then maybe more in the future.

"Steven has had two injuries, he was 10-15 days without training, and then it happened again. That is why he did not start the match two weeks ago against Standard Liege.

"Clearly in a couple of weeks he will be back to his best. He has needed time to get fit after his injuries and it has been important to protect him.

"Steven has great game intelligence, and he can play anywhere. Gerrard played with intelligence and England drew, that is all I would want to say about it.

"We know what the best position for Gerrard is, but he is capable of playing in other positions.

"We know where he can play really well and we know where he likes to play. We will concentrate on using him to his strengths."

Lee: Fans Will Inspire Home Success

Sammy Lee is backing the Kop to rise to the occasion and help turn Anfield into a fortress once more during 2008-09.

Our assistant manager believes the fans will be in buoyant mood for the league clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday as the Reds attempt to draw a line under last season's mixed home form.

"It's massive, absolutely massive," Lee told Liverpoolfc.tv when asked about the importance of the first home match of the season.

"As always our fans will play their part and we don't make light of the fact that they are our 12th man.

"It'll be a cauldron and a fortress and a 12th man. All the players are looking forward to playing in front of this crowd. It can be a very intimidating place and we don't hope it will be a 12th man, we know it will be.

"We rely upon that because it's great to have home support. We came away from Liege where their support was terrific but we've also had great support there and at Sunderland.

"It's always nice to get back to Anfield and hear that roar and hopefully it can lift the players and they can put the frighteners up Middlesbrough.

"We know they had a great win on the opening day and it will be a difficult game for us. There are no easy games anymore. I know it's a cliché but the more I look at it the more I realise there aren't any easy games and we can expect a real test."

A victory against Middlesbrough would make it two league wins out of two for the Reds and while Lee would be delighted with another three points, he is unwilling to get carried away.

"It's all about winning," he said. "If you win regularly things fall into place but we must keep working hard and make sure we win the next game.

"We can't look any further than that. If we keep doing that hopefully we can get the success we feel we are capable of achieving.

"We want to improve on a daily basis. I'm not going to give false promises apart from saying that everyone is working tirelessly to get back to where we feel we belong and I think we all know where we belong.

"This is a great league. We know the difficulties but we also know the rewards and it would be a great league to win. Everyone has the ambition and desire to gain success and we all know what we have to do."

Lee also had words of praise for boss Rafa Benitez, who he feels has the tactical know-how to lead Liverpool to further glory.

"Rafa's fantastic to work with," he said.

"I knew about him beforehand and had a good relationship when I was at Bolton. He's a football man, he's a great man. His attention to detail is fantastic and he's a terrific guy to work with."

Reds Reject Stoke's Hyypia Bid

Liverpool have reportedly rejected a £2.5million offer from newly promoted Stoke City for Finnish defender Sami Hyypia.

Premier League newcomers Stoke have had a bid for Liverpool’s veteran centre-back Sami Hyypia turned down by the Anfield club.

The Liverpool Echo reports that Potters manager Tony Pulis - who has already signed two other defenders during the past week in Abdoulaye Faye from Newcastle and Southampton's Andrew Davies - wanted to bring in Hyypia to shore up a suspect back-four that Bolton ripped apart last Saturday.

However, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez still sees Hyypia, 34, as integral to his own squad, despite the Finn having reached the veteran stage of a distinguished career.

He only recently awarded the Finland international a new contract at Anfield, and needed little time to turn Stoke down.

Hyypia is in competition with the likes of Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel for a central defensive berth with the Reds.

But Pulis may yet test Liverpool’s resolve by coming back in with an improved offer.