Champions League Preview: Marseille vs. LiverpooL

Matchday 1 of the 2008-09 Champions League group stages will see Liverpool travel to Marseille in a battle of the once-greats. Both were at one time the unrivalled giants of their country, yet neither have won a league title since the early 1990s. Both remain their country’s most successful club but are in serious danger of losing that mantle. Both have been looking forward to ‘next year’ for far too long.

But the time may finally be nigh for two of Europe’s historical heavyweights to reclaim their crowns. Both have invested extensively yet shrewdly in the market over the last few summers. Both have assembled arguably their strongest team on paper since their heyday. And neither have the chameleon-haired, brittle-legged Djibril Cisse in their squad any more.

What’s more, they each go into their Champions League opener in decent touch.

Liverpool are lucky to even be in the competition after their indifferent showing against Standard Liege in the third round of qualifying. It took the Reds until the 207th minute of the tie to break open the Belgian champions’ defence, Dirk Kuyt poking home deep in extra time of the second leg to spare his team-mates’ and his manager’s blushes.

But things have picked up quite suddenly for the Merseyside giants. They remain unbeaten and sit second in the Premier League table after claiming a thoroughly deserved win against Manchester United on Saturday. It is Liverpool’s best start since Rafael Benitez arrived in 2004, and they travel to the south of France high on confidence.

Once again, Marseille’s situation is similar. They couldn’t quite hold on to claim their first win at Bordeaux in 31 years, but the draw leaves them second in Ligue 1 behind perennial front-runners Olympique Lyon. In other words, it has been a promising start for Eric Gerets’ side as they seek to deny les Gones an eighth consecutive title – just as Liverpool hope to prevent United matching their record of 18 English championships.

Liverpool and Marseille will be sick at the sight of each other by the end of the group stage, having met at the same point of last season’s Champions League. L’OM inflicted a shock defeat on the Reds at Anfield, courtesy of Mathieu Valbuena’s unanswered stunner. But the five-time European champs hit back with a 4-0 win at Stade Velodrome to progress to the knockout rounds – they eventually reached the semi-finals, where they fell to Chelsea – while their hosts were dumped into the UEFA Cup. The fixtures are reversed this time around, but it remains to be seen whether the results will differ.


FORM GUIDE

Marseille

13 Sept v Bordeaux (A) DREW 1-1

30 Aug v Sochaux (H) WON 2-1

27 Aug v SK Brann (H) WON 2-1

23 Aug v Le Havre (A) WON 1-0

17 Aug v Auxerre (H) WON 4-0


Liverpool

13 Sept v Manchester United (H) WON 2-1

31 Aug v Aston Villa (A) DREW 0-0

27 Aug v Standard Liege (H) WON 1-0

23 Aug v Middlesbrough (H) WON 2-1

16 Aug v Sunderland (A) WON 1-0


TEAM NEWS

Marseille

The home side have been buoyed by the return of Mathieu Valbuena, who proved to be Liverpool’s bane at Anfield last season. The 23-year-old midfielder had been battling a groin injury, but he featured against Bordeaux at the weekend and could start on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Hatem Ben Arfa is also hoping to return to the starting XI after sustaining a knee knock during training recently. The France winger, like Valbuena, managed a late substitute appearance at the weekend and is likely to feature in some capacity agains the Reds. Karim Ziani remains an option for the left, however, while Bolo Zenden is on standby to line up against his old club.

Coach Gerets employed something resembling a diamond midfield at Bordeaux, with Benoit Cheyrou and Charles Kabore playing box-to-box roles on the flanks. That shape may well be ditched for a 4-2-3-1 with captain Lorik Cana returning in a holding role alongside either Cheyrou or Modeste M’bami.

Possible Line-Up: Mandanda – Bonnart, Hilton, Zubar, Taiwo – Cana, Cheyrou or M’bami – Kone, Valbuena or Ziani, Ben Arfa – Niang


Liverpool

All the speculation surrounding Liverpool ahead of this clash concerns the fitness of Steven Gerrard (groin) and Fernando Torres (hamstring). The pair were left out of the starting XI against the Red Devils at the weekend, Gerrard coming on halfway through the second period while Torres sat out altogether. Both were expected to be fit for the trip to France but rumours have sprung up that they could be left out of the squad entirely.

That would leave Benitez in something of a pickle given Javier Mascherano pulled up with a calf complaint late in the United game. Either of Damien Plessis and Lucas Leiva may thus be given an opportunity in midfield beside Xabi Alonso, while David N’Gog or Ryan Babel could start up front (or both, if the somewhat out-of-touch Robbie Keane gets dropped).

Sami Hyypia’s surprise exclusion from the Champions League roster means Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are left to fight for a place beside Jamie Carragher in central defence, while Andrea Dossena and Fabio Aurelio will battle for the left-back slot. Albert Reira, who impressed on debut at the weekend, is a possibility to retain his place on the left wing, while Dirk Kuyt is likely to line up on the right.

The formation will depend on who is available. While it would be a surprise if Benitez made any significant changes from the side that defeated the English and European champions, if Gerrard and Torres are fit then the system may have to be shifted to accommodate them.

Possible Line-Up: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossena – Mascherano, Alonso – Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel – Torres


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Marseille

Bakary Kone comes into the clash in good form after scoring in the first minute against Bordeaux. The Ivorian forward was one of Marseille’s star recruits during the summer and has settled well at his new club, showing promise both on the right and up front. Taye Taiwo is another one to keep an eye on, inasmuch as the Nigerian full-back’s attacking instincts mean both sides are likely to get some joy down Marseille’s left flank.

Liverpool

As mentioned earlier, it’s a matter of who plays for the Reds. If Gerrard and Torres start, then they are the obvious drawcards. If the skipper sits out, expect Xabi Alonso to see an awful lot of the ball. The Basque playmaker has been in excellent form of late, as evidenced by his dominant performance against United at the weekend. Alonso’s craft paired with Mascherano’s graft seems a winning combo, and it makes one wonder why Benitez was so eager to sell his compatriot over the summer.

Niang Eyes Reds Revenge

Mamadou Niang is confident that Marseille can beat Liverpool in their UEFA Champions League opener on Tuesday.

The French club defeated the Reds at Anfield 12 months ago but were then hammered 4-0 at home in a decisive final group game.

Liverpool have started the Premier League season strongly and will hope to pick up three points at the Stade Velodrome, but Niang has warned that Marseille are also in fine form.

Eric Gerets' side are unbeaten in five domestic matches while they also defeated SK Brann of Norway over two legs in qualifying.

Niang is anticipating an open game and feels that he and striker partner Bakari Kone should provide a stern test for the Liverpool defence.

"I told Kone to relax and play the way he is used to playing, to free his mind and be ready to show his qualities," Niang told skysports.com.

"These games with pressure are what turn good players into great players.

"We know we can beat them. The last time we met in the Velodrome they taught us a lesson but this time we are on song as well so it should be good entertainment."

Agger Invites Reds Talks

Daniel Agger has intimated that he would be interested in holding talks with Liverpool over a new deal.

Denmark defender Agger, who joined the Reds from Brondby in 2006, has two years remaining on his current contract.

The 23-year-old has not featured for Rafa Benitez's side since the first leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege, and reports have suggested he is growing frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities.

Agger has, however, refused to comment on the speculation and instead invited the club to begin talks over a new deal.

"I can confirm that I have not received any offer for a contract extension from Liverpool," he told Ekstra Bladet.

Gerrard Hoping For Champions League Start

After making his comeback from a groin injury during Saturday's 2-1 over Manchester United, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is hoping to start in the Champions League against Marseille on Tuesday.

After missing England's pair of international fixtures against Andorra and Croatia last week as he overcame a groin operation, Gerrard started Saturday's north-west derby on the bench.

He watched on as his team-mates grappled with their Manchester United counterparts, and entered the fray for the vital last 20 minutes.

The midfielder now feels that he is ready to start a match from the outset, and sees the Velodrome clash as an ideal opportunity for some game time.

Although Gerrard is champing at the bit to be involved, he knows that a decision on his fitness can only be undertaken by his manager Rafael Benitez.

Gerrard told Liverpool's official website: "The manager did the sensible thing with me [on Saturday]. It was hard to sit and watch from the bench, but I'd only had one full training session.

"My heart was saying I was desperate to play, but there are another 40-50 games hopefully this season.

"I wasn't ready to start. I'd been training on my own for the last 10 days. The most I could have played was 20-25 minutes.

"I'll have a few more sessions under my belt before Tuesday's game in Marseille and will be in better shape, but it'll be the manager's decision."

Babel Aiming To Propel Liverpool’s Title Challenge After Scoring Winner Against Man United

Ryan Babel is aiming to propel Liverpool’s title charge after having helped the Reds beat defending champions Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday.

The Dutch international forward came off the bench to score the winner in the 77th minute of the 2-1 triumph for Rafa Benitez’s side.

The 20-year-old is now hoping to score more important goals as the Merseysiders are looking to end their 18-year wait for the top-flight title.

"This is a new season and we want to get off to a good start so this is an important goal for me and the team," Babel told the Liverpool Echo.

"Hopefully I can score more important goals because there are a lot of games still to play and a lot of points to play for.

"But it's always nice to score a goal against a big opponent, especially Manchester United.

"We want to be able to compete until the end of the season and you have a better chance of doing that if you win games like this."

Babel, who is used by Benitez mostly as an impact player and has quickly earned a reputation as a 'super-sub' at Anfield, added: "I suppose it (scoring) is an even better feeling when you've only come into the game late on as a substitute. It was a fantastic moment for me and for the team.

"Before I came onto the pitch the manager was telling me to give the game some energy.

"He said that I have done the same every time I have come off the bench and said to try and do the same this time."

Albert Riera Hails Mental Toughness Of Liverpool FC

LIVERPOOL'S latest signing Albert Riera has the happy knack of playing on winning sides against Manchester United - but the Spaniard insists that his latest success is down to the hard work of his new Anfield team-mates.

The winger made an instant impression by constantly stretching the champions' defence during Saturday's 2-1 victory - following on from the part he played in Manchester City's 3-1 win over their neighbours on his Eastlands debut in 2006.

However Riera dismissed notions of being a lucky charm against Sir Alex Ferguson's side, highlighting the mental resolve of his fellow Liverpool players instead.

"They scored first but we believed in ourselves and believed we could change the score," the 26 years-old told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We played a very good second half. It wasn't just luck. You can't talk about luck too much in football. We played a great match and that is why we won."

Riera was as impressed with the fans as he was the rest of his new team, but said the Anfield reception did not come as a shock.

"That wasn't a surprise because I knew before I came here that these fans were the best, and I knew before that this was the best home any side could play football in," said Riera, who has won five caps for his native country. "I think the supporters will win us a lot of points this season because they push us on."

Ngog Took Boumsong Advice

Former Newcastle defender Jean Alain Boumsong has revealed he helped persuade David Ngog to join Liverpool.

Boumsoung endured a difficult time on Tyneside and eventually packed his bags for Juventus.

However, he still believes the Premier League is among the best in the world and was adamant that his teenage cousin should take the opportunity awarded to him.

Ngog had been struggling for first team opportunities at Paris Saint-Germain, but has already made an impact on the Anfield faithful after a number of promising substitute showings.

"When he talked to me about Liverpool, I first wanted to know whether he had spoken with Rafa Benitez and whether he wanted him," Boumsong told L'Equipe.

"Then I told him that Benitez is a great coach. When he has promising youngsters he gives them opportunities and if you work hard you will get your chance.

"To me the English league is the most difficult, but David has joined it as a complete unknown and that will help.

"He will have to get more power in his game. He is still young, but has plenty of areas to improve.

"However, when he sees (Steven) Gerrard diving into tackles and (Jamie) Carragher clattering him in training, he will soon wake-up."

Gerets: Reds Just Keep On Running

Marseille boss Erik Gerets has likened Champions League opponents Liverpool to Duracell bunnies because they can run forever.

The Belgian, who has twice plotted victories over the Reds in Europe, first for Galatasaray and then in Marseille's win at Anfield last season, admits to being concerned about the level of form the five-time European Cup winners achieved in beating the current champions on Saturday.

Gerets sends out his Marseille side, undefeated this term, on Tuesday against a side brimming with confidence after their victory over Manchester United.

And Gerets is even more worried that Liverpool beat United without Fernando Torres and with captain Steven Gerrard only involved for 20 minutes.

He said: "If I had been asked five days ago whether I was happy with Liverpool not having their best two players, it would have been a different answer to now.

"I love watching Premier League football played at that pace. I really enjoyed watching Liverpool's game with Manchester United.

"Liverpool are like the Duracell bunnies - they are an example to the rest of the world for the effort they put in. You just wind them up and off they go."

He added: "Liverpool have a fantastic coach, a fantastic team. I know that Manchester United have cut their lead of titles (now 18-17 in the Merseysiders' favour) but I really hope that Liverpool win the Premier League, and somehow we survive in this group and end up playing them in the Champions League final."

Gerets has bitter experience of facing a fired-up Liverpool, having suffered at their hands 4-0 last December at Stade Velodrome.

He said: "Liverpool do not surprise me any more. They outplayed us then in everything they did, physically and tactically.

"But we will not let it happen again because we aim to cut out those mistakes this time."

Skipper Lorik Cana, rested in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Bordeaux, will return in midfield, probably in place of Karim Ziani, while there is a worry over Hatem Ben Arfa who has a knee injury.

Canna played in that 4-0 mauling last term, and said: "We are better now, more experienced with new players who are superior, overall, than last time.

"We saw the way they played against Manchester United, they have big names and are in great form.

"But all we can do is give everything, 100 per cent. We will not want another home defeat like last time."

DIC Rule Out A Bid For Liverpool FC

Investment group Dubai International Capital (DIC) has said it is not in talks to buy Liverpool FC.

Reports had suggested that the investment arm of the Dubai government may bid again for Liverpool, while the group has also been linked to Newcastle. But a DIC statement denied there was a bid for the Reds - or any Premier League club - on the horizon.

The statement read: "DIC is not involved in any negotiations to buy Liverpool and is not planning a fresh bid for LFC or any other club."

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is still linked to the Reds.

DIC failed with a bid to acquire 49% of Liverpool in March when the Anfield outfit's co-owner Tom Hicks ended negotiations with the company after months of negotiations.

But the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed, is believed to want to pursue his interest in the Merseyside club, although he would not utilize DIC in any negotiations.

That has been the case since early summer when he was linked with an attempt to buy out Hicks and his co-owner George Gillett.

Those negotiations have been carried out in the UK by a company, PCP, run by Amanda Staveley, and which has been involved in negotiations for the successful purchase of Manchester City by an Abu Dhabi group.

The DIC statement continued: "Neither DIC nor any other Dubai based party is aware of any consortium or vehicle involved in a bid. DIC has not mandated PCP to act for DIC in any matter whatsoever.

"DIC would like to wish LFC and its fans a successful future."

Clubs Queue Up For Heskey

Speculation surrounding Emile Heskey’s future refuses to go away with Aston Villa and Liverpool the latest clubs to be linked with the Wigan striker.

Heskey had been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window however a move failed to materialise and the striker remains at the JJB Stadium.

The striker has made a successful return to the international scene, coming on as a substitute against Andorra and playing a full part in England’s demolition of Croatia in midweek, which appears to have raised speculation about his future once again.

Wigan have already expressed their desire to keep hold of Heskey but they may have a battle on their hands to keep the England striker should the offers start to arrive for the seemingly in-demand front man.

According to the News of the World, both Aston Villa and Liverpool are interested in signing the striker with a fee of £3 million being considered.

Martin O’Neill has managed the striker before when they were both at Leicester and even sold the striker to Liverpool for £11 million in March 2000.

The striker spent four years at Liverpool winning two league cups, an FA Cup and the UEFA Cup with the Reds before being sold to Birmingham City in 2004.

Rafael Benitez is reportedly keen to bring Heskey back to Anfield as he seeks to bolster his attacking options, despite having already spent £20 million on Robbie Keane this summer.

Heskey, meanwhile, may be tempted to move as having regained his place in Fabio Capello’s England side, he is reportedly determined to keep it.

Liverpool Captain Gerrard Hails Alonso For Man-Of-The Match Performance Against Man United

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has words of praise for midfielder Xabi Alonso for his inspired performance in the 2-1 victory over defending champions Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday.

Alonso’s future was surrounded by speculation all summer where the Spain international was linked with a move out of Anfield even as the 26-year-old central midfielder was away doing national duty at the successful Euro 2008 finals.

He had however, maintained that he was happy with the Merseyside club all along but the speculation persisted until the transfer window deadline.

Gerrard, who started on the bench after recovering from a groin operation and made a late appearance, said: “I would also like to say a word for Xabi, this has been a very difficult time for him right up to the transfer window shutting.

“He didn’t know whether he was coming or going, but he got man of the match against United and that says a lot about him.”

Steven Gerrard: United Victory Can Be Liverpool's Platform For Season

Liverpool believe they have exorcised their Manchester United demons and proved that they can be genuine title candidates.

One win does not turn under-achievers into world-beaters overnight. But when that win is a 2-1 success over the champions of Europe and England, Liverpool can be forgiven for feeling on top of the world as they head into their Champions League group opener in Marseille on Tuesday.

Such has been their catalogue of horrors against United in recent years, it is no surprise that the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard believe yesterday’s effective, deserved Anfield victory can set the club up for the season.

The local heroes in Liverpool’s multi-national squad understand more than most the pain at Anfield from Manchester United’s march to within just one the club’s record number of title triumphs.

Carragher has voiced cutting views into all aspects of the club’s problems in his newly-published autobiography.

He has criticised the owners for being ruthless and boss Rafael Benitez for risking all in taking on the Americans, while also questioning the foreign invasion and the impact on the club’s academy.

It would be incendiary stuff from anyone, but Carragher is probably the only player who could seemingly get away with criticism of his bosses in public with impunity.

But dare anyone doubt his loyalty and passion.

On Liverpool’s current unbeaten run this term, he said: “The win over United puts us near the top of the league and it proves to the supporters that we can challenge for the title.

“I hope that is the message that people feel we are sending out. You can feel the belief and the confidence amongst the players that we can do it.

“It is a long season, but this will give us confidence that we can keep it going.

“United have world-class players and beforehand they were favourites. But we have risen to the challenge and credit should go to all the players.

“We showed character. United were great at the back last season, so for us to recover from going a goal behind and win like that is very pleasing.”

United were ahead early on through Carlos Tevez, and had Liverpool on the rack for the first half-hour.

But a calamitous own goal from Wes Brown put them back into the game and the second period was only going to produce one deserved winner.

United were poor after the break. Pinned back, they defended, claims boss Sir Alex Ferguson, “like a Conference side”.

Eventually substitute Ryan Babel grabbed a winner 23 minutes from time and there was only the red card for Nemanja Vidic for United to reflect on after that.

Steven Gerrard got into the action late on and said: “It was a great win but the most pleasing thing was the performance.

“They got an early goal and that was a blow, but the reaction from our side, the character shown and workrate, produced a lot of positives. We got even stronger.

“When you get a win against the best side in the league you know it will put you in good stead for the future. We realise it is only early days and of course it does not mean we will go on and win the league.

“Now the belief will be there when we go away to the other top sides like United and Chelsea because they know we are capable of beating them.

“We are only a few games in, but we believe we can be in the hunt come March and April. It means so much to the supporters, we want it really bad and the fans can see that.

“I would also like to say a word for Xabi (Alonso), this has been a very difficult time for him right up to the transfer window shutting.

“He didn’t know whether he was coming or going, but he got man of the match against United and that says a lot about him.”

Ferguson was scathing of United’s disappointing display, having won the previous five league games against Liverpool.

And captain Rio Ferdinand also did not mince words.

He said: “We never really got started. For the opening spell, we looked decent and passed the ball about well.

“But after that we did not get close to them and they managed to get two goals. They were fortunate on both occasions but I am sure they will be happy enough with that.

“All over the park they were first to the ball and you do not deserve to win if teams are doing that to you.”

Ferguson will not forget this one in a hurry.

He said: “Our defending was poor, we had a bad day, but their equaliser was a scabby goal. However, overall they were far the better team.

“We started well, we scored a wonderful goal and (Dimitar) Berbatov could have had one even earlier.

“But that is the time when you should establish yourself. But Liverpool made us make mistakes with their effort and tackling, and we did not cope with that at all well.”

Thousands Of LFC Fans In Tom Hicks Protest

THOUSANDS of Reds fans took part in a protest march against the club’s owners ahead of yesterday's big match at Anfield.

The march was organised by the Spirit of Shankly group with several thousand fans turning out to take part ahead of the clash with Manchester United.

The crowd marched from the Liverpool Supporters’ Club, Lower Breck Road, up to Anfield, in a show of strength against owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Hicks, who has outraged fans consistently ever since he tried to line up a replacement for boss Rafa Benitez, was in the crowd for the game - the first time he has been at a match at Anfield this season.

And a Spirit of Shankly statement added: "What we need on Saturday is two resounding victories. Firstly, a march on a massive scale that tells the world that Liverpool has had enough of Gillett and Hicks.

"A march of passion, a march of anger, a march of Red solidarity that roars its message loud and proud: 'enough is enough, go now.'

"This is the biggest club game in football and the world will be watching. Our second victory on Saturday comes when we take all that passion and pride inside the ground."

Liverpool won the game against United 2-1, with substitute Ryan Babel scoring the winner in the second half.

Benitez Lifted For Euro Campaign

Liverpool gave themselves the perfect confidence boost ahead of the Champions League campaign by beating the title-holders.

The Anfield men start their group matches on Tuesday away to Marseille on a ground that has seen them suffer UEFA Cup heartache and - last season - Champions League survival.

Boss Rafael Benitez may well have skipper Steven Gerrard and top striker Fernando Torres ready to play from the start against the French side.

Both players were on the bench for the excellent 2-1 home Premier League victory over champions Manchester United, and only Gerrard - who has recovered well from a groin operation - got into the action for the final 22 minutes.

Now Benitez said: "We could not have asked for a better boost to our confidence than a victory over the best team in England, and the European champions.

"Now we will go to Marseille in a good frame of mind. That was our best performance of the season and we now feel we can go into a Champions League game in good heart and spirit."

And Benitez was delighted with the general form ahead of a tough away tie in Europe.

He said: "We are still unbeaten, but we had not been at our best. The victory against Manchester United has changed all that.

"We have made a statement about our form in domestic competition, and the victory will not go unnoticed in Europe.

"We did it without Torres and Gerrard, and we will have to wait and see how they are for Europe.

"We have a few training sessions now before the game in France, and both of them have been improving all the time."

Torres has been out with a hamstring injury, while Gerrard has made rapid improvement following a groin operation.

The trip to Marseille will rekindle memories of Liverpool's roller-coaster ride to the Champions League semi-finals last season.

Marseille became the first French side to win a European tie at Anfield with a shock 1-0 success 11 months ago.

That set in motion a shattering few weeks when Liverpool's form collapsed in Europe and they were under severe threat of not surviving the group stages.

Three weeks after the Marseille defeat, Liverpool lost 2-1 in Istanbul against Besiktas in another disastrous group A match.

From then on they needed to divert all their energies to reaching the knock-out stages. Failure would have cost millions and threatened Benitez's job.

They started the comeback with a stunning 8-0 win over Besiktas in the Anfield return, then thumped Porto 4-1 later in November.

Then came the winner-takes-all trip to the south of France to confront Marseille in their own backyard. Victory would have sent either side through at the other's expense.

But Liverpool stormed to a brilliant 4-0 victory at the beginning of December, with fine goals from Gerrard, Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel.

That win secured a trip to Inter Milan in the last 16, and memorable victories in both legs. Arsenal in the quarter-finals were the next side to suffer at Liverpool's hands to set-up that tense semi-final with Chelsea.

Liverpool lost that, only really because of a John Arne Riise own-goal in the first leg.

Now Liverpool want a good start to this season's group campaign. Benitez added: "It was not a good start last season, it will be a lot better this time."

Liverpool Striker Dirk Kuyt Fighting To Regain Holland Place

Dirk Kuyt accepts he's had to fight for recognition in football. And he knows another sterling Champions League campaign will not only enhance his status at Liverpool, it will help him reclaim his place in the Holland team.

In the countdown to Tuesday's trip to Marseille Kuyt said: "Training and playing with players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres has made me much stronger.

"Before the European Championship people wrote me off completely for the national team. But who was back in the starting line-up for the first two big matches against Italy and France?

"Of course that felt like a big victory for me. I fought my way back in the team and I will do so now.

With my willpower and spirit I always come back at the top of the mountain.

"It has been like that in my whole career. I have enough belief in my own qualities."

Kuyt now hopes he can clinch a new contract at Anfield. His current deal expires in 2010 and he wants to stay in England for the rest of his career.

"I hope we can reach an agreement soon," said Kuyt. "I'm really happy here and I want to stay for a long, long time."

Kuyt actually feels that Liverpool rate him more highly than the Dutch national team. In his home country he has lost his place to Klaas Jan Huntelaar of Ajax. He's frustrated that he is degraded to the substitutes' bench on international duty.

Match Report: LiverpooL 2 - 1 Manchester United

Rafael Benitez has finally got something to smile about after watching Liverpool beat Manchester United for the first time in his Anfield career thanks to an own goal from Wes Brown and Ryan Babel's winner.

The Liverpool boss had never beaten United in eight previous league games, with the champions having won the last five meetings between these two giants.

But United wilted under a relentless second-half pressure, had Nemanja Vidic sent-off and saw substitute Babel secure victory.

Carlos Tevez put United ahead early on. But after a torrid opening period, Liverpool were level with a Wes Brown own goal before Liverpool dominated the second half and grabbed a priceless win with 13 minutes left.

Liverpool gave new signing Albert Riera his debut but Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were not risked any closer to the initial action than the bench.

For the champions, Michael Carrick returned after an ankle problem, but all eyes were on £30million striker Dimitar Berbatov on his first appearance for his new club.

Liverpool fans staged a march to the ground from a local pub to protest at the club's American owners.

But that did not stop co-owner George Gillett taking his place in the directors' box, although not in the front row close to the fans.

There was also a row of smartly-suited Americans, all singing along to "You'll never walk alone" - the anthem moved to seconds before kick-off rather than when the teams march out, presumably to unsettle United.

It did not work. The champions were ahead after just three minutes.

Berbatov was allowed to get to the line by some sloppy marking and covering, and Liverpool's defence was nowhere to be seen when his pulled back cross was lashed home by Tevez.

United were quicker and more mobile all over the pitch while Liverpool continually conceded possession.

But the Merseysiders should have scored after 13 minutes when Edwin van der Sar fumbled a corner and Kuyt's blast from three yards hit Paul Scholes on the line.

Liverpool at last started to get into the match as Tevez was booked for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa and a succession of free-kicks pinned United back.

And they were level after 26 minutes. Xabi Alonso's curling, low shot into the area deflected off Patrice Evra and Van der Sar hurled himself forward.

But he only managed to push the ball on to Brown, who could do nothing about it cannoning off him and over the line. Riera followed the ball in, but it was the United man's last touch.

United sent on Ryan Giggs for Carrick at the break, the midfielder having taken a heavy blow on his ankle in the first half.

Liverpool started the second period in much sharper form, Benayoun almost saw a flicked effort evade Van der Sar and Alonso fired over from 20 yards.

Keane narrowly missed breaking his scoring duck when he failed by inches to connect with a Javier Mascherano cross-shot. United's reply came from Paul Scholes who drove wide.

United sent on Hargreaves for Scholes after 66 minutes, having been forced back for much of the second spell.

Two minutes later Liverpool introduced Gerrard in place of Benayoun as United started to come back into the game.

As if to underline the point, Jose Reina was forced into a fine save from a dipping Giggs volley.

Riera was taken off after 71 minutes and replaced by Babel having made a good impression after a shaky start.

And on 77 minutes, Liverpool's pressure paid off. Mascherano battled his way down the right and to the line, Kuyt took up possession and played the ball across for Babel to crack home.

Nani came on for Anderson, and Rio Ferdinand was booked for bringing down Keane as the Irishman looked to be bursting through on goal. Nani was next into the book for bringing down Mascherano.

Liverpool were going to replace Keane with David Ngog, but changed their minds at the last moment when it was clear Mascherano had injured his ankle. The Argentinian limped off and Sami Hyypia came on instead.

United had Nemanja Vidic pushed up front by now, and Liverpool needed three central defenders.

Vidic was then sent off for crashing his arm into Alonso's face after 89 minutes, a second yellow card swiftly followed by a red. He will now miss the visit to Chelsea on September 21.

Youngsters Edge Out Newcastle

Finnish striker Lauri Dalla Valle netted the winner as Liverpool's under-18s took the points in a thrilling clash with Newcastle United at the Academy.

The game appeared to be heading for deadlock with both sides level at 2-2 before Dalla Valle popped up with a smart finish to secure the points for Hughie McAuley's side.

The Reds had opened the scoring through a Newcastle own goal while Adam Pepper added a second for the home side. The Geordies kept hitting back to seemingly deny Liverpool victory until Dalla Valle netted to ensure a well deserved victory.

"We played some great football and fully deserved the win against a good Newcastle side," said McAuley.

Liverpool Unsure About Gerrard, Torres For Marseille Trip

Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of key players Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres ahead of Tuesday's Champions League encounter away to Marseille.

Gerrard managed 22 minutes of Saturday's confidence boosting 2-1 win over Manchester United on his return from a groin operation.

But Spanish international Torres remained on the bench after suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa on Aug. 31.

Javier Mascherano is also a doubt after pulling up with a calf problem in Saturday's game.

Liverpool are second in the Premier League and head to France on a high after manager Rafael Benitez saw his team record their first victory over United in his five-year reign at Anfield.

"Now we will go to Marseille in a good frame of mind," Benitez told reporters after Saturday's win.

"That was our best performance of the season and we now feel we can go into a Champions League in good heart and spirit."

Former European champions Marseille met Liverpool in the group stage last season, winning 1-0 at Anfield before being thrashed 4-0 at home.

Rafa Knows His Reds Can Improve

Liverpool made the sort of statement of intent that Rafa Benitez had been praying for on Saturday - but he insists his team can still improve.

Five successive defeats by Manchester United in the league and a succession of hard-luck stories against the Old Trafford men had meant that Benitez has never experienced league victory over Sir Alex Ferguson.

That all changed thanks to a vibrant comeback at a raucous Anfield which saw Liverpool over-power the best team in the country.

Behind early on through a Carlos Tevez strike, Liverpool struggled to initially contain Manchester United's pace and movement.

But when the outstanding Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso got a grip in midfield, Liverpool were on the way to a significant victory in the early weeks of the Barclays Premier League title chase.

An own goal from Wes Brown gave Liverpool their lifeline back into the match, and the longer the second period went on, there seemed only one winner.

The deciding goal came from substitute Ryan Babel with 13 minutes left, and there was time for Nemanja Vidic to be sent off for a second yellow card - he could easily have had a straight red - for a forearm crunch into Alonso's head in an aerial challenge.

Benitez experienced his first league win over United in nine attempts, and said: "This was my first win against Manchester United in the league, and that was important for the team and for the fans in terms of belief and confidence for the future.

"And we also showed character after conceding an early goal. It was really important to score the goals we did, and to improve so much in the second half.

"I do not want to talk about just one player, the team was very good, lots of players working very hard. Especially Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt, the strikers, who put in amazing work rate and performances.

"We are in a good position in terms of confidence rather than results, because it is too early to start talking about titles.

"What we have done is put ourselves in a good position in terms of confidence and where we are in the table.

"But if we want to stay where we are, we must continue to improve. We needed to improve our form, we had been winning but not playing too well, so we needed to play better for the future."

He added: "We have also shown improvement against one of the top sides. That has been our problem against other teams in the top four.

"But we have beaten the champions of England, and Europe, and that has given us already improvement on last season.

"We were losing against a good team, but we showed character and there were lots of positives."

Ferguson, who handed a debut to new signing Dimitar Berbatov, made no excuses for the defeat against arguably United's fiercest rivals.

He said: "Our defending was poor, we had a bad day. Overall they were far the better team.

"We started well, we scored a wonderful goal and Berbatov could have had one even earlier.

"But that is the time when you should establish yourself. But Liverpool made us make mistakes with their effort and tackling, and we did not cope with that at all well.

"It's hard to say why we were not able to respond to that, but we certainly could not cope with their strong tackling.

"They harassed us into mistakes, and they must take credit for how hard they pressed us when we had possession.

"We should be able to handle that better. There was nothing to take out of that performance in any way."

But Benitez ended the day knowing that Liverpool had proved a point at last.

Performances against the rest of the top four have been poor in his time at Anfield, but a win against the European champions has put that set of embarrassing statistics right at a stroke.

And they did it without Fernando Torres, and with Steven Gerrard only on as substitute for 22 minutes.

Benitez said: "We did not have key players, Gerrard for most of the game, and Torres. But we showed we had a good squad and players who could come in and show real quality.

"We will have to use all our players throughout this season, and we showed that there are people who can come in and produce performances like that.

"I was disappointed with the early goal we conceded, you do not want to give a team like United possession and control of the game.

"We had to change many things, but we were much better in the second half and we deserved to win. We were not more aggressive than them, but we played better in the second half."

Rafa Benitez: Don't Get Carried Away By Liverpool Win Over Manchester United

Rafa Benitez refused to get carried away with his first League win over Manchester United.

Ryan Babel stepped off the bench to fire the winner with 13 minutes remaining after Liverpool had come from behind having conceded after just three minutes.

But after Wes Brown put through his own goal in the 27th minute there was only one team that looked likely to take all three points.

While captain Jamie Carragher claimed it was a monumental win, Benitez was quick to apply the brakes on any tendency to get carried away.

He said: "It's nice to know we are momentarily top but to stay there we need to keep improving. It was an important win for the team and for the fans to give us confidence for the future.

"Obviously I was disappointed to concede early on because we wanted to dictate the tempo from the start. But we showed immense character to come back and overall we played better than them. But this is just the start.

Hopefully it will be the same when we play Chelsea and Arsenal."

In stark contrast, Sir Alex Ferguson blasted his team for their shocking defending and accused them of looking like a bunch of part-timers.

"We gave away two bad goals and you don't expect that from Manchester United," he said. "Liverpool were by far the better team. When you have bad days it is important to take something out of it but there was nothing positive to take out of that performance. Both goals were absolutely shocking."

Ferguson appeared none too pleased with the officiating of Howard Webb either, adding: "We are not a dirty side but we have had three bookings and a sending-off. But that is the disadvantage when you play away from home.

"Nemanja Vidic certainly led with the elbow but defenders do it all the time. Jamie Carragher leads with his elbow all the time but he never gets a free-kick given against him."

Ferguson immediately set his stall out opting to field three strikers and giving a debut to Dimitar Berbatov. And the Bulgarian marksman could have won a penalty inside two minutes when Martin Skrtel handled his shot on the turn from Brown's cross.

But barely 60 seconds later Berbatov's impressive cutback from the byline set up Carlos Tevez to fire home.

Liverpool recovered well from the early setback, and United keeper Edwin Van der Sar almost gifted them an equaliser. He flapped at a corner and when Dirk Kuyt volleyed the loose ball towards goal, Paul Scholes cleared off the line.

It was a stroke of luck that brought Liverpool level. Xabi Alonso's shot took a wicked deflection off Patrice Evra and when Van der Sar attempted to punch the ball clear it hit Brown's leg and went in.

Robbie Keane was doing his level best to try to capitalise on Liverpool's increasing possession. But he was getting short shrift out of a United defence marshaled by Rio Ferdinand.

Ferguson made a change at the break, bringing on Ryan Giggs for Michael Carrick. But it was Liverpool who nearly stole in front. Keane crossed from the right and when it looked to be reaching the unmarked Kuyt at the far post, Evra stuck out a leg and cleared.

Both sides looked to the bench as they attempted to win the game. Owen Hargreaves and Steven Gerrard came on in quick succession.

And a mistake by Gerrard, losing possession 25 yards out, could have proved costly. Giggs let fly with a sublime volley that Pepe Reina acrobatically tipped over his bar.

Yet it was Liverpool who looked more likely to score as they chased every ball.

And they were eventually rewarded when Javier Mascherano stole the ball from Giggs as he tried to shepherd it out of play. The Argentine passed to Kuyt and he found an unmarked Babel, whose shot bounced into the United goal to send the home crowd into raptures.

Nemanja Vidic's dismissal for a second bookable offence on 90 minutes compounded United's misery.