Match Report: LiverpooL 0 - 0 Stoke City

Defiant Stoke stopped unbeaten Liverpool in their tracks at Anfield with a magnificent rearguard action.

Liverpool dominated throughout, had close on 70% possession, but just could not find a way past goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and his outstanding defenders.

Stoke play to their strengths - being direct and physical - but they deserved their day in the sun.

They halted a Liverpool side who had beaten Manchester United and Marseille in the previous week.

Manager Rafael Benitez rested Ryan Babel, Javier Mascherano and Lucas to the bench with Robbie Keane, Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso returning.

Stoke had former Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao in their side, his first start of the season while Amdy Faye was suspended.

Leon Cort and Ricardo Fuller were also on the bench after playing against Everton last weekend, Mamady Sidibe and Abdoulaye Faye returned.

Gerrard thought he had scored his 100th club goal after just two minutes when referee Andre Marriner gave a free-kick for a push in the back on Fernando Torres.

The captain's curling free-kick from the left looked to have been missed by everyone-- including Sorensen - as the ball sailed on into the far corner, with Dirk Kuyt throwing himself at it on the far post, without making contact.

All Gerrard's colleagues rushed to congratulate their captain but a linesman's flag surprisingly cut short the celebrations.

Stoke responded with a 20-yard shot from Dave Kitson just over, while at the other end Sorensen needed to save smartly from a Robbie Keane first-time effort.

Gerrard kept trying and his next effort, a 20-yard free-kick, that Sorensen held comfortably.

Stoke were continually forced back with Liverpool keeping possession and passing well.

Such was Liverpool's territorial advantage that centre-back Martin Skrtel was spending considerable time linking in midfield.

Stoke lost Ibrahima Sonko with a leg injury after 21 minutes, to be replaced by Cort, while Sidibe needed to change his shirt after a gashed eye left him blood-stained.

But despite the constantly flowing attacks Stoke did not panic despite keeping two men up front whenever they could manage.

The tactic gave Liverpool plenty of space and possession, with Andrea Dossena joining Riera down the left almost at will.

Sorensen punched away another Alonso long-range strike and Torres had a drive charged down.

But there was great resilience and organisation about Stoke, with Diao screening the defence where Faye, Danny Higginbotham and Cort were standing firm against the barrage.

Kuyt fired wide and Gerrard saw another right-footer sail wide, while Alonso clattered another 20-yard shot over the top as the Potters reached the break unscathed.

Six minutes into the second period Keane almost ended his goal famine. Alvaro Arbeloa and Kuyt combined down the right and when the cross arrived on the six-yard line Kuyt's stabbed effort was well saved by Sorensen.

Liverpool continued to pour forward but frustration was creeping in with too many players trying increasingly erratic long-range efforts.

Stoke grew in confidence and they started to win set-pieces inside Liverpool's half, while the hosts were becoming wasteful.

Kuyt's lay-off saw Torres side-foot over from 10 yards before Babel replaced Riera after 65 minutes.

Sorensen had to save well from Kuyt, while another curler from the Dutchman just cleared the far post.

Yossi Benayoun then replaced Keane, with Jamie Carragher and Gerrard seeing efforts go close from outside the box.

Gerrard had another effort deflected wide by Cresswell with Stoke now camped in their own final third. Ricardo Fuller came on for Kitson after 77 minutes.

Liverpool's nerves were jangling every time Stoke won a throw or set-piece and for one Delap effort all 11 players were called back into defence.

A Gerrard run and Benayoun pass ended with Torres spinning to lash yet another effort into the Kop.

Skrtel was booked for a foul on Fuller, but Stoke hung on, throwing bodies in the way of numerous crosses and shots.

Rafa: Massive Mistake Costs Us

Rafa Benitez was left cursing a 'massive' refereeing error which denied Liverpool a crucial opener in Saturday's stalemate with newly-promoted Stoke.

Steven Gerrard appeared to have opened the scoring after just three minutes only for the linesman to flag for no valid reason.

"Nobody knows why it was disallowed," Benitez told reporters after the final whistle at Anfield.

"The referee told Carra that he – and not the linesman - disallowed the goal but I don't think he knows why. With the position the referee was in, how could he disallow it? It was unbelievable and we have to talk about it because it was a key decision.

"It is impossible to explain.

"The other thing we have to talk about when you forget about the massive mistake is the game. We had plenty of possession, tried from both sides and between the lines, had corners and free-kicks and long shots - but we couldn't score. This is football sometimes, but the players worked really hard.

"Sometimes you need a bit more luck or sometimes a bit more ability in the final third.

"I don't know how many attempts we had. It's difficult to find a solution when you have 25 to 30 chances – you just have to do the same again and maybe it will be different next time."

Once Keane Breaks Anfield Duck He Won't Stop Scoring, Says Torres

Fernando Torres believes the slow start to Robbie Keane's Liverpool career will be forgotten once the Republic of Ireland international gets his first goal for the club. The Spain striker, who scored three goals in his first eight appearances after moving to Merseyside from Atlético Madrid, expects his forward partner to make up for lost time once he has broken his duck.

Keane has not found the net in his first seven league and cup games following a £20.3m move from Tottenham Hotspur, the only blip to an otherwise healthy start to the season for Rafa Benítez's side. Liverpool will replace Chelsea - who play Manchester United tomorrow - at the top of the table for at least 24 hours if they defeat Stoke City at Anfield and mark their best start to a Premier League season after five matches, beating the 12 points they amassed in the 1993-94 campaign.

"I know Robbie is going to be a very important player for us. Maybe he needs to score his first goal, then he'll go on to score a lot more as that's the type of player he is," said Torres. "When you arrive you want to score straight away to relieve the pressure. He is just waiting and wanting to score that first goal and he is a great player to have in the dressing room. I know Robbie from watching him back when I was at Atlético, so if we want to win trophies we will need players like him."

Whereas Keane scored on his debuts for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City and was soon among the goals at Internazionale, Leeds United and Tottenham, he is struggling to get his name on the scoresheet for the club he supported as a boy. Yet the player is not feeling the pressure, according to Benítez. "I was speaking to Robbie the other day and I told him that everything would be fine," said the Liverpool manager. "He said: 'Listen, I think you are more worried than me.'"

Despite his difficulties, Keane will fancy his chances today as Stoke pay their first league visit to Anfield for 23 years. Liverpool stuck eight goals past them the last time the clubs met, in a League Cup tie eight years ago, Robbie Fowler helping himself to a hat-trick.

Steven Gerrard, who is on 99 career goals for Liverpool after scoring twice in midweek against Marseille in the Champions League, will be itching to complete his century ahead of next Saturday's derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

"We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world," said Benítez. "He doesn't just score goals, he scores fantastic goals. If he scores against Stoke we will be very pleased."

Liverpool Charged Over Ziege Approach

LIVERPOOL have been charged by the Premier League with making an illegal approach for former player Christian Ziege while he was at Middlesbrough.

Ziege, the German international defender now at Tottenham, has also been charged in connection with the transfer.

Both the Anfield club and Ziege have been given 14 days to respond to the charges, and are likely to face a Premier League disciplinary commission.

The charges follow a complaint from Middlesbrough over the transfer of Ziege to Liverpool for £5.5million at the start of last season.

The charges follow a 10-month investigation into allegations made by the Teesside club, and are a severe embarrassment to Liverpool and manager Gerard Houllier, who last year described Middlesbrough's claims as "laughable".

A Premier League spokesman said that the charges related to "approaches made to a player registered to another club, without the permission of that club, via his agent."

In an article in a Middlesbrough match programme in October last year, Boro chairman Steve Gibson said the club had given Ziege a get-out clause on compassionate grounds following his move from AC Milan the previous year.

Gibson said: "We were aware that Ziege had suffered greatly in Italy and that he did not want a repeat of that. To safeguard the club's position we took comfort in the rules of the Premier League, where it is written law that no player can induce or look to seek another club during the length of his contract, and neither can any Premier League club look to induce a player to break his contract.

"In addition there is a confidentiality agreement within the contract which forbids the club discussing the contract, or the player discussing any part of a contract to third parties.

"We believe that both Christian Ziege and Liverpool broke the rules of the Premier League and we are seeking redress to this situation."

If the charges are proved, Middlesbrough will seek compensation for a player they valued at £8 million.

Fernando Torres Needs A Rest, Admits Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez conceded last night that star striker Fernando Torres is suffering a hangover from the incredible 12 months which catapulted him to world fame.

Torres is now a major candidate to become World Footballer of the Year after scoring a staggering 34 goals in his first season at Liverpool.

He then grabbed the winner for Spain in the European Championship Final.

But such high profile exploits have taken their toll on the shy 24-year-old, who admits he is uncomfortable in the spotlight.

And Benitez explained that the Spanish superstar is struggling for form and fitness at the start of the new campaign, after a punishing workload during his first season in the Premiership.

"We have to accept that Nando is not at the level that he can play because the pre-season has been difficult for him, and also because he has been injured," Benitez revealed.

"He had a big first season with Liverpool and then went all the way to the final with Spain.

"We need to remember that Fernando came back late because of the European Championships.

"That makes it difficult for him and he is not yet 100 per cent fit.

"Physically, he is not at his normal level and I would be really worried if he was right now because it would mean in two months' time he would struggle after everything he has been through."

Benitez knows that Torres is far from his best after such a draining year, but believes it is better for the club that the striker remains low profile in his return to full fitness and comes back gradually.

"I am not worried about him at all. He has quality and he can play well.

"He is 24 and will only improve. I am sure that every week he will be better," said Benitez. "Remember, he has had his pre-season disrupted and it is different for a striker than a midfielder or a defender because they are under more pressure and if you have been injured and not fit it is more difficult.

"He will improve little by little - the same as the other players. But he is not our only option.

"When we signed Keane we knew we were getting a striker who can score 15 goals every year.

"The question was to add the goals of Keane to the goals of Torres and Gerrard.

"At least we can change if we need to change something in a game, or use different players if one is unfit or out of form.

"Against Manchester United we had Keane and Kuyt and it worked very well. We didn't need Torres for that game, so we have many more options this time.

"But don't worry. Fernando will get back to his best level."

It is more likely that he will miss the Carling Cup game against League One Crewe.

Youngsters Take On Owls

Liverpool Under-18s take on Sheffield Wednesday this morning boosted by the return of wing wizards David Amoo and Alex Kacaniklic.

The pair missed last weekend's 3-2 win over Newcastle United with injury but are back to face the Owls. German youngster Christopher Buchtmann is also in line for his first start of the season for Hughie McAuley’s team at left back.

The young Reds have scored nine goals in their opening four games, of which three have been victories. Their only defeat came 2-0 at Coventry City when they were perhaps unfortunate not to have taken anything from that game.

"We have done well so far this season and we certainly have players in our team that are capable of winning football matches," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We have only lost once so far and we were unlucky against Coventry. The game against Wednesday will be similar in the sense it will be a difficult game. They will try and make things difficult for us and it will be a battle but we have to compete with them and try and let our football do the talking.

"It's good to have Amoo and Kacaniklic available again as they started the season really well. They love to take on defenders and on their day can be a real handful to the opposition.

"Buchtmann is available again and he gives us more options in the wide areas."

Rafa Hails Number Two Lee

Rafael Benitez has spoken of his admiration for number two Sammy Lee and believes he has had a big impact on the team this season.

The Reds boss said Lee's infectious enthusiasm for the club never ceases to amaze him and added his help has been invaluable.

"I think we have made a fantastic addition this season with Sammy Lee," said Rafa.

"Sammy knows the mentality of the fans, he knows the mentality of the players so little by little we are bringing back something that we needed."

Rafael Benitez Seeks To Reassure Liverpool Supporters

Rafael Benítez interrupted his preparation for today’s match against Stoke City — in which victory would send his Liverpool side to the top of the Barclays Premier League — to spend four hours with a delegation of fans from the Spirit of Shankly (SOS) supporters’ union on Thursday. The Liverpool manager covered a wide range of subjects during the discussions but reassured the fans that his future lies at Anfield.

The meeting came five days after George Gillett Jr., the club’s co-owner, held face-to-face talks with the SOS group. Then, the supporters left bemused, after the American expressed the view that the club were in a “sound financial state”, despite Gillett and Tom Hicks, his fellow owner, plunging the club into debt with a £350 million refinancing package and failing to provide funds for the promised new stadium.

After talking to Benítez, the SOS mood was more upbeat. The Spaniard admitted to sharing the supporters’ frustrations with the political turmoil behind the scenes at Anfield but refused to be drawn on ownership issues or his relationship with Rick Parry, the chief executive, saying he preferred to concentrate on the progress of the team. Benítez was keen, however, to emphasise his commitment to the club, informing the fans’ delegation that he had no career plans other than to bring success to Anfield. The manager illustrated this by detailing his intention to revamp the club’s academy.

He also said that Sammy Lee had been brought back to Anfield’s backroom staff not just for his coaching ability but because, as a former player, he could strengthen the present regime’s links with the club’s tradition.

“It was a very good meeting,” a member of the SOS delegation said. “The manager showed his passion for the club and convinced us that he is taking Liverpool in the right direction.”

Yesterday, Benítez turned his attention back to the matter in hand. With Chelsea, the leaders, playing tomorrow, victory over Stoke would put Liverpool top of the table for the first time in 12 months. The Spaniard is aware, however, that the Premier League newcomers will present a difficult challenge. “We must match them physically and also make sure the technical aspects of our game and our tactics prevail,” Benítez said. “We know every challenge will be hard, but we have the quality to make the difference.”

Benítez is unconcerned about the form of Robbie Keane, who has failed to score in eight appearances for the club since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur for a projected £20.3 million in the summer. The manager gave the Ireland striker a vote of confidence yesterday, praising his all-round game. “I am not concerned about this [Keane's lack of goals] — his effort and work for the team is outstanding,” he said.

Fernando Torres backed Keane to have a big influence on the season. “I know Robbie is going to be a very important player for us,” the Liverpool striker said. “Maybe he needs to score his first goal and then he will go on to score a lot more.”

Keane, 28, said that his experience is helping him to cope with the slow start at Anfield. “I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about,” the forward said. “If I was a young lad and a bit naive, I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, that is all I can do. My first goal is just around the corner and hopefully many more will follow.”

Slow Starter Keane Given Double Boost To Confidence

MISFIRING striker Robbie Keane has been given a double vote of confidence that he’ll soon be hitting the goals trail – by both strike partner Fernando Torres and manager Rafael Benitez.

Despite netting for the Republic of Ireland against Norway last month, Keane, who will be hoping to open his account this afternoon against a Stoke side who have conceded 12 goals in five games this season, has so far failed to find the goals to justify his £20million price tag since arriving at Anfield.

Now 11 games including friendlies into his fledgling career on Merseyside, Keane has still to hit the mark in a Liverpool jersey and was axed from the starting line-up by Benitez for Tuesday, only coming on four the final four minutes of the 2-1 win over Marseille in the Champions League.

However, with the player a notoriously slow starter to campaigns – he broke his duck on the corresponding weekend for Tottenham against Bolton last season before going on to net 23 times for the Londoners – Keane has been backed to start finding the net soon by striker partner Fernando Torres.

Torres, who bagged 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, said: “I know Robbie is going to be a very important player for us.

“Once he scores his first goal, he will go on to score a lot more, because that is the sort of player he is.

“You want to score straight away to relieve the pressure when you join a new club.

“But I know Robbie from watching him when I was with Atletico, and I know we will need players like him if we want to win trophies.”

The player himself seems unconcerned by his continuing goal drought and even had to reassure his manager that he was feeling fine.

Benitez revealed: “I talked with him two weeks ago and said don’t be anxious and he said: ‘Listen, you are more worried than me!’ It was okay.”

The Spaniard believes that Keane’s barren streak is similar to similar runs for Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt under his stewardship but he does not feel it is a major problem.

He said: “I am really pleased with Robbie. He is doing a very good job.

“The other day Robbie and Kuyt were doing really well against United.

“It is just that we have the same situation now that we had with Crouch – people talking about when he will score.

“I am sure that as soon as he scores the first goal, you will see a lot of them.”

Benitez added: “I have spoken to him during the training sessions when we talk about movement but he has experience and he is clever.

“I said try to play well. I will be really pleased if you play well and we continue winning.

“It doesn’t matter if you score or not. It would be better for everyone, but if you don't score and we win then that is good.”

And Keane himself has insisted he is not worried about his failure to find the net.

He said: “Obviously I realise I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about.

“If I was a young lad and a bit naive, then I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, then that is all I can do.

“I know I will get my reward for all the hard work I have put in. I think my first goal is just around the corner. Hopefully when that does come, many more will follow.”

Keane believes the continued support of the Anfield crowd will help him along.

He said: “The crowd have been brilliant to me since I came here. It has been everything I expected, what with being a Liverpool fan already. They are always the 12th man behind the ball and were roaring us on against Manchester United last week.

“They have really been great to me, and I can feel everyone pushing me on to get my first goal and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.”

Liverpool’s Reina Wants To Stay At Anfield And Not Return To Spain Just Yet

Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper Jose Manuel Reina insisted that he is going nowhere so soon after reports in Spain claimed that he was hoping to make his return to the La Liga by next season.

The former Villarreal goalkeeper was reported to be keen to return home after being linked with Atletico Madrid.

However the 26-year old who won three successive Premiership Golden Gloves awards insisted that he wants to stay in England for the next few years.

"I see myself continuing outside of Spain. You never know, but I would like to spend a few more years in England. The plan is to stay here," Reina told Marca.

Reina further went on to say that the spirit in the Reds camp is buoyed after their spectacular 2-1 win against Manchester United, insisting that they most definitely are in contention for lifting the Premier League title this season.

"The team has not played great football, apart from the game last weekend against Manchester United, but we are on the right path," he continued.

"We are playing with comfort and that has allowed us to push up to the near the top.

"People are saying it could be our season. The Premier League is always difficult as their are plenty of other teams, like Chelsea and Manchester United, that can do well.

"We have to reduce the difference at the top that has been there in the past few years."

Rafa: We Must Respect Stoke

Despite overcoming Manchester United in their last Premier League encounter, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has issued a caveat to his side ahead of this weekend's clash with Stoke City.

Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio is set to remain sidelined with the calf injury that prevented him taking to the field in the midweek win over Marseille.

Instead, Rafa Benitez will deploy Andrea Dossena on the left side of defence as Aurelio continues his rehabilitation.

Confidence is brimming at Anfield with the hoodoo against Manchester United broken, but Benitez is not getting too carried away.

He believes that this weekend's opponents, Tony Pulis' Stoke City, are a side that deserve respect following their strong showings against Everton and Aston Villa.

The Potters defeated Villa by three goals to two at the Britannia Stadium before losing out by the same scoreline at the same venue to Everton last weekend.

Benitez is aware that the newly-promoted side will be keen to make an impression at Anfield and his side should be on the front foot.

He told the press: "We know that Stoke will be difficult opponents because they have just come into the Premier League and they will be keen to do well, particularly when they come to places like Anfield," he said.

"They have already had one good win against Aston Villa at home and they have been unfortunate in another couple of games so we know that they will be hard to beat."

"Beating Man United was a good achievement and it will improve our confidence but now we have to try to beat Stoke. They play with a different style to United and they cause different kinds of problems but we must treat them with the same respect."

David Prentice: Why Liverpool's Rafa Benitez Is A Master Tactician

WHAT constitutes a master tactician? The ability to make changes to the pattern of a match with influential substitutions is clearly one criterion.

And in Rafael Benitez, Liverpool possess the best Anfield has ever seen.

Ryan Babel’s goalscoring impact against Manchester United last Saturday was the 50th occasion Benitez has brought on a player who has scored.

Even given the increased number of substitutions in modern football, that’s a remarkable record.

To give that stat even greater resonance, on 12 separate occasions Benitez has made substitutions which have led to two or more goals – many from losing positions.

Cynics might suggest that the Reds boss sent out the wrong team in the first place. But I prefer the argument that there aren’t many better coaches in Europe at analysing the flow of a match and making the necessary switches which work.

Remember Olympiakos? Steven Gerrard’s late piledriver is the obvious memory, but without goals from supersubs Mellor and Pongolle that match-winner might have been meaningless.

Then there’s Kewell and Alonso scoring against Charlton to salvage a 2-2 draw, Crouch and Warnock against Fulham, Garcia and Cisse saving a draw at Birmingham, then Alonso and Biscan turning a 2-0 deficit at Fulham into a 4-2 win.

And none of them were even Benitez’s greatest switch.

Arguably the Reds’ manager’s most valuable intervention was the introduction of a player who didn’t score at all – not until a penalty shoot-out anyway.

Vladimir Smicer might have come on and scored in Istanbul, but it was Dietmar Hamann’s half-time introduction which swung the match back Liverpool’s way.

It’s just as easy to make a damaging switch as it is to introduce an effective change – as Sir Alf Ramsey discovered in Mexico, Howard Kendall at Wembley in 1986 and Gerard Houllier in Leverkusen.

But Benitez has, so far, managed to avoid that pitfall.

Even his controversial withdrawal of Steven Gerrard at Goodison Park for showing “too much passion” paid off.

The use of an impact substitute was a tactic whose effectiveness grew only stealthily.

It was first allowed in England in 1965, but only for injuries. Tactical switches were later allowed in 1967, increased to two changes 20 years later then, in 1995, increased to the current limit of three.

Predictably the influence of Anfield substitutes has grown with the times.

Bill Shankly made just 18 scoring switches in nine years, the last – in 1974 – resulting in a last-minute winner from Peter Cormack against Norwich.

Bob Paisley doubled that figure in eight years, but then he could call on the greatest Supersub of them all, David Fairclough, who scored 18 goals after stepping off the bench.

Joe Fagan did it three times, Dalglish 21, Souness 10 and Roy Evans 12, before the folly of a joint management team was exposed.

While Evans and Gerard Houllier argued amongst themselves about which subs to bring on, only Karl-Heinz Rieldle stepped off the bench to score during their joint stewardship.

Left to his own devices, Houllier introduced 40 scoring subs in five years, but that figure has already been eclipsed by Benitez in four years.

The Reds boss may have his faults, but the effective use of substitutes is not one of them.

Rafa Keen On Anthem Switch

Rafael Benitez is hopeful a tactical switch off the field of play will help Liverpool generate an atmosphere to send shivers down the spines of any side visiting Anfield this season.

The Reds boss believes the introduction of the Barclays Premier League anthem has curbed the impact of the club's anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and feels that asking fans to sing the famous song just prior to kick-off will help give his side a psychological edge.

"Before this season we always played the Premier League anthem immediately before games, but some of the players, Sammy Lee and I spoke and we think it is better to have 'You'll Never Walk Alone' instead when the players are on the pitch," said Benitez.

"It used to be played five minutes before the kick-off and the team came out towards the end of the song, but we have reversed the order with the Premier League anthem now.

"We thought it would keep the atmosphere right up until the kick-off and that way the opposition is on the pitch when all the noise is in the ground.

"The supporters are always good, but this might be better. It is something we have been thinking about for a while and the atmosphere has been great when we start our matches."

Meanwhile, Daniel Agger has vowed to fight to regain his first-team place after spending much of the opening weeks out of the first team.

Agger, who spent the best part of a year injured with a metatarsal problem, didn't make the bench for the weekend win against United, but was back among the substitutes for the Champions League victory at Marseille on Tuesday and is eager to win his place back in the side.

He said: "I sat on the bench in Marseille, so that is an improvement.

"All I can do at the moment to get into the team is to work hard in training."

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez Tips Steven Gerrard To Score 150 Goals

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez paid tribute to much-criticised Premier League new-boys Stoke but warned: "We have the best midfield player in the world."

Benitez's unbeaten Reds face Tony Pulis' promoted Potters at Anfield intent on strengthening their position in the Barclays Premier League table, ahead of the clash between rivals Chelsea and Manchester United 24 hours later.

But Stoke have already embarrassed several of their new top-flight colleagues, and Benitez insists they will have to be on their guard against Rory Delap's massive long throws.

But with skipper Steven Gerrard needing one goal to reach a club century, Benitez has faith in the player he believes is the world's best to lead Liverpool to victory.

He said: "Steven has quality, he's a fantastic player and 99 goals is amazing for a midfielder.

"But he can score more. But once he has scored his 100th, then we will give him the objective of maybe 150.

"He scores great goals that few other players can manage. We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world."

Coming straight after victories over champions Manchester United and then in Europe against Marseille, he said: "It is not easy to win every game. We know Stoke are tough, disciplined and well organised. They are very strong and play direct football.

"But I have been really impressed with their set-pieces, not just the long throws but also their corners and free-kicks and it shows that their manager has done a very good job.

"The key is not to give them too many opportunities for long throws close to our area.

It will be difficult, but there are a lot of teams who use long throws, so we have to be aware and be ready for what happens."

Liverpool have won their last 12 league meetings with Stoke at Anfield, the Potters last success there being in 1959.

Benitez Not Swayed By Title Talk As Liverpool Prepare To Face Stoke Following Victories Over Man United & Marseille

Rafa Benitez insists that Liverpool are taking one game at a time and not getting carried away by the good start they have got off to this season, as the Reds prepare to take on new-entrants Stoke City in the Premiership at Anfield on Saturday.

The Merseysiders boosted their confidence and self-belief as the real contenders for the title this season with a victory against their bitterest rivals and defending champions Manchester United before winning the UEFA Champions League group opener in Marseille in midweek.

Benitez however, is not swayed by the early title talk and stressed that he is focused on making step by step progress.

"Overall it's been a really good week," Benitez told Sky Sports News. "We've had two difficult and important games to play and we won them both so everyone is very happy here at Liverpool.

"But we are just looking at the next game and we are now ready to play Stoke. It is important to understand that we need to take one game at a time.

"If we keep winning then every game, little by little, we will be in a better position so we will talk about this maybe in two or three months time, but now it is game by game."

The Reds can go top of the table if they beat the Potters at the weekend, and it will also mean the best-ever start to the season for the Anfield side. And Benitez believes that his side can be lot better.

“Yes, I think we can improve," added the Spanish tactician.

"The pre-season was different from normal with a lot of players coming back from the Olympic Games and the European Championships late, so I think physically we can improve a lot and that means we can also do that technically and tactically too.

"We have a very good squad and the mentality is really good. We won against United without Torres and Gerrard on the pitch from the start so I think it is really good to see some members of the squad playing well and that means for rest of season we can maybe use different players in other competitions this season and keep the same level."

Keane - The Goals Will Come

Liverpool striker Robbie Keane insists he is too experienced to become anxious about his Anfield goal drought.

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Reds in July in a £20million move from Tottenham, but he has yet to find the back of the net for his new employers.

Keane has now gone seven games without breaking his Liverpool duck, and he also scored just once in his final eight games for Spurs.

However, the 28-year-old is confident he will soon rediscover the goalscoring touch and is hopeful he will net when Stoke visit Merseyside on Saturday.

"Obviously I realise I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about," said Keane.

"If I was a young lad and a bit naive, then I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, then that is all I can do.

"I know I will get my reward for all the hard work I have put in. I think my first goal is just around the corner. Hopefully when that does come, many more will follow."

Manager Rafa Benitez is also eager for Keane to open his Liverpool account at the weekend, but has hinted that the forward is not guaranteed a place in his first XI.

Keane started among the substitutes in the mid-week UEFA Champions League victory over Marseille and Benitez is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the arrival of Stoke.

Benitez said: "We want Robbie to score soon, yes. And if he is selected against Stoke, maybe that will be the time.

"But I am not concerned about this, his effort and work for the team is outstanding."

Betting Recommendation: LiverpooL vs. Stoke City

An unbeaten start to the season sees Liverpool tied at the top of the table with Chelsea and they are 1/5 to secure another three points against the Potters.

It has been an excellent week for Rafa Benitez's side - backing up a 2-1 win over bitter rivals Manchester United with a successful start to the Champions League in Marseille.

What will have pleased those connected to the club most was the way they did not allow United to play for the much of the game - so could that be the springboard to finally launch a sustained challenge for an elusive Premier League crown?

Stoke gaffer Tony Pulis has been more than satisfied with his own side's efforts so far since promotion and if they go about this match with similar vigour to their performances against Aston Villa and Everton last week then they won't be disgraced at Anfield.

Perhaps it is time to be convinced that the home side are the real deal this season so nothing less than a solid home win will suffice against their plucky rivals.

Verdict: Liverpool 3 Stoke City 1

Match Preview: LiverpooL vs. Stoke City

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hopes full-back Fabio Aurelio recovers from a calf injury to face Stoke having failed to make the midweek trip to Marseille.

Andrea Dossena was a less than convincing alternative at left-back in France, while Benitez must also decide whether to recall Robbie Keane to partner striker Fernando Torres.

Xabi Alonso will contest a midfield role with Lucas and veteran defender Sami Hyypia may be brought in to help contest Stoke's now famed long throws from Rory Delap.

Winger Albert Riera, who made his debut in last weekend's victory over Manchester United, could replace Ryan Babel.

Benitez paid tribute to much-criticised Premier League new-boys Stoke but warned: "We have the best midfield player in the world.''

Benitez's unbeaten Reds face Tony Pulis' promoted Potters at Anfield intent on strengthening their position in the Barclays Premier League table, ahead of the clash between rivals Chelsea and Manchester United 24 hours later.

But Stoke have already embarrassed several of their new top-flight colleagues, and Benitez insists they will have to be on their guard against Delap's massive long throws.

But with skipper Steven Gerrard needing one goal to reach a club century, Benitez has faith in the player he believes is the world's best to lead Liverpool to victory.

He said: "Steven has quality, he's a fantastic player and 99 goals is amazing for a midfielder.

"But he can score more. But once he has scored his 100th, then we will give him the objective of maybe 150.

"He scores great goals that few other players can manage. We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world.''

Coming straight after victories over champions Manchester United and then in Europe against Marseille, he said: "It is not easy to win every game. We know Stoke are tough, disciplined and well organised. They are very strong and play direct football.

"But I have been really impressed with their set-pieces, not just the long throws but also their corners and free-kicks and it shows that their manager has done a very good job.''

Only Amdy Faye (suspended) and the injured Andrew Davies will be absent for Stoke.

Both players missed Sunday's defeat by Everton and Pulis' main selection headache may concern whether to move Abdoulaye Faye back into defence after he played as a midfield anchor last weekend.

Glenn Whelan will be hoping for a recall to the Stoke midfield following his fine performances for the Republic of Ireland and he could get the nod at Leon Cort's expense if Faye is switched.

Danny Higginbotham has played in a winning Southampton side at Liverpool and he will strain every sinew in an attempt to repeat the experience with Stoke.

It is almost five years since Higginbotham was in the Saints team which came away from Anfield with a shock 2-1 victory, courtesy of goals by Brett Ormerod and Thomas Svensson.

A late reply from Emile Heskey could not save Gerard Houllier's side and defender Higginbotham's memories of the occasion remain crystal clear.

"Brett scored in the first couple of minutes and that gave us a real boost. My current Stoke team-mate Rory Delap was also in our team and it was a terrific performance on the day,'' he said.

"It's something really special to play in front of the Kop, but if you can get the Liverpool fans frustrated it can work in your favour.

"It's going to be very important to start the game well by working very hard and keeping our concentration.

"We've got the players here to do that and we will give it our best shot.

"If there is any negativity before you go to places like Liverpool, you might as well not turn up.

Barnes Backs Pool Title Credentials

Former Liverpool player John Barnes feels his former side are showing championship-winning credentials so far this season.

Pool have not set the world alight with their standard of play so far this season, but results are going their way with recent victories picked up against Manchester United and Marseille.

Barnes admits that Pool’s form is not ideal, but stated the key to winning league titles is picking up results when you are not playing well, which the Anfield side are doing.

Speaking to Setanta Sports, Barnes said the current team had the mark of champions.

“It’s a great start for them, particularly from the results' perspective and we are in the results business,” he said.

“They haven’t played sparkling football but they did well against Manchester United and did well against Marseille so the pleasing thing is that they’re picking up points without really playing at the top of their form,” added Barnes.

“That’s the sign of champions. I’m not saying they’re going to be champions but they’ve got a chance.

“They have to pick up points against the so-called lesser teams which is where they’ve fallen down.”

Barnes also commented on the controversy raging at one of his other former clubs, Newcastle United. The ex-England winger backed Kevin Keegan’s decision to leave, adding that if the manager is not comfortable within a structure, it will never work.

“It is very similar to Curbishley, they’re the type of managers who have to have their final say as to who comes and who leaves the club,” Barnes said.

“There are clubs on the continent that operate that way but the important thing is for the manager to be happy with the structure,” he stated.

“If the manager isn’t happy, then it can’t work.”

Liverpool Can Challenge For Title, Says Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard believes that Liverpool can challenge for the league title this season.

The Merseyside-born midfielder, who is approaching his ten-year anniversary since making his debut for the club, says he is reluctant to raise expectation levels too high but expects the club to be near the top of the table at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool can achieve their best start to a Premier League season if they beat Stoke on Saturday.

"It's easy to get carried away at times, but it's too early to start making any sorts of statements,” Gerrard said.

"I've done it in the past, when I've said we have got a chance in this or that year, only to see us fall short.

"I think we are better equipped to go closer this season, but that's as far as I will go at the moment.

"I don't want to raise anyone's expectations too high in only the second month of the season.

"The plan is to still be in with a chance with five or 10 games to go. We have to be challenging."

Gerrard, who is one goal short of 100 for the club, is keen to add more medals to his collection and says the current Liverpool squad is "a lot stronger" than the one that reached two Champions League finals in recent seasons.

"I often reflect on what I have achieved in the game. I think about it every day and just hope that all those highlights, the trophies, the goals, the great wins and matches, are not the end of it,” Gerrard added.

"I want more of those experiences and memories. They are the best things that have happened to me in football. The joy you get from them is unbelievable.

"So over the next five years or so I want to get more cups under my belt and I am desperate to try to win this league.

"I feel the squad is a lot stronger than last season. There are certainly a lot more match-winners here."