Key Reds Trio Should Face Blues

Liverpool expect all three of their stars who were substituted against Atletico Madrid to be fit for Sunday's Premier League clash at Chelsea.

Steven Gerrard, taken off on Wednesday with "tiredness", will lead the side while Robbie Keane (groin) and Xabi Alonso (knee) should also feature.

Striker Fernando Torres is losing his last-ditch battle for fitness following his hamstring injury and is more likely to return at home to Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 13.30 hours (GMT).

Probable Liverpool starting (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Dossena, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Kuyt, Keane, Pennant, Riera, Lucas, Ngog, Cavalieri.

Keane Absence Would Be No Real Loss For Rafa As He Prepares To Stifle Chelsea

Robbie Keane scored a goal and hobbled off with a groin injury in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night. But which occurrence was the most familiar?

Keane’s career has not exactly been characterised by injury but his time at Anfield has not been marked by a glut of goals either.

Keane doubled his Liverpool tally on Wednesday night from 14 appearances and has not yet scored for the club in the Premier League. Scoring is not his strength at the moment.

So if Rafael Benitez is genuinely concerned that the Irishman might not be fit to play at Chelsea on Sunday, he shouldn’t be.

Losing Fernando Torres to injury is a genuine blow but Keane’s possible absence is more of an irritation than a disappointment.

Even if neither are ready to play this weekend, it will not change the gameplan. Benitez usually tries to bore Chelsea into submission at Stamford Bridge and snatch a goal.

It doesn’t often work but that hasn’t put him off and regardless of improvements this season, not conceding rather than scoring was always going to be Liverpool’s priority.

Babel Admits Fitness Fears

Liverpool ace Ryan Babel admits he is not 100 per cent fit ahead of this weekend's clash with Chelsea.

The Dutchman made a brief appearance off the bench during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

Babel missed last weekend's win over Wigan with an ankle injury he suffered on international duty with Holland and concedes that he is still some way off peak fitness.

The former Ajax man believes the top-of-the-table clash at Stamford Bridge, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, will show how far Liverpool have come this season as they look to mount a serious title challenge.

"We will see how far we are now," Babel told Sky Sports News. "We are a little bit unlucky we do not have everybody fit of course, even myself I am not 100 per cent like I am supposed to be.

"No excuses, we will see what happens on Sunday."

Babel is unsure if he will be included from the start against Chelsea, but he insists he is ready and willing to do whatever Rafa Benitez wants.

"I am not sure [about starting] but of course if the boss needs me I will be 100 per cent," added Babel.

Babel admits Liverpool will make the trip to West London full of confidence after an unbeaten start to the season and knows a win at Chelsea would give them an even bigger lift.

"I think as a group the confidence is very high at the moment and if you can win at Chelsea it would be a good boost and we will see what happens," concluded Babel.

Barnes Tips Reds To Get Point At Chelsea

Former Liverpool wing-wizard John Barnes is sure his old club will prove they are genuine Premier League title contenders by taking a point off Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Liverpool hero John Barnes, currently the manager of Jamaica and a pundit for the New Football Pools, told the Metro: "Chelsea may be playing the more fluent football but Liverpool are showing all their determination and spirit which is leading to great results.

"Luiz Felipe Scolari has got Chelsea playing some wonderful stuff but I have a feeling my old side will get a result.

"Liverpool are defensively strong and I can see them getting a point.

"It looks as though Fernando Torres will miss the game, which is a blow, but Liverpool are now starting to show they don't have to rely on Steven Gerrard and Torres to get results."

Former Boss Roy Evans Backs Liverpool FC Against Chelsea

FORMER Liverpool manager Roy Evans is backing Rafael Benitez’s side to end Chelsea’s long unbeaten home record this weekend – even though he also feels the Reds have still to hit top gear this season.

Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge pits the top two teams in the Premier League against each other, with both Chelsea and Liverpool having taken 20 points from eight games.

Liverpool have been in fine form both domestically and in Europe recently, and extended their unbeaten run to 16 matches with Wednesday night’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Atletico Madrid.

When it comes to unbeaten streaks though, Chelsea’s takes some beating, with the Blues not having a lost a league match at home in 86 fixtures.

Despite that, Bootle-born Evans, who managed Liverpool from 1994 to 1998 and is now an assistant to John Toshack with Wales, believes his old club can be the ones to end that run this weekend, even if he feels they are not yet firing an all cylinders.

“Somebody’s got to do it sometime and although Liverpool have not been playing at their very best they’ve been getting some really good results,” Evans said.

“What they have shown this year, and perhaps not in previous years, is a real spirit.

“If they go behind they’ve come back and won games, for example recently against Wigan and Man City, and they’ve also shown they can beat the top teams by beating Man United, which over the last few years they haven’t done.

“Chelsea, down at Stamford Bridge, is a difficult game, they are playing some great stuff but I just feel that if Liverpool go down there and play at their very best they can come away with a result.”

He added: “I think it will be 2-1 to Liverpool, although I am slightly biased!”

“It will be difficult game and Chelsea, even with their injuries, have looked a very good side so I don’t think it will be a walkover, but I think Liverpool can come away with a positive result.”

Xabi Alonso Eyeing Points Not Revenge Mission

THE memories of recent past may remain fresh in the mind, but it’s the future that will be the only concern to Liverpool when they return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

A bitterly disappointing evening in April saw Rafael Benitez’s side denied a third Champions League final appearance in four years by a 3-2 win for Chelsea after extra-time.

The teams cross swords for the first time since on Sunday in a meeting of the early Premier League pace-setters.

And while the immediate stakes may not be quite as high this time around, the fixture represents an opportunity for either side to post a significant marker in the championship race.

“What happened against Chelsea last season won’t have an influence on this game, I am sure of that,” says Xabi Alonso, who will be expected to pull the strings in midfield for Liverpool on Sunday.

“This is a different season, there are different players on both sides, a different manager at Chelsea and we can only focus on what happens during this game.

“We won’t prepare for this game thinking about the Champions League semi-final or by using that for extra motivation.

“I don’t think you can compare this game with what happened at Stamford Bridge last season. This is a new season and both teams have new targets to concentrate on and because of that, anything can happen on Sunday.”

Both teams are looking to protect an unbeaten start to the season with Liverpool having lost only four of their last 47 league games.

“We won’t be going to Stamford Bridge with any fear,” says Alonso. “We respect them as a very good side but we are confident in our own ability and we believe we can win.

“They have shown great form in recent weeks and we expect a tough game, but we go into every game expecting to win now and Sunday will be no different.”

Four of Liverpool’s six league wins have come after the Anfield outfit had fallen behind, but Alonso admits Benitez’s side cannot afford a similarly slow start on Sunday.

“What we cannot afford to do against Chelsea though is start as slowly as we have done in some games,” he says. “We need to concentrate fully for 90 minutes because the quality of their players means they can punish you at any time.

“Fernando Torres will be a big loss against Chelsea but we know we can manage the situation, we have to, and we have more strength in depth and more confidence now than we have had before.

“After the results we have had this season we are right to be confident.”

Liverpool edged a step nearer qualification from the group stages of the Champions League with a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

Robbie Keane’s early opener had looked set to earn the visitors victory until Anfield manager Benitez, with one eye on Sunday’s assignment, substituted Keane, Alonso and skipper Steven Gerrard and Atletico grabbed a late equaliser through Simao.

“We had a good 60 minutes against Atletico and we can take a lot of confidence from going to a difficult place like that and playing so well, but in the latter part of the game we did have a lot more problems,” says Alonso. “We were very pleased with how the first half had gone at half-time, we had managed the situation, we were in control of the game and we scored a good goal through Robbie.

“In the end we are disappointed with the draw but to be honest that was probably a fair result.”

Liverpool welcome Atletico on Tuesday week before entertaining Marseille, with two victories ensuring them top place with a game to spare.

But despite their strong position at the top of Group D – particularly given they had taken one point from nine at this stage of the competition last season – Keane reckons the Anfield outfit cannot rest on their laurels.

“We’ve got to be happy with where we are in the group because we’ve played three games, two of which have been away from home, and we’ve taken seven points,” says the Republic of Ireland international.

“We knew that Madrid would be a tough place to come to because Atletico are a good side, but we’ve managed to take a point which is definitely a good result.

“But there’s still work to be done. We know that and we have to focus now on the next game and not start thinking too far ahead.”

Keane’s goal was his second in successive Champions League games and, with Fernando Torres injured, the Irishman is expected to lead the line at Chelsea this weekend.

“It’s always nice to score, but it would have been even nicer if we’d managed to take the three points,” says the striker.

“Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be, but all in all we’ve got to be happy with a point because I suppose it could have gone either way. We had the better of things in the first half but they were always going to come out and have a go at us in the second, especially with their home crowd behind them, so I think a draw was a fair result.

“This is a great competition to be involved in and hopefully there’s still a lot more games to come for us.

“We can’t allow ourselves to become complacent or get too carried away. But, at the same time, we can be confident that we will go on to qualify.”

Liverpool MPs Demand Government Stop Americans

An unlikely repercussion from the banking has materialized in the Houses of Parliament after a group of Liverpool-based MPs urged government intervention to cripple George Gillett and Tom Hicks' ownership of Pool.

In an intervention that will be interpreted as a cynical vote-winning exercise rather than principled objection, five Merseyside MPs have joined forces to support the motion of Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle demanding that the government pressurize the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) into rejecting the Americans' request for a £350m loan.

Without the bank providing the loan, the tycoons' ownership of the Anfield club would be plunged into jeopardy with the credit crunch already causing long-established plans for stadium development to be downscaled and delayed.

Following the emergency £20bn bail-out funded by taxpayers' money, the government now holds a 60 per cent stake in RBS.

Blackburn To Make Move For Liverpool Reserve Astrit Adjarevic

Blackburn boss Paul Ince is looking at Liverpool's Swedish reserve midfielder Astrit Adjarevic after he was told he could leave Anfield.

The youngster was part of the FA Youth Cup-winning set-up but has failed to grab a place in the senior squad.

Ince is also chasing Egyptian star Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, 21, as he looks to fill David Bentley's boots in January.

The versatile Al-Muhammadi, capped eight times, has been invited to Ewood Park for a week's training and talks.

Liverpool Injury Update On Gerrard, Alonso And Keane

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is hopeful key trio Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Robbie Keane will be available for Sunday’s crunch showdown at Chelsea.

None of them finished Wednesday night’s 1-1 Champions League draw at Atletico Madrid, with striker Keane and midfielder Alonso both struggling with knocks, and captain Gerrard suffering from fatigue.

It will not be known until later today how serious the problems are but Benitez is keeping his fingers crossed there is nothing too serious to worry about.

“The three players have had some problems,” said Benitez, whose side are locked at the top of the Barclays Premier League with Chelsea on 20 points.

“It was a little bit of a muscle problem for Robbie. Gerrard is okay. He was really tired and Alonso has a knock on his knee.”

Keane, who had given Liverpool a 14th-minute lead at the Vicente Calderon before Simao Sabrosa earned Atletico a point with a late equaliser, was the first to be taken off when he was replaced by Dirk Kuyt just after half-time.

“We need to check with Keane. I don’t think it will be serious, but anyway we need to take care of him. He will see the doctor,” Benitez said.

“We are trying to keep players with fresh legs and 100% fit, so we were trying to protect all of them.”

When asked if he had any fitness concerns for the clash with Chelsea, Benitez answered: “I don’t know now, we will have to wait for tomorrow.”

Gerrard was the next to make way, being replaced by Ryan Babel in the 61st minute, before Alonso left the action with 15 minutes to go, Lucas taking his place.

Eight minutes after Alonso’s departure, Atletico managed to equalise, but when asked if the change had played a part in the goal, Benitez insisted he had no choice but to replace the Spain international.

“I explained the reason already, he was injured and he was asking for the substitution,” he said.

Liverpool were without the services of star striker Fernando Torres for the match, with the former Atletico hero remaining in England to continue his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Benitez admits things might have turned out differently if the prolific forward had played, but preferred not to dwell on the subject.

“Obviously he’s a special player and it could have been a different match. But he was unavailable so it doesn’t matter. He couldn’t play,” he said.

Liverpool had been good value for their half-time lead at the Vicente Calderon after limiting Atletico to just a couple of half-chances in the opening period.

However, the Rojiblancos looked a much better side after the break following the arrival of star striker Sergio Aguero, who had started the game on the bench due to concerns about his fitness.

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina admitted the young Argentinian helped turn the game around for the Spanish side.

“He is a tricky player who you notice when he is on the pitch because he causes a lot of problems and is difficult to stop,” said Reina.

“What is really important now is to get to 10 points and not slip up at home.”

Wednesday’s result leaves Atletico and Liverpool locked at the top of Group D with seven points from their opening three games, with the pair meeting again at Anfield on November 4.

Match Report: Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 LiverpooL

Liverpool were denied a three-point haul from their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid after conceding a late equaliser to Simao Sabrosa, a player once targeted by Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

The unmarked Simao drilled home a low shot with seven minutes remaining to cancel out Robbie Keane's early opener for Liverpool as the two sides, having each won their first two games, remained unbeaten in Group D.

Liverpool controlled the first half and held a deserved lead at the break but Atletico, who had been unbeaten in their previous six home meetings with English opposition, fought back to salvage a point which could ease the pressure on under-fire coach Javier Aguirre.

The Champions League anthem at the start of the match was greeted by jeers and whistles from the home fans, while the Atletico supporters behind the goal also turned their backs to the pitch in protest against the punishment handed out by UEFA last week.

Atletico were given a three-match stadium ban in Europe and fined by UEFA following crowd disturbances and accusations of racism during their Champions League home match against Marseille.

Atletico have appealed against the punishment, which is why Wednesday's match was able to go ahead at the Vicente Calderon and not at least 300 kilometres away from Madrid.

However, there was no obvious repeat of those crowd disturbances or racist chanting during Wednesday's clash, which saw Liverpool quickly settle into their stride.

Benitez's troops, unbeaten in their last 15 matches, could barely have asked for an easier opening 45 minutes as they took an early lead through Keane before comfortably containing a toothless Atletico.

Keane's goal came not long after young Atletico midfielder Ignacio Camacho had headed over the first chance of the match following a Simao free-kick.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard created the chance with a superb pass through for Keane, who beat the Atletico offside trap before coolly slotting low past Leo Franco.

That was just the start Liverpool would have been hoping for and Gerrard and Xabi Alonso both then tried their luck from distance before Keane spurned a decent opening to double Liverpool's lead.

He again escaped the attentions of his markers to get on the end of Gerrard's right-wing cross, but the Irishman attempted an ambitious flick and ended up missing the ball.

At the other end a much-changed Atletico, who had lost their previous three league matches against Sevilla, Barcelona and arch rivals Real Madrid, looked devoid of ideas going forward in the first half.

The hosts finally gave their fans something to get excited about in the 40th minute when former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan unleashed a 25-yard drive that flew just wide of Jose Reina's far post.

Aside from that effort though, the Liverpool custodian, one of four Spanish players in the Liverpool line-up, had precious little to do before the break.

Atletico coach Aguirre, under pressure following three successive league defeats, decided it was time to change things around at the break and he sent on star striker Sergio Aguero for former Liverpool player Luis Garcia.

That change immediately appeared to give Atletico a lift as they twice came close to an equaliser soon after the break.

The first opening saw Maniche pick up a pass from Forlan on the far side of the area before firing in a shot that flew into the far corner of the net.

However, the Portuguese was left with his head in his hands - along with the majority of the stadium - as he noticed the offside flag had gone up.

From an almost identical position moments later Simao then drilled in a shot which Reina brilliantly helped onto the post and then gathered at the second attempt as Liverpool rode their luck.

Reina could do little about the goal that brought Atletico back on level terms in the 83rd minute however.

Simao was left in acres of space on the far side of the area and, after Forlan had picked him out, he drilled a low left-footed shot past the diving Reina to level the scores up at 1-1.

That goal set the stadium rocking and gave Atletico a huge boost, and Miguel then tested Reina with a well-struck volley soon afterwards.

Liverpool could have silenced the home crowd in the 89th minute though when substitute Ryan Babel sent a diving header just wide of the Atletico goal from close range, but the match would end up finishing all-square.

Rafa Blasts Showboating Reds

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has warned his players that they must become more ruthless in front of goal in the wake of their UEFA Champions League draw at Atletico Madrid.

The Reds remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, but they have now surrendered their 100 per cent record in Group D of Europe's premier club competition.

Benitez was disappointed to see his side give up the lead at Vicente Calderon as Simao Sabrosa hit an 83rd minute equaliser to cancel out Robbie Keane's first half opener.

Republic of Ireland international Keane had an excellent chance to double Liverpool's lead in the first 45 minutes, but the striker opted to attempt an audacious back-heeled flick from Steve Gerrard's cross when the basic would have sufficed.

And Benitez was not impressed, telling Sky Sports 2: "My idea was that we could play better.

"We had chances and if you don't finish these games, these things (equalisers) can happen.

"We were playing well and had control, but we were trying to be too precise in the final third. Sometimes you have to finish.

"We were passing and passing and trying to give the perfect pass. It doesn't matter how you score, you have to score, that is it.

"It is positive. We have seven points so it is not a bad position. But when you concede in the 83rd minute you have to be disappointed."

Meanwhile, Benitez - who takes his team to Chelsea for a top-of-the-table Premier League clash on Sunday - has revealed that he has injury concerns over captain Gerrard, Keane and Xabi Alonso after the trio were substituted in the second half.

"It think they will be okay, but we had Alonso, Keane and Gerrard with knocks," added Benitez. "We needed to change them because they had muscle problems. We will see."

Keane, though, is confident his groin injury is not too serious as Liverpool - who are already without Fernando Torres - prepare for their trip to Stamford Bridge.

"In the first 20 minutes of the game I just tweaked my groin," said Keane. "I don't think it is too serious. I'm under the weather a little bit, which didn't help."

Keane, who joined the Reds from Tottenham in the summer, also held his hands up for the miss which angered his manager.

"Those balls move all over the place in the wind," he continued. "No excuse, I should have got something on it."

Robbie Keane: Liverpool FC Happy With Point From Atletico Madrid Game

LIVERPOOL striker Robbie Keane admitted he was happy to come away from the Vicente Calderon Stadium with a point after his side’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid.

Keane opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 14th minute but Simao Sabrosa levelled seven minutes from time to grab a point for the hosts.

The Spanish side piled on the pressure in the second period and could have easily won all three points, as Keane acknowledged after the game.

“In the first half we had quite a few chances so we knew they would come out fighting and make it difficult for us,” Keane said.

“They put us under the cosh in the second half and then they had a few chances towards the end so all in all you have to be happy with a point.”

Keane missed a gilt-edged opportunity to double Liverpool’s advantage minutes after he opened the scoring, but chose to attempt an elaborate flick from a close-range volley and missed.

He admitted he regretted the decision and should have scored. “I should have had two. It was a great ball from Stevie (Steven Gerrard),” he said.

Injured Liverpool Trio Gerrard, Alonso And Keane Could All Miss Weekend Clash With Chelsea

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is hopeful key trio Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Robbie Keane will be available for Sunday's crunch showdown at Chelsea.

None of them finished last night's 1-1 Champions League draw at Atletico Madrid, with striker Keane and midfielder Alonso both struggling with knocks, and captain Gerrard suffering from fatigue.

It will not be known until later today how serious the problems are but Benitez is keeping his fingers crossed there is nothing too serious to worry about.

'The three players have had some problems,' said Benitez, whose side are locked at the top of the Barclays Premier League with Chelsea on 20 points.

'It was a little bit of a muscle problem for Robbie. Gerrard is okay. He was really tired and Alonso has a knock on his knee.'

Keane, who had given Liverpool a 14th-minute lead at the Vicente Calderon before Simao Sabrosa earned Atletico a point with a late equaliser, was the first to be taken off when he was replaced by Dirk Kuyt just after half-time.

'We need to check with Keane. I don't think it will be serious, but anyway we need to take care of him. He will see the doctor,' Benitez said.

'We are trying to keep players with fresh legs and 100 per cent fit, so we were trying to protect all of them.'

When asked if he had any fitness concerns for the clash with Chelsea, Benitez answered: "I don't know now, we will have to wait for tomorrow.'

Gerrard was the next to make way, being replaced by Ryan Babel in the 61st minute, before Alonso left the action with 15 minutes to go, Lucas taking his place.

Eight minutes after Alonso's departure, Atletico managed to equalise, but when asked if the change had played a part in the goal, Benitez insisted he had no choice but to replace the Spain international.

'I explained the reason already, he was injured and he was asking for the substitution,' he said.

Liverpool were without the services of star striker Fernando Torres for the match, with the former Atletico hero remaining in England to continue his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Benitez admits things might have turned out differently if the prolific forward had played, but preferred not to dwell on the subject.

'Obviously he's a special player and it could have been a different match. But he was unavailable so it doesn't matter. He couldn't play,' he said.

Liverpool had been good value for their half-time lead at the Vicente Calderon after limiting Atletico to just a couple of half-chances in the opening period.

However, the Rojiblancos looked a much better side after the break following the arrival of star striker Sergio Aguero, who had started the game on the bench due to concerns about his fitness.

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina admitted the young Argentinian helped turn the game around for the Spanish side.

'He is a tricky player who you notice when he is on the pitch because he causes a lot of problems and is difficult to stop,' said Reina.

'What is really important now is to get to 10 points and not slip up at home.'

Benitez: I Protected My Stars

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says he was 'protecting' his 'injured' trio by hauling them out of the Champions League cauldron on Wednesday evening.

Desperate to hold off the challenge of hometown club Atletico Madrid, many would have found it strange to see Rafael Benitez hook Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Xabi Alonso during the second half.

The Reds went on to draw 1-1 and the absence of goalscorer Keane, 'Mr Champions League' Gerrard and shoot-on-sight midfielder Alonso was telling.

However, this was no tactical tinkering, for Benitez has confirmed that the trio were carrying knocks. With one eye on the Chelsea showdown on Sunday, then, Rafa decided to take them out of the oven to cool down.

They will be assessed for the rest of the week, but the boss expects the threesome to line up against the Blues.

"The three players had some problems," he explained. "Keane and Gerrard and Alonso were tired, so we were trying to use players with fresh legs. We were trying to protect all of them by substituting them.

"I don't think they are serious; we will have to wait and see tomorrow.

"It was a little bit of a muscle problem for Robbie and he'll see the doctor, but Gerrard is okay - he was just really tired. Alonso? He has a knock on his knee."

Atleti boss Javier Aguirre will perhaps be a tad insulted to hear Benitez admit that key man Gerrard was taken off for a rest.

Benitez Believes 'Pool Missed Torres

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has grudgingly admitted that his side may have produced an alternate result had Fernando Torres been fit to take on his former club.

Fernando Torres missed out on an emotional return to the Vicente Calderon to take on former club Atletico Madrid due to a short-term injury.

Liverpool left Spain with a point after a 1-1 draw and Rafa Benitez believes it would have been a different match had 'El Nino' been on the pitch.

"Obviously he's a special player and it could have been a different match. But he was unavailable so it doesn't matter," Rafa told the BBC.

"I think we had control of the game in the first half and part of the second half and I'm disappointed because we had chances to finish the game off... We made a mistake in the 83rd minute and we paid for it," he added.

Liverpool return to Premier League action this weekend and face a top of the table clash against London giants Chelsea. The Reds travel to Stamford Bridge for a lunchtime showdown on Sunday.

Tom Hicks Hits Back And Says: I'm Not Going To Sell Liverpool

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks remains insistent he has no intention of selling the club despite their plans to build a new stadium being thwarted.

Hicks and co-owner George Gillett want a 75,000-seater stadium at Stanley Park to generate the cash to repay their £245million personal debts as well as the £105million tied to Liverpool. The debts stem from the Americans’ takeover in 2007.

The global financial crisis has brought a halt to the plans, however, as no bank is in a position to issue further loans to finance a new stadium, and the Americans have been reduced to using Liverpool’s profits to pay off the interest on the loans but have not been able to reduce the overall debt.

Despite the situation, Hicks is adamant he does not want to sell up - although should that position change then Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, remains the most likely buyer as he continues to have a personal interest in Liverpool.

A source close to Hicks denied a report saying the investment bank Merrill Lynch have been instructed to find a buyer, maintaining they were merely providing expertise in refinancing the existing debts.

Hicks and Gillett refinanced their debts earlier this year with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and that deal is due to expire on January 25, although the Americans will almost certainly exercise an option to extend the deal for a further six months until the end of July.

The source told PA Sport: “Tom is not looking to get out of Liverpool - it is an asset he likes and he doesn’t plan an exit.

“They have not engaged Merrill Lynch to sell the club - they have been an adviser of Tom’s for 12 months.

“There is an option with RBS coming up to extend >fr 1,8fr 3,8<>

Liverpool FC Owners Hicks And Gillett Are Targets Of Coup By MPs

LIVERPOOL’s American owners could be the targets of an astonishing coup attempt – by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The PM has been urged to topple Reds owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett by six MPs.

The Merseyside MPs, led by Walton’s Peter Kilfoyle, want the government to pull the plug on a crucial £350m loan to Hicks and Gillett.

Their move came as Tom Hicks last night reinterated his desire not to sell Liverpool FC, despite suggestions investment bank Merrill Lynch has been instructed to find a buyer for the club.

A source close to the Texan said the bank was merely providing expertise in refinancing the existing debts.

He said: “Tom is not looking to get out of Liverpool – it is an asset he likes and he doesn’t plan an exit.

“They have not engaged Merrill Lynch to sell the club. They have been an advisor of Tom’s for 12 months.”

Those close to Hicks believe he and co-owner George Gillett will exercise a six-month extension on their loans due in January but the Mersey MPs believe they can put pressure on the Prime Minister – through the part-nationalisation of the Royal Bank of Scotland – to prevent such a move.

If RBS did stop an extension, the MPs – who are furious over the ongoing delay of plans for a new stadium – believe the pair would be forced to sell the club.

Yesterday, Kilfoyle tabled a parliamentary motion, quickly signed by George Howarth (Knowsley North and Sefton East), Eddie O'Hara (Knowsley South), Louise Ellman (Riverside), Bob Wareing (West Derby) and Derek Twigg (Halton).

The motion calls on the government to act because “the American owners have failed to deliver a new stadium for Liverpool FC, thereby delaying indefinitely the regeneration of one of the most needy areas of the country.”

A mistake by the Commons authorities meant the word “renew” accidentally appeared as “review” – changing the motion’s entire meaning – but that was due to be corrected last night.

Mr Kilfoyle told the Daily Post: “The government is not putting £20bn of taxpayers’ money into the Royal Bank of Scotland in order for two foreign nationals to use that money to buy a British institution without putting in any money of their own.

“The fact is that the owners are doing nothing about the stadium, which was their big selling point. They are of no value to the club, to football, or to the city of Liverpool.”

Champions League Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. LiverpooL

One man was supposed to dominate the build-up to this fixture; Liverpool's Fernando Torres, Atlético through and through, had spoken of his delight at the prospect of returning to the banks of the Manzanares for the first time since his 2007 switch to English football.

However, a hamstring injury, his second of the season, incurred during the opening stages of Spain's World Cup qualifier against Belgium has taken the 24 year-old's dream reunion from him.

Instead, focus was shifted elsewhere, onto UEFA sanctions levelled against Atlético due to the despicable behaviour of their supporters last time out

After a promising domestic start, the Atlético Madrid La Liga challenge has been derailed somewhat. Three successive losses have left los Colchoneros in disarray and Mexican coach Javier Aguirre is allegedy one game from the sack as the side flounders in eighth place.

The coach will not be allowed to take his place on the home bench tomorrow evening as a result of UEFA sanctions levelled against the club in the wake of their tumultuous Champions League encounter against Marseille. Although Aguirre will watch from the stands, at least he will be watching from the stands of the Vicente Calderón.

European football's governing body has decided to rescind the stadium ban imposed for the behaviour of the Atlético supporters against Eric Gerets' side in light of the logistic difficulties likely to be encounter by fans travelling to a game more than 300 kilometres from the Spanish capital.

Playing at home will certainly provide a crumb of comfort for a side on a low ebb as will their Champions League form in this campaign so far.

They sit atop of Group D, one goal clear of Liverpool, and impressed in the competition's opening two fixtures, albeit before thier current domestic woes.

PSV and Marseille were brushed aside as the rojiblancos made a devastating return to the Champions League for the first time in more than a decade. However, they come into the match against the backdrop of uncertainty. Injuries and tiredness are likely to exacerbate the worries that Aguirre has about the side, as he contemplates leaving Argentinean hot-shot Sergio Kun Aguero out of his starting XI.

Aguero did feature in the weekend Madrid derby, which Atletico hosted. Los Colchoneros was usurped at their own party by a Gonzalo Higuaín penalty in stoppage time. The fixture also saw Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi limp away with a thigh problem, giving Atléti more selection difficulty at the back.

The spirit of Istanbul has well and truly been invoked at Anfield; the 2005 Champions League final saw the Reds recover from three goals down against AC Milan to snatch victory from the Italians, and this season has seen Liverpool once again specialise in rallying from behind.

Four times in the Premier League this season, Rafael Benitez's men have turned over deficits to record wins, and seven of their 13 league goals have come in the last 15 minutes of matches.

Wigan Athletic were the latest victims of the comeback kings, despite the best effort of Amr Zaki on Saturday.

In Europe also, the Reds have made a friend of adversity, claiming a win against Marseille after falling behind as well as eliminating Standard Liege deep into extra-time of their qualification clash.

In the absence of Fernando Torres too, the Reds have found a new means to the goal. Dutchman Dirk Kuyt has been derided as a workhorse throughout his time at Anfield but has provided the side with goals in three consecutive matches for the first time since his move from Feyenoord.

Rafa Benitez's men have a mental robustness, masquerading as 'character', throughout the side and a 'we'll score more' attitude to boot.

Steven Gerrard has called for the side to start imposing themselves on matches from the get-go and wants his troops to command a lead instead of chasing results in the latter stages.


FORM GUIDE

Atlético Madrid

Oct 18 v Real Madrid (Primera División) (H) LOST 2-1

Oct 4 v Barcelona (Primera División) (A) LOST 6-1

Oct 1 v Marseille (Champions League) (H) WON 2-1

Sept 28 v Sevilla (Primera División) (H) LOST 1-0

24 Sept v Getafe (Primera División) (A) WON 2-1

Liverpool

Oct 18 v Wigan Athletic (Premier League) (H) WON 3-2

Oct 5 v Manchester City (Premier League (A) WON 3-2

Oct 1 v PSV Eindhoven (Champions League) (H) WON 3-1

Sept 27 v Everton (Premier League) (A) WON 2-0

Sept 23 v Crewe (Carling Cup) (H) WON 2-1



TEAM NEWS

Atlético Madrid

Tomas Ujfalusi's absence will likely mean that John Heitinga will start alongside Luis Perea at the heart of the Atlético back-line although Pablo Ibanez is nearing a return to fitness. Maxi Rodriguez is still sidelined, so there could be a place for Luis Garcia in the starting line-up. Another Liverpool old-boy Florent Sinama Pongolle may start up-front if Aguirre decided to rest Kun. Goalkeeping duties have been rolling among Leo Franco and Gregory Coupet, although Franco has got the nod so far in the Champions League.

Probable Starting XI: Leo Franco - Seitaridis, Ujfalusi, Perea, Pernía - Maniche, Banega, Raul Garcia, Simao - Sinama Pongolle, Forlan

Liverpool

Torres is obviously the most notable absentee but the Reds have been coping well without him. Rafa Benitez admitted concerns over Yossi Benayoun, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane although all are expected to play. Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel, Philipp Degen and Ryan Babel are all ruled out. Jermaine Pennent excelled in the weekend win over Wigan Athletic and like Albert Riera will be expecting to start.

Probable Starting XI: Reina - Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena - Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard - Kuyt, Keane, Reira


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luis Garcia made a habit of netting important strikes for Liverpool throughout his time at Anfield and is fondly remembered on Merseyside. He forever endeared himself to the locals with key goals en-route to the final in 2005 against Juventus and Chelsea and played the full duration of the final against Milan. Although the diminutive playmaker is not a guaranteed starter for Atlético, expect him to have a say against his old paymasters.

Pepe Reina has claimed the Premier League's 'Golden Gloves' award on the last three occasions and has provided a huge barrier for opposition teams in this competition so far this term. Exquisite saves against Standard Liege and Marseille kept the Reds in matches at difficult times and he will be relishing the prospect of playing against the club represented by his father Miguel for seven seasons.

Atletico Agony For Torres

Fernando Torres admits it is a 'huge disappointment' that he has to sit out Liverpool's trip to former club Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish striker suffered a hamstring injury on international duty last week and will miss Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie.

Torres was eagerly anticipating his return to the Vicente Calderon, having left Atletico for Liverpool in the summer of 2007.

He is expecting Atletico to pose a big threat to Liverpool, but hopes his current team can move a step nearer the knockout phase by claiming three points.

"To not be in the Calderon on Wednesday is a huge disappointment," said Torres.

"It was very special for me to be able to play this game, but unfortunately it is not to be.

"It will be a difficult game. Atletico have started the Champions League phenomenally well and they will try to move closer to qualifying in front of their fans.

"For us it is the same. If we claim these three points we will take a very big step towards the last 16."

He added: "As I have already said, my wish is that we both qualify and after the first few rounds of matches we are both on track. Now all that remains is to finish it off."

Torres had received an invitation from Atletico to watch the match at the Vicente Calderon as their VIP guest, but has stayed in England due to his injury.

"I want to thank Atletico Madrid for their invitation," he continued. "I'm sorry for the fans, but after meeting with the coach, the medical staff and the physiotherapists we have decided that it was best for me to remain in Liverpool because I would have lost virtually two days of recuperation.

"At this phase we cannot afford ourselves this luxury."

Regarding his recovery from his injury, Torres said on his personal website, www.fernando9torres.com: "I'm improving. With this type if injury you need to be very patient.

"It is a shame because I have had another break in the same place as happened last August. But there is nothing else to do but work and complete the daily sessions that have been created for me by the Liverpool medical staff."

Rafa - Chelsea Game Is Key

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits the game against Chelsea this weekend will show whether they will be title challengers this season.

Manchester United and Chelsea were left to battle it out for the Premier League last season after Arsenal dropped away, but Liverpool were barely in the reckoning.

Now after another summer of rebuilding, Benitez is hopeful he has finally fine-tuned his squad ready for a title assault and the early evidence is good with Liverpool currently second - behind early leaders Chelsea only on goal difference.

Liverpool's biggest issue has been their failure to beat their biggest rivals and Benitez admits he needs to get results against United, Arsenal and Chelsea this season if they want to be involved in the title run-in.

"A Premier League season is very long and we now have a tough game coming up at Chelsea, which will show where we are headed," said the Spanish tactician.

"To win the title you have to do well against your direct rivals - we failed to do that last year."

Despite their impressive start to the new season, Liverpool have been forced to come from behind to seal last-gasp victories on three different occasions already and Benitez admits that cannot continue.

"It goes without saying that it will be difficult against Chelsea if they take the lead," he said.

"But we will take the right conclusions from the games against Manchester City and Wigan.

"It would be nice for our fans if we could lead by two or three goals at the break and they could enjoy the match.

"If it continues like this I will have to seek a neurologist," he quipped. "I don't like these late comebacks.

"Yet we demonstrated the will to win. The will makes us strong!"

With his leading striker Fernando Torres sidelined, Dutchman Dirk Kuyt has taken his chance to replace the Spaniard with both hands after scoring three goals in their last two games.

And Benitez is delighted with how the former Feyenoord man is developing.

"Dirk played superbly against Man City and Wigan," he added.

"It is often said that he scored too little in the Premier League - but he scored twice in the game against Wigan, so I cannot share this criticism.

"Dirk has proved he can play in every position on offence and that he is very determined.

"The loss of defender Martin Skrtel has been the worst thing that has happened this season.

"Although with Dan Agger and Sami Hyypia fit again, we are in a much better position than we were at the same time last season."