Gerrard To Return For Mission Impossible

Rafael Benitez expects to be able to set about Liverpool's monumental Champions League challenge at Chelsea tomorrow night with Steven Gerrard playing from the start.

Benitez will need to use his captain sparingly during the run-in, a factor which adds to the tension on Merseyside as Liverpool continue to outperform Manchester United, but his gamble on leaving him on the bench for Saturday's league encounter with Blackburn Rovers has paid off, with Gerrard (right) not needed.

"The risk was there but he has got more chances [of playing Chelsea] now," Benitez said of Gerrard, who has slightly strained an adductor muscle in his groin. "The physio will work with him, so hopefully he'll be there."

The seven-day break between the Stamford Bridge second leg and Arsenal's arrival at Anfield in the league provides the recuperation Gerrard would need from a major contribution to what will need to be one of their greatest comebacks to progress to another semi-final.

Gerrard seems to have returned from England duty with the strain, the latest in a string of groin problems to have affected him this season. Benitez had been prepared to use him if necessary on Saturday, with the prospect of overturning Chelsea's 3-1 first leg lead seemingly more remote than catching United, who regained the title ascendancy in unconvincing fashion with their 2-1 win at Sunderland.

Fernando Torres, whose two goals against Rovers took his tally to 11 in 19 league starts, said the manner of Liverpool's victory had lifted hopes that they can score the three they need in west London. "We have kept our confidence after the Champions League game," Torres said. "I think Chelsea will play for a win. If they score one or two it is over, so they will not just defend."

Michael Essien, whose command of Gerrard was crucial in the first leg, will be fit for tomorrow, having been rested on Saturday. Hiddink is almost certain to start him against Liverpool, having seen the difference without him on Saturday.

Torres, anonymous and looking tired after scoring Liverpool's opener at Anfield last Wednesday, has admitted that his preparations for next season must be better than this. "I will try and get enough rest. It is just four or five games [left]," he said. "But we have to talk at Liverpool about the next pre-season and try and do the right things."

Benitez can only wait and hope his two main assets make it through and believes the Premier League may have had a different complexion had Torres been fitter throughout. "We have had some games this season that ended in draws that, had Fernando been playing, it could have made a massive difference," he said.

Guus Hiddink Sends Warning To Liverpool

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has stated that his team are ready for the visit of Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Dutchman feels the Blues are growing in spirit, as they aim to go for the domestic and European treble.

The Blues have a 3-1 advantage going into the crunch match on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge, meaning Liverpool have to score three goals without reply.

Hiddink, who is only in charge at Chelsea until the end of the season, believes that his side are in the right frame of mind at the business end of the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hiddink said, "There is a fantastic spirit around this club at the moment - everyone believes in what we can achieve this season and it is exciting to be a part of that.

"But we must not lose our focus for one game or one minute, and that means each game is as important as the next one. We have the same aim, which is to try and win all of them.

"It is important that we take the momentum gained from winning at Anfield into this game and keep our level of performance up."

The former PSV Eindhoven manager has stated that even if the Blues win the Champions League, it would not be enough to persuade him to stay on into next season, as he wishes to concentrate on getting Russia to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa before retiring after the tournament.

Jamie Carragher Hails Top-Class Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres confirmed his position in the top bracket of world strikers with one of the season’s finest goals.

The Spaniard’s sensational early strike against Blackburn had a touch of Marco van Basten at his best about it, such was the movement, control and execution of a stunning hooked volley that set Liverpool on the way to a comfortable 4-0 win.

He followed that up with an excellent header, outmuscling Rovers’ powerful defender-turned-attacker Christopher Samba.

It took Torres to 11 goals in 19 Barclays Premier League games this season, 14 in all for the frequently injured 25-year-old, and Chelsea will be well aware of the threat he poses to their Champions League hopes heading into Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg.

But in the end it did nothing to cut the lead - one point and a game in hand - that Manchester United hold over Liverpool at the top of the table.

And Liverpool have only six games left to halt the seemingly inevitable United march to the title.

But haunting Liverpool is the thought of what might have been had Torres been fit all season, and just how many goals and extra points would have been secured with the Spaniard in this current brilliant form.

Statistics underline that feeling. Torres has now scored 35 goals in 52 league games for the club, 47 in 78 matches across all competitions.

The partnership with Gerrard - who was not risked in the Blackburn game - shows 89 goals between them since Torres’ arrival at the start of last season.

Torres and Gerrard have both had their injury problems all season, and Liverpool’s title challenge has been hampered accordingly.

The problem for Liverpool is that Torres came back from winning the European Championship with Spain last summer tired and vulnerable. Only in the past few weeks has he been anything like fully fit.

He will play in FIFA’s Confederation Cup tournament with Spain in South Africa in June, so he will have no full summer break to assist with his recovery from hamstring trouble.

"Yes, I will have to play in the Confederation Cup during the summer, maybe it is not the best for the next pre-season, but it is my job and I have to play.

"Then I will have to work with the staff at Liverpool to make sure I get a good pre-season and do not make the same mistakes as at the end of last summer.

"My first one was a good goal, maybe one of the best I have ever scored.

"People may compare it with Van Basten, but I do not think so, he was one of the best players in football history and I have a bit to go before I am as good as him."

Torres added: "The way we played is good for our build-up and preparation for Tuesday at Chelsea in the Champions League.

"This win gives us confidence after the 3-1 defeat by them in midweek. But I believe the team can score three goals at Stamford Bridge.

"We won away to Manchester United, they scored but we still won 4-1.

"Chelsea could just defend, but I doubt that. They will want to score themselves and that will give us a chance ourselves."

Boss Rafael Benitez said of Torres: "Fernando’s first goal was very special, but I am the kind of manager who always likes to push his players so I know he can do better.

"I suppose it was similar to Van Basten’s famous goal, but if Fernando wants to be at the level of Van Basten then he knows he has to improve."

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce could do without Torres being any better after this humbling.

Allardyce said: "It is nothing to do with the possession Liverpool get and keep, the one area we could beat them is when balls are knocked down from a big man, but Liverpool were far better than us even at that.

"Add that to the way they pass and move the ball, which is why they dominated the game.

"There may well have been some fear from us. We were missing a lot of our top players, and if they had been on the pitch we would not have lost 4-0."

Fernando Torres Keen To Remain Injury-Free For Liverpool

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has stated that he is desperate to remain injury free for the rest of the season in order to help the club win silverware.

The former Atletico Madrid man has been plagued by injury on the back of a successful European championship with Spain last summer, but has vowed to work with the Reds medical staff to ensure that he stays injury free.

The Spaniard has struck 11 goals in 19 games so far this season for the Reds, but he feels he could have contributed more to the cause had he not been injured.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "Maybe if I had played more then we would have scored more. I feel that 11 in 19 league games is a good record, and it is frustrating thinking what it could have been.

"But we must learn from this season and the injuries I have had, and try to stay 100 per cent fit from the beginning of the season and play all the games.

"I could have had more goals had I been fit more, but I will have to make sure I am fit all next season and then see how many I can get.

"Yes, I will have to play in the Confederations Cup during the summer, maybe it is not the best for the next pre-season, but it is my job and I have to play.

"Then I will have to work with the staff at Liverpool to make sure I get a good pre-season and do not make the same mistakes as at the end of last summer."

The 25-year-old showed how valuable to the team he is with two goals in the 4-0 demolition of Blackburn Rovers yesterday, and the striker feels this is a good way to prepare for Tuesday's crunch match against Chelsea in the Champions League.

"The way we played is good for our build-up and preparation for Tuesday at Chelsea in the Champions League," continued Torres.

"This win gives us confidence after the 3-1 defeat by them in midweek. But I believe the team can score three goals at Stamford Bridge.

"We won away to Manchester United, they scored but we still won 4-1.

"Chelsea could just defend, but I doubt that. They will want to score themselves and that will give us a chance ourselves."

The Reds are still in the hunt for the Premier League trophy, sitting in second place just a point behind Manchester United, who have a game in hand.

Liverpool's Jack Hobbs Set For Leicester City Move

Leicester City's on-loan central defender Jack Hobbs is set to make his deal at the Walkers Stadium a permanent one, according to The Sunday Mirror.

The youngster is currently on-loan from Premier League side Liverpool, and it is believed that the Foxes are hoping to tie up the deal in the summer transfer window.

Any deal involving the 20-year-old moving to the Walkers Stadium may end up relying on whether fellow Reds central defender Daniel Agger remains at the club or not.

The young Dane has been continually linked with moves to Italy's Serie A or Spain' Primera Division, after failing to establish a first team place at Anfield.

The 24-year-old has not been in contract talks until recently and, it is rumoured, that he will sign a contract extension with the club.

Agger has certainly stated his intentions to stay at Anfield, so a deal for Hobbs to go to Leicester may be on the cards.

Hobbs has been at Liverpool since 2005, after being spotted by Reds scouts playing for Lincoln City.

The Portsmouth-born defender has been on-loan to Scunthorpe United as well as Leicester, in order to gain some first team experience.

He has only played two first team games for the Reds since his arrival four years ago, but is still thought to be a star in the making.

Liverpool Legend Kenny Dalglish Reflects On Hillsborough Disaster

One of Liverpool's all-time greats has described his experiences on the day which represented far and away an all time low for the historic club's.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 will mark the 20th anniversary of the darkest day in English football, when 96 innocent Liverpool supporters - women and children amongst them - were crushed to death at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield during the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool's manager on that fateful day in 1989 was club icon Kenny Dalglish, who recently spoke on BBC Five Live's Sportsweek program about an event that changed him and English football forever.

"I do think about it quite a lot," said Dalglish, revealing that his two children, who were literally just children at the time, were in the stadium grounds when disaster struck.

"We were one of the lucky families. Our children came home to us that night and obviously we are eternally grateful for that but that doesn't mean to say we don't have a great deal of sympathy for those who were not as fortunate as us.

"I always feel for anyone who was there and for anybody who is a Liverpool fan or has any feelings for Liverpool.

"But more important than that is the feelings of the families. I don't think that Liverpool Football Club have ever shirked their responsibilities and I don't think they ever will.

"One fantastic thing to know is that not just Liverpool fans, but football fans in general, have never vandalized in any shape or form the Eternal Flame that burns outside the Anfield Road end, which shows the great respect that football fans have everywhere."

The entire city of Liverpool will come to a standstill at 3.06pm for two minutes on Wednesday, exactly 20 years since the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was abandoned.

Liverpool FC Can Bridge The Gap

Fernando Torres is convinced Liverpool can pull off a remarkable Champions League comeback tomorrow.

The Spaniard netted twice as the Anfield outfit responded to their shock defeat to Chelsea in midweek by thrashing Blackburn Rovers 4-0 at home on Saturday.

It kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United, who still lead Rafael Benitez’s side by a single point.

Liverpool step out at Stamford Bridge tomorrow aiming to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit and reach the European Cup semi-finals for the fourth time in five seasons.

And Torres said: “We have kept our confidence after the Champions League game and it was important to win for the fans.

“It was an important victory because it was the last game at home before the Hillsborough memorial service and I think they enjoyed it.

“I hope that we can score three goals against Chelsea. We know it is a very difficult task.

“They are a strong team, but we have confidence we can do it and we have to go there to win the game. We beat Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford so we know we can do it.

“We know it is difficult and it is difficult to score against them, but we will prepare the game and see what happens. I think Chelsea will play for a win. If they score one or two it is over, so they will not just defend.”

Saturday’s brace of goals moved Torres to 11 goals in only 19 league appearances of a campaign that has been hampered by continual hamstring problems, a hangover of his efforts in helping his country win Euro 2008 last summer.

Torres is expected to endure another lengthy season with Spain taking part in the Fifa Confederations Cup in South Africa. The competition runs from June 14-28, with Vicente del Bosque’s side playing as many as five games in that period.

Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa and Albert Riera are also expected to figure, but it is Torres that will be the major concern to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

And the striker said: “It has been really frustrating to miss league games this season. Just 19 league games and 11 goals is a good record.

“We have to try and learn from this for next season and try and help me stay 100% fit for all the games.

“I have to play in the Confederations Cup in the summer because it is important for my country Spain after the European Championships.

“We are a good team and we have to try and win trophies and this is the next one. I know it might not be the best preparation for pre-season but that is our job.

“I will try and get enough rest. It is just four or five games. But we have to talk at Liverpool about the next pre-season, try and do the right things and not make the same mistakes that we did this season.”

Torres scored the opening two goals of Liverpool’s weekend win, with Daniel Agger and substitute David Ngog completing a comfortable win late on.

Torres’ first goal was a goal of the season contender, a dipping cross-volley reminiscent of Marco van Basten’s magnificent strike for Holland in the final of Euro 88.

“It was a good day for me,” said the Spaniard. “The first one was a great goal and a great start to the game. To then get three more goals was good for the team.

“I work hard on my heading so I was pleased with the second one. I am always pleased to score at Anfield and I almost had a hat-trick but the main thing was to win and stay fit for Tuesday which is a big game.

“I don’t know if the first one is the best I have scored. Maybe one of the best. I don’t think it was like van Basten. He was one of the best players in the history of the game.”

Steven Gerrard was an unused substitute as Benitez elected not to risk his skipper’s adductor problem.

And the manager said: “It was almost perfect, but it could have been better as we could have scored more goals. It was the perfect response after the result in the Champions League in midweek, so it was a very positive afternoon.

“United are under pressure, Ferguson is always talking about us now and that’s a positive as he wasn’t talking about us for the last few seasons.”

Asked if having a fully-fit Torres for more of the season would have seen Liverpool clear at the top by this stage, Benitez said: “Yes, could be. We have had some games this season that ended in draws that, had Fernando been playing, it could have made a massive difference.

“If you have Torres and Gerrard fit, then you know the team is much better.”

Blackburn Star Hails Unsung Hero Dirk Kuyt

Dirk Kuyt has been hailed as Liverpool’s unsung hero after helping sweep aside Blackburn Rovers.

With injury concerns consigning Steven Gerrard to the bench, Kuyt partnered Fernando Torres in attack for Saturday’s visit of the Lancastrians.

And while the Dutchman was not among the goalscorers in a 4-0 romp for the Anfield outfit, his performance earned the plaudits of the opposition.

“Torres is such a big threat with his running in behind you,” said Blackburn midfielder David Dunn. “Obviously as a team we knew that and dropped deeper. He makes those runs and is such a handful.

“But Dirk Kuyt, in my opinion, is just as important. He is such an unselfish player and gives just as much to the side. He plays a number of positions, works his socks off for the team and never stops running.

“He's very, very good, but maybe doesn't always get as much credit as he deserves.”

Torres set Liverpool on their way with two goals before the interval, the first of which was a genuine goal of the season contender.

The Spaniard has started only 15 of 32 league games this season but has now netted 11 goals in that time.

And while Dunn is convinced the availability of Torres for longer periods would have enhanced Liverpool’s title chances, he believes every challenger is affected by injuries to key members.

“I'm sure they would have got a lot more points if he hadn't been injured for parts of the season, without a shadow of a doubt,” he added. “He's a top, top player.

“I know what people will say, but I'm not sure it would have made a difference in where the title ends up though. United have had their injury problems, likewise Chelsea, and over the season I think that balances out. The best team will win the league over the whole course of things.”

Dunn added: “We set our stall out, but weren't great. Take nothing away from Liverpool, they're a top side, and that's why they are where they are. But it was disappointing. “

Glen Johnson And Peter Crouch Up For Grabs

Portsmouth duo Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson are targets for Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, according to Sunday Express Sport.

City and the Reds are ready to make bids totalling £20 million for the pair, as Pompey prepare for a possible clearout in the summer, which may be forced upon them if they are relegated.

Johnson has been linked with moves to Anfield before, with the full-back nearly making the move from Fratton Park in the January transfer window, but the Reds failed with a reported £8 million bid for the 24-year-old.

Crouch's career has been rejuvenated since he was signed by former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, and he formed a good partnership with striker Jermain Defoe, before the latter moved back to Tottenham Hotspur.

Both players were rumoured to be leaving the club when owner Alexandre Gaydamak announced Pompey's horrific debts, meaning that both players could still be sold in the summer in order to raise money for the financially stricken south coast outfit.

Former Liverpool striker Crouch has been at Fratton Park for a year, and has since played 29 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals.

Ex-Chelsea and West Ham United man Johnson has spent a little longer with Pompey, having made his loan move from the Blues permanent in 2007, and the full-back has played 52 Premier League games Portsmouth, scoring four times.

Match Report: LiverpooL 4 - 0 Blackburn Rovers

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's gut reaction was right, his side were good enough to beat relegation-haunted Blackburn without Steven Gerrard.

The club captain was left on the bench as Liverpool cruised to a victory that keeps their title hopes alive.

They wiped away the bitter memory of the midweek Champions League defeat by Chelsea, thanks to a couple of top-line goals from Fernando Torres, taking his total to the season to 14.

The first was a tremendous hooked volley after five minutes, the second a fine header from Xabi Alonso's free-kick.

And in the closing minutes Daniel Agger and substitute David Ngog wrapped up the points with further goals.

Gerrard was only named on the substitutes' bench, such was the concern over his groin injury, and he can now be expected to lead the side at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-final second leg .

Liverpool made four changes from the side that lost to Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Agger, Yossi Benayoun, Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua replacing Gerrard, Martin Skrtel, Lucas Leiva and Fabio Aurelio.

Blackburn were without El-Hadji Diouf, Jason Roberts and Morten Gamst Pedersen from the side that beat Spurs last time out with Benni McCarthy only on the bench from that side.

Andre Ooijer, Tugay, David Dunn and Keith Treacy came into the team.

With the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster on Wednesday, the match was preceded by a minutes' silence.

And Blackburn's former Liverpool player, Stephen Warnock, carried a wreath onto the pitch and laid it on the turf in front of the Kop prior to kick-off.

Blackburn started with five across the back and just Christopher Samba up front.

Liverpool have had trouble with this style of defence all season at Anfield, but Rovers' resistance was broken after just five minutes with a sensational Torres goal.

Jamie Carragher's long ball was taken down by Torres on his chest and with a turn and shot that had a touch of Marco van Basten about it, the Spaniard's stunning hooked volley flew past Paul Robinson into the far corner.

Agger was booked for body-checking Treacy a minute afterwards, but Liverpool continued to attack and it could have been two after 15 minutes.

Dirk Kuyt broke at pace from a Blackburn clearance and set up Mascherano for a shot that Robinson saved. However, Torres arrived first to the rebound and managed to lift his eight-yard effort over the bar.

Robinson then produced a great save to keep out a close-range Kuyt header from Insua's cross. Somehow Benayoun blazed over from the rebound.

Robinson saved again, this time from Mascherano before Keith Andrews was booked for a foul on Albert Riera after 33 minutes.

And from the resulting Alonso free-kick out on the left, Torres scored his second with a fierce header having run virtually unattended from the corner of the box to meet the set-play.

Blackburn sent on Aaron Doran at the break for Aaron Mokoena, but the pressure continued. Twice Riera saw long-ranger shots clear the far post as Liverpool went in search of more goals.

Liverpool tried to be over-elaborate, Kuyt firing over and Agger mis-hitting one wide from 20 yards before Blackburn sent on Carlos Villanueva for Dunn after 59 minutes.

Seven minutes later Tugay was withdrawn, with Vince Grella taking over.

But Liverpool had taken their foot off the pedal, not the best course of action against any top-flight side, but you sensed they had Chelsea on their minds.

Torres departed after 73 minutes to be replaced by Nabil El Zhar, again with Chelsea in mind.

Alonso was booked for a trip on Doran before Jose Reina - playing his 200th game for the club - was called into meaningful action.

He saved well from Warnock and Villanueva before diving to his left to claim a low Samba effort.

Warnock cleared off the line from Riera while Mascherano wasted a close-range opportunity.

But the third eventually arrived when Agger ran from 40 yards out to blast a swerving foot shot past Robinson from just outside the box.

Substitute Ngog scored the fourth when he headed home in the last minute.

Allardyce Backs Anfield Title Bid

Sam Allardyce insisted Liverpool can still win the title after seeing his side cut down at Anfield.

Liverpool were determined to keep the heat on Manchester United, regardless of the depression following the midweek Champions League defeat by Chelsea.

There was no Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain left on the bench to nurse his groin injury, but the plan worked as the home side won on cruise control.

Gerrard will now almost certainly be launched into Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final, second leg at Stamford Bridge in a last-ditch attempt to keep Liverpool's European dreams alive.

And they certainly kept their Barclays Premier League hopes on course with a fine display, Fernando Torres scoring two outstanding goals in the first half to set Liverpool on the way to their 27th successive unbeaten home game.

And Allardyce, a frequent critic of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, agreed that they could win the title.

He said: "They are certainly capable of winning the title, even if Manchester United have a game in hand.

"If Liverpool keep playing like that and continue with that pace and confidence, it is possible they can win it.

"There will be a lot of twists and turns yet and they certainly believe they can do it."

Benitez hailed Liverpool's "perfect response" to that mauling from Chelsea.

Two Torres goals in the first half put Liverpool in charge before Daniel Agger and substitute David Ngog added further goals near the end.

Benitez said: "We had plenty of very clear chances and in the end it was easy.

"After what happened in midweek against Chelsea, that was the perfect response.

"We had confidence and we were always in control. The first goal was very important, it opened the game up and we were able score more because we had more space.

"Torres' goals were special, we did not have Steven Gerrard but we know we can rely on our other top players. This was Fernando's day to show that."

Benitez, aware that Sir Alex Ferguson had continued their war of words 24 hours earlier by showing surprise that the Spaniard was thinking about him ahead of the Chelsea match, added: "Sir Alex is talking again about Liverpool, I do not mind that but he is maybe showing he is nervous.

"I was more concerned with the way we played, the chances we created and the goals that we scored.

"My only concern was that we did not score more. Goal difference will be very important if this title race goes to the wire.

"So I was pleased that we managed to get another couple near the end. I felt we were always in control and it just depended on whether we made any mistakes to let them back into the game."

Allardyce was critical of his own team.

He said: "I had watched how Didier Drogba had caused them so much trouble in midweek and decided to use Christopher Samba in that role.

"Obviously he is not that quality of player, but it was the same idea. The problem was that we did not support him at all and allowed Liverpool to pick up possession.

"We did not compete enough and they were deserved winners. Samba did okay but he had no help.

"Maybe a bit of fear crept into our lads. It is hard to come to Anfield with several top players out and get anything."

George Gillett In New Kop Bid

George Gillett is to make a last-ditch attempt to oust co-owner Tom Hicks from Liverpool.

The Anfield war betwen the two Americans is entering its final stages as the pair have three months to raise their share of a £350million debt to keep the club.

Both are desperately trying to get funds by selling shares in their other sporting franchises, while also keeping the door open to potential partnerships with Arab businessmen.

After looking the most financially vulnerable of the duo, Gillett is now increasingly confident the imminent £272m sale of his Montreal Canadiens hockey side will allow him to to pile the pressure on Hicks.

Gillett, who attended the Champions League clash with Chelsea at Anfield and is due in London for the second leg on Tuesday, believes Hicks has debts of £350-400m in the United States.

The Texan is trying to offload shares in the Texas Rangers baseball team and ice hockey's Dallas Stars. Despite that, Hicks has been pushing ahead with ambitious plans for Liverpool's future and has done nothing to suggest he's about to walk away.

Gillett made it clear earlier this season he'd leave Liverpool if Hicks went with him.

That stance appeared to soften after he became the prime target of criticism from some Kop fans and he took a back seat as Hicks played the pivotal role in securing manager Rafa Benitez's future.

There were fears Gillett was prepared to step aside and allow Hicks to pursue his own bid for power.

But the picture will change with the sale of the Montreal Canadiens. Now the duo are effectively embroiled in a high stakes race to see who can raise finance first and force the other out, ending what's been a tiresome and damaging power struggle.

Sources close to Gillett insist he's still ready to explore all options - either cutting his ties completely, taking a joint-ownership role with a new partner or remaining as a minority shareholder under a new board.

It's understood the only scenario Gillett won't accept is remaining at Anfield with Hicks. Waiting in the wings are Dubai and Kuwaiti investors, who think the Americans are more vulnerable by the week.

They are sure to make fresh bids at the end of the season.

Recent new deals for Benitez, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt, and the forthcoming securing of Fernando Torres on a five-year, £120,000-a-week contract, are designed to reassure the banks and potential investors of the long-term security of the club.

Martin O'Neill Doing Utmost To Prevent Gareth Barry Leaving Aston Villa

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is doing everything he can to persuade Gareth Barry to stay at Villa Park.

The England international was refused a transfer to Liverpool last summer, but it seems that he will be allowed to join the reds at the end of this season should the Villans fail to qualify for the Champions League.

With Arsenal, in fourth place, moving nine points clear of the Midlands based club on Saturday it is looking increasingly unlikely that Villa will be competing in Europe's elite competition for the 2009/10 campaign.

However, it is suggested that O'Neill is talking-up the 28-year-old in the hope that it will convince him to extend his current contract, which expires in 2010.

"Young Gareth has a heart the size of a lion," O'Neill is quoted as saying by The Daily Mail at a club dinner which Barry had also attended.

"He wants to play every single week and wouldn't take a break if you asked him.

"He doesn't get a break in the season and plays international matches. It is great for him, absolutely fantastic and he is very, very talented."

Rafa - Fergie Feeling Nervous

Rafa Benitez believes Sir Alex Ferguson is feeling 'nervous' as the Premier League title race hurtles towards a gripping climax.

Liverpool are breathing down Manchester United's necks at the top of the table having been galvanised by last month's 4-1 win at Old Trafford.

Benitez's side briefly dislodged United at the summit on Saturday after thrashing Blackburn Rovers 4-0 before the reigning champions laboured to a 2-1 win at Sunderland.

The rival managers have also been involved in a spot of verbal jousting, with Benitez and Ferguson questioning the motives for talking about each other.

But Liverpool chief Benitez says his United counterpart is trying to use his fabled mind games because he is feeling the pressure.

"Ferguson is always talking about us which shows they are really under pressure," said Benitez after Liverpool's win over Blackburn.

"I don't care, but I know he's nervous, so it's good. You can see he's under pressure."

Benitez added: "Mind games are against managers who are affected by them.

"I am focused just on my team before every single game. I don't see that what's said about my team will affect my team. I don't think so.

"Maybe once in every 10 times, but not every time. Anyway, I don't care. It doesn't matter.

"I prefer to talk about football, but sometimes you have to hit back."

Agger Still Hopes To Stay

Daniel Agger is hoping to stay at Anfield, but is unsure if he will still be a Liverpool player next season.

The Danish defender's contract expires in 2010 and the Premier League title chasers have been discussing an extension.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed he has been holding talks with Agger and is optimistic about hanging on to the 24-year-old.

Agger, who has been linked with AC Milan and Juventus, did not go into detail about his contract talks, but confirmed he is keen to stay on Merseyside.

"I am at the stage of my career where I need to play - and want to play - but that situation has nothing to do with the contract talks," he said.

"It is nice to hear the manager wants to keep me, but the most important thing is what he tells me when I look him in the eyes.

"It's not what he says in the papers, it is what he says behind closed doors. I keep talks with the club confidential, so I cannot tell you what has been said.

"I don't know when things will be decided. I don't have a clue. In my heart, I hope I will be here next season. But, really, I don't know.

"I know there have been some reports in Denmark that my agent has spoken to clubs in Italy, but they were wrong."

Juventus Chase Sebastian Leto

Liverpool flop Sebastian Leto could be set for a shock move to Juventus.

The 22-year-old midfielder has spent the season on loan at Olympiakos and looks unlikely to return to Anfield in the summer with boss Rafael Benitez ready to offload the Argentine.

Leto had been linked with a switch to Paris Saint Germain. But Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri looks set to win the race for Leto, who is determined to kick-start his career.

And Blerim Dzemaili will end his Bolton misery by joining Torino for around £500,000 even though they could be relegated from Serie A.

The Swiss midfielder, 23, has not started a game for Bolton since he was signed in January 2007 and has been at Torino on loan.

Minute's Silence Marks Hillsborough Anniversary

Commemorations to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough stadium tragedy began Saturday with a minute's silence before Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Blackburn.

Before the kickoff at Anfield, Blackburn's former Liverpool player, Stephen Warnock, carried a wreath on to the pitch and laid it in front of the Kop.

The number 96 featured in red on the white floral tribute, marking the number of Liverpool fans who lost their lives after a crush in a fenced-in standing area of the Sheffield stadium. Liverpool was playing Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semifinals on April 15, 1989.

Current Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lost his 10-year-old cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley at Hillsborough.

"The memory of Hillsborough is very central and very important to this club and the 96 will never be forgotten, as well as the people that got hurt," Gerrard said. "It is important these people get remembered individually and not just as a number of 96. This club has fought for justice ever since and will continue to do so."

Relatives of the victims and fans' groups have argued that police caused the disaster by herding spectators who arrived late for the match into overcrowded pens in a fenced-off area behind one of the goals. Most victims were crushed to death.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday's anniversary inside Anfield. At 3:06 p.m., the time the game was abandoned, there will be a two-minute silence across Liverpool.

"We have stuck together since that day like we always do at this club and that shows what kind of football club we are, sticking by each other when times are tough," said Gerrard, who was nine at the time of the disaster. "Time has gone by, but the scars will never ever be healed and the fans will never ever forget."

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said the response of Saturday's crowd to the commemoration had helped his side once the match was underway. Striker Fernando Torres scored twice to put the Reds 2-0 ahead inside 33 minutes.

"We've got our memorial on Wednesday and obviously it is the 20 year anniversary," Carragher said. "Whenever it is around that time we play at home.

"The crowd is probably a little bit more up for it and it certainly helps us. That's why we came together before the game. I'm sure it gave the crowd a lift and we got an early goal."

Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Blackburn Rovers

Liverpool were high on confidence heading into their Champions League clash with Chelsea on Tuesday. A last-gasp win over Fulham the weekend prior had extended their winning run to seven games and put them atop the Premier League table, if only briefly.

Then Guus Hiddink's Blues breached Pepe Reina's goal thrice to leave the Reds' European hopes hanging by a thread. That defeat has underlined the great anomaly of Liverpool's season to date; for while they are enjoying their finest league campaign in yonks, they have been less than fearsome on their own patch.

They are unbeaten at home in the Prem but, despite claiming crucial wins over Manchester United and Chelsea, they have drawn with the likes of Stoke City, Hull City, Fulham, West Ham United and Manchester City.

So this weekend's clash with Blackburn Rovers could prove a particularly tricky one for Rafa Benitez and his charges as they look to plaster over the cracks that were exposed by Branislav Ivanovic and Didier Drogba. They sit just one point behind United, but any slip-up at this stage of proceedings could prove costly.

This will be as big a test for 'Pool as they have had all season. They showed at Craven Cottage that they are now capable of snatching results even when things don't go their way, and they must build upon that performance this weekend - and put Wednesday's disappointment behind them - if they hope to continue their push for a maiden Premier League crown.

Blackburn have spent much of this season mired in the bottom three, following a disastrous six-month stint under rookie manager Paul Ince. At the turn of the year, it seemed they were destined for another spell in the second tier of English football.

However, things have improved since Sam Allardyce took the reins, and last weekend's win over Tottenham Hotspur shot them up to 14th place, five points clear of the relegation zone. But Allardyce, the man who transformed Bolton Wanderers into Premier League stalwarts, knows that his Rovers have plenty to do before they can even begin to contemplate another season in the top flight.

Speaking after the win over Spurs, 'Big Sam' said, "I don’t think that ends our relegation worries. Thirty-four points is nowhere near enough for this season."

Thus, Blackburn head to Merseyside this weekend still seeking sanctuary from the relegation dog-fight, but they are unlikely to be granted such a boon at Anfield. They haven't won a league game at Liverpool since Benitez's arrival back in 2004, and the hosts will be desperate to keep pressure on Manchester United.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 08 Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea (Champions League)
Apr 04 Fulham 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Mar 22 Liverpool 5-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Mar 14 Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool (Premier League)
Mar 10 Liverpool 4-0 Real Madrid (Champions League)

Blackburn Rovers

Apr 04 Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
Mar 21 Blackburn Rovers 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Mar 14 Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
Mar 11 Fulham 1-2 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
Mar 04 Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Everton (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Javier Mascherano is available once more after missing the Reds' last two fixtures through a combination of fatigue and suspension. The Argentine should replace Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up.

Competition on the left flank is hotting up, as Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera are being pushed by Emiliano Insua and Andrea Dossena, respectively. Neither of the former two were at their best against Chelsea, so a Rafa reshuffle could be on the cards.

Martin Skrtel's once-imperious form in central defence has tapered somewhat, meaning the fit-again Daniel Agger could be up for a rare start.

Probable XI: Reina - Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Insua - Alonso, Mascherano - Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera - Torres

Blackburn Rovers

Allardyce will be missing a whole host of first-team regulars for the short trip through Lancashire. Morten Gamst Pedersen has a calf problem, and Jason Roberts is out for at least three weeks with a stress fracture of the foot. Brett Emerton is a long-term absentee, Vince Grella is still not 100 per cent, and Roque Santa Cruz is battling through tendonitis.

Furthermore, Johann Vogel has left the club after having his contract terminated, leaving options in midfield rather scarce.

Keith Andrews deputised at right-back last week but could lose his place to the departing Dutchman, Andre Ooijer. Carlos Villanueva should be the default choice to fill out the team-sheet in attack.

Probable XI: Robinson - Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Givet - Diouf, Mokoena, Andrews, Warnock - Villanueva - McCarthy


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

The only Red who managed to foil Petr Cech in midweek was Fernando Torres, and he will be hoping to exploit a fairly heavy-legged Rovers rearguard with his considerable pace and guile - not to mention finishing ability. The Spaniard has only started 14 league games this term, due to persistent injuries, but has notched up nine goals nonetheless.

Blackburn Rovers

Some thought Allardyce was having a bubble when he suggested Christopher Samba could be used as an auxiliary forward, but the former Bolton boss was as good as his word and stationed the Congolese giant up front in the second half against Tottenham last weekend. He surely won't start in attack, especially at Anfield, but he should get forward whenever possible and will be a huge threat from set-pieces.

League Is Priority, Says Carragher

Jamie Carragher has illustrated the significance of today's lunchtime encounter with Blackburn to Liverpool's pursuit of Manchester United, making the bold declaration that it is the most important league game of his 13-year career at Anfield. "I'm not just saying that because of what happened against Chelsea, but the league has always been the priority of everyone at this club," said Carragher, ahead of a game for which Rafael Benitez will delay a decision on Steven Gerrard until the last minute.

"In the 13 years I have been involved in the first team, this will be the biggest league game I have been involved in, it really is that important. If we win we can go top of the league with just six games to go, and if anyone had told us at the beginning of the season we would be in this position now, we would have been delighted." Rovers have whipped up some vitriol, midfielder David Dunn saying he wants Benitez to be "having a moan at us on Sunday" after a performance that is certain to physical.

"I don't think we give a toss what people think of us at the minute. It is whatever gets us results," Dunn said. Despite Rovers' physical threat, Gerrard's health is a more pressing concern. Liverpool were aware of his worsening groin problem before last weekend's win at Fulham and it seems he will have to be nursed through the final weeks of the season. Benitez admits the injury will not stand two games in four days and Blackburn appears to be a priority over Tuesday's Champions League tie against Chelsea.

John Aldridge: If Any Team Can Come Back Liverpool Can

One thing we have learned from watching Liverpool in Europe over the years is you can never write them off.

But I’m sure every Liverpool fan will admit Rafa Benitez’s side are faced with a massive mountain to climb if they are to continue their run in this season’s Champions League.

Chelsea are now odds on favourites to go through and it would take something really special from Liverpool – probably on a par with the magnificent comeback in Istanbul – for them to get through to the semi-finals.

It is hard to see Chelsea conceding three at home, particularly given the way they performed at Anfield, but every single Liverpool player must go to Stamford Bridge ready to play for pride and with a genuine belief they can turn things around.

It might be that Benitez has to do something to get a reaction from his players, something that gets them really wound up and ready to go out there with a desire to put the record straight.

I can remember when I was managing Tranmere and we were 3-0 down at home to Southampton in the FA Cup. At half-time I had some harsh words with the players and some cups got thrown around and they went out and won 4-3.

You don’t expect something like that to happen but you can never give up and you have to keep going no matter how bad the situation might be.

If Liverpool are looking for inspiration then their recent victory over Manchester United should do the trick.

Winning 4-1 at the home of the reigning champions is an incredible result and it proved that on their day Liverpool can produce the kind of performance which even the very best cannot live with.

Another positive is that while Chelsea will be without John Terry we will have Javier Mascherano back.

I don’t think you could overstate just how badly Mascherano was missed in the first leg and having him back will be a massive boost. While Chelsea are unlikely to be as solid at the back without Terry who is a big influence for them.

If Liverpool can get even a one goal lead by half time then who knows what might happen? But they will have to defend a hell of a lot better than they did at Anfield if they are to stand a chance.

It is up to Rafa to come up with a strategy and to instill a belief in the team that they can still win.

This Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and as ever my thoughts will be with the families and friends of the 96 who lost their lives that terrible day.

I can’t believe that 20 years have passed and I’m sure Anfield will be packed for the annual memorial service because people have not forgotten what happened at Hillsborough and I’m sure they never will.

THE best way Liverpool can respond to what happened on Wednesday night would be to go out and beat Blackburn today.

We need three points to keep up the title challenge and if we get them then it will be interesting to see how Manchester United react.

They’re going through a bit of an iffy period just now and they’ve looked visibly tired of late so Liverpool have to try and put as much pressure on them as they can.

Blackburn will come to Anfield and try to get at us but if Liverpool get back to their best then they should have too much.