Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Arsenal

For the first time in the best part of two decades, Liverpool are seriously contending for the league title heading into the final few weeks of the season. Manchester United are but a solitary point ahead (albeit with a game in hand), Chelsea are three points behind, and Reds fans the world over are hanging on every minute of their side's every league fixture.

What's more, there is now nothing else to distract them from their goal, as this is their only remaining chance of collecting silverware this term.

Last Wednesday, Rafael Benitez's men headed to Stamford Bridge hoping to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. What ensued will go down as one of the most entertaining encounters in the history of European football, but the 4-4 scoreline saw the Blues advance and the Reds - for the first time since 2006 - fail to reach the last four.

While some supporters will be miffed that Liverpool's status as the kings of Europe is under threat, the vast majority may be quietly thankful that Benitez has no other competitions to concentrate on. There can be no question now as to what is the club's top priority - for even though the Spanish tactician has often declared that the Premier League is his main concern, his team selections either side of certain cup ties have perhaps indicated otherwise.

Tuesday's game is, on paper, the toughest in the Merseysiders' run home. And although they are in red-hot form on the domestic scene (five wins on the trot, tallying 16 goals in the process), their opponents are in pretty decent touch themselves - weekend activities aside.

Arsenal have also won their last five Premier League games; and they too have racked up 16 goals in that stretch. And even though they did what Liverpool couldn't by booking a spot in the Champions League semi-finals, they too failed to contain Didier Drogba and so were downed by Guus Hiddink's Pensioners in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger may have had some harsh words to say about the Wembley pitch afterwards (sentiments seconded by Sir Alex Ferguson following Everton's penalty shoot-out win on Sunday), but he refused to play the blame game and instead vowed that his Gunners would rebound instantly and fiercely.

"The season is not petering out. We are in the last four in Europe, we have just played in the semi-final of the FA Cup and we still have to get as close as possible in the Premier League," the French manager said.

"We dropped out of things last season but I believe we have shown we are mentally strong in adversity this season. Now we have a good opportunity to show it."

Sitting some ten points behind league leaders Man United after 32 games, Arsenal cannot hope to claim domestic honours this term. However, with third spot - and a direct route to next season's Champions League - still within reach, they won't go soft on Rafa's Reds as they look to maintain their unbeaten league record against the rest of the 'Big Four'.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 14 Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool (Champions League)
Apr 11 Liverpool 4-0 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
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)

Arsenal

Apr 18 Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea (FA Cup)
Apr 15 Arsenal 3-0 Villarreal (Champions League)
Apr 11 Wigan Athletic 1-4 Arsenal (Premier League)
Apr 07 Villarreal 1-1 Arsenal (Champions League)
Apr 04 Arsenal 2-0 Manchester City (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard has missed the Reds' last two outings with a groin problem and remains sidelined for this clash, meaning Lucas Leiva should retain his starting place in midfield.

Otherwise, Benitez has more or less a full squad to choose from. Daniel Agger could replace the somewhat out-of-sorts Martin Skrtel, but there shouldn't be too many changes from the side that scored four - and shipped as many - at the Bridge.

Probable XI: Reina - Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio - Mascherano, Alonso - Kuyt, Lucas, Riera - Torres

Arsenal

Strike duo Robin van Persie (groin) and Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) will both sit out, paving the way for Eduardo da Silva and Nicklas Bendtner to lead the line.

Gael Clichy has a back problem, while William Gallas and Johan Djourou are both nursing knee injuries. Lukasz Fabianski will stand in once more goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle), and Bacary Sagna could reclaim his place at right-back after a spell in the infirmary with a virus.

Probable XI: Fabiaski - Eboue, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs - Walcott, Song, Fabregas, Arshavin - Bendtner, Eduardo


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

With Captain Fantastic out, it will be up to Xabi Alonso and Lucas Leiva to make sure the Scouse superstar is not too sorely missed. The former has been in imperious form this season (as noticed by Real Madrid), while the latter is still yet to win over the Kop.

Arsenal

Since returning from a long-term knee injury (sustained against Liverpool, funnily enough), Cesc Fabregas has reminded everyone that he just might be the best young midfielder in world football. He was in fine fettle as the Londoners sank Villarreal last week, and he had plenty of help from the electric Theo Walcott.

Lee - Bring Back Dalglish

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee believes Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish's return to the club would be a 'great addition'.

Former Reds player and boss Dalglish has long been linked with a move back to Merseyside, with the Scot linked with a role in the club's hierarchy.

However, recent speculation has suggested that the ex-Blackburn and Newcastle chief could be offered a position involved with youth development.

And Lee, who played with Kop idol Dalglish during Liverpool's glory years in the 1970s and 1980s, would welcome the move.

"Kenny has had a development on this football club over the years and if there is a future involvement it can only be good for the club," he said.

"For me he has never really been away. He is hanging around everywhere, he's always watching games and is terrific to have around.

"The impact would be very positive. He is a terrific character, he has terrific knowledge and I think he can only be a great addition to what is already a very good staff.

"I'm sure everyone would welcome it, not least me as he has a worse accent than me!"

Riera - Reds Must Stop Fabregas

Albert Riera is confident Liverpool can keep a lid on Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas in Tuesday's crucial Premier League clash.

The Reds welcome the Gunners to Anfield with eyes on top spot in the table as they bid to end a 19-year wait for a league title.

And Riera is confident Liverpool can overtake rivals Manchester United, who host Portsmouth on Wednesday, by stopping Fabregas and collecting three points against Arsenal.

Gunners skipper Fabregas was rendered ineffective in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea after being expertly marshalled by Michael Ballack.

And Riera, who plays with Fabregas for Spain, has revealed that Rafa Benitez is equally keen to nullify the midfielder, saying: "The main Arsenal danger is through Cesc.

"But we know his style of game and believe we can stop him. And if Cesc is not comfortable they cannot play their best game.

"Our objective is clear - to win all our matches and to leap on any slip-ups by Manchester United.

"They will be playing under much more pressure in the next few weeks."

Martin Skrtel: Champions League Exit Can Inspire Liverpool To Premier League Success

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel says the pain suffered after during the Champions League quarter final defeat to Chelsea can drive them forward in their quest to lift the Premier League trophy this season.

As it stands, sitting one point behind leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand, means that winning the league is out of their hands should the Red Devils win their seven remaining fixtures.

However, the 24-year-old Slovakia international is calling on his team-mates to make sure they are in a position to take advantage should United stumble by winning their last six league games, starting with Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday evening.

"Every player wanted to win so badly," Skrtel told the club's official website when asked about their defeat in the Champions League.

"And it hurts that we didn't but we can turn this pain into something positive by remembering how we felt at the end of the game and trying to make sure that we do not feel this way in any other games this season.

"I still feel that we have a good chance in the Premier League because we are in good form right now and even though we lost against Chelsea we still showed our winning mentality and our desire.

"If we keep showing these same qualities then the season could still end really well for us.

"The important thing now is just to look forward because there is still a lot for us to play for this season."

Rafa Targets Six Wins Out Of Six

Rafa Benitez has challenged Liverpool to win all their remaining games in their bid for title glory.

The Reds are just a point behind Manchester United at the top having played a game more.

And they can return to the summit, for 24 hours at least, if they overcome an injury-hit Arsenal at Anfield tonight.

Benitez though is already looking at the rest of the run-in facing his side, and knows they could need maximum points to pip United to the title.

"For us the important thing is to do our job, to prepare properly for every game and look to take three points from each of them," he told Liverpool's official website.

"If we do that and then still can't win the league then there's nothing else we can do. It still depends on United, but we have to keep the pressure on them. If we win tonight then we go back to the top and put them under more pressure for tomorrow night.

"Hopefully the other teams around us are distracted by the Champions League. When you are playing in two massive competitions it can be difficult and so we have to be ready if other teams make a mistake."

Liverpool have had a week to rest since that heartbreaking Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea.

But Benitez says his team have recovered well both mentally and physically from their breathless 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, which saw them eliminated 7-5 on aggregate.

"When you lose games it can be difficult but the way we lost it wasn't too bad. We played well, scored four goals at Stamford Bridge and so I am sure our confidence hasn't been affected.

"The players have trained really well and yesterday's session was fantastic. The atmosphere among them is really good and I feel we are in a good moment."

Benitez Prays For United And Chelsea Stumble As Liverpool Target Title Surge

Rafa Benitez hopes title rivals Manchester United and Chelsea will be distracted by the Champions League as Liverpool chase their first Barclays Premier League crown.

The Reds were knocked out of Europe last week after a thrilling tie against Chelsea, leaving Benitez to focus solely on ending their 19-year title drought.

'Hopefully the other teams around us are distracted by the Champions League,' he said. 'When you are playing in two massive competitions it can be difficult and so we have to be ready if other teams make a mistake.

'For us the important thing is to do our job, to prepare properly for every game and look to take three points from each of them. If we do that and then still can't win the league then there's nothing else we can do.'

Although Liverpool's fate is out of their hands, Benitez has called on his players to pile the pressure on United by beating Arsenal at Anfield tonight.

'It still depends on United, but we have to keep the pressure on them,' he added. 'If we win tonight then we go back to the top and put them under more pressure for tomorrow night.'

Unlike their title rivals and tonight's opponents, Liverpool were not involved at the weekend and have had a week's break to prepare for the visit of Arsenal.

'We've had a full week to prepare for Arsenal which has been good because we have been able to look at all of the small details, which I always like to do,' said Benitez.

'The players have trained really well and yesterday's session was fantastic. The atmosphere among them is really good and I feel we are in a good moment.

'It will be hard for Arsenal to lose fourth place in the table now so I think their main emphasis will be on the Champions League. They still have to play all of the top three so it would be a good message if we can beat them tonight.

'They are a team who always look to play football so I'm not expecting them to defend. They will try to play against us, but if we can play at our level, with a high tempo, and look to get at them from the first whistle then I am sure we can beat them.'

Liverpool Line Up Swoop For Roque Santa Cruz

Rafa Benitez is eyeing up Blackburn’s in-demand striker Roque Santa Cruz.

Liverpool boss Benitez, given a huge £30m transfer kitty this summer, could be ready to rival Manchester City for the Paraguayan centre forward.

Benitez is keeping close tabs on Santa Cruz, 27, to strengthen his strike force and to work as a possible foil for Fernando Torres.

City bid £20m for Santa Cruz in the summer and manager Mark Hughes wants him - but the Eastlands boss is under huge pressure himself.

Liverpool have been scouting and reporting to Benitez on Santa Cruz who would prefer Champions League football to what City could offer him as Blackburn prepare to launch a big money auction this summer.

Benitez has already targeted Valencia’s David Silva as a big-money buy but Santa Cruz is on his radar in what would be a major shock but shows the level of Liverpool’s ambition.

Liverpool Youngster To Extend Loan Deal With Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark recently reiterated his intent to retain the services of on-loan Liverpool centre-back Martin Kelly.

The 20-year-old is reportedly enjoying his time with the club, something that Clark wishes to take full advantage of.

"I've spoken to Martin. He's enjoying his time here and would have no qualms about returning to us next season. I've explained where we want to be and how we want to go and he'd like to be a part of it," Clark revealed to the Huddersfield Daily Examiner.

"The wheels are already in motion. We have made it known that we'd like him on a season-long loan next season.

"Obviously Liverpool and Rafael Benitez have got other things on their minds between now and the end of the season, but they will have meetings about what they want to do with their young players next term."

Liverpool's Hugh McAuley Won’t Take Things For Granted

Liverpool continue to concentrate their efforts on the FA Youth Cup this week, with FA Premier Academy League fixtures on hold.

Hugh McAuley’s side look almost assured of a place in the FA Youth Cup final for the third time in four seasons after their excellent 3-0 victory over Birmingham City at St Andrews last Thursday.

The scheduled league fixture against Sunderland was postponed and Liverpool will have to fit in their final four games around a possible Youth Cup final appearance. If they do progress they will face either Arsenal or Manchester City, with the Gunners leading 2-1 ahead of tomorrow’s second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool will be following that contest closely, although they will not be taking anything for granted ahead of the semi-final second leg with Birmingham at Anfield this Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).

McAuley said: “It was a great result, but it is only half-time. We need to make sure we don’t take anything for granted. Prepare properly and approach the game in the right manner. We need to finish the job and if we do that then we can look forward.”

Mark Lawrenson: Why Liverpool FC Boss Rafa Benitez Must Keep His Mouth Shut

I for once was quite pleased to see Sammy Lee emerge for Liverpool’s Press conference yesterday.

Mainly because the absence of Rafael Benitez ensures he won’t get drawn into any further into the war of words with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Benitez knew the score yesterday. He knew that he would be pressed into a response to the Manchester United manager’s latest verbal volley towards him.

And if recent form was anything to go by, he would probably have found it very difficult to bite his tongue.

And then Fergie gets the evidence he is craving that he is getting to his title rival and Benitez gets more stick for having a go back.

It’s a never-ending cycle and after a while it all gets a bit too ‘my dad’s bigger than your dad’ for my liking.

So the Spaniard was wise to stay away on this occasion.

But when he does next appear in front of the media, the stance must remain. Say nothing.

The best thing to do is to let Ferguson say or do whatever he wants. He always does anyway.

The best reply is to just concentrate on getting the results that continue to put pressure on him.

Which brings us to Arsenal tonight. A win is essential and I draw parallels with the home game against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Liverpool have to control the tempo of the game and make their opponents hurry.

Give Arsenal time on the ball and they have the players to hurt you and take the sting out of the game.

But get in amongst them and quicken the pace up and then a Real-style collapse could be on the cards.

Rafael Benitez's Silence Speaks Volumes

Rafael Benítez’s absence from one of the most eagerly awaited press conferences of the season yesterday was put down to “business meetings” to attend to, but the Liverpool manager’s no-show in itself spoke a thousand words.

It was a warning to Sir Alex Ferguson, his Manchester United counterpart, that, as far as Benítez is concerned, the time for talking has stopped.

Ferguson may have accused Benítez of being contemptuous, arrogant and lacking in humility last week, but by refusing to rise to the United manager’s goading, the Spaniard played a blinder and he can only hope that his players do the same against Arsenal at Anfield this evening.

It is perhaps the ultimate irony that Benítez said more by saying nothing than either he or Ferguson have managed in their increasingly venomous war of words, one that has provided a riveting if rather childish sideshow to a title run-in that has gone from a procession to an enthralling nip-and-tuck race in a matter of weeks.

For the third week running, Liverpool will have the opportunity to leapfrog United at the top of the table should they defeat Arsenal and to listen to Sammy Lee, who filled the breach in Benítez’s absence yesterday, there is the conviction that they can pull off one of the great comebacks and deny United the title that would draw the league leaders level with the Merseyside club’s record haul of 18 championships.

“When I look at the players, I see belief,” Lee, Benítez’s assistant, said. “Belief and, in that, determination and a will and desire to go on and be the best they can be.

“That is not making any false or silly promises. They have done it all season and hopefully they will continue to do that over the last six games.”

Steven Gerrard, the captain, will be missing again because of his troublesome groin strain, but even in the absence of their talisman, it is easy to see why Liverpool are infused with self-belief.

They have scored 25 goals in their past nine matches, compared with only ten in the nine games before that, and rather than be dismayed by their elimination from the Champions League last week, have actually taken great heart from the manner of their performance in the scintillating 4-4 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson was at it again yesterday, reacting to rumours that Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, may field a weakened team against Liverpool by saying “no matter what team he puts out, they will always try because Arsène is a winner”, but Lee and Liverpool appear unconcerned by anything that the United manager has to say.

That said, Lee refuted Ferguson’s claims that Benítez was arrogant by describing the Liverpool manager as “driven, astute, learned and educated” and expressed surprise that Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn Rovers manager with whom he worked at Bolton Wanderers, had not conveyed his dismay about Benítez’s controversial “cut” gesture immediately after his side’s 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

“I was certainly surprised because we sat together after the match and he said nothing about it,” Lee said. “If he felt that strongly I thought he would have said something to me because we have a good working relationship. I am not getting involved in a slanging match with Sir Alex, but we know what our gestures are meant for — they are meant for our players and affecting what we do.”

Liverpool Midfielder Javier Mascherano Optimistic Ahead Of Arsenal Game

Javier Mascherano is still confident that Liverpool can win the Premier League this season, provided they claim maximum points from their final six matches.

The Reds host an Arsenal side who have not lost in their last 18 league games on Tuesday evening, but the 24-year-old Argentina international has insisted that they are only focussed on attaining a positive result.

"We know it is the only competition we have to play for now and we are fighting for the title," Mascherano told the club's official website.

"We have to keep going and maybe if Manchester United can drop some points we will be there.

"We have to look forward, try to win our next six games and we will see what happens.

"I think all the games we have left will be difficult, but the most important thing is to only think about the next one, which is Arsenal.

"Arsenal have some good players, such as [Emmanuel] Adebayor, [Cesc] Fabregas and [Robin] van Persie. They also have players coming back from injury who will be fresh for the final part of the season.

"Arsenal will want the points because they are fighting for fourth place, so I think it will be a very good match for the supporters to watch.

"I don't know if it's a bad time to be playing them, but we are playing well and have confidence. If we play to our level then we will have a chance."

Kenny Dalglish Return To Anfield Ideal For Liverpool

First it was Rafa Benitez's new contract, then Steven Gerrard agreeing an extension to his deal, and now the prospect of Kenny Dalglish, Anfield's greatest ever player, returning to the club in an advisory role. There's a lot of good news around Liverpool at the moment.

this is an idea Rafa has come up with and he's happy with, then it's perfect for Liverpool and for Kenny. I was captain in 1986 when Bob Paisley was fulfilling that role in Kenny's first season as manager, and he was there for advice whenever Kenny wanted to tap into the vast reservoir of experience he had. It worked brilliantly.

Kenny may have been out of the game as a manager for eight years but he still watches more football than anyone I know. He can tell you about players at all levels, all over the world. Would he want to be a manager again? Maybe, if it was Liverpool, but this is an ideal role, where he will have a lot of involvement with youth development and be on hand to offer Rafa advice as and when he feels he needs it. It will provide a huge boost for everyone at the club, the senior pros as well as the young kids.


There's no doubt that Liverpool will start next season in a much better position than they started this one, and that's progress. They are getting closer and closer to challenging at the top and everyone knows that, whatever happens this year, they will have even more chance of winning the Premier League next season.

They may still win it this time, of course, and if they are to do so then this is yet another hugely significant week, facing Arsenal at Anfield tomorrow and then Hull, fighting for survival, on Saturday. They look hard matches on paper, but the managers of all top three sides will be pointing out no games are easy at this stage of the season.

It's often said that mid-table sides are easier to play against but they have no pressure on them and, against the big teams with nothing to lose, they regularly put in their best performances of the campaign. Similarly, Arsenal seem safe in fourth now and, after losing the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, their priority will be the Champions League.

But this is where the top managers earn their corn. Arsenal play Chelsea at home and travel to Manchester United, too, and while there's no doubt Arsene Wenger will want to rest players to keep them fresh for Europe, he will also be aware that he cannot afford to concede the momentum which his side have built up over recent weeks.

Prior to Saturday, they were unbeaten in 18 games, and he will know how important it is to finish the season strongly. Wenger will be thinking about Europe, obviously, because if Arsenal fail to win the Champions League then that will make it a fifth year without a trophy, a poor return for a club of such stature. But taking too many risks with his side's league performances could affect their European ambitions.

You cannot turn good form on and off like a tap, as Manchester United have found, and you can go from feeling invincible to wondering where your next win will come from in the space of one game, almost. Reacting to their bad run of form with hard-fought wins over Aston Villa and Sunderland in the Premier League, as well as Porto in Europe, is testament to United's determination and resources, but they still look a shadow of the side they were even 10 weeks ago.

Sir Alex Ferguson showed where his priorities lie with his FA Cup semi-final selection yesterday and it cost them the dream of the quintuple, but they remain in pole position in the league and they have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, all without playing well. The danger is that sooner or later, you are going to play poorly and lose.

Liverpool FC Boss Wants Insua To Shine

Rafael Benitez has urged Emiliano Insua to give him a selection headache for the remainder of the campaign.

Insua was impressive on his 10th appearance of the campaign last week to help Liverpool maintain their title challenge by thrashing Blackburn Rovers 4-0.

The Argentine youngster had won a regular place in the side before Christmas before being called away on international duty at the South American under-20 Championships.

In his absence, Insua saw both Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena regain form and fitness to battle it out for the left-back spot.

But after he made his second successive league start against Blackburn, Benitez is urging the 20-year-old to continue staking his claim in the final six games of the season.

“Insua is improving and the competition for the left back position is very high with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena,” said the Liverpool manager.

“Insua is doing well and the team is doing well. Hopefully we can see Emiliano fighting for his position until the end of the season with Fabio and Dossena.”

Real Madrid Continue To Track Liverpool Midfielder Xabi Alonso

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez last week issued a hands-off warning to any potential suitors looking to snap up Xabi Alonso, declaring that the Spanish international is no longer on the market.

But according to The Daily Telegraph, Real Madrid, and in particular their potential future president, Florentino Perez, have continued to pursue the 27-year-old, as the English broadsheet is adamant that the ex-supremo, should he return to power, will be eager to see the Reds midfielder link up with Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas.

The Telegraph is also unconvinced that Benitez will turn down an offer if a substantial bid comes along, as he has been handed limited transfer funds for this summer. It has been reported that Liverpool's American owners, George Gillet and Tom Hicks, will only free up €35 million for squad reinforcements and the Madrid-born gaffer would have to sell if he requires more to spend.

It is believed that Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena, Charles Itandje and Phillip Degen will all be offloaded, but the only way for Rafa to inject a massive cash-boost to the transfer kitty is to part with the in-form Alonso.

Last summer, Liverpool shot down an approach from Juventus for the Basque midfielder after the Italians failed to meet the Merseysiders’ near-€20 million asking price. A similar bid, if not higher, is expected of Madrid if they wish to acquire the ex-Real Sociedad man.

Marco van Basten: Ryan Babel Is Wasting Away At Liverpool

Former Holland manager Marco van Basten gave voice to very strong feelings concerning Ryan Babel, specifically pertaining to his continued inability to force himself into Liverpool's starting lineup.

Van Basten suggested the 22-year-old, who made a £11.5 million switch from Ajax in 2007, is wasting away at Anfield as a consequence of leaving his homeland too early

“If you look at Ryan Babel it is a mortal sin he now sits on the bench at Liverpool,” van Basten told the Daily Star Sunday. “He went too soon.

“He was playing well in Holland and for the Under-21s but now he has taken a step backwards.”

Babel recently suggested that he may look elsewhere for regular first-team football after admitting to becoming frustrated over his lack of playing time. The jet-heeled winger has made only six Premier League starts this season for the title hopefuls this season, supplemented by 17 appearances from the bench.

Govt Offer Hillsborough Help

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith insists the Government is "committed" to helping families who lost loved ones in the Hillsborough disaster.

Last Wednesday was the 20th anniversary since 96 Liverpool supporters died in a crush at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium on 15th April 1989 where their team was to meet Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final.

A number of high level discussions have taken place over hundreds of official documents about the tragedy and Ms Smith revealed it could result in those documents being made public for the first time.

In a statement, the Home Secretary said: "The Government is committed to helping those who lost loved ones in the Hillsborough tragedy.

"That is why I will be working with colleagues in the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Attorney General's Office to put out any information that exists that could shed light on the disaster and its aftermath in the public domain as soon as possible."

Trevor Hicks, of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, was relieved to hear the news.

He said: "We have heard that a request has been made about the documents and we are expecting confirmation this week.

"I am pleased, it's better late than never.

"This will enable us to see the full picture of events in a way that we have been denied for 20 years.

"It is vital that these files are released in full and not sanitised in any way."

The documents covered by the 30-year-rule could include police files and the records of other emergency services, government departments and the local authorities.

But a statement by South Yorkshire Police said: "The Chief Constable has not met the Home Secretary on the subject of Hillsborough, nor been asked by anyone to release files early.

"The Chief Constable, prior to the anniversary, independently offered to review all material held by South Yorkshire Police to establish what could lawfully be released, given that the force has already made public so much of its archived information."

Itandje Plays Down Incident

Liverpool reserve-team goalkeeper Charles Itandje has played down the furore surrounding his behaviour at the Hillsborough memorial service.

The service took place on Wednesday and fans flocked to Anfield to pay their respects for the 96 supporters who lost their lives during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Itandje was caught by television cameras nudging and laughing at unsuspecting team-mate Damian Plessis during the service and has been suspended for 14 days while the club investigate the incident.

The shot-stopper, who has made just seven first-team appearances since signing from Lens in 2007, has apologised for his behaviour and insists that the incident has been blown out of all proportion.

"It is a 30-second clip about which people are going overboard," he told Aujourd'hui Sport newspaper.

"You need to see an hour of the video if you want to judge my behaviour, but you know the papers over there (England). They make a big deal of things."

When asked to explain what he was doing on the clip, Itandje said: "No idea. I haven't even seen it. I don't know at what moment it was being filmed."

The Frenchman also added that it had not been explained what would happen during his suspension.

"I have had no explanation," he highlighted.

"I have not even had the opportunity to explain myself to the club. Sammy Lee, the assistant manager, called me on Friday morning to tell me not to turn up at training.

"It does not change a great deal, as I am already on the transfer list. I should be leaving this summer. I am not used in the team.

"I don't want to seem paranoid, but I hope this is not linked with my situation at the club.

"It's not the club I need to explain myself to; it's the families (of the Hillsborough victims).

"I sympathise with them and I would like to tell them that."

Alex Ferguson Believes Arsenal Can Stun Liverpool This Week

Sir Alex Ferguson is backing old adversary Arsene Wenger to put the skids under Liverpool's title challenge this week.

The Manchester United boss hopes Arsenal will help silence arch enemy Rafael Benitez with a win at Anfield on Tuesday.

Fergie was once locked in the same bitter rivalry with Wenger that he now shares with Benitez. But he never felt the same anger towards the Gunners boss and admits he has a healthy respect for the Frenchman.

Sir Alex said: "There is a respect there despite the past. There have been confrontations and that was down to the personalities.

"There was some right old players involved - Vieira, Keane. It went back to McClair and Winterburn and then the penalty kick where they threw the mud at the ball.

"I think Arsene was reluctant to accept his own team's discipline issues but now he does."

Fowler Tips Reds & Torres

Former Liverpool hero Robbie Fowler believes Fernando Torres can establish himself as one of the all-time greats at Anfield.

Torres has endured a somewhat frustrating second season at Anfield due to injury, but has still managed to net 11 goals in 19 Premier League games

Fowler, who scored 183 goals in 396 appearances for Liverpool during two spells at the club, is a big fan of Torres and believes there is more to come from the Spaniard.

"In terms of Fernando Torres he could be up there with the greats of Liverpool ie: Ian Rush," Fowler told Sky Sports News.

"His record has been fantastic since he came to the club.

"He is just a very, very good player and he scores all types of goals which is really crucial to a forward as well, he just doesn't get tap-ins.

"So I can see him being up there with the best of them. I think he has got everything."

Fowler, who currently plies his trade in Australia with North Queensland Fury, also believes Liverpool could end their 19-year wait for a Premier League title this season by pipping Manchester United to the crown.

The Reds are currently one point behind United, but Fowler is confident they can win all their remaining games to bring the title back to Anfield.

"I am really, really hoping that Liverpool win it," added Fowler. "If you had asked me four or five weeks ago I would have said Liverpool would have no chance as Man United were playing well and were six points clear with a game in hand.

"But Liverpool, ever since beating Real Madrid in the Champions League, have been on an unbelievable run and I can't really see them getting beat for the rest of the season."