Dalglish Would Welcome A Return To Anfield

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has admitted he would love a return to the club he served so well as a player and a manager.

Speculation at the weekend suggested the 58-year-old Scot was to be brought in to oversee youth development at the club.

Although Dalglish, who had a 14-year spell at Anfield before quitting as manager in 1991, said he had little knowledge of any possible approach, but stressed he would be happy to help out.

"I was as far removed from the weekend's speculation about me returning to a role at Liverpool Football Club as it was possible to be, but that's not to say the Sunday paper stories and TV debate escaped me," he told LFC Magazine.

"All I can say at the moment is what I've said many times; if I can help Liverpool Football Club in any way, shape or form then I'm in. That's not a new revelation.

"If I can be of help to the club I love in any capacity then I'm more than happy to play any part that I can.

"If the manager (Rafael Benitez] or the people running the club think there's a role for me then I'll fill it happily. Similarly, if the club think the best thing for the club is for me to stay out of the way then I'm not going to take offence at that either.

"At the moment there's not much more that I can say other than that if and when there's anything to say to the supporters – the people who keep this club alive – then they will be the first to know."

Former Liverpool and England winger John Barnes, who won two league titles under Dalglish's leadership at Anfield, said his former manager would be an inspiration to everyone. "He would bring togetherness to the club which can only enhance the current feel-good factor in a similar way to that of Alan Shearer's return to Newcastle," said the former Celtic manager.

"Kenny is revered like few others at Anfield after being voted the best player ever to play for Liverpool, as well as leading the club to their last league title (in 1990] and would be welcomed back into the fold by all the fans who still sing his name.

"If he is to work with the academy, then who better than Kenny to inspire the next generation of Anfield kids?"

Rafael Benitez Delighted With Liverpool's Goal Scoring Form

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his side have finally moved into top gear when going forward in search of goals.

Since their 4-0 thrashing of Spanish giants Real Madrid on March 10, the Reds have only failed to score four goals or more in a single match on two occassions.

Although defensively they have not been as solid as they were at the beginning of the season, conceding 11 goals in their last three fixtures, they have thumped in 27 goals during their previous eight games.

The Spaniard believes the only key to their good record in front of goal is players hitting top form and beginning to realise their potential.

"There is not really a change of emphasis. The understanding between the players is better," Benitez told The Daily Post.

"This week we were talking in training sessions and we could see the team were playing with a lot of confidence.

"We didn’t need to say anything because they knew what to do. Because we have been practising so many times during the season the players know now what to do.

"For me we have the same mentality, the difference now is we play better. We have more confidence and we can score more goals.

"If we can keep [Fernando] Torres fit it will be much better and you can see [Yossi] Benayoun is on fire."

Dirk Kuyt: Liverpool Need A Miracle' To Overhaul Man Utd In Race For Title

Liverpool need "a miracle" if they are to end their 19-year wait for a League championship, according to striker Dirk Kuyt.

Prior to the dramatic 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday, the message emanating from Merseyside was that, whatever Manchester United achieved in the title run-in, Liverpool had to be perfect to stand any chance of dethroning the champions.

Andrei Arshavin's four-goal intervention, though, coupled with some kamikaze defending, ended that ambition

With just five games left, Liverpool know their chances are running out and, while Kuyt insists that they will not stop believing until United are mathematically out of their reach, he admits they will fight on more in hope than expectation.

He said: "It is harder after the Arsenal match, because we knew before the match that we needed to win to keep the pressure on. But at least we got a point, rather than losing, and now we have to keep on fighting until the very end.

"We have to hope for a miracle now as it has become more difficult than it already was, but against Arsenal we proved we are a team that has not given up and we will never give up. So let's hope a miracle can happen.

"It will be hard but as long we win our remaining games then maybe they will struggle. It may be that they must lose twice for us to catch them, but that can happen. It is important that we took a point, because otherwise maybe that would have been impossible."

Milan Boss Carlo Ancelotti Can't See Steven Gerrard Leaving Liverpool

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti showed himself to be highly sceptical of the possibility of seeing Liverpool star Steven Gerrard in a red-and-black jersey next season.

Liverpool's 'Captain Fantastic' has been linked to the Italian giants on and off for several years already, and his name has been brandished about again with increased intensity of late as Milan look to build a team capable of restoring their status as a dominant force in European football.

"I think Steven Gerrard is an outstanding player but I doubt that he'd leave Liverpool," Ancelotti said in a recent interview with Hungarian sports daily Nemzeti Sport in response to the new batch of rumours.

"We're eyeing many players but it would be too soon to mention any names before the end of the season."

Milan's own golden boy, Kaka, recently went on record as saying that if it were up to him, he would sign Gerrard above any other player.

Liverpool FC Must Rediscover Their Discipline To Stay In Race

There is a school of thought that suggests before a team can win a championship, they first have to lose one.

But it will be of little consolation to Rafael Benitez’s side right now that the lessons being learned in their quest for a first Premier League title since 1990 will stand them in good stead for future years.

Tuesday’s remarkable 4-4 draw against Arsenal dealt a damaging blow to Liverpool’s championship challenge in a manner that perhaps encapsulated their league campaign.

Here was a game in which Liverpool were vibrant going forward, created numerous chances but ultimately paid for not taking enough of them. A game at Anfield that should have been won but ended in an unnecessary draw. A game in which Benitez was without one of his most talismanic performers – this time Steven Gerrard – through injury.

There were glum faces among the home support at the final whistle. But given the rollercoaster nature of an engrossing scrap for the title, the only guarantee over the final month of the campaign is there will be further twists and turns to come.

Having twice led Valencia to the Spanish crown, Benitez knows exactly what to expect, and reassured his players in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday’s match to retain their confidence and ensure they capitalise on any United slip-ups.

But they will need to reprise the disciplined, controlled performances of earlier in the campaign rather than continue in the dramatic, carefree way that is gathering new friends if not silverware.

Witness Arsenal’s fourth goal, substitute Theo Walcott racing away on the counter-attack to feed Andrey Arshavin for a simple finish after Liverpool had criminally left only person back in defence in pursuit of a winner.

A Benitez side just doesn’t concede goals like that. It was evidence the Anfield outfit are currently playing more with their hearts and their heads, a situation the manager is always keen to avoid if possible.

Of course, such passion play isn’t always a bad thing, and allied to an unshakeable self-belief it helped Liverpool threaten a remarkable Champions League comeback at Chelsea and come from 1-0, 3-2 and 4-3 down to earn what could prove a vital point against Arsenal.

But Benitez would sooner his team had not put themselves in that position in the first place.

Suddenly, Liverpool are the great entertainers, United the pragmatic, dour results machine.

Benitez’s side have scored 27 goals in their last eight games, a run that started with the ruthless Champions League demolition of Real Madrid.

That, though, has come at the cost of defensive solidity, with a rearguard that had conceded only 11 goals in their previous 16 games having leaked the same amount in their last four.

Why the sudden change? Yes, Benitez has loosened the shackles a touch, and their attacking players are approaching peak form at the right time.

But the results, and the type of individual mistake that gifted Arshavin his first three goals on Tuesday, betray inevitable nerves at this stage of the season and the desperation to claim the club’s first title in 19 years and prevent United from drawing level with Liverpool on 18 championships.

Much emphasis has been made of the possible impact of the war of words between Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Yet mind games don’t win the title – it’s the strength of mind of the players in coping with the pressure and expectation during the run-in that makes the difference. United have that quality in abundance – Liverpool, by and large, do not. Yet.

With games against Hull City, Newcastle United, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur to come, there’s no way Benitez’s side will throw in the towel.

Reds Line Up Asian Tour

Liverpool will play two pre-season friendlies in south-east Asia this summer.

Rafael Benitez's side will face Thailand in Bangkok on July 22 before flying to Singapore to take on the national team on July 26. It will be the first time the Reds have visited Thailand since 2003, while they have not played in Singapore for eight years.

"We have a fantastic group of fans in both Thailand and Singapore and it will be great to take the lads out there again," said Benitez.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool's commercial director, added: "South-east Asia is clearly a key region for Liverpool.

"As we continue to develop our international plans, being able to allow fans all over the world to see the team live is paramount."

Dato Worawi Makudi, president of the Thai Football Association, said they were eagerly anticipating the match.

"Liverpool's return to the kingdom is long overdue," he said.

"The experience that our players will receive from this game will help in the development of Thai football."

Winston Lee, general secretary of the Football Association of Singapore, was also pleased to welcome back the Reds.

He said: "Inviting teams such as Liverpool, as well as Brazil and Australia last year, is part of our continued efforts to bring top-class football action to our shores.

"It will not only be a great experience for our fans but our players will get exposure to world-class teams and players."

Lindfield Eyes Stanley Return

Craig Lindfield is hoping Liverpool will allow him to return to Accrington Stanley on loan next season.

The striker has scored twice in 18 appearances since joining Accrington in January, having spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Bournemouth.

He has yet to make his first-team debut for Liverpool and is keen to build up his experience back in League Two with Stanley.

"I've definitely enjoyed my time here," he told the Lancashire Telegraph.

"I've got another season left on my contract at Liverpool, but I don't see any reason why I couldn't come for the first half of next season.

"At the moment I haven't looked at my long-term plans, but I'll definitely stay until January and see what happens then."

Match Report: LiverpooL 4 - 4 Arsenal

Four goals from Andrey Arshavin put a huge dent in Liverpool's Premier League title hopes as Arsenal drew 4-4 at Anfield.

The hosts went ahead of Manchester United on goal difference having come from behind three times, starting with Arshavin's first in the 36th minute.

Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun scored soon after the interval but three further goals from the Russian piled the pressure back on Rafael Benitez's side and even a second from Torres and an injury-time equaliser from Benayoun were not enough to force victory.

The result hands a huge advantage to United, who have two matches in hand with the first on Wednesday at home to Portsmouth.

Liverpool were architects of their own downfall as the first three Arsenal goals came from mistakes.

It was almost a carbon copy of their Champions League exit against Chelsea a week ago when a 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge saw them miss out on the semi-finals.

It was also not the first time Arsenal had done serious damage to a Liverpool title challenge, it being 20 years since Michael Thomas scored on this ground with the last kick of the season to deny the Reds the championship.

Torres and Albert Riera should have done better with their early efforts to test the fragile confidence of Lucasz Fabianski but both fired straight at the goalkeeper.

Javier Mascherano fired wide after 15 minutes as Arsenal were content to soak up what Liverpool had to offer and swiftly counter-attack when the chance arose.

Those occasions were few and far between and Fabianski, who had looked shaky on a couple of occasions, had to be at his best to tip over Torres' shot from the right angle of the penalty area.

Referee Howard Webb waved away Liverpool appeals in the 26th minute when Mikael Silvestre appeared to catch Dirk Kuyt on the edge of the area.

Arsenal's first chance came when they broke quickly from a Liverpool corner and Cesc Fabregas volleyed wide after Daniel Agger, making his 50th league appearance, had got in Jose Reina's way as he tried to punch clear.

A smart turn by Torres on Kolo Toure saw the Spain striker fire in a 25-yard shot which Fabianski could only parry but Silvestre cleared the danger.

Samir Nasri then had to clear off the line at the far post after Agger flicked on Xabi Alonso's right-wing corner before the Gunners hit their hosts with a sucker punch in the 36th minute.

Mascherano lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area and Fabregas exchanged passes with Nasri before crossing for Arshavin to fire home off the underside of the crossbar.

Benayoun immediately brought a diving save from Fabianski and then headed over as Liverpool piled on the pressure leading up to the interval without reward.

Liverpool realistically had 45 minutes to keep their season alive and that realisation brought the equaliser within four minutes of the restart.

Alvaro Arbeloa's cross was poorly dealt with by Bacary Sagna and Kuyt collected the ball, got to the byline and crossed for Torres to head low into the left corner of Fabianski's goal.

Seven minutes later they were ahead. Fabianski and Kieren Gibbs both messed up their clearances and Kuyt crossed to the far post where Benayoun headed in.

The goalkeeper claimed to have clawed the ball out but it was clearly over the line.

In the 65th minute Arsene Wenger brought on Theo Walcott for Denilson to try to get back in the game but it was another mistake which brought their equaliser.

Arbeloa could not control Jamie Carragher's downward defensive header and Arshavin nipped in to fire past Reina's outstretched left hand.

Incredibly for a team which had conceded just eight goals in 16 home league matches a third error handed Arsenal the lead again.

Fabio Aurelio played a left-wing cross straight to Arshavin 10 yards out and he drilled a shot under Reina for his hat-trick in the 70th minute.

Amazingly Liverpool were level again two minutes later when Torres controlled Riera's cross, turned Silvestre and fired past Fabianski.

Torres had a header cleared off the line by Gibbs from Alonso's corner with nine minutes to go and Carragher fired over from Aurelio's cross as Liverpool desperately pushed for the winner.

And that cost them as Walcott broke from a corner and played in Arshavin to score his fourth in injury time.

Benayoun bundled home an equaliser even later on but it was too late to force a victory.

Realistic Rafa Admits United Have One Hand On The Title After Liverpool's Draw With Arsenal

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted Manchester United are almost home and dry in the race for the Premier League title.

The Reds climbed to the top of the table on goal difference last night after the thrilling 4-4 draw with Arsenal but with United having two games in hand Benitez knows his side are long shots to be crowned champions.

Andrey Arshavin scored all four of the Gunners' goals in a remarkable night at Anfield in which the hosts came from behind three times, the last goal coming two minutes into added time.

Benitez, who has five games left, believes there are still plenty of twists to come with Sir Alex Ferguson's side facing Portsmouth tonight and Wigan in their other extra fixture.

But the Spaniard said: 'United are in the driving seat and we will see what happens.

'If they win it will be more difficult but they have to win and they also have to play against Arsenal so we will see.

'We have a point against a good team and we are top. We have to keep pushing until the last game. It's football, you never know.'

We Can Still Win The League, Insists Liverpool Skipper Gerrard

Steven Gerrard claims Liverpool can still win the Barclays Premier League despite watching his side drop a vital two points at Anfield in last night's 4-4 thriller against Arsenal.

The point lifted Rafa Benitez's side above defending champions Manchester United and into top place on goal difference.

But United have two games in hand on Liverpool and will return to the summit tonight if they beat Portsmouth.

The England midfielder said: 'United have a fantastic team and you look at their run-in, look to see where they are going to drop points - it would have been very difficult if we'd lost the game.

'But that point could be big. We'll have to wait and see how big it could be for us.

'Performance-wise, at times we were very good. Torres and Benayoun were frightening going forward. It's not like us to concede that many goals like we have tonight. We're normally sound defensively, especially at home.'

Now Gerrard is hoping Portsmouth can do Liverpool a favour by beating United at Old Trafford tonight.

The Liverpool captain said: 'Now we need United to get beaten which is difficult to do because they're a good team. But I still believe there will be twists and turns in this title race.'

Benayoun, who netted twice including the equaliser in added time, was in agreement with Gerrard.

'United are a strong side but we won't give up and we will continue to try and do our best,' he said. 'We will keep trying, look to win our remaining matches, and hopefully we can still do it.'

However the Israel striker says Liverpool must improve at the back after conceding eight goals in two goals and winning neither following the 4-4 draw against Chelsea in the Champions League last week.

The 28-year-old said: 'It was great game for the supporters to watch but not for us because we made too many mistakes. We should have won the game.

'We have the best defence in the league and the best goalkeeper too, but we didn't defend well as a team against Arsenal.

'We scored four goals and still didn't manage to pick up the three points so I think that shows we should have done better."

Lotito - Zarate Going Nowhere

Lazio president Claudio Lotito says Liverpool have "zero chance" of signing Mauro Zarate this summer.

The Argentine forward is thought to be interesting a whole host of clubs - including both Liverpool and Manchester City - after scoring 12 league goals this term.

But Lotito says the former Birmingham City striker - who is on a season-long loan at Lazio from Qatari side Al Sadd - will stay in Rome.

Lazio have until the end of this month to finalise a permanent deal for the player and Lotito says the club intend to do just this.

Speaking about the possibility of Liverpool signing the player, Lotito said: "There is zero chance. Lazio will exercise their option to buy Zarate and they will not sell Zarate to Liverpool, full stop."

His comments come after Sergio Zarate, who works as one of the agents for his brother, confirmed a number of clubs are asking about the Argentine.

"I cannot say which clubs, I can only say that two Italians, two Spaniards, two British and one German," he told Calciomercato.

Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson Uninterested In Liverpool's Results

Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United take on Portsmouth this evening with the comfort of knowing that they still remain tied on points with Liverpool, despite the latter taking control of the head of the table due to their favourable goal difference.

Rafael Benitez's side battled out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday evening, but because they failed to win, they effectively gave United a further advantage. The Red Devils now have two games in hand in order re-establish themselves in pole position for the domestic crown.

Ferguson, though, is adamant that he will only be worrying about the form of his own side, as opposed to what goes on at his north west rivals' patch.

"It doesn't matter when Liverpool play," Ferguson recently told the press. "We are focused enough on what we have got to do."

A reserve-looking Manchester United side were knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend by virtue of an Evertonian penalty shoot-out triumph, but Sir Alex will be welcoming Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and veterans Edwin van der Sar and Ryan Giggs back to the fold for tonight’s encounter. He is confident his side will dispose of Paul Hart's Portsmouth.

"You have to overcome defeats at some points in a season," reflected Ferguson. "In most cases we do all right. We lost two in a row against Liverpool and Fulham but since then we have beaten Aston Villa, Porto and Sunderland.

"We only lost the semi-final on penalties and that can happen to anyone. There is enough motivation to ensure we will be OK against Portsmouth."

The Pompey fixture will be a momentous occasion for pass-master Paul Scholes, who will mark his 600th appearance for the club, should he is lined-up against the south coast club.

Ferguson had words of praise for his midfielder, who he has schooled since youth level.

"At United, you can go back to the [George] Best, [Denis] Law and [Bobby] Charlton era," said Ferguson. "Before that you have Duncan Edwards. You are talking a wide panorama of players. But in my time, he would be in the top six or seven without a doubt.

"His contribution and quality have been great, even without the fantastic goals he has scored.

"When he came on against Everton on Sunday, his first touch was better than anyone else's had been in the whole previous hour.

"He has that wonderful velvet touch on the ball. When he gets it, it goes stone dead.

"It is wonderful to see that amidst all the mayhem that can happen in a football match.”

Is Roque Santa Cruz The Best Answer For Liverpool's Striker Question?

Fernando Torres and Roque Santa Cruz a match made in heaven?

Put it this way, baked beans and custard would be a better combination.

Santa Cruz is just too similar in style to work alongside Torres for Liverpool.

Like Torres, he is tall and lithe. Like Torres, he is good in the air. And like Torres, he is best leading the line.

He's even good looking like Torres and while female Liverpool fans are probably going weak at the knees at the thought of the two pin-ups leading the line for the Reds, that would be just about the only plus he would bring.

The pair would find each other standing on each other's toes more often than Ian Rush and John Aldridge did when those two arch penalty-box predators were at Anfield.

Santa Cruz could not fit into Rafa Benitez's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation behind Torres because he would be of little use in the hole or out wide.

He would only be a back-up to the Spaniard - and considering Blackburn have put a £20million buy-out clause in his contract - he would be a pretty expensive one.

There's also the Paraguayan's injury record and he has been crocked more times than Jonny Wilkinson.

While there is no doubting his talent, he has been plagued by injuries his whole career and may not kick a ball again this season after having surgery on his knee last week.

Anyway, Benitez already has the ideal partner to play in the free role behind Torres in Steven Gerrard.

Together they destroyed Real Madrid at Anfield and Manchester United at Old Trafford (poor old Nemanja Vidic is only now recovering from his tormenting).

Benitez tried Robbie Keane, but the Irishman found himself being pushed out wide or dropping deep and that affected his confidence in front of goal.

Ryan Babel is perhaps the other natural forward to play in the role, but he is dogged by inconsistency and Benitez seems to doubt him.

Dirk Kuyt is too much of a targetman to operate beside Torres and Benitez prefers his unstinting work rate on the right.

Yossi Benayoun has had his moments, popping up with a late winner at Fulham, but again Benitez sees him more as a winger.

Benitez also has the emerging David Ngog and Nabil El Zahr and French Under-21 star Ngog has shown signs this season that he is progressing.

Rather than wasting another £20million on Santa Cruz, Benitez would be better off pursuing either - or both - David Silva or David Villa at his old club Valencia.

BBC Issues Apology After Radio 1 Blames Liverpool Fans For Hillsborough

Station heads admitted an inaccurate report had been broadcast on its Newsbeat programme on Monday.

In a bulletin the journalist wrongly said an official report had blamed Liverpool supporters for too many fans getting into one part of the stadium that day.

But on Tuesday the BBC issued an official apology and said it had made an embarrassing mistake.

"Yesterday on Newsbeat at 12.45 we broadcast an item on the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 people were killed," it said.

"We said an official report blamed Liverpool supporters for too many fans getting into one part of the stadium that day.

"This was wrong and we would like to apologise to listeners offended by our report and for this error."

A total of 96 football supporters were killed in the Hillsborough disaster on April 15, 1989.

They were crushed to death at the stadium in Shefield during the FA Cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

The crush is said to have resulted from too many Liverpool fans being allowed in to the back of an already full stand at the Leppings Lane end of the ground.

More than 2,000 Liverpool fans had still not got into the stadium when the match started.

But as fans rushed in, those already there were pushed forward and crushed against the safety fences.

After a public inquiry, new safety measures were introduced at football grounds around Britain.

Over the past couple of years the BBC has been at the centre of a number of scandals.

Earlier this year it was forced to apologise after Doctor Who actor John Barrowman exposed himself during a live Radio 1 broadcast, with pictures relayed to online listeners via a webcam.

In October presenter Jonathan Ross and comedian Russell Brand were suspended after thousands of Radio 2 listeners complained about their prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs.

Last year the BBC admitted faking the winners of phone-ins and interactive competitions on six shows including Blue Peter and Children in Need.

Liverpool Owners Bank Meeting

Liverpool’s American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks were sitting together in the directors’ box at Anfield last night having earlier met officials from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The tycoons are due to repay a £350million loan by July 25 unless they can negotiate a new refinancing package. RBS are likely to insist on both men putting more equity into any fresh agreement at a time when the recession is biting.

Stuart Pearce was also in the directors’ box on England scouting duty. The long journey was eventually made worthwhile as the only current England player on show, Theo Walcott, came off the bench to perfectly set up Andrey Arshavin’s fourth goal.

Steven Gerrard Likely To Miss Hull Game

Rafael Benítez has said that Steven Gerrard, his Liverpool captain, is unlikely to have recovered from a strained adductor muscle in time for Saturday's Premier League trip to Hull City.

Gerrard has missed Liverpool's last two matches, the 4–0 league victory over Blackburn and the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Chelsea, and was also out of last night’s Anfield game against Arsenal having aggravated the strain in training at Stamford Bridge last Monday evening.

The England international was told he would be out for between "seven and 10 days" after undergoing a scan on his return from Stamford Bridge, putting his chances of playing at the KC Stadium in immediate doubt.

Liverpool will give their captain every opportunity to feature this weekend and Gerrard is continuing to receive intensive treatment at the club's Melwood training ground.

Benítez, however, believes it will be difficult for the midfielder to start on Saturday.

"It's always disappointing when Stevie isn't in the team but we have won games without him and played well without him at times this season," said the Liverpool manager.

"We have quality in the squad and I am sure we can still play nice football, score goals and win games, whoever is in the team."

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."