Official: Sami Hyypia To Swap Liverpool For Bayer Leverkusen

Sami Hyypia, 35, is to leave Liverpool this summer. He has agreed a two-year deal with Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, the English club's official website confirms.

Hyypia passed a medical earlier today and will join the German side for pre-season training.

The Finnish international proved to be an astute purchase when he was bought for a meagre £2.5 million from Dutch club Willem II in 1999.

He went on to help the Reds lift a Champions League title, a UEFA Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, two FA Cups and two League Cups.

The club's official website hailed the impact of Hyypia. "History will judge the Finn to be one of the club's shrewdest pieces of business - and possibly the best pound for pound signing to arrive at Anfield," it declared.

Rafael Benitez: Sami Hyypia Will Always Be Welcomed Back At Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told Sami Hyypia that the door is always open should he decide he would like to go back to Anfield in the future.

The 35-year-old defender has opted to join Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season in order to prolong his playing career.

The 97-time capped Finland international had been offered the opportunity to remain at the Merseyside club, but only as cover for the first team with a gradually increasing coaching role.

Benitez has admitted that he wanted Hyypia to stay, but he accepts the 6ft 4in centre-back's decision and has told him there will always be a place for him at Liverpool.

"We had talked with Sami about his future and our idea was to offer him an extension and, afterwards, he would have the chance to become a coach with us," Benitez is quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

"He was pleased to receive the offer but he still has a lot of confidence in himself, he is fit and he wanted to think over all of the offers he received.

"We were trying to keep him and we wanted to, because he deserves the best.

"But he has decided to leave and, in the future, the door will always be open for him to come back at any time."

Having joined Liverpool for around £2.5 million from Willem II in 1999, Hyypia won two FA Cups, two League Cups, a UEFA Cup and a Champions League, scoring 33 goals in 454 appearances.

Liverpool Target Heerenveen Winger Danijel Pranjic

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is looking to add a left winger to his squad in the upcoming transfer window due to the disappointing performances of former Espanyol star Albert Riera, and he has apparently set his sights on the Dutch Eredivisie as a potential source of recruits.

According to Omrop Fryslan, the English giants are closely monitoring the situation of versatile midfielder Danijel Pranjic. The Croatian international currently plays for Heerenveen.

The report claims that the Reds have already contacted Pranjic's agent, Soren Lerby. However, the Premier League outfit have yet to make an official bid for the left footed midfielder.

Pranjic joined Heerenveen in 2005 and quickly developed into an important first team player. He made more than 100 league appearances for the Dutch outfit so far and has been the absolute key man for his club this campaign with sixteen goals in 29 league matches.

The 27-year-old was on the verge of joining Sevilla last winter, but the transfer eventually collapsed due to financial reasons. Heerenveen have reportedly set a €9 million asking price for their star player.

Daniel Agger's Relief At New Liverpool FC Contract

Daniel Agger today told of his relief that the doubts surrounding his future at Anfield are set to come to an end.

The Danish defender has not yet put pen to paper on a new contract but, as revealed in Friday’s ECHO, he has agreed terms on a four year deal which if fulfilled will see him remain with Liverpool until at least 2014.

Agger celebrated the impending signing of his new contract with a characteristically composed performance at the heart of Liverpool’s defence in yesterday’s 3-0 romp against Newcastle and afterwards he revealed his delight that his future is about to be resolved.

And the 24-year-old cites the faith that Rafa Benitez has placed in him as one of the main reasons why he is extending his stay.

“We are close now and of course I would be happy to stay at Liverpool because it is what I’ve been working for for the last few years,” he said.

“I haven’t signed yet but we have agreed some things and we are close.

“Everybody has been in this kind of situation and you know how hard it can be.

“So that has been frustrating but I have kept on working and we are close now.

“It’s important as a player to have the faith of your manager because if you don’t have that then you’re probably not at the right club.”

Like his team-mates, Agger’s main focus continues to be the pursuit of Manchester United.

Liverpool’s win over Newcastle took them back to within three points of the reigning champions and though disappointed the Reds did not score more Agger was pleased with the win and the clean sheet. He added: “We knew before the game that we needed to take three points and that is exactly what we did.

“I think our performances have been good of late and we know that all we can do now is win our own games, we can’t do any more than that.

“We were a bit unlucky not to score more than we did and I think we could have done with getting more because you never know how the season will end and goal difference could still be important.

“The other positive was that we kept a clean sheet because we have conceded too many goals by our own standards in the last few games.”

Mark Lawrenson: Time For Daniel Agger To Step Up For Liverpool FC

So Daniel Agger has finally heard what he’s been dying to hear for months – that Rafael Benitez wants him.

Now he has to show how much he wants the responsibility of being Liverpool’s main defender.

The end of Sami Hyypia’s Liverpool career edged closer with yesterday’s move to Levrkusen and Jamie Carragher can’t go on forever. If he starts to be used more sparingly before he eventually retires, things are going to get very quiet in that back-line.

So it needs a leader, an organiser, someone who takes responsibility.

Now he has assurances over his long-term future at the club, these are the traits that Agger needs to develop once he signs his new deal at Anfield.

Let’s assume that Benitez is looking to pair him with Martin Skrtel and that this is the centre-back partnership that takes the club into the next decade.

For me, that is potentially the perfect match-up in the heart of a defence. A ‘good cop, bad cop’ scenario.

Roles played perfectly by Carvalho and Terry at Chelsea, Vidic and Ferdinand at Manchester United.

David Amoo Strike Hands Liverpool Victory

David Amoo’s strike gave Liverpool under-18s a winning return to league action after their FA Youth Cup exploits.

The London-born winger scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool won 1-0 at Barnsley on Saturday.

It was their first FA Premier Academy League fixture for four weeks as they look to finish third in the North West section to provide a boost ahead of the two-legged Youth Cup final with Arsenal at the end of the month in a two-legged final.

Liverpool had numerous chances, but it was Amoo’s effort, firing in from a tight angle on the right just before half-time gave them all three points.

Amoo had another chance himself to score, while Lauri Dalla Valle and Tom Ince both went close to increasing the lead before the break. Dalla Valle, Ince, Alex Cooper and Michael Roberts all went close after the break but in the end Amoo’s effort was enough to take the points.

McAuley said: “It was a really pleasing performance in many ways. It was not the most exciting game on a bone- hard pitch. They weren’t the best playing conditions but at the same time the boys showed a tremendous attitude for the 90 minutes against a Barnsley side, who you know are going to be physical, strong and get the ball forward.

We had to battle for 90 minutes, which we did do. We got a goal just before half-time through David Amoo on an individual run and it could have been four by half- time. Then in the second half we had more chances, but didn’t take them. The boys were fantastic with their attitude and with four or five schoolboys in the side it was a pleasing result. That winning mentality was there throughout. We played our football when we could and the attitude was first- class from first to last.”

With three matches left in the league, Liverpool travel to Sunderland this Saturday and will look to move a step close to finishing third.

Liverpool have the same points as fourth-placed Everton and are three points behind third-placed West Bromwich Albion, who have both played all their fixtures. A win and a draw from their final three matches would see Liverpool secure that third spot.

McAuley said: “People are naturally going to be thinking about the Youth Cup at the end of the month. But it is always the way at our football club that the next game is the most important.

“We stress that to the boys and we will get to the Youth Cup eventually, but it is always at the back of their minds. But as long as it stays there they will be fine.

“We want to keep the mentality right and buoyant for the game. There is lots to build on for the rest of the month.We have been near the top of the table all season. In March and April we started playing the youngsters because we had to with injuries and so on. We blooded the youngsters and results were a little indifferent with a few draws, but now these kids are holding their own.

“The good thing is that there are four or five of the Youth team not available and the schoolboys have come in to take their chances very well. That bodes well for next season. It is about development and eventually getting them up to a good standard and that is happening.”

Midfielder Adam Pepper will definitely miss the Youth Cup final against Arsenal with a ruptured groin.

McAuley said: “It is unfortunate. Adam has played in all the Youth Cup games and is a very good midfield player. He is tidy, busy and it means us altering the team slightly to accommodate another player and we will do that. But we are going to miss Adam because he is infectious. He is a local player and knows what it means to play for Liverpool and that is what we are all about.”

Striker Dalla Valle is away on international duty with Finland in a UEFA European Championship qualifying tournament, while Amoo along with Steve Irwin, Dean Bouzanis and Daniel Ayala are all away with the reserves for their friendly with Ajax on Friday.

Nathan Eccleston is making progress after a virus and may be able to return this week, while Alex Kacaniklic could also be back after a slight hamstring strain.

James Bond Star Daniel Craig Enjoys Liverpool FC Victory Over Newcastle

Daniel Craig was spotted in the crowd at Anfield yesterday afternoon and looked to be enjoying Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Newcastle.

The Wirral born star, who is a keen Reds fan, was in the VIP box with his Japanese American film producer girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell.

Wearing a black leather jacket and matching black flat cap, the Bond star was sitting inches away from Liverpool FC Chief Executive Rick Parry.

Match Report: LiverpooL 3 - 0 Newcastle United

Alan Shearer's Newcastle are staring relegation in the face after a 3-0 mauling against Liverpool at Anfield.

And for the former England captain, in temporary charge of the Geordies, there was even the humiliation of hearing the Kop chant: "You should have stayed on the telly" and "Alan Shearer, football genius."

To his credit, Shearer saw the funny side, and strolled to the touchline from the bench to applause from his tormentors.

But there was no funny side for his team, who were tormented by a Liverpool side that kept their own title dreams alive and maintained pressure on leaders Manchester United.

Liverpool scored in the first-half through Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt, with substitute Lucas heading the third in the final minutes.

Newcastle's misery was compounded by having Joey Barton sent off in the second-half for a crude foul on Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool were without striker Fernando Torres, due to a recurrence of his hamstring injury, while Lucas, Martin Skrtel and Emiliano Insua were also out from the side that won at Hull last week.

It meant the return of skipper Steven Gerrard following a groin problem, while Daniel Agger - fresh from agreeing a new four year contract - replaced Skrtel in defence. Albert Riera and Fabio Aurelio also returned.

Newcastle dropped former Liverpool striker Michael Owen to the bench, while Jose Enrique was out with a hamstring injury. Joey Barton came into midfield with Peter Lovenkrands up front.

The seriousness of Newcastle's position in the table was evident from their vibrant start to the game.

Obafemi Martins fired over from 15-yards while Barton's drive smashed into Agger's face. Barton, Alan Smith and Nicky Butt were snapping away in midfield as Newcastle took the game to their hosts.

Liverpool's first effort was a Gerrard free-kick from 25 yards after he had been pulled down by Fabricio Coloccini. Then Gerrard unleashed a 30-yarder that Steve Harper palmed away at full stretch.

Next it was Dirk Kuyt, with a far-post header from Aurelio's cross, who failed to hit the target.

Newcastle needed something to justify their efforts, because Liverpool were ominously coming into the game.

It almost came when Barton put Lovenkrands clear in the box, and after rounding Jose Reina, slid in a shot that Alvaro Arbeloa stopped in the six-yard box.

Liverpool's pressure finally produced a goal after 22 minutes. The ball had fizzed into Newcastle's box from both left and right flank before Kuyt claimed possession.

He moved towards the bye-line before squaring the ball into the six-yard box. Three defenders watched as Yossi Benayoun slid in to forced the ball home from a yard out, his fourth in seven games.

Newcastle appealed for offside, and it was mighty close, a matter of inches and the sort of decision that goes against a struggling side.

The goal was the 300th in the Premier League under Rafael Benitez, and the side have now managed the highest league tally in a season under the Spaniard.

But there was no doubt about the second after 28 minutes when Kuyt's diving header from Gerrard's corner left Harper with no chance. The Newcastle marking was dreadful, with Habib Beye allowing the Dutchman a virtual free run at the ball for his 15th of the campaign.

It could have been worse for Newcastle when Xabi Alonso saw a curling 30-yarder bounce down off the bar with Harper beaten after 39 minutes.

Harper saved at full-stretch to his left as Agger crashed in a 24-yarder, Newcastle having allowed him to advance unchecked from his own half.

Newcastle sent on Jonas Gutierrez for Lovenkrands at the break, but this was a tall order now for a side who had managed one win in their previous 17 games.

Gerrard, Agger and Riera went close as Liverpool moved the ball around with efficiency and pace.

Newcastle's remarkable fans had been singing themselves hoarse, but their team were getting nowhere.

Smith was booked for a foul on Arbeloa and Ryan Babel replaced Riera, Liverpool seemingly moving towards three more points.

Alonso struck the bar again, this time from the edge of the box, and Babel created a good chance for Gerrard.

It got worse for Newcastle after 77 minutes when Barton received a straight red-card for a two-footed lunge at Alonso right in front of the Kop.

Alonso was eventually carried away on a stretcher, with Lucas taking over.

Owen and Kevin Nolan came on after 80 minutes for Mark Viduka and Martins. Coloccini was booked for a foul on Gerrard with eight minutes left.

There was time for Lucas to head the third from Aurelio's free-kick after 88 minutes.

David Ngog then replaced a limping Javier Mascherano and Gerrard hit the bar in the finals seconds.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Pleased With Win Over Newcastle United

Liverpool swept Alan Shearer's Newcastle United aside 3-0 at Anfield today, thanks to strikes from Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas Leiva, but manager Rafa Benitez felt that they could have netted more.

"I think it was a good game, but could have been better as we had plenty of possession and a lot of chances," Benitez told his post-match press conference.

"We had opportunities to score more goals. To hit the crossbar three times in one match is enough! But in winning 3-0 and keeping a clean sheet, we have a lot of positives."

"We knew that mentally they could have some problems if we scored first.

"That was the key, but you could see at 2-0 they were still working very hard so scoring the third goal was important for us to finish the game."

Liverpool are now three points behind United, and Benitez wants his men to collect maximum points from their three remaining fixtures in order to keep the pressure levels intense right until the very end.

"We have to win our games. It is the only solution for us - keep winning games and put them under pressure."

There were some injuries to the Reds too, with Xabi Alonso being forced out of the action thanks to a Joey Barton tackle, for which the Toon man received a red card, and Javier Mascherano also picked up a knock. Spanish superstar Fernando Torres was not risked from the start, but could be in line for a return soon.

"Mascherano twisted his ankle and Xabi picked up a knock," Benitez explained.

"He [Alonso] has some bruising, but I think he will be okay in a few days.

"Fernando had a problem with his hamstring and it would have been a risk to play him today. In the end we decided to leave him out of the squad, which I think was the right decision.

"I think he will be back next week. He was very close today, but to start with him could have been dangerous.

"To keep him on the bench, maybe without a proper warm-up, could have also put him at risk, but I think he will be ready for next week."

Steven Gerrard: It's Good To Be Back For Liverpool

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard today returned from injury to help the Reds to a convincing win over Alan Shearer's seemingly doomed Newcastle United side, as goals from Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas Leiva made sure that the points remained at Anfield.

And the skipper's delight in both his return and the manner of his side's victory was apparent when he spoke to Setanta Sports after the game.

"It's nice to be back," he said. "Obviously no one like being injured, it's frustrating.

"So it was nice to come back into a good performance and a good three points."

As for one of the game's talking points, the sending off of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, for a tackle on Xabi Alonso that forced the Liverpool midfielder off the field, Gerrard trusted that referee Phil Dowd had done his job correctly.

"I didn't really see it," he added. "It was in the corner. It was far away.

"I asked the referee if it was a red and he was convinced he got the decision right, so we'll move on."

The result also keeps the Reds' faint hopes of winning the Premier League title flickering, and Gerrard echoed the sentiments of his team-mate Jamie Carragher, in asserting that his team would battle on until all possibility was extinguished.

"It's not at an end until it's over," he added. "We'll keep fighting until the end.

"Manchester United have got a big Champions League game midweek and hopefully Manchester City can do us a favour next week. But realistically we know they're favourites."

Jamie Carragher Still Believes In Liverpool Title Bid

Liverpool swept Newcastle United aside 3-0 with ease today at Anfield, keeping their faint hopes of the Premier League title alive, and considerably denting the Magpies' hopes of avoiding relegation in the process.

Centre-back Jamie Carragher was cheered by the victory, and maintained after the game that he and his team-mates still felt that the dream of capturing the title had not yet evaporated.

"We can only look after ourselves now," he told Setanta Sports. "We've said it for a while now. We're in great form and we want to keep that going until the end of the season and see what happens.

"Manchester United got a great result there [at Middlesbrough] in what we thought would be a difficult game for them in between the two Champions League games. Credit to them, they've done their job.

"We've done ours now and we'll carry it on as long as possible."

As for the quality of today's win, secured thanks to goals from Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas Leiva, Carragher felt it was further evidence of the Reds' current form, a factor that kept their title hopes alive.

"We played well,” he added. "Newcastle are fighting for their lives. It was never going to be easy, but I think with the form we're in now, if we keep playing like that a lot of teams will find it difficult against us.

"But we just have to look after ourselves and at the moment we are playing well."

Reds Join Negredo Chase

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Almeria star Alvaro Negredo, who admits he would love the chance to move to Anfield.

Skysports.com can reveal that Negredo is on Rafa Benitez's list of targets for the summer.

Negredo has been one of the real stars of La Liga this term with 19 goals for unfashionable Almeria.

In his two seasons with Almeria he has now bagged 32 goals and his exploits have not gone unnoticed.

Fulham made an unsuccessful effort to sign him in January, while Aston Villa are also keeping a watching brief.

Liverpool are now ready to make a move for the player, although his situation is somewhat complicated in that Real Madrid have first option on him until the end of June.

He was with Real Madrid - albeit mainly their second team - before he joined Almeria, but they inserted a buy-back clause of £4.4million which they are now likely to activate.

This will mean they can sell him on, with reports suggesting they would want £9.8million and it seems Liverpool would be willing to pay this sum.

Negredo, at just 24, represents real potential and Benitez is keen on taking him to England.

The player himself has revealed that Liverpool have made contact.

"To play next to Fernando Torres at Anfield is a dream and any player would accept that," he told skysports.com.

"But I prefer to talk about reality and I have not spoken with Rafa Benitez, but I do know that some contact exists between the clubs."

Negredo concedes that Real Madrid will ultimately decide where his future lies.

"My future depends on Real Madrid, but I believe that this summer I will be out of Almeria," he continued.

"I am grateful to Almeria because they have given me my chance to play in the Primera Liga.

"But it is logical that I am interested in playing in the Premier League and especially Liverpool.

"I believe that playing in England would be a great chance for me as this league is a sensational place for forwards."

Benitez: United Will Slip Up

Rafael Benitez still insists Manchester United will make enough mistakes to enable Liverpool to catch up with the champions in the title race.

The Reds destroyed Newcastle 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday, though the scoreline could easily have been more embarassing for Alan Shearer's side.

It pushed the Magpies even closer to relegation as goals from Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas did the damage.

The victory kept Liverpool on the heels of leaders United, three points adrift. The Reds could be top if they beat West Ham on Saturday, with United not facing Manchester City until Sunday.

Benitez is now waiting for the "two big mistakes I still believe United will make" in the title race.

He said: "Manchester United are a good team with good players, and they will need to make two big mistakes to let us in. But I still believe they can be caught and they will make mistakes.

"All we can do is to continue to win our matches and see how they handle pressure. We must win all our games to see how that affects them at the top."

Newcastle did not help themselves on Sunday with some woeful defending and with Joey Barton being sent off for a poor tackle on Xabi Alonso. He will be banned for the rest of the season.

Alonso has heavy bruising on his leg, while Javier Mascherano has turned an ankle. But Benitez believes both will be fit for Liverpool's next game at West Ham.

He also expects Fernando Torres to play against the Hammers. He said: "Fernando has suffered a slight hamstring problem. He was nearly ready for this one but certainly would not have started.

"That would have been too big a risk. And then to put him on the bench and maybe have him not warmed up enough to come on would also have been a risk."

Hair-Raising Display Proves Yossi Benayoun Is Beyond The Fringe At Liverpool

There’s a myth that fringe players don’t improve at Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool. That if a squad man went to Manchester United or Arsenal they will get better before being sold for at least as much as they were bought for.

But at Liverpool they’ll either be ignored or the confidence will be rotated out of them and they’re shipped off in a cut-price deal to Portsmouth.

Well, one fringe man is going a long way to battle against that notion… Yossi Benayoun.

Brilliant against Arsenal, he carried on where he left off against an admittedly shocking Newcastle.

Of course it doesn’t hurt that he’s started four of the last five games, but the little Israeli certainly seems to have grasped form from almost nowhere.

He’s gone from a player that no one would really care about if he left, to one of the main men in recent weeks.

Against Newcastle he got the first in the 3-0 victory – albeit off his knee – but it was his all-round threat which was really impressive.

Switching positions with another impressive performer in Dirk Kuyt, the Newcastle defence just couldn’t cope with the pair.

In truth the Newcastle defence probably couldn’t cope with the Chuckle Brothers at the moment, but that’s not to do down Benayoun’s contribution.

When he first joined Liverpool he looked every inch a player bought for a modest fee to try and plug a few gaps.

He was the king of losing the ball, but getting the crowd back on side by winning it back straight away. Now he doesn’t lose it in the first place.

While before he used to drift out of games, now he is a constant outlet, whether it be on the right, left or through the middle.

His first touch has improved, and so has his crossing. In fact he seldom wasted a ball yesterday.

Whether this is down to Benitez grabbing hold of him in training or just a little more confidence, most Liverpool fans don’t care

The end result is they’ve got a player worth more than the £5m they paid West Ham.

When you buy players for that sort of money there is always something missing, be it a little bit of skill, physicality or mental toughness.

You just have to hope that something wakes up in them and they fix the faults.

This is the case for Benayoun, while it never will be for the likes of Jermaine Pennant.

So with Benayoun stepping up to the plate, it negates the almost constant loss of one of Liverpool’s two talismans.

It’s amazing to think that Liverpool are still in a title chase with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard having only started 10 Premier League games together.

And as the captain returned after missing four games, Torres was left out as a precaution due to a hamstring injury.

Frustrating – especially if the title comes down to goal difference – but it’s not like they really needed them against Newcastle.

They defend like lemmings and, in the case of Joey Barton, tackle like animals.

There was just no need for his second half lunge at Xabi Alonso. The guy has a self-destruct button he constantly presses.

All this added up to another miserable afternoon for caretaker manager Alan Shearer.

“You should have stayed on the telly” chided the Liverpool fans at the end of the comprehensive 3-0 victory.

Shearer could only smile and agree on the touchline.

You’ve got to love Newcastle supporters’ optimism though, even after this.

They’ll still think they can stay up, that they’ve got the best fans in the world and that they are a massive club.

As one wag said, they could pretend the Championship was in fact the Premier League. Cardiff could be Chelsea if you squint and Barnsley’s kit looks a bit like Manchester United’s from a distance.

Going down also means they could actually win something, although they’ll be sad to learn the Anglo-Italian Cup is no longer running.

Or they’ll probably just go through a few managers and even more centre-halves trying to get back up.

Enough sniggering at Newcastle though, they’ll be plenty more time for that during the rest of the season.

For now, let a fringe man have his day.

Lucas Leiva Heading Towards Liverpool Exit Doors

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Premier League outfit Liverpool are preparing to sell Lucas Leiva at the end of the season.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez has said that the club will have to sell in order to fund purchases and it seems that the 22-year-old is one of the players the Spaniard is ready to cash in on.


Since arriving at Anfield from Brazilian club Gremio in 2007, the midfielder has struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting XI, featuring only 38 times from the outset of games

It is thought that the three-time capped Brazil international will fetch a fee in the region of €6.7 million (£6m), with teams in Italy and Spain apparently interested in acquiring his services.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Newcastle United

Liverpool enter game-week 35 of the Premier League sitting just three points off the top, although leaders Manchester United - who play Middlesbrough on Saturday - hold a game in hand. Nevertheless, the fact they are in with a shout as the season approaches its climax is a mini-triumph in itself for the Scousers.

With no cup competitions to fall back on, it is make or break for Rafael Benitez and his men as they plump for their first piece of silverware since 2006. They must win every remaining game and hope that their arch nemeses from up the East Lancs Road stumble down the straight.

Thus, anything less than three points against Newcastle United will all but end the Reds' campaign. However, given what occurred when these two teams last met, the home side will feel fairly confident of doing the job on Sunday afternoon.

For it was at St. James' Park in their last fixture of 2008 that 'Pool announced themselves as title contenders with a 5-1 demolition of their hosts. Such a result this weekend is not only possible, but downright likely, given the Merseysiders' tally of 23 goals in their last seven league games.

After a scrappy 3-1 victory at Hull City last time out, the 18-time English champions will hope to return to their fluent, fearful best as they meet a team fighting for their life in the top flight.

Its panic stations at Newcastle. With four games left this term, they sit three points shy of the safety zone in 18th place. They have not won in the league since early February, when they downed West Bromwich Albion 3-2 at the Hawthorns.

Last Monday's home clash against Portsmouth marked a golden opportunity to make up some ground on their fellow strugglers. However, the Magpies could only manage a goalless draw, much to the frustration of the 40,000-odd fans in attendance.

The north east club have picked up just two points since Alan Shearer took over as interim boss at the start of April. It will take something of a miracle for them to add to that tally when they visit Anfield this weekend - especially when you take a gander at the stats sheet.

Not only do Newcastle come up against arguably the form side in England at the moment, but they do so having managed just two away wins this term. Furthermore, they have won just once at Liverpool in the Premier League era - 15 years ago - and they haven't scored a single goal there since Patrick Kluivert netted in a 3-1 defeat back in 2004.

So the odds are stacked firmly against Shearer and his Toon Army, whose plight is made all the more perilous by a series of absentees, most notably in their already frail rearguard.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 25 Hull City 1-3 Liverpool
Apr 21 Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal
Apr 14 Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool (Champions League)
Apr 11 Liverpool 4-0 Blackburn
Apr 08 Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea (Champions League)

Newcastle United

Apr 27 Newcastle 0-0 Portsmouth
Apr 19 Tottenham 1-0 Newcastle
Apr 11 Stoke City 1-1 Newcastle
Apr 04 Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea
Mar 21 Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

The big news for the Reds is that Steven Gerrard should start, having missed the last four games with a groin problem. Lucas Leiva is expected to make way for the captain, who will slot in behind Fernando Torres in attack.

Benitez faces something of a selection dilemma on the left flank. Yossi Benayoun's impressive form could see Albert Riera remain on the bench. Either Fabio Aurelio or the young Emiliano Insua could get the nod at left-back.

Probable XI: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua; Mascherano, Alonso; Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun; Torres

Newcastle United

As if it couldn't get any worse for the Magpies, injuries to Steven Taylor and Jose Enrique now leave them stretched wafer-thin in defence. Hence, Damien Duff could be forced to play as an auxiliary left-back, while the last centre-halves standing are Sebastien Bassong and Fabricio Coloccini.

On the bright side, midfield bad-boy Joey Barton could return to the starting XI. Mystery shrouds Kevin Nolan and Ryan Taylor, both of whom were completely overlooked for the Pompey game; it is unknown if they earn a reprieve.

Probable XI: Harper; Beye, Coloccini, Bassong, Duff; Butt, Barton, Guthrie; Owen, Viduka, Martins


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

When the Reds ran riot on Tyneside earlier in the season, it was Steven Gerrard who did the vast majority of the damage. The skipper has returned from injury just in time to dish out some more punishment to the Geordies as he goes in search of a maiden Premier League medal.

Newcastle United

All eyes will be on Michael Owen as he returns to play in front of the Kop once more, but the Reds' rearguard should also mind Mark Viduka. The Australian, recently returned from injury, was pivotal in Newcastle's survival run last term and will take some of the pressure off his beleaguered captain.

Liverpool Lose Fernando Torres For Newcastle Clash

According to the News of the World, Liverpool will be without their superstar striker, Fernando Torres, when they host Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

The tabloid's Anfield expert, Chris Bascombe, claims that the Spaniard has suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury that has troubled him throughout the campaign.

While the problem is only minor, it is understood that Reds boss Rafael Benitez has decided to wrap his compatriot in cotton wool ahead of the Toon's visit to Merseyside.

If proven true, this news will be a huge blow for the club, who may now have to wait another week to partner Torres and the returning Steven Gerrard in attack.

Liverpool need all three points against Newcastle if they are to keep in touch with Manchester United, who beat Middlesbrough on Saturday to skip six points ahead in the Premier League race.

Gerrard Happy He Stayed Put

Steven Gerrard insists he has no regrets about staying at Liverpool and turning down Chelsea.

In 2005 after asking for a move from his beloved Reds, Gerrard was all set to seal a move to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

But Gerrard later turned his back on Stamford Bridge and he has now helped turn Liverpool into genuine title contenders.

"The reason the whole Chelsea thing came up was down to frustration that we were so far away from the title race," Gerrard told the Daily Telegraph.

"That's why their interest maybe turned my head slightly. But I look back now and I'm really pleased I decided to stay because I am part of a top team here that can be successful.

"It would mean an awful lot more to be successful at Liverpool than it would at any other club.

"Don't get me wrong, I might have won more medals somewhere else but if I was to win the league here, along with a few more cups, that would mean a lot more than winning seven or eight trophies somewhere else. I can share it with my family, with the Liverpool supporters because I've been one of them all my life."

Gerrard admits the pressure of captaining his hometown club is sometimes hard to cope with.

"Yeah, every day I am captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world, where you are expected to win every single game," he continued.

"Sometimes that can get to you. Sometimes after a defeat, sitting on that bus, you feel as if you've got the world on your shoulders. Phone calls are coming in left, right and centre from family and friends who idolise Liverpool Football Club. If you haven't played well or feel slightly responsible for the result it can get on top of you.

"On the other hand, if you get on that bus and you've played well, scored a goal, maybe won a cup final and lifted a trophy above your head, then you're on top of the world. I've had those experiences playing in this team and I wouldn't change them for the world. The pressure is well worth it for moments like that."

Gerrard is confident Liverpool are very close to assembling a side to rival the best.

"People talk about the spine of this team and when you look at it - at people like Pepe Reina, Carra, Xabi and me - we've played together for about four years now," he added. "We know each other's games inside out. The manager, meanwhile, is trying to strengthen other areas of the side. We're very close to having a top team. Very close."

Despite being in the title run-in, Gerrard admits the Liverpool fan in him stops him wanting to see rivals United make the Champions League final.

"It's a difficult one because obviously I want them to be as busy as possible but I don't really want to be saying I want to see them in a European Cup Final," he concluded.

"But I think the next two league games are crucial for us, in maybe getting another chance, because Man U have tough league games either side of their second leg.

"They've got to play Middlesbrough Saturday lunchtime, which might mean Sir Alex Ferguson makes a few changes. And then, after the second leg at the Emirates, I think they've got the derby against City. If they can come through those two games then it's basically all over, but if they make any kind of slip up it does give us hope."

Liverpool Will Not Re-Sign Michael Owen

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly ruled out a return to Anfield for Michael Owen.

The Newcastle United striker is widely expected to leave St James' Park at the end of the season when his contract expires and he had been linked with a return to his former club.

However, Benitez, who happily brought Robbie Fowler back to the club, insisted he would not be offering the same opportunity to Owen.

"It's different for Michael than Robbie,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“He knew it was a fantastic opportunity for him to come back to Liverpool after being injured and not playing many games for City.

“It's different with Michael. He's still young, has years to play and is a top striker who wants to play every game.

“For now, I'm happy with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as our forward players.”

Benitez’s words are likely to disappoint Owen, who is struggling for form in a beleaguered Newcastle side.

The striker is without a goal since January and heads to Anfield today to take on his former club in a must-win game for the Magpies.

Yet, the latest reports suggest that manager Alan Shearer may decide to drop Owen for the clash and he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Agger - Deal Agreed

Liverpool star Daniel Agger has revealed that he has agreed his new contract at Anfield.

The Danish defender has been closely tracked by Italian club AC Milan, who over the past 12 months had looked like prising him away from Merseyside.

But Reds boss Rafa Benitez has stood firm over his desire to keep the impressive 24-year-old and he revealed earlier this week that a deal was close.

Now Agger has revealed that his contract has been agreed, although he is yet to put pen-to-paper.

"We are close to a new deal. We have agreed about a new contract," Agger told Ekstra Bladet.

"I don't want to talk about the new deal until it is finally signed."