Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Hull City

Three weeks into the season, some quarters of the press were on the verge of writing off Liverpool's title chances altogether. Losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa had highlighted what many deemed to be glaring weaknesses in Rafael Benitez's squad, with Xabi Alonso's absence singled out as the key missing ingredient.

Now, with five consecutive victories under their belts in all competitions, the Reds have hushed a few of their more vocal critics. Tuesday's League Cup win over Leeds United may not have been pretty – and the 1-0 scoreline hardly encouraging, on face value – but it sends the Mersey men into the weekend as confident as ever in their ability to deal with less-fancied opponents.

Even more than the result at Elland Road, the 4-0 home wins over Stoke City and Burnley underline a marked change from the Liverpool of previous seasons. Whereas frustrating draws were once the order of the day when facing the underdogs, now the Anfield giants have become that most dangerous of prospects: the flat-track bully. It is in just such a mode that Manchester United have claimed the last three Premier League crowns.

Hull City were among those teams that troubled 'Pool on their own patch last term, only a classic Steven Gerrard rescue job denying the Tigers all three points. The newly promoted side were flying at that point, threatening to snag the most unlikely of European places; but it is under different circumstances that they return to Merseyside.

Phil Brown is well and truly under the pump following the 4-0 league Cup defeat to Everton in midweek, forcing club chairman Paul Duffen to come out and throw his support behind a manager whose charges have won just two league games since the turn of the year. While a result this weekend is a tall order, fans are sure to scrutinise the overall performance closely.

Hull currently sit second from bottom with four points from six games, while Liverpool are third, six points behind leaders Chelsea.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Sep 22: Leeds United 0-1 Liverpool
Sep 19: West Ham United 2-3 Liverpool
Sep 16: Liverpool 1-0 Debrecen
Sep 12: Liverpool 1-0 Burnley
Aug 29: Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Liverpool

Hull City

Sep 23: Hull City 0-4 Everton
Sep 19: Hull City 0-1 Birmingham City
Sep 12: Sunderland 4-1 Hull City
Aug 29: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Hull City
Aug 22: Hull City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Martin Skrtel, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Lucas Leiva are all expected to return to the first XI, having been rested for the Leeds clash.

Fit-again Fabio Aurelio could usurp Emiliano Insua at left-back, although the versatile Brazilian featured – and impressed – in midfield against the Whites on his first start of the season.

Daniel Agger (back) and Alberto Aquilani (ankle) remain sidelined.

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Mascherano, Lucas, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres.

Hull City

George Boateng only lasted 45 minutes on his return from injury in midweek, and it remains to be seen whether the Dutch veteran will be included on Saturday.

The inexperienced trio of Liam Cooper, Tom Cairney and Nick Featherstone will hope to get another chance to shine, while Craig Fagan could return after a spell on the pine.

Ian Ashbee and Anthony Gardner are out with knee injuries, alongside Jimmy Bullard, who is reportedly around four weeks away from a return. Steven Mouyokolo has a hamstring problem.

Possible Starting XI: Myhill, Dawson, Sonko, Zayatte, McShane, Kilbane, Hunt, Olofinjana, Geovanni, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Ghilas.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Yossi Benayoun

The little Israeli tore Hull to shreds when he visited the KC Stadium towards the end of last season. Presently in career-best form, the jinking genius will no doubt be looking forward to the prospect of bamboozling a defence still at odds after the departure of Michael Turner to Sunderland.

Hull City - Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink

As imposing as his name is bizarre, new boy Vennegoor of Hesselink brings with him an impressive CV that boasts of success with PSV Eindhoven, Celtic and the Dutch national team. The tall targetman could pose problems for a defence that looked less than cohesive at West Ham last week.

Rafa's Reds Hitting The Target

Rafa Benitez says his side are playing the same system as last season but are scoring more goals.

Liverpool have seen plenty of goals go in at either end of the field as they have racked up 15 Premier League goals and conceded nine in just six games.

Benitez's side have battled to two 3-2 away wins against Bolton and West Ham respectively, sparking criticism of their defensive abilities.

Despite the defensive mishaps, Liverpool look sharp at the other end but Benitez insists nothing has changed except their shooting accuracy.

Benitez said: "It is similar to last season - we are creating more or less the same situations but now we are scoring more goals because the accuracy is better," said Benitez.

"It is true we score a lot of goals. It's funny because people were talking before about us needing to score more goals because we were good in defence.

"Now they are saying we are scoring goals but conceding goals - so we can never win.

"Maybe it is because we are more offensive - but it is not because we are changing the system."

New full-back Glen Johnson has added extra threat to the Red's attack but question marks remain about his defensive qualities, but Benitez insists his side is generally attack-minded.

"Glen Johnson likes to go forward all the time," he said. "Alvaro Arbeloa defended a bit better so he had more balance," Benitez said.

"Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are all going forward, maybe it is more than last year but they have confidence and are playing well.

"We have been trying to do the same things as last year - the difference is the players have more confidence going forward as we have more people comfortable with the ball.

"It is not because we are playing higher or changing the system."

Benitez also feels the players have grown in stature after running United close in the title race last season and will use the experience to spur them on to better feats.

"It was very important for us. We won a lot of games in a row at the end of the season because we had a lot of confidence and we wanted to be as close to them as possible," he explained.

"You can take it as a positive because we were so close.

"This season it has almost been a problem because from the first day people were expecting us to win and score five goals in every game.

"Now, despite not starting well, we are in a good position and everyone has more confidence to play better.

"We know the teams at the top of the table will not make too many mistakes so we have to keep winning games."

Emiliano Insua Is Eager To Keep Improving

It’s a sign of the progress Emiliano Insua has made that he was nowhere to be seen at Elland Road on Tuesday night.

Not long ago a Carling Cup tie represented the young defender’s best chance of a Liverpool first team appearance.

In fact when the Reds were unceremoniously dumped out of the competition at Tottenham last season Insua couldn’t even get in a largely second string starting line up.

With Fabio Aurelio then established as first choice, Rafa Benitez turned to Andrea Dossena and Insua spent much of the night kicking his heels on the bench.

However, times have changed dramatically for the 20-year-old Argentinean who has made the left-back slot his own so far this season.

Aurelio’s knee injury presented him with an opportunity and he has grabbed it with both hands.

Rock solid defensively and a threat going forward, he has consigned £7million Italian international Dossena to life among the substitutes.

Insua, along with Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas Leiva, was told to put his feet up in midweek.

It shows how far he has come that he’s now being left out of certain games and saved for bigger occasions.

Insua is expected to return to the backline for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Hull City at Anfield and he is desperate to maintain the high standards he has set this season.

“The chance to play regularly has been great for me,” he said.

“Fabio’s injury gave me an opportunity to play and I have done my best to make the most of it.

“There is a lot of competition for places here with Fabio coming back and Andrea as well.

“It is a big challenge for me and I am enjoying it. Every game I have to show the manager that I deserve to stay in the team.

“When there are players pushing for your place you have to play even better each time you are selected.

“The fact that Rafa has faith in me has given me a lot of confidence. Every day he is looking at my game and helping me develop.

“I have learned a lot from him but I know I still have a lot to prove.”

Insua was snapped up on an 18-month loan deal from Boca Juniors in January 2007.

His first team debut arrived against Portsmouth three months later and his switch to Merseyside was made permanent following Gabriel Paletta’s move in the opposite direction.

Insua spent most of the 2007/08 campaign helping the reserves win the league and was rewarded with a new three-year deal.

Last season he made his mark with 13 appearances. He broke into the first team just before Christmas but January’s Under-20 South American Championships in Venezuela meant he was missing for a month and he only got back in the side in the closing weeks of the campaign.

This time the 5ft 8ins full-back has been in from the start and believes he’s now better equipped to cope with the demands of the Premier League.

“The game is so much quicker here than in Argentina,” he said.

“It’s very different to what I had been used to and it took time for me to adjust.

“But I’ve got stronger in the past two years and I love the physical side of English football.”

In the modern game defending is only half a full-back’s job and Insua has shown an increasing talent for joining up with the Reds’ attacks.

It was his forward burst and pass which created the opening for Fernando Torres’ stunning strike at West Ham last Saturday.

“Of course the priority is to defend well but I know I also have to influence things in the attacking third too,” he said.

“As a full-back it’s your job to get forward and help provide width.

“Against West Ham I anticipated Fernando’s run and picked him out with the pass.

“The way he beat the defender was amazing and it was a special goal. Fernando proved what a very important player he is for us.

“Hopefully I can have a part to play in lots more goals like that.”

Tuesday’s Carling Cup victory at Leeds was the Reds’ fifth successive triumph in all competitions.

Spirits are high but Insua insists there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Torres’ heroics helped secure the 3-2 win at Upton Park but defensive errors meant the Reds were twice pegged back after taking the lead.

Insua is hoping to ensure Hull aren’t handed the same kind of gifts.

Last season Phil Brown’s side raced into a 2-0 lead at Anfield before the Reds rallied to claim a share of the spoils.

“It was a difficult game for us at West Ham,” Insua added.

“We started well and passed the ball with a good tempo in the first half.

“But we made some mistakes at the back which meant rather than going into the break in front it was 2-2.

“The manager told us to forget about the mistakes and start again at the start of the second half.

“He asked us to keep the ball a bit better and try to play a bit higher. We kept pushing and in the end we were thankful to get the third goal.

“To get a run of wins is good for our confidence but we know we can play better.

“We are still in the first two months of the season and we have got a long way to go.”

Liverpool Can Beat Anyone At Anfield, Says Dirk Kuyt

Liverpool FC striker Dirk Kuyt says the Reds can make Anfield a more profitable venue in terms of Premier League points having struggled to break down teams at home last season.

Seven draws against the likes of Stoke, Fulham, West Ham and Hull ultimately cost Rafa Benitez’s side what would have been a first title in 20 years as they finished second, four points behind Manchester United.

Although Liverpool FC have already lost to Aston Villa at Anfield this campaign - their first home league defeat since December 2007 - they also swept aside both Stoke and Burnley 4-0.

And Kuyt feels that shows they have learned important lessons about playing against sides who arrive on Merseyside looking to frustrate.

"Apart from the Villa match, I think we have shown that we can beat any side at Anfield this season," said the Holland international.

"We had difficulties last season with all the draws but now we are able to score goals in the first half.

"It’s really important to score as early as possible because then it will be more difficult for them and easier for us.

"We know the Barclays Premier League is one of the hardest leagues in the world and every team is good with some fine players."

Hull return to Anfield on Saturday nine months after they shocked their hosts in taking a 2-0 lead inside 22 minutes before they were pegged back by two goals from Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard.

At the time the Tigers were enjoying a dream start to their maiden Premier League season but this time around their fortunes have changed dramatically, taking just four points from six matches.

Liverpool FC, by contrast have won three successive league matches and are on a five-game winning streak.

"I believe Hull are a good team as well but we have to look at our own strengths and we must believe we can beat them," added Kuyt.

"We must focus on ourselves and respect the opponent.

"We didn’t start that well and have already lost twice. But we have now started to win a couple of games in a row and we want to keep that going, beginning with Hull."

Benitez Backing Carragher

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has jumped to the defence of under-fire Reds defender Jamie Carragher.

Carragher's form so far has come in for scrutiny after some below-par performances from Liverpool's defensive linchpin.

Liverpool have conceded nine goals in six Premier League matches and Carragher came in for criticism following last weekend's showing against West Ham.

Benitez insists he is happy with Carragher's form and stressed it was the whole side's responsibility to improve their defending.

"We have conceded some goals and he has made some mistakes but Carra is okay," said Benitez.

"It is a question of the team defending better, not just one or two players."

Liverpool face Hull City at Anfield on Saturday and Benitez is refusing to under-estimate the visitors despite their poor start to the campaign.

Hull earned a 2-2 draw at Liverpool last season, taking a two-goal lead before The Reds pegged them back and Benitez is not taking anything for granted against Phil Brown's struggling Tigers.

"We have to respect Hull because they were really good last year," added Benitez.

"The comeback against them last year showed our character but we cannot make mistakes at the beginning of the game."

Aquilani Begins Running

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hopes summer signing Alberto Aquilani's return from injury may 'go a bit faster' now the Italian has started running in his rehabilitation.

The former Roma player arrived at Anfield in August after Benitez paid £20million for a player viewed as an ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid.

However, Aquilani, who has a reputation for being susceptible to injury, has yet to play this season as he was signed when recovering from an ankle operation.

Benitez, though, has confirmed that the Italy international has stepped up his rehabilitation by beginning running at the Reds' Melwood training ground.

The Liverpool boss has now hinted Aquilani could return ahead of schedule, telling the club's official website: "He's going forward, progressing and he started running. If that goes okay then everything will go a bit faster.

But Benitez has not set a timescale for Aquilani's comeback, despite reports that the midfielder could be ready to face Sunderland in mid-October.

"We have not set a target or any time, but he's doing well," said the Spaniard.

Liverpool Owner To Meet Gulf Royals To Discuss Joint Program

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett plans to meet with members of a Gulf royal family to discuss developing soccer academies in the Middle East and North Africa.

Gillett, a part-owner of Nascar’s Richard Petty Motorsports, told Bloomberg News that the sides will also talk at Saturday’s Premier League match with Hull about building Nascar-style race tracks in the Middle East.

“We are constantly looking for ways to expand our presence throughout the world and this is one step we are considering,” Gillett said in a telephone interview.

Gillett and his partner Tom Hicks are looking to raise funds to restart work on a new stadium for the 18-time English league champion and reduce debt of 240 million pounds ($386 million) with Royal Bank of Scotland Plc and Wachovia Corp. It’s unclear if a future equity investment will be discussed with the Mideast group.

Earlier this week, Bloomberg News revealed details of a March 2009 document prepared by the club’s bankers Rothschild and Merrill Lynch that proposed raising 100 million pounds, through an equity sale and new loans, to pay down existing debts. In July, the owners used 50 million pounds of their own money to refinance the debt.

The document also revealed a number of revenue-boosting plans, which included converting 1,000 regular seats into corporate seating and a push to build branded academies overseas. Some of the best young players from the foreign training centers will be invited to practice at Liverpool’s main development facility.

Benitez Facing Struggle To Keep Pace As £20m Transfer Limit Revealed

Rafael Benitez’s struggle to keep pace with the Premier League elite is revealed in documents which suggest Liverpool's net summer spending will be locked at £20m until 2014 -- a figure which will also include wage increases accruing from contract renewals.

The figures, which suggest the manager must continue to sell before he can buy, are contained in a prospectus published in March by investment banks Rothschild and Merrill Lynch to attract potential investors.

The prospectus, which provides a sense of how desperately Liverpool's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett need new finance, reveals the Americans were considering increasing the average ticket price by 8pc to help ease the club's debt problems. They were also seeking to raise £100m from investors and loans as pressure built to refinance a debt of £290m.

Gillett and Hicks paid £50m four months later, in July, to get a year's extension to the debt facility they have used to purchase and run the club since their takeover in February 2007.

This season they have secured a new £20m-a-year sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered Bank, a major improvement on the previous £14.6m Carlsberg deal and hope to retain a role for Carlsberg, the club revealed yesterday.

Yet the underlying lack of finance for Benitez remains a problem. It might not be as dire a position for the club as suggested by the banner unveiled by Liverpool fans before the Carling Cup tie with Leeds at Elland Road on Tuesday -- "We are the new Leeds" it read -- but Benitez is clearly limited in his options in the transfer market.

The section of the Rothschild/Merrill Lynch document relating to "player transfer payments" states: "Management believes that the normalised long-run level of new net player capital expenditure is £20m." The accompanying data suggests "long-run" means the next five years. This figure "will grow together with increases in media broadcasting revenues," the bankers promise.

Though revenues from British broadcasters are expected to drop, overseas rights should grow before 2014. This summer, the £30m sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid helped offset the outlay on Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani.

The need to generate cash to finance future purchases next summer may make it more difficult to resist selling Javier Mascherano.

The Argentinian, who was yesterday cleared by the FA over the incident in which he appeared to swing a forearm at Leeds' Jermaine Beckford at Elland Road on Tuesday night, has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona.

Liverpool FC Fans Put Off Sponsors, Says Managing Director

Despite Liverpool concluding a world record shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered earlier this month - a partnership the bank put down to the club's huge global fan-base - managing director Christian Purslow has warned that those same fans could put off other sponsors.

There has been great discontent at Anfield over the club's management by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, which has manifested itself in a number of fan protests. However, Purslow has called on the fans to cease those protests, warning them that their actions harm the club's commercial development, and have made it more difficult to conclude deals.

"Specific protest action at games made the financial and commercial part of the development of LFC more difficult as it can put off potential sponsors and business partners if they think there will be hassle," said Purslow in a meeting with the Spirit of Shankly (SOS) group.

Meanwhile, the club has again stated its desire for outgoing shirt sponsor Carlsberg to remain a club partner. "We see lots of opportunities for Carlsberg to continue with us - as do they," said Liverpool commercial director Ian Ayre. "Fans think of it as part of our family."

Kuyt: Johnson One Of The Best

Striker Dirk Kuyt believes summer signing Glen Johnson has provided Liverpool with a different emphasis this season.

The England defender, who moved from Portsmouth in the summer, has probably been the Merseysiders' best player so far, scoring twice and providing a much-needed cutting edge from right-back.

Johnson, 25, may yet have to win over critics who are skeptical about his defensive strengths but there are no doubts over his ability as an attacking force.

"I think Glen has done really well," said Kuyt.

"He was a big signing for us but he has shown straight from the start that he is very important - both defensively and in attack.

"He has scored some very good goals and provided some assists. He is probably one of the best players in the team so far this season.

"He is still young and I think he will only get better and better."

Kuyt's fellow striker David Ngog is prepared to play a waiting game as he tries to force his way into the starting line-up.

Tuesday's Carling Cup match-winner at Leeds accepts he is behind Fernando Torres, Kuyt and probably even Andriy Voronin in the Anfield centre-forward pecking order.

However, he hopes scoring the only goal at Elland Road will have given manager Rafael Benitez another glimpse of his talents.

"I think I played okay. The intensity of the game made it difficult and I was very happy to score," said the 20-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2008. "When you are a striker, scoring is always the best thing. That is our job and what we work for.

"Of course I know that I'm not going to play every game so when the coach gives me a chance, I want to do my best for the team and try to score.

"I know I have to be patient and all I can do is when I get a chance, try to take it and show the manager what I can do.

"I hope I have done that and shown the manager my qualities and that I can be another possibility in attack."

No FA Rap For Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has escaped disciplinary action following his clash with Jermain Beckford at Elland Road on Tuesday night.

The Liverpool midfielder appeared to strike his Leeds opponent with his arm as they tangled during the Carling Cup third round tie, which the Reds won 1-0.

However, the contact has been deemed accidental and Mascherano will not face a ban for the incident.

Referee Alan Whiley claimed that he didn’t see the altercation but on viewing a replay decided he would not have penalised the Argentinian for his part in the incident.

Had it been viewed as a red card offence, Mascherano could have been hit with a three-match ban but is now free to face Hull City at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.

An FA spokesman said: “No further action will be taken against Javier Mascherano.”

Liverpool have also been handed a disciplinary boost by UEFA, who have banned Fiorentina’s Alberto Gilardino for two Champions League games.

It will rule the World Cup-winning striker out of the group game with Liverpool on Wednesday.

Gilardinho was sent off during the Viola’s opening game at Lyon, where they lost 1-0.

A statement on the Fiorentina’s website said: “UEFA’s disciplinary commission has given Alberto Gilardino a two-match suspension after his sending off against Lyon.

The player will be able to play on November 4 at the Artemio Franchi against Debrecen.”

Marking Needs To Change - Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender and BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson says the Reds need to choose a defensive system which suits their players and the rigours of Premier League football.

Liverpool have often been criticised for employing a zonal making system when defending set-pieces and Lawrenson believes it is now time manager Rafa Benitez used a hybrid way of defending.

The former Republic of Ireland international, who made 332 appearances in his time in Liverpool, says a hybrid system is not too dissimilar to how the Reds defended when he graced the Anfield turf.

"You need a system which is a hybrid and means you have certain players in certain positions," Lawrenson told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I remember in my day, Ronnie Whelan would mark the middle of the six-yard box and never pick anybody up - that was his job. Then we'd have two people on the post and the rest of us just picked our men up.

"Basically in many ways its fool-proof. If you mark your man and you stop him from getting the ball or you make it difficult for him, if you all do that job, it's very difficult for teams to score against you.

"Whereas nowadays, with the zonal thing, somebody just gets half a yard on the marker, and because of the way the balls are delivered into the box now, it's good night. It's a goal again.

"I do think it's a hybrid thing. If you're [Martin] Skrtel, [Daniel] Agger and [Jamie] Carragher, you mark their best headers of the ball and you make sure they don't get onto the ball. So I don't really get it.

"It's just a mixture of man marking and zonal and I think it can be done."

Despite having suffered two league defeats this season by Tottenham and Aston Villa, Lawrenson believes his former side can still challenge for the Premier League title.

"I think the top four teams Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United - it may well be a season were you can afford to lose a couple more games," he continued. "I think that's the way it started, Chelsea apart.

"I think it looks like we're a little taken a back by Xabi Alonso leaving [to Real Madrid] and we started a bit sluggishly. But the results since have been very good."

Mystery Of The Ditched Rotation Policy At Liverpool

It was late Saturday night, and the two guys at the bar, who had enjoyed more than one or two scoops to celebrate Fernando Torres’s return to form, were creating their own version of a famous Two Ronnies sketch.

“Whatever happened to...” said one. “Baby Jane?” replied the other.

“No, no, whatever happened to...” the first bloke tried again, this time to be met by “the Likely Lads?”

“No, no”, he persisted,” whatever happened to”...”The Heroes?” came a last desperate reply.

“No, no” the first guy cried in exasperation, “Rotation! Rotation! Whatever happened to rotation?”

A fair question indeed. Just when exactly did Rafa Benitez metamorphose into Bill Shankly?

“Same as last season”, Shankly used to reply when asked to name his team for any particular game.

Before Tuesday night’s match, just 15 players had started for Rafa in the seven competitive games to date, and three of those had played just one game each, meaning that just 12 have borne the burden of these early season fixtures (I knew that Maths ‘O’ Level would show its worth one day).

This compares to 17 in the same period last season; and 19 and 17 in the first seven league games of the two previous seasons. So has Rafa had an epiphany, the ghost of Mark Lawrenson’s moustache appearing to him in chains, moaning “you should always play your best side”?

Or are there other dark forces at work, such as those that bend time at Old Trafford, so that otherwise fastidious referees become befuddled when looking at their own watches?

The answer, I suspect, is that he has been blown off course by, as Harold MacMillan put it, “events, dear boy, events”.

The loss of Alonso and the injuries to Aurelio, Aquilani and Agger (watch out Babel and Benayoun) have reduced the numbers at his disposal certainly, shrinking the pool of talent available.

This pool is of course shrunk even further by the evaporation known as Voronin, Degen and Dossena, whose status as fringe players must surely owe more to their haircuts than any aspiration to first team standing.

But the real reason why Rafa has chosen to ignore one of his most devout canons, the rotation of players to preserve their energy for later in the season, is the seismic ramifications of those two early defeats, immediately plunging us six points adrift of the Chelsea arrivistes.

For despite the obvious clichés of it being a long season, plenty of points to play for etc., any further deficit incurred before we travel to Stamford Bridge a week on Sunday would put us at risk of being 10-12 points behind should our dire record at the Home of No History prior to last season return to haunt us.

Putting on a brave face in this situation would require the combined acting skills of John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson, aided by the entire staff of the BBC Make-up Department.

So while there may appear to be plenty of time available for us to claw our way back to the top, the reality is that Rafa has been unable to take the risks inherent in rotation, and has sensibly opted to delay any radical changes until the situation improves.

Our aim now must surely be to stay in contention until Christmas at the earliest, and reappraise the position then.

Anything less and it might not be just Goodnight from him, but quite possibly Goodnight from him.

Jamie Carragher Predicts Cool Anfield Reception For Man Utd’s Michael Owen

Jamie Carragher has told Michael Owen to expect a frosty reception when he returns to Anfield next month.

And the Liverpool defender admits he was taken aback by his former team-mate’s move to Manchester United in the summer.

Owen made the shock switch to Old Trafford after declining the opportunity to renew his contract with relegated Newcastle United.

There is no love lost between the two bitter North West rivals, with Owen the first player in recent memory to have played for United having earlier appeared regularly in Liverpool’s first team.

And Carragher said: “It was a bit of a surprise. Not because I had any doubts about Michael’s ability but it was just so out of the blue and it happened so quickly.

“One minute you are wondering where he will end up and the next he is at Old Trafford.”

United visit Anfield for the first time since Owen’s arrival when the two teams clash on October 25.

And Carragher believes the home support will make clear their displeasure at the striker’s perceived betrayal – despite expecting his former colleague to shrug off any abuse.

“Our fans are usually brilliant with former players but he might get a cool reception,” said Carragher. “That won’t bother him though.

“I can understand the fans point of view, he used to play for us and now he is at our big rivals so of course there will be some reaction. That’s football and Michael will know that.

“At the same time, Michael has got his own career to think about. He wants to play Champions League football and get back into the World Cup squad.

“The move gives him that opportunity. It will upset some fans but that’s football. He is a mate of mine so I suppose I have to wish him well but only to a certain extent.”

Agent: Lavezzi Happy At Napoli

Ezequiel Lavezzi's agent has insisted the striker is happy at Napoli after being linked with a move away from the club over the summer.

The Argentine claimed during the transfer window that Liverpool had lodged a bid for his services, although Rafa Benitez never confirmed his interest.

Napoli warned Lavezzi over his conduct and his relationship with manager Roberto Donadoni quickly improved.

There have nevertheless been suggestions that the striker could seek a winter departure from Napoli due to their lack of involvement in European competition.

However, Lavezzi's representative Alejandro Mazzoni maintains that the 24-year-old will not be going anywhere.

"Lavezzi doesn't have any problem with staying at Napoli because he is part of the project of the team and not playing in the Europa League will not be a problem.

"Ezequiel is OK. He got very well prepared in Austria and I think he will have a very good season together with his team."

Mazzoni admits Lavezzi is happy to be playing in his preferred centre-forward position under Donadoni.

"When he plays more as a striker he is more important so that's the place in which he should be," said Mazzoni.

"Between Lavezzi and Roberto Donadoni there is a good relationship because he asks him to play more as a striker."

Match Report: Leeds United 0 -1 Liverpool

David Ngog struck the only goal as a much-changed Liverpool side sneaked past a fired-up Leeds in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.

The Premier League giants were outplayed by the League One leaders for much of the third-round tie but Ngog netted against the run of play after 65 minutes.

Leeds spurned a number of chances as Elland Road enjoyed a big-game atmosphere once again, but a lack of composure in front of goal cost them.

Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford endured a particularly frustrating night as he missed several good chances and had a goal in the first half disallowed.

It was Liverpool's first visit to Leeds since their hosts were relegated from the top flight in 2004 but the atmosphere generated by the 38,168 crowd rekindled memories of a once intense rivalry.

Leeds, looking upwards again after an unbeaten start to the season, played like they had a point to prove against a Liverpool side showing nine changes.

Jamie Carragher, who took over the captaincy, and Javier Mascherano were the only survivors from the Reds side which won at West Ham last weekend.

Manager Rafael Benitez, however, had big guns Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson on the bench in case not all went according to plan.

It seemed a sensible insurance policy as for large parts Leeds, with Robert Snodgrass a constant danger on the right, exploited the unfamiliarity in the Liverpool ranks.

There was a huge roar inside the opening minutes when Beckford went down in the area but referee Alan Wiley gave nothing.

Leeds were keen to attack and gave warning when Snodgrass broke free, although his cross was easily claimed by Liverpool keeper Diego Cavalieri.

Ngog, starting up front alone, then got into the game with a couple of breaks but saw a long-range shot after a neat turn blocked.

Leeds then missed a glorious chance to take the lead when Snodgrass delivered a perfect cross but Michael Doyle headed wide from about eight yards.

The Yorkshire side had the ball in the net after 11 minutes when Beckford turned in Michalik's goalbound header from close range but Wiley ruled the striker offside.

Luciano Becchio also tried his luck for Leeds but curled wide from 20 yards.

Ryan Babel, hoping to stake a claim for a regular place, created Liverpool's first serious chance after a run from deep but Shane Higgs dealt comfortably with his tame shot.

Snodgrass caused further alarm in the Liverpool defence with another deep cross from a clever Beckford flick but Cavalieri just did enough to frustrate Becchio.

Albert Riera should have given Liverpool the lead, against the run of play, on the stroke of half-time after meeting a Fabio Aurelio free-kick but Higgs saved his firm header.

The outstanding Snodgrass weaved his way into the Liverpool box soon after the restart but the visitors eventually managed to crowd him out.

Leeds continued to look the most likely side but Liverpool youngster Jay Spearing got a shooting chance from a Riera lay-off, only to fire well over.

Beckford then raced on to a long bouncing ball but scuffed his shot when any firm contact might have beaten Cavalieri.

The Leeds striker had another gilt-edged opportunity when Bradley Johnson crossed from the byline after 63 minutes but, after turning brilliantly, he sent his shot over.

Leeds paid the price as Liverpool went ahead two minutes later.

Mascherano mis-hit a shot from the edge of the area but Ngog reacted quickly and seized on the ball to tuck past Higgs.

Leeds tried to respond as Johnson controlled a Michalik long ball outside the area but shot straight at Cavalieri.

Liverpool brought on Johnson and Gerrard in an attempt to see out the game but Leeds continued to push.

Johnson needed to intervene to head back to Cavalieri as Liverpool struggled to clear another Leeds attack.

Liverpool did break out again with Babel winning a free-kick on the edge of the area but Aurelio's shot was deflected wide.

Gerrard almost made doubly sure of victory as time ran down but fired into the side-netting and then straight at Cavalieri after powerful runs.

Benitez Heaps Praises On Whites

Leeds turned the clock back to the start of the decade as they gave Liverpool a stern examination in third round Carling Cup action last night.

A second-half goal from French striker David Ngog eventually settled the third-round tie in the Barclays Premier League side's favour but it was the fallen Yorkshire giants who took most of the plaudits.

"The atmosphere was fantastic, Leeds were really good," admitted Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

"They are good team with good players and they worked really hard."

The League One leaders, roared on by the majority of a raucous 38,168 crowd, dominated large parts of game and spurned a number of good opportunities.

Striker Jermaine Beckford endured a particularly frustrating night with several clear-cut chances wasted and a goal disallowed.

It was Liverpool's first visit to Elland Road since Leeds were relegated from the top flight in 2004 but the passion of the occasion rekindled memories of a once intense rivalry.

Benitez Backing For Ngog

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes David Ngog has a big role to play for the side this season.

Ngog helped Liverpool reach the fourth round of the Carling Cup with the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Leeds on Tuesday night.

The Frenchman has found first-team chances limited at Anfield with most of his appearances coming off the bench.

Benitez feels Ngog, who joined Liverpool from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2008, is making steady progress at Anfield and he believes he has the quality to be a success on Merseyside.

"He is a young player, but he has quality," said Benitez. "That is something we knew. He showed character.

"He was trying to keep the ball and get into positions. He was really tired at the end but he did a fantastic job.

"He knows the Premier League is very difficult but here he showed he can do it.

"Cup competitions are always very difficult. You have to win, everyone is working so hard.

"He is still a young player, he has quality."

Spearing Revels In Reds Start

Liverpool starlet Jay Spearing has hailed his first start for the club against Leeds as a 'special night'.

Highly-rated midfielder Spearing played the full 90 minutes of Liverpool's Carling Cup victory over Leeds at Elland Road.

Spearing impressed against Leeds and he is hoping to earn a regular run in Rafa Benitez's plans.

"It was a very special night for me to make my first start for the club," Spearing told the Liverpool Echo.

"To play the full 90 minutes was fantastic and we had to work hard for the win.

"The atmosphere was unbelievable and it was a great cup tie to play in.

"When I was warming up it was more excitement than nerves to be honest.

"We trained in the formation we used on the night on Monday so I thought I might have a chance of starting, and then when we got to the hotel the boss told me I was playing.

"It has been a long time coming waiting for my first start but I've had to keep grafting hard and wait for my chance. I knew it was going to come soon and thankfully we got the result we needed.

"I thought we battled well and it was a team effort. We wanted to get through so we can play more games in this competition.

"I felt I did alright and hopefully I've proved to the boss and the supporters that I can do it for the first team.

"I worked hard and just tried to show the manager what I'm capable of. Hopefully I will get another chance but I have just got to keep working hard and then take the chance when it comes."

Liverpool's Mascherano Could Face Three-Game Ban For Jermaine Beckford Clash

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano could face an FA charge of violent conduct, after appearing to catch Leeds United's Jermaine Beckford on the back of the head with his elbow at Elland Road last night.

The Reds made hard work of beating the League One outfit 1-0 in the League Cup third round tie, thanks to a David Ngog strike, but Mascherano could be in trouble after Beckford appeared to pull him back at a throw in. The Argentine swivelled and his arm seemed to strike Beckford's head.

The striker tumbled to the ground clutching his head, but referee Alan Wiley took no action and the game continued. It was unclear whether Wiley had seen the incident or not.

Should Wiley report to the FA that he saw the incident then no further action can be taken. However, should Wiley's report state that he didn't see it, then video evidence can be used to review what happened.

That could leave Mascherano looking at a charge of violent conduct and a likely three-game ban.

His manager, Rafa Benitez, claimed that too much was being made of the incident, saying, according to The Guardian: "I think it is just nothing."

Leeds boss Simon Grayson saw things a little differently, and felt that the Liverpool midfielder might well be in trouble. He said: "Mascherano's turned and put his arm up; it went a bit too high. I've looked at replays. I'm not saying it's malicious and I'm not saying it's not, you can't really tell. Some players have been sent off for that, some haven't, sometimes these things go your way, sometimes they don't."