Match Preview: Sunderland vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool have endured a tense start to the 2009-10 Premier League season, losing three of their eight games so far - not to mention their Champions League defeat at the hands of Fiorentina.

The Reds lost just twice in the league last term as they pushed Manchester United right until the final weeks, but their tame 2-0 reverse at Chelsea a fortnight ago has left pundits and punters alike wondering aloud whether the men from Merseyside can match it with their Big Four rivals.

Now, with an international break full of worry and contemplation behind him, Rafael Benitez leads his troops to Sunderland hoping to blast away the critics - but that could be easier said than done, especially given the news surrounding his captain and his star striker.

For so long the quintessential 'yo-yo' club, Steve Bruce's crew look like they may have finally got the hang of this top-flight business. The Black Cats sit eighth in the standings, just two points and as many places behind their visitors this weekend.

Thus, a win for the hosts would see them leapfrog the Reds in the standings - and they won't be short on confidence, as they were desperately unlucky not to claim all three points at Manchester United last time out.

However, the two teams' prior meetings places the advantage firmly with Liverpool, who have won the last six encounters and haven't conceded against the Mackems since 2002.


FORM GUIDE

Sunderland

Oct 3 Manchester United 2-2 Sunderland (Premier League)
Sep 27 Sunderland 5-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League)
Sep 22 Sunderland 2-0 Birmingham City (League Cup)
Sep 19 Burnley 3-1 Sunderland (Premier League)
Sep 12 Sunderland 4-1 Hull City (Premier League)

Liverpool

Oct 4 Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Sep 29 Fiorentina 2-0 Liverpool (Champions League)
Sep 26 Liverpool 6-1 Hull City (Premier League)
Sep 22 Leeds United 0-1 Liverpool (League Cup)
Sep 19 West Ham United 2-3 Liverpool (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Sunderland

The big news for the Black Cats is the acquisition of Boudewjin Zenden on a free transfer. With George McCartney (foot) in doubt, Kieran Richardson suspended and Paolo da Silva returning late from international duty, the Dutchman could line up at left-back against his former club - assuming his move is cleared in time.

There is also concern over the fitness of Kenwyne Jones, whose commitments with Trinidad & Tobago mean he won't land on Wearside until Friday afternoon. Should the striker not feature, Fraizer Campbell will step in.

Possible Starting XI: Gordon, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Turner, McCartney, Malbranque, Cattermole, Cana, Reid, Jones, Bent.

Liverpool

Superstar duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both limped out of the international break with groin injuries. Both have undergone treatment and are in serious danger of missing the trip to Wearside.

Gerrard's absence could prove particularly troublesome, as midfielders Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano - along with Emiliano Insua - could be short on fitness upon their return from South America.

The news only gets worse for Benitez, with centre-back Sotiris Kyrgiakos facing at least five weeks out after damaging his knee in Greece's clash with Luxembourg. Daniel Agger, however, is ready to make his long-awaited return in defence, while Dirk Kuyt is reported to have shrugged off the ankle injury sustained in Australia.

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Benayoun, Lucas, Mascherano, Riera, Babel, Kuyt.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sunderland - Darren Bent

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker was in blinding form prior to the international break, his strike at Old Trafford taking his season's tally to seven goals. He'll be fresh too, having somehow failed to worm his way into Fabio Capello's England squad.

Liverpool - Yossi Benayoun

With the prospect of both Torres and Gerrard sitting on the sidelines this Saturday, Yossi will become the Reds' go-to guy. The Israeli is one of those players who can make top-flight defenders look like Sunday League hacks, so the Black Cats' back line had better pay attention.

Benitez: Reds Have Depth

Rafael Benitez insists Liverpool possess the quality which means they can cope without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

But privately the Reds boss is fuming that his star men have returned from international duty with injuries.

The Spanish manager has had to revise his plans for the match at Sunderland on Saturday, with the unavailability of Gerrard and Torres coming at a bad time as Liverpool try to re-ignite their season.

Defeat at Chelsea in their last outing was a third of the season in the Barclays Premier League for Liverpool, and Sunderland will be determined to cause more misery for their visitors at the Stadium of Light.

Benitez will not go public with any criticism, but there is little doubt he feels the pressures of international football, with the World Cup finals only eight months away, are telling.

Benitez said: "I cannot change the situation, so I just prefer to concentrate on the players I do have and to prepare for the matches.

"What we do not have is control in such a situation. It does not matter whether teams have qualified or not, they will still insists that their players are released.

"The World Cup is coming, so we must wait and hope they all return. There is still one more international date next month so the same thing will happen again."

Liverpool have discovered with their own scan that Gerrard's groin injury is worse than England realised. Torres has a similar problem.

Benitez hopes the pair will have recovered to face Lyon at home in the Champions League on Tuesday, but clearly that is also in doubt.

The Reds manager said: "Both are not ready yet, but hopefully (they will be available) for the next game against Lyon. The physios are working very hard on them.

"We have quality in the squad and we will have to manage with different players and a different style.

"It is always difficult to keep all of your players fit in international breaks, but there is nothing we can do about the situation, we have to cope with the outcomes.

"I would prefer to see internationals played on a Tuesday to give players the chance to get back for the next Saturday, or if it is a double-header the games should be on Wednesday first with the second game on the Saturday. That gives everyone more chance."

Dirk Kuyt, recovered from an ankle injury he sustained on international duty with Holland in Australia, will probably lead the attack in Torres' absence, with compatriot Ryan Babel and Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin also in line for roles in the side.

Benitez believes Liverpool can handle the problem, saying: "We can win without them [Gerrard and Torres].

"We have good players in the squad who can come in, but we must show spirit and character now to overcome the problem.

"There are players who have been training well and waiting for their opportunity. Well now it has come and they can take their chance."

Less than 24 hours before the Sunderland match, Benitez was still waiting for South American trio Javier Mascherano, Lucas and Emiliano Insua to return from their internationals.

But with Argentina now confirmed as qualifiers for the finals, Benitez hopes that Mascherano's club performances will improve.

He said: "I feel that it will be good for Javier Mascherano now to know the Argentina have qualified. It is always difficult when you struggle and the whole country is watching, but now he can concentrate on Liverpool.

"Javier was under pressure as captain, and with Diego Maradona saying Argentina were Javier and 10 others.

"For the players who have now qualified, it is a weight off their minds."

Benitez also believes under-fire defender Jamie Carragher will also prove his critics wrong after a worrying start to the season.

Benitez said: "Jamie Carragher is fit; it is not a question of his physical condition, people talk about his age or his 'legs' but it is not a question of that.

"It is a question of confidence. When you make a mistake and the team is not doing well in defence then the centre-backs and the 'keeper suffer more than the others.

"I am sure that now with more competition in this position, with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel too, it will be better for the team.

"He has character and thrives on pressure, so the only way to change things is to be on the pitch and prove that you are the right man for the job."

Liverpool Without Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres At Sunderland

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have both been ruled out of Liverpool's trip to Sunderland on Saturday because of injuries picked up on international duty.

Gerrard, Liverpool's captain, suffered a groin injury in England's World Cup defeat to Ukraine last weekend and limped out of training two days later, subsequently missing the home win against Belarus.

Torres also suffered a groin injury, with Spain, and was an unused substitute for their final group match on Wednesday.

Both players have been unable to train with the Anfield club since returning from international duty, and neither will be involved at the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool's manager, Rafael Benítez, now faces the prospect of having to field those players who were involved in international matches in South America, something he has been loath to do in the past.

Javier Mascherano, Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua played in Argentina and Brazil's World Cup qualifying matches, and with Benítez short of midfield options, the three players are now expected to travel to Sunderland for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light.

Benítez was more enthusiastic about Dirk Kuyt's chances of starting. Kuyt had picked up a knock in action for Holland. "He was training normally with the team and will be available," he said.

Dirk Kuyt Fit To Play In Liverpool FC's Clash At Sunderland

Dirk Kuyt has given Liverpool’s preparations for Saturday’s trip to Sunderland a much-needed lift by declaring himself fit for duty.

The Holland international picked up an ankle injury during his country’s trip to Australia last weekend and exacerbated the problem during the 0-0 draw in Sydney.

However, Kuyt has responded to treatment since returning to Melwood on Tuesday and he should keep his place in the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light.

That will come as a relief to boss Rafa Benitez, who has concerns over the fitness of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and who yesterday lost Sotirios Kyrgiakos for between four and six months.

Neither Gerrard – who had a scan on an adductor problem on Wednesday – or Torres trained at Melwood yesterday after returning from international duty but both will be given every chance to prove their wellbeing.

Similar sentiments apply to Argentine pair Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua, as well as Brazilian midfielder Lucas, who were not expected back at Melwood from South America until Friday afternoon.

The news, though, is not looking good for Kyrgiakos, who suffered a suspected rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament during Greece’s 2-1 win over Luxembourg in Athens on Wednesday night.

Kyrgiakos was examined by Liverpool’s medical staff at Melwood last night after arriving back from Greece but if scans realise the worst fears of both player and club, he could be out until March at the earliest.

That will leave Benitez short of experienced cover at the back but Andreas Dossena is determined to give his manager something to think about by forcing his way back into the fray.

The Italian defender has struggled to show his true form since arriving on Merseyside and was linked with a move away during the summer but he is adamant that he wants to stay and fight for his place.

“I want to play, but what is important for me is to work hard every day and be ready for when the boss calls on me,” he said. “It’s difficult, but I am a professional. I am a football player and sometimes you have to sit on the bench. That is part of my job.

“I want to work hard and keep a good mentality, which is important for all players, even those that play every game. You have to work hard and be ready.

“I have never said that I want to leave. I want to play, like every single other player, but I like it here and I like playing for Liverpool Football Club. The life here is perfect for me, the football is fantastic and I want to win something with Liverpool.”

Fabio Aurelio Recalls Famous Game That Changed The Fortunes Of Rafael Benitez And Valencia FC

There is a glint in Fabio Aurelio’s eye as he recalls the game that could have finished a reign but ended up sparking a dream.

While Istanbul and Cardiff are the places that Liverpudlians will forever associate with stirring comebacks masterminded by Rafa Benitez, Aurelio’s own memory of winning against the odds came in a small corner of Barcelona.

Back in December 2001, Aurelio – then of Valencia – remembers Benitez being under intense pressure, as Los Che had slipped off the pace in the race for La Liga after a stuttering start to the campaign.

Legend has it that Benitez would have been sacked had his team lost a crucial game against Espanyol and when his side trailed by two goals at half-time, it was claimed that Valencia’s press officer was called to start drafting the manager’s departure statement.

Then, though, the situation was turned on its head; a double blast from Francisco Rufete and another from Adrian Ilie, completed a turnaround to give Valencia an irresistible impetus that ultimately propelled them to their first La Liga title in 31 years.

Fast forward to the present day and Aurelio again finds himself in another side that is finding it difficult to match strides with the early pacesetters but he sees no reason why history cannot repeat itself – particularly if Liverpool win at Sunderland tomorrow.

“Before we played Espanyol that night, everyone said Rafa’s job was in danger if we lost,” Aurelio, twice at title winner at the Mestalla, recalled. “We were losing 2-0 at half-time but, by the final whistle, we had turned it around and won 3-2. After that, we put a good run together.

“With six games to go, we were six points behind Real Madrid but by the end we had gone six ahead of them. It’s the same all the time; if you want to get close to the top, you need a game to start it all off.

“In a different way, this could be the month that changes things for us. We are playing Sunderland now and we have to win to keep going in the Premier League, then there are Champions League and Carling Cup games too that must be won, too.

“But all you need is that one win to give you the confidence to go forward for the rest of the season. You just need to get it from somewhere, just like the night Valencia did that in Espanyol. Maybe Sunderland can be the one that does it for us.”

If Liverpool have been unable to build up a head of steam during the opening exchanges, the same is true for Aurelio, given he was ruled out for the first month due to the freak knee injury sustained during a family holiday in his homeland.

He has, though, played in five of the Reds’ last six matches and with Benitez sure to exercise caution with some of those players who have been away on international duty for much of the past fortnight, Aurelio is likely to figure tomorrow.

It should come as no surprise to learn, then, that he is relishing to the trip to the North East; having suffered wretched luck with injuries during his time at Anfield, all Aurelio wants now is the chance to start a sustained number of games.

“I feel ready to play,” said Aurelio, who is eager to impress so he can win a new contract.

“The only thing I need now is more matches. I haven’t played as many 90 minutes as the other players; the more you play, the more fit you feel and this is what I need now. I was carrying a problem from the end of last season. I was carrying on but getting treatment to get through. I then went on holiday and just playing with my brother-in-law and the kids when I felt something strange in the same knee.

“So I contacted the doctors here and after tests they realised that a piece of cartilage had come away, so I had to have arthroscopy to take the piece out that was blocking the joint. Now I feel OK. I haven’t missed too many games and I just want to get going again.”

Sentiments which apply to the squad in general; Melwood was deserted in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea and that was a major frustration for those who had played at Stamford Bridge.

Today, however, normal service was resumed as the remaining international players returned to base and Aurelio is hoping that the squad can get a season-shaping fortnight off to the best possible start on the banks of the Wear.

“It’s always better when you have a full squad, so you can work hard to improve things,” said Aurelio.

“So it’s very different when there are only three or four of you; it hasn’t helped because we know we are facing a very important few weeks.

“When we face the big teams like Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal, it comes down to the small details. If you get them right, it changes the result at the end and we know we have to pay more attention to that if we want to improve.

“We are six points behind Chelsea and Sunderland is a difficult game to have after the break; then we have got United at home, so we know we will either be close (to the top) or much further away. We have to look at every step and focus on it. It‘s important that we win something this year. The team has been working really well and this could be the season that we step forward and get something to show for it. We didn’t start off well but we know we have got the time to improve.”

Carragher: I'm Not Over The Hill

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has vowed to silence the critics who have suggested he is over the hill.

Carragher, 31, has been singled out for criticism by some pundits in a struggling side which has already lost three Premier League games this season.

However, the former England international is determined to answer his critics on the pitch.

"What will happen now is every time I have a bad game people will mention my age, whereas before it was just me having a bad game," he said.

"I look after myself. It's just that when things aren't going well for you, nothing goes well.

"It's happened to me before, after the 2006 World Cup - any mistake I made seemed to end up in the back of the net.

"At the moment I'm not playing well, I know that. But I've the strength of character to put it right.

"We all love it when we get praised.

"You can't have it one way and not the other - you've got to take the stick as well."

Tranmere Sign Reds Keeper Martin

Tranmere Rovers have signed Liverpool goalkeeper David Martin on a one-month loan deal.

The 23-year-old former England Under-20 international spent a successful loan period with League One Champions Leicester City last season.

"Saturday's game is very important and, with Luke Daniels being suspended, we needed an experienced goalkeeper," said Rovers caretaker manager Les Parry.

Tranmere face Brighton at Prenton Park in Parry's second game in charge.

Parry is confident that Martin will prove a shrewd acquisition.

"He's very highly rated and was one of the best goalkeepers in League One last season.

"He played a lot of games for Leicester City, keeping clean sheets in almost half of them.

"I'd like to thank Rafa Benitez and John McMahon for allowing him to come to us for a month."

Martin, who joined Liverpool from MK Dons in January 2006, also had a loan spell with Accrington Stanley two seasons ago.

Gillett Impressed By Saudi Visit Over Academies

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett claims to have been ''pleasantly surprised'' on a visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss new club academies.

Liverpool recently announced they had reached an agreement with Prince Faisal bin Fahad bin Abdulla of Saudi Arabia to set up a number of academies in the Middle East.

Prince Faisal's F6 investment company have been linked with buying a stake in Liverpool but Gillett spoke only of opportunities to work together today.

''The facilities here are as nice as any I have seen in the world,'' the American said on Sky Sports News. ''I was very pleasantly surprised. I think there are some wonderful opportunities for us to work together.

''We have an appreciation for the respect the government of Saudi Arabia has for the youth of this country. They are committed to both facilities and program to bring youth to a higher level in all sports, but particularly in football.''

Prince Faisal also stressed the purpose of the visit was to discuss sporting development in the country and region.

He said: ''Definitely we look forward to any kind of venture between clubs in Saudi Arabia and Liverpool in transfer of knowledge, experience and implementation of Liverpool academy and philosophy in Saudi Arabia. 'This is the main thing and this is what we are discussing.''

However, he spoke only in general terms when asked about the possibility of investing in clubs.

''We have an eye for many opportunities in Europe, Asia, North America, South America,'' he said.

Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres Miss Liverpool Training

Liverpool have confirmed that Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were withdrawn from training today after picking up injuries whilst on international duty this week.

Torres suffered a minor adductor problem whilst with Spain that limited him to the substitutes' bench for his country's game with Bosnia.

Gerrard missed England's victory over Belarus at Wembley with a groin strain. Both players are to be further assessed by the Reds' medical team.

Greek defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos will also face further assessment of his knee injury, though Goal.com sources earlier revealed that the damage to his anterior cruciate ligament was much less severe than initially feared.

"Sotiris Kyrgiakos will be examined by our medical staff when he returns to Liverpool later this evening," a statement on the club's official website read.

"Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will not train with the rest of the squad today, but will continue to receive treatment and will be assessed again tomorrow."

Saudi Prince Admits Interest

Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Bin Abdullah has confirmed that he would be interested in investing his money in a football club.

The Saudi billionaire is reportedly set to invest his considerable funds in Liverpool after being caught pictured sitting with co-owner George Gillett at the 6-1 win over Hull at Anfield last month.

Gillett is currently in Saudi Arabia as a guest of the Prince with both parties looking to strike up a partnership with the Reds particularly keen on setting up a number of youth academies in the Middle East.

Prince Faisal, chairman of sports investment company F6, refused to specify which club he would be looking to invest in before insisting that the visit of Gillett was purely down to friendship.

"As an investment group definitely we have an eye for many opportunities, let's put it this way," he told Sky Sports News.

"In Europe and Asia and North America and South America how can we be an added value and where can we invest our money and how we can manage and that is all I can say about investing in football clubs.

"This is a purely personal friend to a friend who happens to be a co-owner at Liverpool.

"Definitely we look forward to any kind of venture between any clubs in Saudi Arabia and Liverpool and transfer of knowledge, experience and implementation of Liverpool academy and philosophy to Saudi Arabia and to the sports industry of Saudi Arabia.

"This is the main thing and this is what we are discussing."

Meanwhile Gillett was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the youth facilities in the country.

"The infrastructure generally I have seen is absolutely amazing the King's commitments to this country and the youth is amazing," he stated.

"The physical facilities that are here, these are as nice as I have seen anywhere around the world. They have got outstanding management.

"I was very pleasantly surprised, there are some wonderful opportunities for us to work together.

"We have a great appreciation for the respect and the government of Saudi Arabia has for the youth of this country and they're committed to both facilities and programmes to bring more and more youth to a higher level in all sports but particularly in football.

"We are pleased to be involved. To help we would be privileged."

Liverpool Expect Steven Gerrard To Be Fit For Sunderland Trip

Liverpool remain confident Steven Gerrard will be fit for their trip to Sunderland this weekend, despite fears he may have sustained a slight tear in his adductor muscle.

Gerrard, who was substituted at half time in England's defeat in Ukraine on Saturday, returned to Merseyside for a precautionary scan after managing only 10 minutes of training with Fabio Capello's squad on Tuesday.

Despite initial suggestions the injury was worse than first feared, it is believed he is likely to be ready to travel with the rest of Liverpool's squad to the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool are thought to be unhappy that Gerrard was not released from international duty after failing to complete the defeat in Dnipropetrovsk - Wayne Rooney, who finished the game, returned to Manchester United with a calf injury on the squad's return to England - and Rafael Benítez is likely to be unimpressed that he was risked in a training session just two days later.

England insist the decision to remain with his international team-mates was Gerrard's alone.

Benítez is already sweating over the fitness of Fernando Torres, another player who has picked up an adductor problem on international duty, and Dirk Kuyt, who limped out of Holland's friendly with Australia after an ankle injury flared up.

Aurelio Eyes New Deal

Liverpool full-back Fabio Aurelio is keen to start talks on a new contract at Anfield.

The 30-year-old Brazilian, who signed for the Reds on a free transfer from Valencia in 2006, has a current deal that is due to expire next summer, but he wants to extend his stay on Merseyside.

Aurelio has made 92 appearances for Liverpool since his move three years ago, and is hoping he can finally get a run of first-team starts together after a series of injuries have hampered his progress in recent seasons.

"We had started talking before the end of last season but then I picked up the injury in the summer and since then there has not been any more contact," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I just want to play at the minute before I think about anything else and we will see how everything goes from there.

"Every season I have felt more and more comfortable here and I have many good team-mates - this feels as if it is my home.

"I feel very comfortable and my family is very settled here but I know that it all depends on what the manager and the club thinks about me.

"I enjoy the city and the life that I have here and that is why it has felt like the time that I have been here has gone so fast.

"I'm really enjoying it; when you are settled and you are comfortable, that is all you want and that is why I would like to stay here if I can."

Liverpool will be looking to kick-start their Premier League campaign when they travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday to face in-form Sunderland.

Fresh Liverpool FC Injury Blow As Sotirios Kyrgiakos Damages Knee Playing For Greece

Sotirios Kyrgiakos is bracing himself for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he suffered a serious injury on international duty.

Kyrgiakos - who joined the Reds from AEK Athens in August - was forced off before half-time during his country’s 2-1 win over Luxembourg last night.

It has since been claimed in Greece that Kyrgiakos has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and the 30-year-old will spend at least four months on the sidelines.

That, though, is likely to be a conservative estimate if the damage is as bad as feared, as cruciate problems invariably mean that a player will be out for a minimum of six months.

Liverpool were today waiting for a further update but the early signs are that they will be without Kyrgiakos for the foreseeable future.

It will come as blow to Rafa Benitez, who drafted in the uncompromising Kyrgiakos to fill the void left by Sami Hyppia’s move to Bayer Leverkusen.

He has only made one start for Liverpool in the Premier League so far - that came in the 3-2 win over Bolton on August 29 - and also played in the 1-0 Carling Cup win at Leeds. His absence now means that Benitez is short of experienced cover at the back for first choice pair Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.

Daniel Agger has yet to play for the Reds this season after coming back from injury but he has at least come through two games for Denmark in the past week.

Rookie Spanish defender Daniel Ayala, who made a promising full debut in a 4-0 win over Stoke City at the beginning of the campaign, will now be on standby should the Reds suffer any injury or suspension.

Dossena: Why Aquilani Will Be Prem Star

Andrea Dossena is confident Alberto Aquilani's 'quality and intelligence' will ensure he has no difficulty acclimatising to the rigours of the Barclays Premier League.

The Italian midfielder began light training at Melwood recently as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury.

With his Liverpool debut now firmly on the horizon, Dossena is adamant his compatriot has all the necessary features to his game to succeed in England.

"He has the quality to adapt because he is very clever," Dossena told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He understands the football here and knows how to make the right decision on the ball quickly.

"When you're in a match in England, you don't have a lot of time on the ball. You have to think before the ball comes to you.

"In Italy you have a few seconds to think and look up, but here you only have a second and then have to play the ball because you'll have two or three opponents closing you down.

"But Alberto is very excited about playing for Liverpool and he wants to experience a new kind of football.

"He is a great player. I can't wait to see him in the Premier League."

Like manager Rafa Benitez, Dossena points to Aquilani's versatility as one of the former Roma star's key attributes, and believes the 25-year-old's acquisition will provide Liverpool with many different options.

"He will be an important player for us," he said. "With Alberto, we can do something different with our formation.

"He can play in the middle or between the lines alongside Stevie, and they can create something different for Liverpool."

He added: "I am happy we have signed him because he is a good lad, a great player and I am sure he will have a lot of success at the club."

Meanwhile, Dossena spoke of his determination to work hard in training and force his way back into the Liverpool first-team reckoning.

Injuries coupled with the excellent form of Emiliano Insua have meant the full-back has been restricted to just one senior run out so far this term, which came in the recent Carling Cup tie with Leeds United.

"I want to play, but what is important for me is to work hard every day and be ready for when the boss calls on me," he said.

"It's difficult, but I am a professional. I am a football player and sometimes you have to sit on the bench. That is part of my job.

"I want to work hard and keep a good mentality, which is important for all players, even those that play every game. You have to work hard and be ready.

"When you play for a big team, there is always competition for places and working hard is the only way I can improve and try to change the decision of the boss."

The 28-year-old was the subject of much transfer speculation over the course of the summer, but he insists his focus is on attempting to play a part in Liverpool's quest for silverware rather than seeking pastures new .

"I have never said that I want to leave," he stated. "I want to play, like every single other player, but I like it here and I like playing for Liverpool Football Club.

"The life here is perfect for me, the football is fantastic and I want to win something with Liverpool."

Liverpool Eye Brazil Starlet Nilton

Liverpool are poised for a January move for Vasco da Gama starlet Nilton.

Vasco, who once beat Manchester United en route to the final of the Club World Cup in 2000, have fallen on hard times since.

They currently play their trade in the Brazilian Second Division and are struggling to keep hold of midfield ace Nilton.

The 22-year-old scored a stunning overhead volley in Vasco’s 4-1 victory over Vila Nova and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has taken note.

The Brazil Under-20 capped Nilton, whose contract expires in January, could now move this winter, with Benitez leading the chase to sign him.

Liverpool Share Deal Talks Continue, Says Saudi Prince

Saudi Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdulla has said his F6 company hopes to finalise talks over a major Liverpool share deal.

Speaking to the press as Liverpool co-owner George Gillett visited Riyadh, Prince Faisal said: "Our negotiations to buy shares in Liverpool are ongoing, meetings are taking place and we might be in the final stages in the coming days."

Gillett, who owns Liverpool along with fellow American Tom Hicks, was in Riyadh to discuss a project regarding the creation of Liverpool football academies around the region, Prince Faisal said.

In recent weeks, both parties have admitted that potential investment from Faisal has been firmly on their agenda.

Gillett and Hicks have been seeking new investment in the Anfield club after refinancing some of its debt during the summer.

The two met with Prince Sultan bin Fahd, president of the Saudi Youth Welfare organisation and chairman of the Saudi League.

"The purpose of the visit of the owner of Liverpool Football Club to Saudi Arabia is to understand the sports industry and to learn about the facilities and the potential of the main clubs in order to set up the Liverpool Academy in Saudi Arabia," Prince Faisal said.

The agreement between Liverpool and F6, a sports marketing and investment firm controlled by Faisal, would also provide opportunities for young Saudi players to train at the Anfield club, he said.

Sammy Lee: No International 'Hangover' For Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has stressed the importance of the club's international players returning to training this week fully focused on their domestic duties.

A host of Reds stars have been representing their countries across the world during the international break and Lee maintains that their mindset must change quickly once they are back at the clubs' training centre at Melwood.

"The group that have been here at Melwood during the international break have been working very hard with a view to the Sunderland game, and when the other players return later this week, we have to make sure they kick in and are focused on a very important game," Lee told the club's official website.

"There is no window for us to have any kind of international hangover - we don't have that luxury."

Liverpool travel to Sunderland on Saturday, and Lee insists that the players must prepare well. Every game is massive for the Reds in a season when they are striving to end the long wait for a league title.

"It is difficult to prepare, but that is the nature of the game," the coach added.

"I think this is the third international break of the season already and it's something we've got to live with. We're not unique in this and other clubs have got the same problem.

"At this football club, every week is massive. The fact we're playing these matches just adds to that, but being 'Liverpool Football Club' means we're going to be in these type of games.

"It's been a mixed start to the season - there have been some good points and some bad.

"But it's still only October and we're going to be working very hard to ensure we're there or thereabouts come the end of the season in all competitions."

I Will Only Play For Spain If I Am 100 Per Cent - Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres has insisted that he will only play in Spain's final World Cup qualifier against Bosnia if he is 100 per cent fit and poured scorn on reports of a rift between Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and the national team.

"I still have some discomfort and it will not be decided until Wednesday if I will play... Only if I'm OK I'll play," he told AS.

"The final decision depends on the coach. Along with the doctors, physios and myself, we decide what is best. Spain is qualified and this is not a time to take risks."

The striker pointed out that the absences of the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Carles Puyol and Xavi were in the best interests of the players, but he and Andres Iniesta had a chance to feature in the game and as a result stayed with the squad.

Daniel Guiza, Carlos Marchena and Xavi are all out through injury while Puyol is serving a suspension. Fabregas has been allowed to leave the squad for personal reasons.

"Xavi, [Carles] Puyol and Cesc have left because that was better for them. The coach decides. Andres and I are here because we have options to play."

"Rafa [Benitez] has been interested in my state, of course, because we have had a difficult month but he never pushed for me to leave."

"He spoke with doctors and they are in contact. I hope I am with amongst friends here. If I play, fine, if not, I have been very well cared for, working for Wednesday or for the weekend with my team [Liverpool]."

Aquilani Debut In Offing

Alberto Aquilani may make his Liverpool debut before the end of this month.

The Italian midfielder, a £20million summer signing to fill the gap in the Anfield squad left by Xabi Alonso, is finally allowed to kick a ball in training as his recovery from a knee operation continues.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez signed the Italy international, knowing he would not be able to play for a minimum of three months.

But Aquilani started ball work with the first-team squad last week and has stepped up his training since then.

Benitez will carefully monitor the 25-year-old's progress and he will not be considered for the clash with Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday week.

Aquilani has not played a competitive game since Arsenal beat his old club Roma in the Champions League in March.

Liverpool reserves have a match against Sunderland at home next Wednesday, and he may get a short run-out then. But there is a possibility that he could be used at some point during the Carling Cup tie at Arsenal on October 28.

Aquilani said: "When I am back, I hope I will show I am a player who can pass the ball well, get forward and score goals.

"I have not played football for a long time, so I know it will not be easy to produce my best straightaway. But I will be trying to do that.

"When you are not involved with the team, it is not a good feeling. But it is my ambition to score at the Kop end. I have thought about that a lot during my rehab period."

Captain Steven Gerrard has had treatment on Wednesday on the groin injury that forced his return from England duty and he is due to have a scan on the problem.

But Liverpool are confident he will be able to face Sunderland on Saturday.

Jamie Carragher Is Right To Stress The Importance Of Liverpool’s Next Three Games

It must be a long time since a trip to Sunderland was being described as part of a ‘massive’ week for Liverpool FC, but that’s how Jamie Carragher has portrayed the upcoming threesome against the Black Cats, Lyon and the boys from down the other end of the East Lancs Road.

Notwithstanding the tendency of footballers to attach great importance to a friendly against a Blue Square Conference side, such is their fear of being seen to drift off-message by their manager, you can see where Jamie’s coming from. A poor result at Sunderland, who looked a decent side at Old Trafford, and the suspension of disbelief that many are choosing to indulge with regard to our title hopes might be abruptly shattered, leaving us staring at the cold reality of another prematurely-ended Premier League quest.

That in turn would heap the pressure on for the visit of Lyon, with the possibility of another trophy going south should we fail to capitalise on home advantage.

And as for United, with the chance, albeit remote, that Michael Owen could pop up and score a deciding goal, well that just doesn’t bear thinking about.

Now you’d be forgiven for wondering what’s brought on this sudden anxiety over the possibility of this doomsday scenario taking place, and I can almost feel the metaphorical slapping of my cheeks as many of you urge me to snap out of it and take a cold bath. There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that things aren’t as bad as they seem, there’s a long way to go, yada yada yada.

Indeed, the last performance against Chelsea was by no means poor, and, as Rafa is constantly reminding us, games like this turn on small details such as Mascherano losing possession which led to their break downfield leading to Anelka’s opening goal.

But the return to our traditional reward from Stamford Bridge, after last season’s delight at smashing their unbeaten home record, was disappointing as it was a missed opportunity to reassert our right to sit at the top table.

We’ve lost all the difficult games so far this season, a stark contrast to last year, and no amount of stockpiling goals against the likes of Stoke, Burnley and Hull will offset that if we carry on looking that vulnerable in the big games.

So we can afford to lose a few more if we convert some of the last campaign’s draws into victories, but last season’s aberration whereby Man U won the title by beating up the small kids is unlikely to be repeated.

So if I’m to get my mojo back, I want to see the Reds really perform when the pressure’s on. That ability to rise to the occasion was evident in spades last season, and it can’t, or shouldn’t, disappear with the loss of one player.

Nor should its restoration be dependent on another’s return, or should I say arrival, from injury. We’ve yet to find that confidence which, stopping just short of arrogance, is essential to the ability to both control games and find the right moment to pick off opponents who have been manipulated where we want them.

We might be short of alternative options at present, but we won difficult games last season without Torres and Gerrard, never mind Alonso. When the players remember this, and regain last season’s conviction and commitment, then perhaps my disposition will improve along with our results.

Hopefully there’ll be many more ‘massive’ games to come; and they won’t be about scrabbling in to next season’s Champions League.