Match Preview: Manchester City vs LiverpooL

Manchester City play host to Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend with both sides seeking the upper hand in their tussle for a top-four finish.

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also within striking distance of the Champions League places, but is the Citizens who currently hold possession of the final berth to Europe's elite competition.

Roberto Mancini's men are a point ahead of the Reds with a game in hand, although they would have hoped to be further ahead after their midweek clash with Stoke City.

But the Sky Blues could only manage a draw against Tony Pulis' Potters, meaning Liverpool will have the opportunity to vault back into fourth spot when they travel up the East Lancs Road on Sunday.

The Merseyside giants have enjoyed something of a resurgence since the turn of the year, putting on a seven-game unbeaten run before falling at Arsenal last week.

Their performance in the Europa League on Thursday night does not inspire confidence, however, as it took a late David Ngog strike to secure a 1-0 win over Romania's Unirea Urziceni at Anfield.


FORM GUIDE

Manchester City

Feb 16: Stoke City 1-1 Manchester City
Feb 13: Manchester City 1-1 Stoke City (FA Cup)
Feb 9: Manchester City 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Feb 6: Hull City 2-1 Manchester City
Jan 31: Manchester City 2-0 Portsmouth

Liverpool

Feb 18: Liverpool 1-0 Unirea Urziceni (Europa League)
Feb 10: Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
Feb 6: Liverpool 1-0 Everton
Jan 30: Liverpool 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Jan 26: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Liverpool


TEAM NEWS

Manchester City

Carlos Tevez is unlikely to feature, the Argentine star having returned to his homeland to be with his expecting partner.

Ex-Red Craig Bellamy is also set to sit out, while versatile defender Vincent Kompany and winger Martin Petrov remain doubts as well.

Winter signing Patrick Vieira, meanwhile, begins a three-match ban after accepting a charge of violent conduct for a kick on Stoke's Glenn Whelan.

Last starting XI (vs. Stoke City): Given, Richards, Toure, Lescott, Garrido, Barry, De Jong, Vieira, Johnson, Adebayor, Santa Cruz.

Liverpool

Jamie Carragher shrugged off a groin problem to reclaim his spot at right-back for Thursday's Europa League date, while the injury-cursed Fabio Aurelio also returned to the starting XI.

Star striker Fernando Torres and playmaker Yossi Benayoun are both back in training, but it is expected that neither will make the squad for this weekend's short trip to Manchester.

Glen Johnson remains sidelined with ligament damage.

Last starting XI (vs. Unirea Urziceni): Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio, Mascherano, Aquilani, Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera, Ngog.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester City - Gareth Barry

Rafa Benitez chased him for the best part of 12 months, but in the end it was to Eastlands that the former Aston Villa captain went. The England regular scored City's crucial equaliser in midweek and will have to continue picking up the creative slack from absentees Tevez and Bellamy.

Liverpool - Steven Gerrard

'Captain Fantastic' has perhaps failed to live up to his title of late, in what has been a frustrating and injury-dogged season. His last few outings have shown signs that the Scouse superstar's best form is not too far away, though, so the Sky Blues' midfield has better keep a close watch.

Rafa Benitez Urges Liverpool To Crank Up Pressure On Champions League Rivals

Rafa Benitez has challenged his players to inflict Manchester City’s first home defeat of the season and make themselves favourites to win the race for the top four.

Liverpool head to Eastlands on Sunday knowing they can ill-afford to slip up against a side who have emerged as the biggest threat to their Champions League aspirations.

Roberto Mancini’s side are a point ahead of the Reds in fourth place and also have a game in hand, which leaves Liverpool with little margin for error.

But Benitez – who is expected to include Yossi Benayoun in his squad for the first time since January 13 – is confident Liverpool will acquit themselves with credit.

Having beaten top four rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in recent months, Benitez wants to ratchet up the pressure on City by recording another big win.

“We have managed the pressure well,” he said. “But now Tottenham, Villa, City and ourselves are in a position where we have to keep going until the end. Maybe one game can be a big difference, so it’s important to manage the pressure and maybe our experience can help.

“When teams are close in the table and there isn’t a big difference on the pitch, one small detail can change anything.

“Our experience of having been there already could be important. It depends on the players and if they can manage things well.

“Maybe we will be favourites. But there are still plenty of games to go, so we need to keep calm and do our job.”

Liverpool were laboured in beating Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League on Thursday night but Benitez was not too worried about the manner of the 1-0 win. Their patience, ultimately, was rewarded and Benitez has reminded everyone that there are likely to be several more tough fixtures like that between now and May 9.

“We’ve had a lot of games like Thursday when the other team defends well with a lot of people behind the ball,” he said. “You have to stay patient and keep a high tempo.

“It’s the same in the league. In every single game, you have to do the right thing. If you are nervous you will make mistakes. The message is very clear. We have to have a plan and everybody needs to know what to do. But it depends on the players and if they are nervous or not.”

If nerves do creep into Liverpool’s play, it will make it very difficult for them to peg back City but Benitez is not paying any attention to what is happening in Manchester.

“The most important thing for us is not to concentrate on them, but on us,” said Benitez. “If City are not in the top four, then we need to be in a good position and to have the chance to invest in the future.

“Maybe next year another team will have problems and it won’t be City against Liverpool, but someone else.

“But it’s clear that if we get into the top four, then City, Tottenham and Villa will have more problems and will have to push harder if they want to be there.”

Mancini - Pressure On Reds

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says all the pressure is on Liverpool ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday.

The Reds travel to Eastlands for a crunch game in the hunt for a fourth-spot finish and a much-coveted place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool are currently one point behind City in the table having played a game more than their opponents, which Mancini says means his side have the upper hand.

"We want to win and so do they, so it will be difficult but more so for Liverpool," he said.

"We are above them and they have to try to get past us. We have to be positive, if we can win, we will go further ahead of them so that's what we must try to do.

"We are in a good position with 13 games to go and I hope that Sunday is a fantastic game for our supporters."

Mancini will be without important players Carlos Tevez, Martin Petrov and Patrick Vieira for the match at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The Italian tactician still believes his team can come out on top, though, but is not underestimating the ability of the men from Merseyside.

"Torres and Gerrard are great players but they have (Jamie) Carragher, (Dirk) Kuyt, (Javier) Mascherano, (Jose) Reina as well. That's not a bad squad to pick from," he added.

"Gerrard is really respected throughout Europe, he has everything you would want in a player and we know we will have to work hard to deal with him.

"Liverpool are a good side, with some good players and a good manager that have lots of experience from many years in the Champions League and being near the top in England.

"They have some players out injured but it will still be tough for us because they have a lot of strengths."

Mancini played down a row with striker Craig Bellamy earlier in the week, and the Welshman could feature against his former club if fit.

John Aldridge: Liverpool Have To Be Positive At Manchester City

Manchester City is without doubt the biggest threat to our hopes of finishing fourth this season and it’s a massive game at Eastlands on Sunday.

I think Aston Villa and Spurs will fall away in the race for Champions League qualification, but City have the firepower to keep pressing to the end.

I know City is a point clear of us with a game in hand, but I still think a draw would be a decent result for the Reds.

Looking at the fixtures to come, we’ve got a more favourable run-in than theirs.

City has got to go to the likes of Chelsea, Fulham and Arsenal, while they’ve also got Manchester United and Villa at home. Like ours, City’s away form has been patchy so there will be plenty more twists and turns.

What we can’t afford to do is go there and play like the way we did at Wolves or Stoke.

We’ve got to be more positive than that.

City are great going forward and we all know what a threat Emmanuel Adebayor can be, but they are vulnerable at the back.

That’s their Achilles heel and we have to ensure we get our set-plays spot on.

I know City have spent a lot of cash but I believe there is more pressure on us in the race for fourth place.

Liverpool’s financial situation means Champions League football is absolutely vital and the repercussions for not achieving that are massive.

David Ngog got the winner against Unirea Urziceni in midweek but Rafa Benitez has a big decision to make.

Ngog has struggled away from home this season and he had a tough night against the Romanians before the goal went in.

You can’t question his work-rate but I still think you need someone more forceful up there.

Ryan Babel did well when he came on and he might be a better bet playing down the middle as he’s stronger than Ngog.

Babel’s lack of defensive qualities means that when he plays out wide he can leave you exposed, but he could hurt City with his pace.

Javier Mascherano: I Would Never Leave Liverpool For Manchester City

Javier Mascherano has insisted that not even the prospect of playing for the club dubbed the richest in the world would tempt him to leave Liverpool for Manchester City.

On the eve of a crucial meeting between the clubs, the outcome of which could alter the balance in determining who finishes in the top four of the Barclays Premier League, Mascherano, the Liverpool midfield player, has made it clear that it is history and prestige that matter most to him, not money.

In a shot across the bows to Sheikh Mansour and his cash-fuelled City revolution, the Argentina captain admitted his fears that City could go on to buy lasting success àla Chelsea if they do manage to claim the all-important fourth spot — and with it a Champions League place — but he recoiled at the suggestion that such a scenario would make the Manchester club attractive to him. “Maybe if City got in the top four they would build on that like Chelsea, but I will say one thing: you can buy players, but you cannot buy history,” Mascherano said.

“At Liverpool we play with the history of the club. We don’t have the money that they have, but we are proud to play for Liverpool. I don’t want to play for Manchester City. Yes, they have money and they are building a good team, but I am still proud to play for Liverpool.

“You can buy stars but you cannot buy history and I think Manchester City respect Liverpool. I think they know we have some very good players too and we will fight until the end. Then we will see what happens.”

Although City have shown no interest in acquiring Mascherano’s services — Roberto Mancini, their manager, is not short of holding midfield players with Nigel de Jong, Patrick Vieira and Gareth Barry all available to him — the 25-year-old would undoubtedly fit in with Mansour’s vision of signing players who are the best in the world in their position.

Tellingly, although Mascherano had his head turned by Barcelona last summer, to the point at which he was considering leaving Liverpool, he remains adamant that big-spending City are not yet blessed with an allure similar to that of either the reigning European champions or his present employers.

But he is also aware that, for the sake of Liverpool’s immediate future, holding off the threat posed to their top-four status, by City in particular, is of paramount importance. His club occupy fifth place, a point behind City. He does not believe, though, that the issue will be resolved at the City of Manchester Stadium tomorrow, regardless of the outcome.

“It is an important game for us and for them, but I don’t think it will decide anything,” Mascherano said. “I was reading some things with people saying this is ‘the final’, but it isn’t. There are still a lot of games to play. Yes, it is a crucial game and we know that. They have spent a lot of money to be in the four. More money than us.

“They are a good team with good players, but we have very good players too. We know that we are Liverpool and have to be in the top four because of the history of this club.

“We don’t think too much about them. It will be very good for us to win there because if we win there we will be in the top four again and they will be behind us, but I’m not sure if we will be looking to send a message or not.”

Despite the rivalry and keen sense of competition between the clubs, Mascherano’s close friendship with Carlos Tévez, the City forward, has meant that his thoughts in the build-up to tomorrow’s clash have been dominated by the health of his international team-mate’s baby, who was born prematurely in Argentina this week.

City are not expecting Tévez to have returned from his homeland in time for Sunday’s game, a factor that Mascherano believes could be significant, but the Liverpool player is in no doubt that Tévez is right to put his family first at this time.

“It will be good for us if Carlito cannot play because I know how good he is,” Mascherano said. “I don’t know if he will play or not. I spoke to him and said congratulations for the new baby. I was worried because the baby was born before the due date, it was difficult for him. I don’t know whether he will continue in Argentina or come back and play on Sunday. The main thing for me is that he is happy and the baby is well. If he plays, he plays. The family is the main thing.”

Dirk Kuyt Ready To Reel In Arch Rivals Manchester City

The match between Manchester City and Liverpool on Sunday afternoon is set up to be one of those highly-charged tipping points.

In the race for fourth, and the guaranteed wealth it brings with qualification for the Champions League, this is a fixture that will shape the run-in.

With reports suggesting Craig Bellamy has fallen out with Roberto Mancini (denied by the City manager), Carlos Tevez on indefinite compassionate leave in Argentina after the premature birth of his child and Patrick Vieira suspended for three matches for violent conduct against Stoke last week, City could do with some good news.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been making what might kindly be called attritional progress up the table, returning to stability after a miserable winter.

Thursday night's win over Romanian club Unirea in the Europa League was soul-sappingly dull but it brought with it another clean sheet, meaning Liverpool have conceded just once in nine hours.

Going into the weekend, Manchester City were in possession of fourth spot, a point above Liverpool with a game in hand. Both managers will judged on whether they achieve Champions League qualification for next season.

Needless to say, both clubs are feeling the pressure.

"It's just a really big game and if we can win this game we will be back in it and if we lose it we have a big problem," said Dirk Kuyt, Liverpool's industrious wide midfielder.

"We all look back a couple of months ago and we would have preferred to be in a better position than this position but at the end of the day it is what it is and we have to try and win this game and try to finish in the top four and we think we have the quality to do that."

This game also represents a larger struggle. When people reflect on the history of these two clubs in the future, this could be seen as a transition season.

Liverpool is a club struggling to hang on to its grand status, undermined by owners who have plunged the club into debt and by a lack of direction for the future. City, by contrast, are growing by the week, seeking to become a European superclub.

The change in status can be measured by the transfer of Gareth Barry to Eastlands last summer. He had long been courted by Liverpool after being identified as a replacement for Xabi Alonso but ended up choosing City when he eventually left Aston Villa.

Sure, he would earn more money with City but Barry is no fool and he was as much sold on the ambition coursing through his new club.

Liverpool's players have come out in proud defence of their club this week, though. There is no question that pulling on the red shirt and playing at Anfield still has an iconic cachet that is a draw for players with a sense of the history of the game.

Kuyt added: "The history of Liverpool is much, much bigger and every now and again you see clubs doing things like Manchester City now and Chelsea a few years ago. It happens but it's very difficult to buy the history of Liverpool.

"I don't know whether more players will join City for the money. For every player it's a different situation. I think the most important thing for a player is to win trophies and be successful as a football player.

"I think at the moment players think they can win trophies with Manchester City and of course they will always think about their family and money, but I don't think that's the main concern for most players.

"I think everything can help in football and experience is very important but for us the most important thing is we can look at ourselves as a lot better now than a couple of months ago. So that will give us confidence for Sunday. It is a big battle but everybody is looking forward to these kind of games.

"We have the experience to come from this position and the most important thing is we are on a good run without conceding many goals. We are winning games in a row and that is giving us confidence that we can do it. We will be ready."

Babel Showing Encouraging Signs

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has caused manager Rafael Benitez a few problems over the last couple of months but he may just provide him with an unexpected solution as the race for Champions League qualification hots up.

The Holland international was linked with a move in the January transfer window when the club turned down a £9million bid from Birmingham but the player appeared to be doing his best to manufacture an exit.

A series of ill-advised outbursts on Twitter - one in which, more than 24 hours before kick-off, he revealed he had been left out of the squad for the match at Stoke - resulted in a severe dressing down from the manager.

Since then he has been restricted to only 71 minutes' pitch time in four substitute appearances but it seems the 23-year-old may be about to turn yet another corner in a disappointing career at Anfield.

He looked dangerous when he came off the bench in last week's defeat at Arsenal, where he was denied an equaliser only by Manuel Almunia's fingertip save onto the crossbar.

And he was Liverpool's biggest threat by far during a 27-minute Europa League run-out in which he set up the only goal for David Ngog against Unirea Urziceni on Thursday.

Benitez has seen a change in Babel's attitude and is hopeful the improvement continues.

"He was doing well in training sessions. He wants to impress now and you could see he was a threat from the beginning," said the Spaniard.

"Babel's fresh legs with pace was a different approach and it was good for us. I was really pleased with him."

Whether Benitez has the confidence to select the temperamental forward for Sunday's crucial Barclays Premier League clash at fourth-placed Manchester City is open to debate.

Babel has not started a match since November 21 - coincidentally in the 2-2 draw against City - and his inconsistent form means the Reds boss is more likely to go with a player like Fabio Aurelio who offers him more stability.

With City one point ahead with a match in hand, it is imperative Liverpool do not lose.

Krasic Ready To Make Summer Switch

CSKA Moscow's sought-after winger Milos Krasic has revealed he will decide on his future before the World Cup finals this summer.

The Serbian international has caught the eye of Europe's elite this season with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, AC Milan, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all tracking the highly-rated 25-year-old.

Krasic's current deal in Russia expires at the end of the season and the attacking midfielder has eyes on a move to Spain after describing Real as the 'biggest club in the world'.

"For now I'm still a CSKA player and I haven't signed for anybody yet," he told Sportski Zurnal. "But I have a lot of interesting options so I will make my mind up before World Cup.

"I would like to travel to South Africa with nothing on my mind.

"Where would I move? Well based on my playing style (and) lifestyle wishes I wouldn't have any problems adapting to life in Spain.

"Real Madrid - it is by far the biggest club in the world and anybody would love to play in the white shirt.

"But also playing for AC Milan and Manchester United would be dreams come true."

Benitez Weary Of Man City's Threat

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admits he will be happy his team do not have to face striker Carlos Tevez at Eastlands on Sunday, but is still wary of Manchester City's quality.

The Argentina international, who Liverpool tried to sign in the summer, is currently in his homeland on compassionate leave after his wife gave birth prematurely.

And while he will not feature in a clash which could have a major bearing on who finishes fourth in the Premier League, Benitez is aware there are many other players who can hurt his side.

"Clearly he is a good player who is doing well," said the Spaniard of the 19-goal striker.

"But they have other good strikers, so I think they have enough quality in the squad and can replace Tevez with another good player.

"If Tevez is not there and they miss him we will be pleased, but I will say again, they have quality."

Tevez's international team-mate Javier Mascherano knows exactly what the striker offers but expects City to be able to cope without him.

"He is a really good player but Manchester City have a lot of really good players so if he doesn't play, they will use a player who will try to do the same as him," said the Argentina captain.

"They are a top side with some really good players. I think it will be a really important game and will be a good game to watch."

Benitez has tried to play down the significance of the match, with City currently occupying the final Champions League spot one point ahead of Liverpool and with a match in hand.

He believes there is plenty of time remaining in the season for things to change significantly - especially with Tottenham and Aston Villa also challenging.

"It will be an important game for both teams and we will try to win," he said.

"If you cannot, it is better not to lose, but the main thing for us is to try to win.

"We will try to attack and we know we will have to score goals if we want to win.

"They are an attacking team and we will have to attack too, so I think it will be open."

Mascherano also believes that one match will not decide the Champions League fate of either side.

"We are one point behind them and some teams are very close to us so it's important to get the three points," said the midfielder.

"I think it's an important game but if any team lost, nothing will happen.

"There are still a lot of games to play so it will be an important game but it will decide nothing."

The side will have been lifted by last night's 1-0 victory over Unirea Urziceni, having seen their seven-match unbeaten Barclays Premier League run ended by Arsenal last week.

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher singled out the impact of substitutes Ryan Babel and Daniel Pacheco, with the former crossing for his team-mate to head across goal for David Ngog to score with nine minutes to go.

"Ryan and Dani did very well when they came on and made a big contribution for the goal," said the defender.

"They gave us a bit of a lift and more energy and that's what we needed. They made the difference.

"It would have been nice to get a few more but hopefully we can get an away goal and finish the game off next week."

Highly-rated reserve team striker Pacheco was making only his third appearance for the senior side, but the young Spaniard hopes to be able to play a bigger part in the remainder of the season.

"I was very happy to get involved with the game and help the team out and I think everyone was quite happy at the end," said the 19-year-old.

"It is always a good thing when the manager is talking about you but I know I have to keep working, keep listening and doing my best for the reserves.

"I've got to keep my feet on the floor. I hope I will get more chances in the future and do the same again.

"We can now think about Manchester City. If I get a chance again, I hope I will take it but we will see what happens."

Mascherano Plays Down Importance Of City Clash

Javier Mascherano does not believe that Sunday's meeting of Manchester City and Liverpool will be a decisive game in the battle for fourth place in the Premier League.

Roberto Mancini's side currently occupy the final Champions League spot ahead of Sunday's game at Eastlands with Liverpool one point behind having played a game more than City.

Tottenham and Aston Villa are also within three points of City and Mascherano feels that Liverpool, who defeated Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League on Thursday night, cannot strike a decisive blow at the weekend.

"I think it's an important game but if any team lost, nothing will happen," Mascherano told the club's official website. "There are still a lot of games to play so it will be an important game but it will decide nothing."

Liverpool have endured a difficult season in the league under Rafael Benitez, losing eight games to slip well off the title pace. City, meanwhile, are unbeaten at Eastlands and Mascherano is expecting a difficult game for the Reds.

"We have a very important game on Sunday so we will try to keep focus from now until Sunday on the Premier League and then we will think about the Europa League," he said. "We are one point behind them and some teams are very close to us so it's important to get the three points.

"We have to win but we cannot lose our heads. We have to go there thinking about winning but we have to play a very good game from the beginning. Obviously when you want to win you have to go forward but you have to be careful about the counter attack because they have some very good players so we have to be clever.

"I think from the arrival of Roberto Mancini has improved them a lot. They won a lot of games in a row, then they lost some points but at the end (of the season), it is positive for them so maybe they will be more organised, more clinical and more direct so we will see."

Jovanovic Deal A Sign Of Things To Come For Liverpool

Anybody thinking that Liverpool will be spending big in this summer’s transfer window will have to think again. The signing of Milan Jovanovic from Standard Liège may be a worrying sign of how the summer is set to pan out for Liverpool, and an insight in to the group of players Benitez will be looking at.

Jovanovic is out of contract in the summer and has agreed to join the reds after being reassured that he will be given the chance to impress, despite the presence of Fernando Torres. The Serbian international has scored 12 goals in 23 games so far this season and had also been linked with Milan, Juventus and Valencia.

Of course, the fact that Liverpool have signed yet another unknown player will be food for thought for the Anfield faithful. However, not only will he provide back-up for Torres, but he could also prove to be a worthy strike partner. Jovanovic has had a good strike rate in his past 3 seasons. Ok, he may have been playing in the Belgian league, hardly one of Europe’s elite, but at 6ft tall, he will undoubtedly prove a menace in the Premier League as well. In fact, with his height and ability in the air, he could be a target for Torres to play off.

The worry for Liverpool would be that the club are already showing that they cannot compete with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea or Manchester City in the transfer market. Even Alex McLeish at Birmingham will have more financial power than Rafa Benitez this summer. If, as they claim, Liverpool wish to challenge for the title, it is not free transfer’s and bargain buys that they should be looking for. Their latest signing will hardly create optimism at Anfield like say, David Silva or Juan Mata might do.

Optimistic fans will see this as a step forward. David N’gog has had a number of opportunities but still lacks the quality to lead the line on his own. Benitez has shown a reluctance to look into the academy despite the big reputation of Daniel Pacheco, which suggests that Jovanovic will be given a substantial amount of playing time. Fans hoping for a title challenge next season may have to think otherwise. Unfortunately for Liverpool, they will need more than a few bargain signings to avoid yet another season of high hopes and disappointment.

Benitez Braced For Tough Campaign

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has warned the club's Europa League campaign may be something of a war of attrition.

The Reds ground out a 1-0 victory at home to Unirea Urziceni on Thursday night in a performance which will hardly set alarm bells ringing around the rest of Europe.

David Ngog scored the only goal against Unirea nine minutes from time - only Liverpool's sixth in seven European matches this season - after a host of half-chances had not been taken.

One of the best fell to Steven Gerrard after just 25 seconds but his effort was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis.

Just 11 months ago his side were hammering Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield in the Champions League but Benitez said times had changed.

"We started really well and I was really pleased for a while," said the Spaniard.

"We cannot play at the same level that we played against Real Madrid every game, especially when the away team is defending well.

"You have to take your chances and if we had taken the first one in the first minute it could have been totally different but we had to be patient and keep on attacking.

"We were trying, passing the ball and continuing to move the ball."

Ngog's goal at least provided some breathing space ahead of next week's return leg.

And although Benitez would have liked a bigger cushion he was happy to take a slender lead to Bucharest.

"I think we could have scored one or two more goals but that is football," he said.

"The team was doing well in defence, 1-0 and a clean sheet is not bad.

"Sometimes when the other team is defending well you have to be patient and keep more of the ball and then we scored at the end.

"It is always important to score, especially in this competition, and not concede so we were waiting for this goal and were really please when we scored.

"It is not the best result but it is good. If we score one [in Romania] they have to score three so a clean sheet was important so we have to be relieved.

"If you ask me if I would prefer 2-0 then 100% yes but you cannot change the score now.

"We knew they were well-organised and they were a good team so we were expecting more or less their style of play."

Unirea coach Roni Levy believes the tie is far from over.

"I am disappointed in the result. Of course, Liverpool had the ball for most of the game but one moment we didn't concentrate we conceded a goal," he said.

"My players came and did the best they could do. This is the first half of two legs and I am looking forward to next week.

"It is a good result to take back to Bucharest: there is still a lot of interest in the game and still we have a chance."

Carra: Duo Made The Difference

Jamie Carragher hailed the impact of Ryan Babel and Daniel Pacheco after the duo came off the bench to play a major role in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Unirea Urziceni.

With the Reds searching for a vital goal, Dutch international Babel provided the cross which Pacheco intelligently headed across to David Ngog to net at the Kop end.

"Ryan and Dani did very well when they came on and made a big contribution for the goal," the Reds No.23 told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"They gave us a bit of a lift and more energy and that's what we needed. They made the difference."

Pacheco is training regularly with the first team squad at Melwood and Carragher believes the Spaniard has the talent to enjoy a bright Anfield future.

"Pacheco came on tonight and did well again," he added.

"He's a good lad as well and all of the lads get on with him very well. We are delighted for him to get his first team chance which he deserves."

The Reds will carry a slender lead to Bucharest for next Thursday's second leg and the vice-captain insists the team are confident of completing the job and qualifying for the last 16.

"In Europe you never want to concede a goal so we have to be pleased with that," he said.

"We would have liked to have scored a few more goals and kill the tie off but it's still alive now and it will be a difficult game over there.

"They were very organised and we have to give them credit for that. It's up to us to try and break them down and in the end we did.

"It would have been nice to get a few more but hopefully we can get an away goal and finish the game off next week."

Rafael Benitez's side now head to Eastlands on Sunday for a top-four clash with rivals Manchester City and Carragher is hoping the team don't make it as hard work as last season's dramatic win, when the Reds came from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

"It was a good win for us in the end but we don't want to be in that situation again when we find ourselves 2-0 down at half-time," he added.

"Hopefully we can get the three points and we go there with confidence.

"It's a big game. They are looking to establish themselves in the top four and we want to get there as well so it's all to play for."

Unirea Urziceni Defender Bruno Fernandes Disappointed After Liverpool Loss

Romanian minnows Unirea Urziceni put in an impressive defensive display in Thursday's Europa League match against Liverpool, but the English side eventually picked up a 1-0 victory, much to the dismay of Unirea defender Bruno Fernandes.

"If you'd told me it would be only 1-0 here against Liverpool, I'd say it was a good result, but after what I saw and what our team produced in terms of defensive work and sacrifice, 0-0 would be a good result so I am disappointed," said Fernandes to uefa.com.

"In the beginning, when we came into the game, we saw how difficult it was but I guess overall we did pretty well. I was surprised by the rhythm we were able to sustain – I didn't expect us to be as good as we were physically.

"But the way we closed the spaces and didn't let Liverpool play inside as they like and forced them wide is normal for us. We worked very hard on that aspect.

"We have to go forward in the second leg, because we need to score to equalise and maybe Liverpool will wait a little bit and not go forward so much like they did here."

Steven Gerrard Expects Liverpool To Be More Clinical In Return Leg Of Europa League Tie

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard remains upbeat about the Reds chances in the Europa League despite struggling to beat Romanians Unirea Urziceni in the first leg of their last 32 clash.

Rafael Benitez's side dominated proceedings at Anfield but could not break their opponents down until David Ngog's late strike, which earned them a 1-0 victory.

"They were very stubborn but we expected that," Gerrard told Five.

"You could say maybe we needed to be a bit more clinical but I think we'll get more joy away from home.

"But we were patient and the goal came. They're going to have to come out and try and beat us in the second leg."

Gerrard hopes the victory is the start of a lengthy run in the competition, despite it being seen as a poor relation to the Champions League.

"The teams knocked out of the Champions League are fantastic teams and some of the top sides across Europe are in the competition [the Europa League] so it's going to be tough to win it but we're confident we can go all the way," he added.

Rafa Benitez Happy To Take Slender Europa League Victory To Romania

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was satisfied with his side’s 1-0 Europa League victory over Unirea Urziceni despite their obvious struggles to break down the determined Romanians.

Striker David Ngog’s goal nine minutes from time eventually ended the resistance to give the Reds some breathing space ahead of next week’s return leg.

And although Benitez would have liked a bigger cushion he was happy to take a slender lead to Bucharest.

“I think we could have scored one or two more goals but that is football,” he said.

“The team was doing well in defence, 1-0 and a clean sheet is not bad.

“Sometimes when the other team is defending well you have to be patient and keep more of the ball and then we scored at the end.

“It is always important to score, especially in this competition, and not concede so we were waiting for this goal and were really please when we scored.

“It is not the best result but it is good. If we score one they have to score three so a clean sheet was important so we have to be relieved.

“If you ask me if I would prefer 2-0 then 100% yes but you cannot change the score now.

“We knew they were well-organised and they were a good team so we were expecting more or less their style of play.”

Two substitutes played a major part in the goal with Ryan Babel crossing for Daniel Pacheco to head back to Ngog and Benitez said he was glad to have options from the bench.

“It is always important to have good players on the bench with skills that can change a game,” he added.

The match could have been a lot easier had Steven Gerrard put away Liverpool’s first chance after just 25 seconds.

Ngog’s goal was only the sixth in seven European matches this season - a far cry from the last campaign when they routed Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield 11 months ago and scored four in a Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

However, Benitez said it was unrealistic to expect his side to consistently repeat those performances.

“We started really well and I was really pleased for a while,” said the Spaniard.

“We cannot play at the same level that we played against Real Madrid every game, especially when the away team is defending well.

“You have to take you chances and if we had taken the first one in the first minute it could have been totally different but we had to be patient and keep on attacking.

“We were trying, passing the ball and continuing to move the ball.”

Unirea coach Roni Levy believes the tie is far from over.

“I am disappointed in the result. Of course, Liverpool had the ball for most of the game but one moment we didn’t concentrate we conceded a goal,” he said.

“My players came and did the best they could do. This is the first half of two legs and I am looking forward to next week.

“It is a good result to take back to Bucharest: there is still a lot of interest in the game and still we have a chance.”

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 0 Unirea Urziceni

Striker David Ngog's goal nine minutes from time eventually broke the resistance of a determined Unirea Urziceni at Anfield in the Europa League.

With the visitors intent on soaking up plenty of pressure Rafael Benitez's side struggled to find the creativity to get past the massed Romanian ranks.

However, the Frenchman's close-range header meant the Reds have some breathing space as they head to Bucharest for next week's third round second leg tie.

The victory was only Liverpool's third in nine European fixtures since they beat Real Madrid 4-0 in the last 16 of the Champions League 11 months ago - a disappointing run which contributed to their exit from Europe's elite-level competition in December.

Their job would have been easier had Steven Gerrard converted their first chance after just 25 seconds when Unirea lost possession straight from the kick-off.

Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt linked up for the Dutchman to put the midfielder through but his side-foot shot was tipped over by goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis, who then punched away the Liverpool captain's corner.

Unirea's 4-5-1 formation meant they were happy to keep 10 men behind the ball and when Liverpool gained possession they all immediately retreated to the halfway line - meaning the hosts had to work hard for their openings.

However, Kuyt enjoyed some luck in the 10th minute when his heavy touch in the penalty area was not cleared and he followed up to flash a shot across goal which Arlauskis tipped past the post.

Gerrard was next to miss a chance, planting a 12-yard header from Riera's cross well wide.

Riera tried his luck from distance in the 26th minute but his left-foot drive was deflected wide by George Galamaz.

The game had taken on an attack versus defence training exercise with Unirea rarely venturing forward.

When they did, with a counter-attack just after the half-hour, Marius Onofras attempted an audacious lob over Jose Reina from the halfway line wide on the right but the Spain goalkeeper comfortably claimed.

Javier Mascherano's 30-yard drive was deflected wide by Razvan Paduretu while Ngog's shot on the turn from just inside the penalty area was also diverted wide.

Five minutes before half-time Bruno Fernandes was booked for bringing down Gerrard as he looked to burst clear but Daniel Agger drilled the 35-yard free-kick straight into the wall.

Heartened by their first half performance Unirea looked more inclined to go forward after the break but it was Liverpool who had the first chance with Gerrard heading wide again from Jamie Carragher's 52nd-minute cross.

Pablo Brandan was booked for tripping Gerrard in the centre-circle, ruling him out of next week's second leg through suspension.

Had Paduretu shown more composure on the edge of the area Liverpool could have been in trouble but the midfielder hacked wildly over.

Fabio Aurelio's low drive was on target but he was denied by a good low save from Arlauskis.

The ineffective Riera was replaced by Ryan Babel for the last 28 minutes and he began encouragingly with two decisive runs, the latter resulting in a cross to Gerrard at the far post which the England international could not keep in.

Mascherano was booked for a foul on Iulian Apostol as Liverpool continued to labour.

Martin Skrtel should have put the home side ahead in the 71st minute but he headed over Aurelio's inswinging corner from five yards.

Benitez sent on reserve team striker Daniel Pacheco, making only his second appearance in Europe, for Alberto Aquilani with quarter of an hour remaining.

Mascherano was caught in possession by Apostol, who charged forward 20 yards before curling a shot woefully wide.

With nine minutes to go the breakthrough finally came, with Pacheco playing an important part.

The diminutive Spaniard out-jumped his marker at the far post to head back across goal for Ngog to nod in from five yards.

Gerrard fired just wide in the closing stages as Liverpool pushed for the second which would give them a cushion ahead of the second leg.

Joleon Lescott Has A Pop At Liverpool

Manchester City star Joleon Lescott has cranked up the pressure on Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s massive Eastlands clash.

The former Everton defender saw City leapfrog Liverpool to reclaim fourth spot in midweek and he said: “The pressure is all on you!”

After an unimpressive 1-1 draw at Stoke, Lescott insists it is Liverpool who should be feeling the heat.

The two meet head-on in a game that is sure to have a huge bearing on which side goes on to claim fourth place and the all-important final Champions League spot. City sit one point ahead of the Reds and have a game in hand on Rafa Benitez’s rejuvenated side but Lescott says they have to kick on.

He said: “At the start of the season we wanted to get into the Champions League and we still believe we can do that.

“Personally I think all the pressure will be on them. We are confident because it is in our own hands now so we have to go and push for it. We don’t want to let them back in.”

Benitez will be keeping his fingers crossed that goal ace Fernando Torres is back in his line-up and Lescott admits he will be studying videos of the Spanish star just in case.

He added: “If Torres is going to play then I will be watching videos studying his strengths and weaknesses.”

Europa League Will Be Hard To Win, Says Rafa Benitez

Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez reckons the quality of the Europa League has been underestimated this season.

Liverpool FC dropped into UEFA’s second-tier competition from the Champions League, along with the likes of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Marseille, Wolfsburg and Thursday night’s opponents Unirea Urziceni.

They supplemented a competition which already boasted clubs such as Valencia, Villarreal, Hamburg and Sporting Lisbon - not to mention Premier League sides Fulham and Everton FC.

And although the Europa League is not where Liverpool FC expected to be, Benitez believes it will be a difficult trophy to win.

"To be fair, if you analyse the teams that are in the competition there are some very strong teams," he said.

"It will be a difficult competition, the only one we can win now, so we will try to do our best from the beginning.

"We have to progress, we have to win the first round and go forward because we might have Juventus, Valencia or Atletico Madrid.

"Any club in the Europa League which reaches the semi-final will be good enough to be in the Champions League too.

"To win a European competition against top sides is important and if you cannot be in the Champions League you have to do your best here and try to bring something for the fans.

"The response of the players to being knocked out of the Champions League was fantastic and we have to keep doing the same."

Liverpool FC last won this competition, in its former guise of the UEFA Cup, against Alaves in 2001.

Of the players who featured in that final, only captain Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher remain at Liverpool FC.

Benitez, who also won the UEFA Cup with Valencia, believes all the players have to draw on what European experience they have to ensure a good run in the competition.

"We know what it means to win the UEFA Cup, Carra and Gerrard have this experience and I was at Valencia so I know," he added.

"The players have experience in the Champions League and although the names of the clubs now are not familiar, when you play quarter-finals and semi-finals you will see big names.

"They know it (the Europa League) is the only way to do something important."

Last season’s Romanian champions Unirea actually finished their maiden Champions League campaign with a better points tally than Liverpool FC and enjoyed victories away to Rangers and at home to Sevilla.

And Benitez knows they are not to be taken lightly despite being an unfamiliar name.

"Maybe the people don’t know but they (Unirea) were doing very well in the Champions League," said the Spaniard.

"Romania have some good players but normally their weak point is the tactical organisation of the teams, but with this one we were surprised because they were well-organised, so it will be tough.

"We know they are a difficult team to beat so the main thing for me is to tell the players to approach the match like a final."

Unirea’s Israeli manager Roni Levy, whose Maccabi Haifa team were defeated by Liverpool FC in a Champions League qualifier in 2007, is optimistic.

"It is a very important game for us," said the 43-year-old.

"We hope to defend well, maybe counter-attack, maybe expose them on the pitch and maybe score - that would be great."

Real Madrid, AC Milan And Juventus In Potential Three-Way Summer Fight To Land Liverpool Manager

Beleagured Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez could face a three-way summer fight for his services.

Real Madrid head coach Manuel Pellegrini and AC Milan's Leonardo have both been told they must do better after defeats in Europe this week - and both are said to see Benitez as the man who could transform their fortunes.

Sportsmail were the first to reveal that Juventus were lining up the Spaniard as their next manager. Alberto Zaccheroni has been put in charge of the Bianconeri till the end of the season following the dismisal of Ciro Ferrara, but the Serie A side will move for Benitez at the end of the season.

The former Valencia boss has also been linked with the San Siro, where Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has criticised the team's performance in the 2-1 Champions League defeat by Manchester United.

'Milan are a great team, but only if they allow the players to play properly,' said Berlusconi in an apparent swipe at Leonardo's tactics.

'Even this year Milan have everything to win, only if they let them play well though.'

Meanwhile, reports in Spain suggest Pellegrini could be sacked if Madrid go out of the Champions League next month.

The Bernabeu giants were beaten 1-0 at Lyon on Tuesday night and Madrid's director general Jorge Valdano is said to have warned the Chilean that an exit at the last 16 stage will not be tolerated.

Pellegrini came under fire before Christmas when his team of Galacticos were knocked out of the Spanish Cup by lowly Alcorcon, but his side are just two points off leaders Barcelona in the hunt for La Liga.