Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs Everton

Liverpool recently sacked Roy Hodgson after an underwhelming campaign and brought in former boss and club legend Kenny Dalglish to take the reins on a temporary basis. But the Scot is yet to taste victory in his second stint at the helm.

His first game in charge was against Manchester United in the FA Cup, which ended in a 1-0 defeat to his side. This was followed by a trip to Bloomfield Road, where the Reds surrendered the lead before allowing the hosts to snatch a victory.

Now for the Merseyside derby. It is almost two decades since Dalglish suddenly quit the very position he holds, after his side played out a 4-4 draw with these very opponents.

The 59-year-old is held as a true legend of the club as a player as well as a manager, but his status could be dimmed if he is unable to bring about a resurrection in the team’s dreadful form. But on the contrary, a positive achievement - and a victory over Moyes’ men, for now - will do a world of good to the team as well as himself.

It is almost as if the two clubs on Merseyside are sympathizing with each other stooping down to newer lows, as only goal difference separates both teams in the Premier League.

This means that the derby takes an added significance as both teams are only four points above the relegation zone, and the loser could face potentially very difficult consequences in terms of getting back up in the standings.

The visitors were having some trouble converting their chances in recent weeks, but were able to successfully put five past Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup. But their current opponents are not a team that sit in the Championship drop zone, which would make the task all the more difficult.

To add to the Moyes’ woes, Australian Tim Cahill is away on international duty in the Asia Cup and will play no part in this game. But on the positive side, the Toffees have won their last two games and the cup win should give them enough confidence to hope for the right result at Anfield.

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly, Christian Poulsen and Daniel Agger recently received encouraging words from manager Kenny Dalglish, and could all be set to start this game. Jamie Carragher (shoulder) remains sidelined following his surgery, while Joe Cole and Jay Spearing are doubts for this one. Steven Gerrard will play no part in this game since he is suspended.

Possible starting line-up: Reina; Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Kelly; Kuyt, Lucas, Poulsen, Meireles; Cole; Torres.

Everton

David Moyes has revealed that the Toffees have accepted an offer for Steven Pienaar from an unnamed club, but the South Africa international could still play in this game. Phil Jagielka (thigh) was expected to be in contention to feature in the Merseyside derby, but he has been unable to recover well enough to take part in the mammoth encounter at Anfield. Tim Cahill is unavailable since he is away on international duty at the Asian Cup.

Possible starting line-up: Howard; Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Fellaini, Rodwell, Arteta, Pienaar; Saha.

Pepe Reina Believes Victory Over Everton Can Be A Catalyst For Change In Liverpool's Fortunes

A victory over local rivals Everton could lead to a revitalisation of Liverpool’s season, according to Pepe Reina.

Currently below their neighbours on goal difference, the Reds desperately need a result, having lost three on the spin.

"It can be a turning point in the season," Reina told the club's official website. "What better game to do it in than the derby? For the supporters and for us, it is a massive one and I hope the season will turn around from Sunday onwards."

The Spaniard believes the atmosphere will reach fever-pitch on Sunday with new boss Kenny Dalglish embarking on his first home fixture since his shock departure in 1991.

Reina said: "I think the supporters will be more excited than ever because of Kenny, the situation of the team and because it is a derby and we need the three points desperately.

"We need to have them behind us. I'm sure we will, but they have to be conscious that now is the time to get the famous Kop and Anfield behind us because we definitely need them more than any other game."

The 28-year-old shot-stopper is adamant that all the players know the importance of the game, and believes that the squad is beginning to grasp the ideas of the new manager despite falling short at Blackpool in midweek.

"Kenny has told us to trust ourselves, to trust each other and to try and train harder and be more positive," said Reina.

"He knows a lack of confidence is there and we need a couple of positive results, but by doing a great job in our training sessions we will get them.

"He has spoken to all of us together about where we have to improve as a team, told us to stay together and be more compact than ever, to try to trust each other and have confidence things will turn around."

The fixture will see three of its usual protagonists sidelined in Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Tim Cahill, and the World Cup winner admits that whilst the absence of Cahill is a boost, Liverpool must up their game if they are to succeed without the local duo.

He said: "Cahill's a great player and it's good for us in this case that he's involved in the Asian Cup and won't be on the park.

"But we have to worry about ourselves and when Stevie and Carra are missing, we are a bit weaker. The players know what the game means and all of us will be ready for Sunday.”

On a personal level, the absence of Gerrard and Carragher puts Reina in line to be handed the captaincy by Dalglish.

"It would be a proud honour," he added.

"With Mikel Arteta captaining Everton as well, it will be fun and a great picture of both of us together before kick-off.

"Whenever you are wearing the Liverpool armband, it is a pleasure, honour and a privilege."

Kenny Dalglish Aiming To Recreate Glory Days For Young Liverpool Fans

Kenny Dalglish is hoping today's Merseyside derby is the first step on the road to glory for young Liverpool fans.

The Reds boss, who returned to the Anfield hot seat last weekend, previously played and managed Liverpool during the all-conquering era that older supporters love to reminisce about.

Dalglish is all too aware the club have not won the league since 1990 and that the younger generation of Reds fans are sick of hearing about the good old days, instead of experiencing domestic success themselves.

'There are a couple of generations out there who don't know what it's like to see their team win the title,' he said.

'My aim is to let those people share in the kind of times that our older supporters still remember.

'I know it's a huge ask to recreate the days of the 1970s and '80s and that you have to be realistic about what you can achieve - but we have always aimed high here.'

Dalglish added that although it would be difficult for Liverpool to return to the top, Manchester United had shown it is possible to recover from a prolonged period without success.

No Reds Move For Ajax Ace

Urby Emanuelson's agent has played down reports linking Liverpool with a move for the Ajax defender.

Reports have suggested Liverpool have targeted the Dutch international to help solve their problematic left-back position.

Emanuelson's future at Ajax has been the subject of speculation for some time with the player rejecting a new deal at the Amsterdam ArenA and his contract expiring in the summer.

New Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is thought to be keen to bring in some new faces to freshen up the squad at Anfield and Emanuelson has been mentioned as a possible target due to his versatility in that he can play in defence or midfield.

Emanuelson's, representative, Brian Berkleef, insists he has had no contact with Liverpool, but that the Dutchman would consider a move to Anfield if they came calling for his services.

"Nobody from Liverpool has contacted us about Urby, but they are a great club and we would be happy to talk to them if they were to contact us," Berkleef told skysports.com.

"Obviously there is a lot of clubs interested in Urby as he is a talented player and he is out of contract in the summer.

"It is a bit tricky as Ajax could make some money by selling him now, but I think he will stay until the end of the season as he wants to try and win the championship with Ajax.

"However, if a good offer arrives and Urby feels good about it he would consider moving this month."

Liverpool Eye Stewart Downing

Liverpool is trying to tempt Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier to part with England winger Stewart Downing.

New Kop manager Kenny Dalglish believes Downing, 26, would give his side much-needed width and pace.

Dalglish’s predecessor, Roy Hodgson, had also been eyeing Villa’s Ashley Young, 25, but it’s Downing who is on a shortlist of possible Kop signings during the transfer window.

Liverpool believes Downing would come cheaper than his Villa Park team-mate at around £10 million.

Also on Liverpool’s radar is Wigan’s enigmatic Charles N’Zogbia, but it’s believed that manager Roberto Martinez is holding out for around £15million.

Stephen Warnock 'Set For Liverpool Transfer'

Stephen Warnock is poised to return to Liverpool after accepting he has little future at Aston Villa, according to a report.

The England left-back has lost his place in the Villa first team and manager Gerard Houllier has indicated he is free to leave.

Blackburn Rovers were keen to sign the 29-year-old but it now seems that his destination will be Liverpool, reports the Daily Mail.

The Reds have asked to take Warnock on loan for the rest of the season and the player has apparently been told he can move to Anfield.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish views Warnock, who began his career with the Reds, as the answer to his team's left-back problem.

England right-back Glen Johnson moved across the defence to fill the role during the 2-1 defeat at Blackpool in midweek, but Dalglish believes he needs a more permanent replacement for Roy Hodgson favourite Paul Konchesky.

Aston Villa, who completed the transfer of Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun from Lyon this morning, plan to sign a replacement for Warnock in the next few days.

Wigan Athletic's Maynor Figueroa is believed to be Houllier's preferred choice.

Roma Reject Liverpool Interest In Mirko Vucinic

Roma are in no mood to unclench their fists with Mirko Vucinic as they reject Liverpool advances.

The 27-year-old Montenegrin striker has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield. Il Corriere dello Sport claimed on Friday that Roma were considering a sale as budgetary constraints was forcing the club to offload.

However, Sky Sport Italia are now reporting opposition to a sale by the Roma directorate. Chiefs at Trigoria have rejected proposals from Anfield, telling the Premier League side that Vucinic is not for sale.

Vucinic is considered a stable part of plans by coach Claudio Ranieri and he is part of the squad for Sunday's trip to Cesena.

Kenny Eyes Clarke Connection

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is hopeful Steve Clarke can provide the answer to getting the best out of Joe Cole and Glen Johnson.

The pair have so far failed to live up to expectations at Anfield, with Johnson costing the club £17million in the summer of 2009, while Cole has not hit the ground running since arriving this season.

The conundrum was something former manager Roy Hodgson was unable to solve during his six months in charge.

But Dalglish hopes the arrival of former Chelsea assistant Clarke will help find the key to unlocking the talent of the former Stamford Bridge duo.

"It is a positive because Steve and Glen have terrific respect for each other, as has Joe for Steve," said the Reds boss, whose side takes on local foes Everton on Sunday.

"They worked closely at Chelsea and they have a great belief in him.

"Steve has a lot more information on Glen and Joe than I have so it is going to be helpful for everyone."

Dalglish has not had the immediate impact he would have hoped for having cut short a family holiday to take over from Hodgson last Saturday and heads into Sunday's derby fixture with a team which have lost four of their last five domestic league and cup fixtures.

Confidence has taken a battering and even his own return to the manager's position, although bringing brighter performances on the pitch, has not halted the slide.

He does not have much time to turn things around, having been given the job initially until the end of the season, and accepts everyone is still coming to terms with the new set up.

"It is a bit difficult when you are in the middle of the Persian Gulf to try to prepare a team for a game," said Dalglish in reference to last weekend's SOS call from principle owner John W Henry.

"Steve Clarke has been excellent this week and the players have responded brilliantly.

"Steve and Sammy Lee (assistant manager) have set the program up and we've had conversations every morning about what we want to achieve in that session and they have gone out and the players have adapted to it and done it.

"They have shown in training sessions and the matches they are determined to get this ship turned around and for it to be more positive than it has been.

"It is a change for them (the players) as well. A change of manager, change of training - they have got to adapt and I've got to adapt because it's been a while since I was a manager.

"I have changes to make and I have to re-educate myself so the quicker we can all learn from each other the better we will all be.

"There is one common denominator of both parties is that we have respect for each other."

Silva Strike Seals U18s Win

Liverpool U18s continued their impressive start to 2011 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bolton on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds followed on from their FA Youth Cup heroics with another performance full of attacking purpose and deservedly took the spoils courtesy of goals from Adam Morgan, Conor Coady and Toni Silva.

Jack Sampson had pulled the visitors level with a well-taken first-half volley but they could do little to deny the home side victory in what proved to be a one-sided second 45 at the Academy.

The result means Rodolfo Borrell's youngsters will head into next Saturday's mini-derby at Everton in high spirits and eager to impress as they bid to secure starting berths for their upcoming Youth Cup clash with either Southend or Derby.

The Reds made a supercharged start to the proceedings and were ahead on eight minutes when a fine move down the left flank ended with a clinical near post finish from Morgan.

The Academy die-hards that had braved the blustery conditions may have felt it was a sign of things to come for the visitors who had succumbed to a 6-0 defeat against Borrell's side on their own patch back in November.

And the Trotters could well have been two down just minutes later but Jay Lynch did well to deny Morgan after the forward had been sent scampering clear by Silva.

It looked all set to be a comfortable afternoon for Borrell's charges until Sampson latched on to a loose ball in the Reds area and dispatched a well-struck volley back across Tyrell Belford and in off the far post on 15 minutes.

It was shock to the system for the hosts and they struggled to impose their usual game on events until a sublime ball from Krisztian Adorjan sent Silva galloping in on goal. The Portuguese winger cut inside his man before teeing up Raheem Sterling to sting the fingertips of Lynch with a first time drive.

Adorjan's creativity when dropping off the frontman was causing the Bolton rearguard all sorts of problems and it was only a fine stop from Lynch that denied Silva on 38 minutes after the Hungarian had conjured up another beautifully weighted pass.

As the interval approached the Reds continued to probe but it was the away team that almost snatched the lead when Oluwasanmi Odelusz rounded Belford, only to see Stephen Sama keep out his effort with a remarkable headed clearance.

The second half brought with it heavier rainfall and both sides threatened in what had developed into a keenly contested encounter.

Liverpool continued to play the more attractive football while the away side looked dangerous at set pieces and it became evident that the next goal would be hugely significant in the outcome of the game.

Thankfully, it fell the home team's way as Coady seized upon a pass 25 yards from goal and sent a rasping first-time drive into the far corner of the net on 56 minutes.

It gave Borrell's men an instant lift and Adorjan looked to extend their advantage with a dipping 25 yard free-kick that drew another good save from Lynch.

With Bolton legs getting weary Liverpool unleashed new signing Jason Banton into the action and he showed some neat touches when he replaced Sterling late on.

By now it was all one-way traffic and Silva ensured the Reds would complete the double over Bolton when he drilled in a third from a tight angle.

Adorjan then came close to rubbing salt in their wounds in added time when his swirling free-kick crashed back off the crossbar.

Emotional Kenny Tells Reds To Cool It

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits his Anfield return will be emotional but he has told his players to make sure they keep their tempers in check in Sunday's 215th Merseyside derby.

Dalglish will walk out of the Anfield tunnel as Reds boss for the first time in nearly 20 years and although the welcome he will receive will surpass anything afforded his predecessors he will have wanted to arrive in better circumstances. Dalglish is desperately in need of a win after two losses to start his latest era but that will not detract from the moment he walks under the famous Anfield sign to take his place on the bench.

"It will be emotive coming back down the steps," he said. "If the supporters are pleased to see me sitting there, they will not be as pleased as I am. It's all very well being romantic but the truth of the matter is we have got to start winning games. Me, the players, the staff, we are all responsible for trying to achieve that. It would cap off a fantastic day if we got a positive result. But Everton want a positive result, too, because they haven't exactly set the world alight this year either."

Dalglish will send out his team - without Scousers Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher through suspension and injury - at Anfield telling them to play the game and not the occasion. There have been 19 red cards in this fixture in the last 14 years and Dalglish is keen for his men not to add to that tally.

"The players here know the importance of the derby and sometimes the local lads get carried away and are too motivated and get a bit heated,'' Dalglish said. "Nowadays if you say 'Good morning' to someone you've got a chance of getting a red card. But you can't blame players for being passionate and committed - they've been highly criticized for not being passionate and committed.

"If there is a bit of understanding from the officials I'm sure it would ease things along a bit. You have to be intelligent - the fact it is a derby doesn't change the rules of the game, they are exactly the same. But you have to go and compete, just as you have in every other game. We want to see the players competing but within the rules of the game and if I have 11 players on the pitch we have a chance of winning.''

After defeats in Dalglish's opening two matches, and the team on a run of four losses in five domestic league and cup matches which have dropped them closer to the relegation zone, the significance of this derby is being hyped up. But the manager played down those suggestions.

"We're going out to win game. Where it takes us at this moment in time isn't particularly relevant,'' he added. "It's where you are at the end of the season when you add up the points that's the most relevant thing. A positive result for us gives everyone a lift. We just need a bit of confidence. The best way to do it is to start winning matches. The sooner we do that, the quicker the confidence will come.''

Fernando Torres Must Put In A Big Shift For His Team-Mates

In among the debris of Liverpool’s defeat at Blackpool there were one or two signs that Kenny Dalglish had already had a positive effect on Fernando Torres; the Spaniard’s goal for a start, when he finished forcefully after a good run.

But Dalglish and Liverpool need much more than that if the team’s fortunes are to turn around. They need Torres working hard in the right areas. They need him to be strong when the ball is played up and to constantly make runs off the back of defenders.

Not only that, they need him to do it on Sunday in the Merseyside derby, otherwise Everton could end up rubbing more salt in the wounds.

But if anybody can breathe new life into Torres, it is surely ‘King Kenny’.

As one of the cleverest strikers to ever grace this game, Dalglish can offer all sorts of tips. The first one must be to work hard, to put in the miles so that your team-mates, for one thing, can find you with a pass. Significantly, this has not always happened.

Back in October at Goodison Park, for example, Jamie Carragher had a right go at Torres when he did not get across to make himself available. Carragher got closed down because he did not have an option and, typically, was not slow to tell the forward where he went wrong.

Liverpool Tipped To Make Sensational Double Dutch Swoop

Liverpool are reportedly in line to launch a double bid for Ajax duo Luis Suarez and Urby Emanuelson.

According to The Telegraph, the Reds have been monitoring both players and now it would appear they could be set to launch a €31 million swoop on the Dutch giants.

Liverpool have consistently been linked with a move for Suarez in recent weeks in their pursuit of more potent goalscoring options.

Earlier this week an Ajax source told Goal.com that Liverpool have been in contact regarding a move for the €23 million Uruguayan striker and - although they have yet to lodge a formal offer - a concrete bid is expected to come imminently.

But Liverpool is expected to have to fight of Spurs for Suarez's signature and the 23-year-old would supposedly favour a move to London.

The source told Goal.com: “Suarez would prefer Tottenham at the moment because he is a family-orientated man with a very young child and he likes the idea of living in London.”

Conversely, €8 million-rated Emanuelson has hardly found himself at the centre of Liverpool speculation during the transfer window, but has reportedly been targeted as a potential replacement for Paul Konchesky.

The Holland international can also play in a more advanced role and would prove a versatile option for Kenny Dalglish in his quest to turn around Liverpool's season.

According to The Mirror, the new Liverpool boss will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Anfield hero Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool Line Up Shock Move For £15m New Gerrard Partner

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring West Ham star Scott Parker.

The 30-year-old has been in sensational form again for the Hammers this season and has consistently been linked with a move away from Upton Park.

Parker has stated that he has no desire to leave West Ham, but it comes as no surprise that he is wanted by a number of clubs - including Tottenham - and The Guardian now reports Liverpool are interested in his signature.

However, Liverpool is expected to have to spend big to bring the former Chelsea midfielder to Anfield, after Spurs were told that they would have to pay £15 million for his services.

“I like Scott Parker but for about £15million and at 30 years old he is not a Tottenham buy," said Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

“Daniel [Levy] wouldn’t buy a player of that age. It’s a lot of money and big wages.”

But, according to The Mirror, Kenny Dalglish will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Anfield hero Steven Gerrard.

The new Liverpool boss is thought to have identified Parker as the man to play alongside Gerrard, but whether the Anfield club will launch a bid remains to be seen.

Parker would certainly provide a competent foil for the Liverpool skipper, allowing him greater freedom and the chance to link up with Fernando Torres.

The acquisition of a new striker to play with Torres is also a priority for Liverpool, and they have been linked with moves for Ajax captain Luis Suarez and Roma hotshot Mirko Vucinic.

And, despite Dalglish said to have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates, he has stated that he will allow Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli to look after transfer dealings.

"There is so much demand on a manager's time that it is important to have someone actively organising people, going to see either teams for reports on matches or individual players," said the Liverpool legend.

"I think it is a fantastic help and I don't have a problem with Damien."

Roma Would Consider Selling Mirko Vucinic To Liverpool

Mirko Vucinic is no longer untouchable, as Roma would sell him to Liverpool if budgetary constraints forced a need for immediate cash flow.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports the Italians have never generated much favour for selling the 27-year-old Montenegrin ace, but firm interest from Liverpool, and a need for cash could change their position.

It's no secret the Reds are keen on Vucinic and they see him as an ideal frontman to play off Fernando Torres.

For now Vucinic is seen as stable in the capital, but with Roma's future unknown and linked to a sale from club creditors Unicredit, player exits may be needed in future.

Dalglish Targets Sunderland Skipper To Transform Liverpool's Season

Liverpool is reportedly plotting a shock January move for Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole.

According to the Mirror, the Reds will 'check the situation' of the 22-year-old in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements during the transfer window.

Kenny Dalglish will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

The new Liverpool boss is thought to be keen to add a tough tackling enforcer to the middle of the park and, having gained a reputation as somewhat of a red card specialist, Cattermole would certainly provide that.

A move for Cattermole would appear to be more likely than one for reported target Scott Parker as the former is yet to peak in his career and would have plenty of room to develop at Liverpool.

This criteria was outlined as something of importance by NESV after their acquisition of Liverpool and Damien Comolli has been tasked with identifying potential investments.

The Liverpool director of football strategy is known to be scouting a number of young transfer candidates, with Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Belgian sensation Eden Hazard both linked with moves to Anfield.

Dalglish Warns Ryan Babel He Could Be Punished By Liverpool

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has warned his players about their responsibilities when going on social networking sites like Twitter, and admitted that the club may take action against Ryan Babel for his outburst at referee Howard Webb.

Babel caused controversy after posting a picture of Webb bedecked in a Manchester United shirt following the club's FA Cup defeat to the Red Devils and Tweeted: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke. SMH [shaking my head]."

Since then, Babel has accepted an improper conduct charge from the FA, and Dalglish admits the Dutchman could now be sanctioned by the Anfield club too.

"Ryan has to be responsible. If you are going to be on Twitter you have to be responsible," said the Reds boss, according to the Press Association.

"You know the repercussions if you say or do something which is contentious.

"He never drew it [the picture] up, he just forwarded it on.

"I think it was a bit tongue-in-cheek, it wasn't his creation and he has apologized unreservedly to the referee.

"The club will take some action I would have thought and then that should be it for me."

Kenny Happy With Comolli 'Help'

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has backed director of football strategy Damien Comolli and labelled the Frenchman a "fantastic help".

Principal owner John Henry flies in for this weekend's 215th Merseyside derby with a number of issues to address.

He will meet Dalglish for the first time in his official capacity as manager for a second spell after taking over from Roy Hodgson less than a week ago.

Director of football strategy Comolli will be party to some discussions as he and the 59-year-old Scot try to plot a path forward after a disappointing six months.

Comolli will be a key component as he has been in the post since November working on transfer policy and a long-term blueprint.

And despite Dalglish's extensive knowledge of football at many levels, even having been out of management for more than a decade, he is happy to defer to the Frenchman on such matters as he is concentrating on getting things right with the current squad.

"Forget transfers and talk about the position Damien has," said Dalglish.

"There is so much demand on a manager's time that it is important to have someone actively organising people, going to see other teams for reports on matches or individual players.

"Having conversations daily with people in the game and seeing what the movement of players are and then reporting back to the manager so the two of them can make a decision.

"I think it is a fantastic help and I don't have a problem with Damien."

A second successive defeat, at Blackpool in midweek, has made Dalglish's first home game on Sunday against Liverpool's near-neighbours even more significant.

There were few positives to take from the performance at Bloomfield Road but what is encouraging is the effect the manager appears to have already had on Fernando Torres.

The striker has struggled for goals this season but the way in which he took his third-minute strike against the Seasiders was like the Torres of old, racing onto Martin Kelly's through-ball to emphatically fire home from a tight angle.

In that moment the Spain international showed more confidence and intent than he has at any other time this campaign.

That, and a second successive good display from Kelly and a decent performance from Christian Poulsen on his first league appearance for nearly two months, gave something for Dalglish to focus on.

"It was a great goal from Fernando and he was a real positive," said the Scot.

"As was Kelly at right-back and Daniel Agger at centre-back, who felt unwell before the game, but went right through it.

"And Christian Poulsen did well in the middle, passing and moving."

Dalglish now has to get more of his players performing closer to their best as they host Everton on Sunday.

The former Reds player knows the significance of the game, having quit as manager first time around nearly 20 years ago following a 4-4 draw in the FA Cup at Goodison Park after the emotional strain of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster finally took its toll.

"The derby is always a great occasion," said Dalglish.

"Every city which has a derby thinks they have the best one of the lot but ours taking some beating."

Reds Sign Ex-Gunners Starlet

Liverpool have today confirmed that teenager Jason Banton has joined the Academy until the end of the season.

The former Arsenal and Blackburn winger was on trial at the club and was an unused substitute in the Reserves' 2-1 success over Sunderland earlier this week.

Academy director Frank McParland told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Jason has been training with us here at the Academy for the past three to four weeks.

"He's a talented winger who we feel can be a very good player for us.

"It didn't work out for him at Blackburn so we have stepped in and have signed him at least until the end of the season. It's up to him now to show that he has what it takes to wear the red shirt."

Banton, 18, played in the same youth team as Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere.

Kenny Dalglish Targets Four January Buys In Crucial Transfer Window

Kenny Dalglish will ask Liverpool's principal owner, John W Henry, to provide the funds for as many as four January signings in an attempt to rectify the club's desperately disappointing campaign when the pair meet in the next 48 hours.

Though the Scot has offered his squad staunch support in public since he replaced Roy Hodgson at Anfield – insisting after Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Blackpool that the players already at his disposal "look good enough" to move Liverpool away from the relegation zone – he is convinced he must use the transfer window to bolster his resources if he is to have any chance of salvaging the season.

Henry arrived on Merseyside on Thursday to begin a 10-day visit and will doubtless seek talks with his caretaker manager as a matter of urgency. The American can expect the 59 year-old to request that Fenway Sports Group, the club's parent company, makes substantial funds available this month, despite the uncertainty over his position and Liverpool's repeated insistence that January is a "difficult" time to buy.

Dalglish – together with Damien Comolli, the club's director of football strategy – is thought to harbour hopes that as many as four senior reinforcements could be drafted in, with a left-back, a wide player and a striker top of his agenda.

Luis Suarez, the Ajax striker, has emerged as the most likely target for the last of these positions, with the player's club minded to sell him – providing they receive an offer in excess of £18 million. Sources in Holland have confirmed that a bid from Liverpool, who has watched the player intensely over the last few months, is anticipated.

As well as Suarez, the Ajax left-back Urby Emanuelson is believed to be a target, while Lille duo Gervinho and Eden Hazard – both of whom can play either as an orthodox striker or in a wide position – have attracted Liverpool's attention. Moves for Yann M'Vila and Sylvain Marveaux, both of Rennes, are expected to wait until the summer.

Ashley Young, of Aston Villa, and Charles N'Zogbia, the Wigan winger, have also been discussed, though it is feared the former's asking price may prove prohibitive, while the DW Stadium club have received no offers for the latter. Hamburg's Eljero Elia and Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku are also under consideration.

Dalglish's determination to sign a left-back to replace Paul Konchesky may also lead to a return to Anfield for Stephen Warnock, with the club believed to be considering a loan offer with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

What the Scot will seek to learn from Henry, though, is what level of funding is likely to be available, as he admitted on Thursday. "I can always make a request [for money], but it might not always be accepted," said Dalglish. "I have never broached the subject of money being available with the owners. If there is a possibility of someone coming in then we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

FSG has made it clear it will not set a hard and fast transfer budget, preferring to judge each case on its own merit, but with just 17 days of the window remaining, the club cannot afford to waste time. It also remains uncertain as to what extent Dalglish must trim his squad before he seeks additional recruits. FSG is unimpressed with Liverpool's already bloated wage bill and is unlikely to permit its exponential growth simply for short-term gain.

Saleable assets, though, are in short supply at Anfield. Konchesky cannot be sold without dispensation from Fifa as he has already played for two clubs this season, while the wages earned by the likes of Christian Poulsen, Ryan Babel and Milan Jovanovic will make them hard to move on.

Even more pressingly, Dalglish's side, who has been defeated in both of his games in charge, must overcome the small matter of a Merseyside derby. Though Everton would be forgiven for travelling to Anfield in confident mood, Tim Cahill admits "that disharmony can bring you together".

The Australian – who in on international duty at the Asian Cup and will not be playing – is one man Dalglish perhaps should not cite to Henry as he looks for funds to bolster his squad. To Cahill, hard cash is not nearly as effective as heart, particularly amid the heat of a derby.

"In games like this you have to make sure you give everything," said the midfielder, speaking to promote the Tim Cahill Everton Experience, a fund-raising initiative to help the victims of the Queensland floods.

"It's down to your work ethic and spirit. We all know what a great spirit we have at Everton. Over the last six or seven years, at the worst times, when it's not going your way, that spirit is what has brought us through."

Anfield Side Come Up With A Good Way To Kill Two Birds With One Stone.

Damien Comolli is apparently very keen on Liverpool snapping up Dutch winger Eljero Elia and the idea of offering Hamburg some cash as well as the seemingly unneeded wide man Ryan Babel is a clever one and it could well be the type of deal the Bundesliga side accepts.

24 year old former Ajax attacker Babel has spent the past three and a half seasons at the Merseyside club trying to convince Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish that he has what it takes but it seems that his consistently inconsistent displays have left him with no future at the club and perhaps a move to Germany would help reignite a career that is danger of becoming more well known for Ryan’s Twitter Tweets than his questionable ability.

Elia is a similar style of player to Babel but it appears that during his season and a half with Hamburg he has shown a great deal of promise and now that his club have effectively placed a price on his head it would appear that Eljero is very much there for the taking.

Director of Football Comolli and new boss Dalglish will now be looking at how they can attempt to steer the troubled Liverpool shop away from danger and there are a number of passengers they can afford to lose and regardless of the occasionally effective cameo appearance, which actually seems a thing of the past, Babel is eminently losable.