Premier League Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool

Chelsea welcome Liverpool on Sunday with all eyes very much focused on one man, Fernando Torres. The Spaniard’s move from Anfield to Stamford Bridge has prompted much discussion and even pictures of his old Liverpool shirt being burnt on Merseyside, yet a quirk of fate means he should make his first outing in a blue shirt against the men in red.

The good news for Torres is that this is a fixture the striker seems to thrive on. The Spaniard scored seven goals in eight games for Liverpool against Chelsea, including both strikes in the Reds’ 2-0 win at Anfield back in November.

The 26-year-old has vowed not to celebrate if he does find the net on Sunday, but having scored on his Anfield debut, few would bet against Torres being on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge.

The gloom surrounding Torres’ departure did not last long at Anfield, no doubt helped by the arrivals of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. Suarez then introduced himself to his new fans with a goal in the midweek win over Stoke City to ensure the Kop have a new hero.

Whilst that will undoubtedly have given the Reds a welcome boost, so will their recent form which has seen them win three on the bounce, with three clean sheets to boot, and move up to seventh in the table.

However, their recent Premier League record at Stamford Bridge is poor. The Reds have failed to score on five of their last six visits and have managed just one win since 2004, when they needed Jose Bosingwa to put through his own net to secure victory.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

The £50 million man Fernando Torres is expected to make his debut against Liverpool and could be joined by another new boy, David Luiz, who is also available.

Alex, Yossi Benayoun and Yury Zhirkov remain on the injured list but other than that trio manager Carlo Ancelotti has a full squad to chose from and possibly a selection headache over how best to accommodate his new striker.

Possible starting XI: Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka; Torres, Drogba.

Liverpool

After scoring on his debut against Stoke City, Luis Suarez is expected to make his first start for the Reds. However, fellow new boy Andy Carroll is still some way off making his debut due to a thigh problem.

Christian Poulsen is a doubt with a back problem and a knee injury may prevent Joe Cole from facing his former employers.

Jamie Carragher returns to the squad after recovering from a dislocated shoulder, however Kenny Dalglish has refused to confirm whether he will go straight into the starting line-up.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Kuyt, Gerrard, Lucas, Maxi, Meireles; Suarez.

'We'll Always Attract The Best'

Pepe Reina believes the deadline day arrivals of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll proves that Liverpool will always attract football's top talent.

The Reds swooped to sign the strike pair on Monday, with Suarez already marking his debut as a second-half substitute against Stoke City with a goal.

Reina feels the acquisition of the duo underlines the fact that Anfield remains an attractive destination to the best players on the planet.

"Liverpool will always attract good players because it's an historic club. It's one of the big four teams in England," he said.

"The people will always want to come here, that's clear.

"I hope for many more of the goals that Luis scored within 30 minutes of coming on on Wednesday. We have to welcome him, and Carroll as well."

The victory over Stoke was Liverpool's third successive win in the Barclays Premier League, following triumphs over Wolves and Fulham.

Reina added: "It was important to keep that momentum; we knew they were winnable games, although in the Premier League you cannot say that too often.

"We had respect for the three teams we played but we won them all. And we're a lot better now."

Real Madrid Reignite Interest In Steven Gerrard

Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their interest in signing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, which will make Reds fans nervous following the loss of Fernando Torres to Chelsea last week, according to the People.

Jose Mourinho wishes to sign the 30-year-old Kop hero, and Real are apparently ready to mount a £25 million bid for the midfielder.

The Portugese coach is looking to add to his squad in the summer, and has long admired the Englishman’s ability, regarding him as a worthy addition to his Madrid squad.

Mourinho hopes to be third time lucky in attempting to sign the Anfield talisman, as he previously failed on two occasions when manager of Chelsea.

Liverpool are, however, unlikely to let their skipper go, as club owners New England Sports Ventures look to invest and propel the Merseysiders back into the Champions League.

Despite Torres’ departure, Liverpool made consecutive record-breaking bids to acquire the services of Luis Suarez from Ajax and Andy Carroll from Newcastle, defiant statements of intent regarding their ambition and the direction in which they plan to take the club.

The Real Madrid boss has been infuriated by his club’s failure to back him in the transfer market as he looked to sign another striker in the wake of Gonzalo Higuain’s injury and doubts over the suitability of Kerim Benzema.

The Spaniards finally found movement and brought in Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a possible permanent transfer.

Romelu Lukaku Pursuit Set To Continue In Summer

Liverpool is reportedly ready to continue their pursuit of striker Romelu Lukaku.

The 17-year-old Belgian international is being courted by the cream of Euruope, with Liverpool one of the clubs heavily linked with a move for the player in January.

Damien Comolli, director of football strategy at Anfield, made contact with Anderlecht during the transfer window with regards to the player's availability, but Liverpool did not follow up their interest with a bid.

Chelsea did make an offer for the player, and they are thought to be the Reds' main competition for the player. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Spurs are also thought to be interested in the player valued at around €30 million.

“What happened on deadline day does not change anything. We know which clubs are interested and Chelsea and Liverpool remain at the front of the queue," a source close to the player told Goal.com UK.

Both clubs spent big in the transfer window with major striker additions, but the opportunity to sign a teenage 'wonderkid' is one that neither club is keen to pass up easily.

New Liverpool owners NESV proved they are willing to back Kenny Dalglish in the transfer market, and the Scot is thought to be keen on adding the player to the Merseysiders' ranks with the backing of Comolli.

The player fits the criteria set out by the club's new owners, with young, attacking talent wanted to fill the ranks for the future at Liverpool.

Spending power isn't something the Blues are lacking either though, and Carlo Ancelotti could easily challenge his Barclays Premier League rivals should he wish to spend Roman Abramovich's money on the teenager.

Reports claim the clubs will battle again for the player's signature at the end of the summer, and Liverpool will hope Comolli can persuade the player that Anfield can be his future home.

Fernando Torres Blames Tom Hicks And George Gillett For Liverpool Exit

Fernando Torres has told Liverpool fans they should blame the club's former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett for his decision to join Chelsea.

The Spanish centre forward angered Kopites by demanding a move in the closing stages of the January transfer window and then completing a British record £50 million switch to Chelsea.

Torres is likely to face a hostile reception when he makes his Blues debut against Liverpool today, but although he understands why the fans who used to idolise him may feel let down, the 26-year-old insisted there were good reasons for his exit.

In his first two seasons at Anfield, the Reds reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and finished as runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League, but Torres believes the club then went backwards due to Hicks and Gillett.

He said: 'Then we were very, very close to being one of the top teams, but when you let Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano leave, it's a clear message.

'The old owners wanted to sell the club too many times and the team was being weakened.'

Torres added the Liverpool players never understood what ex-manager Roy Hodgson wanted them to do and that although Kenny Dalglish's arrival had given everyone at the club hope, the Scot's return came too late to persuade him his future should be at Anfield.

Liverpool used some of the money raised from the sale of Torres to sign Andy Carroll from Newcastle United in a £35 million deal.

However, Reds fans may have to wait until next season to see the England striker's debut, amid reports his thigh injury could keep him out for months.

Pepe Reina Defends Fernando Torres Chelsea Move

Liverpool's Pepe Reina has defended former team-mate Fernando Torres ahead of lining up to face Chelsea's new £50m striker at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Torres's transfer provoked anger from some fans, while Jamie Carragher said there was a feeling among the squad he had wanted to leave since the summer.

But, defending Torres, Reina stated: "Some say he is being disrespectful.

"But, in my eyes, what he gave was huge. He grew up with Liverpool, and Liverpool as a team grew up with him."

Torres, 26, further angered Liverpool supporters after leaving the club on transfer deadline day by saying that he felt a move to Stamford Bridge was a step forward for his career.

Yet Reina, a Spanish international team-mate of Torres, insisted that the former Atletico Madrid forward's decision was no longer relevant to Liverpool's future, repeating manager Kenny Dalglish's message that no one player is bigger than the club itself.

"Players come and go on a daily basis, but what stays is the club and the supporters," he said.

"That is the most important part to the club.

"It is football. It happens season after season, players come and go. Fernando was great for us in three-and-a-half seasons. He did everything for this club.

"Maybe he did not leave at the right time, but it was an opportunity for him. And £50m in the bank is double the price we paid for him.

"It is personal he decided to leave, he thought it was an opportunity for him to keep growing as a player and we have to respect that."

Reina also believes that Liverpool will always be capable of signing top players, a view supported by the recent capture of £35m club record signing Andy Carroll from Newcastle and £23m Luis Suarez from Ajax.

"Liverpool will always attract big players," he said.

"It is an historic club and one of the big four clubs in England and people will always want to come here."

Despite rising confidence after climbing to seventh with three wins in a row, Dalglish played down Liverpool's immediate prospects.

"Our ambition is to get as much as we can from the next game," said the manager. "It's the way I've been brought up. I don't see any need to change it.

"Of course, it's a difficult game. Chelsea is a good side - but I don't think we are too bad either.

"They will be looking at us and see that we are on the up. They will be as concerned about us as we are about them. To have won three on the spin with three clean sheets will give us a lot of confidence."

Torres, meanwhile, has promised Chelsea fans he is on the brink of recapturing the form that made him arguably the best striker in the world.

In his final four games for Liverpool, the Spaniard scored three times.

"In the last two months, I've been playing, if not at my best, close to my best," said the striker.

"I expect to be a bit better for the rest of the season. Last year was difficult with two surgeries on my knees. I needed time to recover. I did."

Despite saying he had a feeling Torres wanted to leave, Carragher also insisted he held no grudge against the Spaniard for moving.

And Torres said: "Hopefully I can play [on Sunday], and he can too.

"I would like to play against him because he's a top player. I like playing against the best, as I liked to play against John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

"I'm expecting a hard game. I know he's a big Liverpool fan. As a footballer, I'm sure he understands my decision. Plenty of my ex-team-mates have congratulated me for this move."

Steven Gerrard Takes Starlet Conor Thomas Under His Wing

England football superstar Steven Gerrard has taken on the job of mentoring Coventry teenager Conor Thomas since his move to Liverpool.

The Merseyside club’s captain has taken the 17-year-old Coundon lad under his wing this week after he joined from Coventry City.

Staff at Coundon Court School has been told their former pupil is getting lifts to training and one-to-one sessions with one of the best footballers in the country.

Conor joined the Premier League giants on a season-long loan during transfer deadline day on Monday – to the disappointment of many Sky Blues fans.

He had been hailed the brightest young prospect the club have produced for years but left days after making his first team debut.

His former PE teacher at Coundon Court School Marc Thomas said: “Steven Gerrard is his mentor. Dalglish just rang him and said ‘Steven Gerrard will pick you up’. He’s kind of taken him under his wing.

“It’s just one of those things. He would probably have got more game time at City but when you have one of the biggest clubs in the world banging on your door, it’s an opportunity that might not come along again.”

The season-long move with a view to a permanent deal came after Conor made his Sky Blues debut in the FA Cup defeat at Birmingham City.

It’s been quite a week for Mr. Thomas – no relation to Conor. He also taught rugby player Tom Woods at Woodlands School, who made his England Debut in the Six Nations opener against Wales last night.

Mr. Thomas has been teaching for 17 years and joined Coundon Court School on the same day as his talented namesake six years ago.

“We knew he was supposed to be a good sportsman because we co-ordinate with the primary schools,” he said. “He’s a big engine in the middle of the park and a big personality on the pitch.

“If you want to achieve at the top in sport you have to have the desire and the personality for it.

“He has all the attributes and he’s going to be working with some outstanding people at Liverpool. If he keeps developing his game then the world’s his oyster.”

Conor started out playing minor league football for Christ the King before joining City’s Academy under-sevens.

He left Coundon Court School at the end of his Year 11 studies last July. “He was never big headed, just a really nice lad,” said Mr. Thomas.

“He hasn’t got an arrogant bone in his body. We would love to see him playing in the Champions League or on Match of the Day.

“Everyone at the school is so proud of him.”

Capello Has Confidence In Carroll

Fabio Capello is confident Andy Carroll's British record £35million price tag will not weigh the young striker down.

After an eye-catching England debut against France last November, Capello has been denied the 22-year-old's services for Wednesday's trip to Denmark. A thigh injury that could delay Carroll's Liverpool debut for anything between a couple of weeks and a couple of months, depending on who you believe, means Capello will have to look elsewhere for his strikers.

But the England coach already thinks of Carroll as being a regular member of his squad. And he certainly does not feel the forward's progress will be hampered by the size of the fee Kenny Dalglish splashed out to get him.

"The fee won't be a problem for him," said Capello. "He has a strong mentality. When he played for England, he played without fear and with such a lot of confidence for someone making his first appearance. It wasn't an easy game for him either because the team didn't play well. But he was the most important player for us and I am sure he will be OK."

Capello quite wisely opted not to get involved in a debate over the actual size of the fee Carroll attracted, restricting himself merely to an observation that: "Liverpool and Chelsea have spent a lot of money on strikers. As a manager you quickly understand you need a really important forward to win something and improve the team."

And for Carroll's part, the attraction of Liverpool is obvious, even for a born and bred Geordie, the added attraction of European football is something Capello is convinced will help his development.

"It is an important move for him. I respect Newcastle a lot but the pressure he will find at Liverpool will be bigger. He knows Liverpool are a really important team in the world because they won a lot of titles."

And pressure there will undoubtedly be. For while Luis Suarez's big-money arrival means Carroll is not on his own in being introduced to the Anfield way of life, he will be the one most eyes will be on. "He is a really good player," said Capello. "At the moment he is young and strong. He has a different style to Torres, but now they have lost him, Carroll will be a very important player for Liverpool."

Sterling And Morgan Clinch U18 Win

Adam Morgan struck a late winner as Liverpool U18s warmed up for the FA Youth Cup with an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

The striker showed great composure to drill a low shot into the bottom corner on 82 minutes after Raheem Sterling's first-half opener had been cancelled out by Alex Henshaw's stunning volley.

It means Rodolfo Borrell's side has extended their run to seven matches undefeated ahead of their cup clash with Southend United on February 14.

The hosts made a bright start to what promised to be an entertaining encounter in Kirkby and after Krisztian Adorjan saw a goalbound shot deflected to safety, Morgan should have done better when he angled an effort off target from the edge of the box.

The Reds seemed intent on extending their fine start to 2011 and on 15 minutes great feet by Toni Silva took him beyond two defenders but his drilled cross was brilliantly cut out by a last-ditch City leg.

It was all Liverpool at this point and Sterling really should have opened the scoring when he fired wide after capitalizing upon an error by Tom Skodsgrud.

The young winger was a constant thorn in the visitors' side and it was his run and pass that saw Morgan force a stunning save out of James Wood.

City had rarely threatened but on 38 minutes they almost stole ahead when Bradley Robinson sizzled a low shot inches past the far post.

However, Liverpool responded and they finally broke the deadlock on 43 minutes. Adorjan slipped a ball through to Sterling, who showed great composure to evade a challenge and coolly fire into the corner.

It was no more than the home side deserved and it was Borrell's charges who continued to ask the questions following the interval.

Morgan was the first to show on 48 minutes, firing a low shot into the midriff of Wood before seeing a well-placed attempt crash off the left-hand post following more good play by Sterling.

Liverpool had created enough chances to be out of sight by the hour mark but they inevitably paid the price for their misses when Henshaw drew City level with a stunning volley from 30 yards.

It was a huge blow for the hosts but they almost restored their lead within seconds of the restart. Morgan took up another good position in attack but after rounding Wood he saw his low shot hacked off the line.

It was suddenly anyone's game and City began to look threatening without truly troubling Tyrell Belford in the Reds' goal.

Liverpool needed to find another gear if they wanted to claim the victory their display deserved and they slowly began to assert their authority again, with Silva twice going close.

First, the Portuguese ace teased a defender and struck a curling shot that just missed the far corner before unleashing a venomous 25 yarder that Wood somehow managed to get a fingertip to.

With the clock running down it looked like the Reds would be forced to settle for a share of the spoils until Morgan finally got his goal when he turned on the edge of the box and angled a drive into the near post corner.

There was even time for the home side to put the icing on the cake but Adorjan saw his controlled strike bounce back off the post.

John W Henry: Kenny Dalglish Has 'Exceeded Expectations' As Manager

Liverpool co-owner John Henry has praised caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish in his efforts since taking over from Roy Hodgson for "exceeding expectations", whilst the American also believes that the team's future remains at Anfield.

There is much discussion on whether the club legend will permanently take the reigns at Anfield, but Henry's comments cannot harm his chances of being in the Red's hot-seat come next season.

The American told The Guardian: "We didn't know Kenny well prior to him coming aboard as manager, but he has exceeded our expectations on all fronts. It would be inappropriate to comment publicly on what happens beyond the end of this season."

Meanwhile, it seems that he has at least made his mind up on whether the club will be on the move in its geography, after several years of speculation, Henry looks to keep the team at Anfield

He added: "It's not a coincidence that the last two ownership groups could not get a new stadium built. What they proposed or hoped for just didn't make any economic sense or they would have been built. A lot of time and effort is being put into study and creatively looking at all options."

Liverpool's finances have long been a talking point as well in past seasons, but thanks to the purchase of the club by the recently re-branded Fenway Sports Group, the £200 million worth of debt was wiped clean, but still looks to spend wisely.

The deadline day of last month's transfer window saw Liverpool spend around £57m of two players, however, with the sales of Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel bringing in over £55m, the club were able to keep any expenditure to a minimum.

Henry explained: "The fee for Torres was dependent on what Newcastle asked for [Andy] Carroll. The negotiation for us was simply the difference in prices paid by Chelsea and to Newcastle.

"Those prices could have been £35m [from Chelsea for Torres] and £20m [to Newcastle for Carroll], 40 and 25 or 50 and 35. It was ultimately up to Newcastle how much this was all going to cost. They [Newcastle] made a hell of a deal. We felt the same way."

This example of spending is the basis of how Henry claims he plans to go about his business in rebuilding Liverpool and his group will not be throwing money at the club to spend without a calculated process.

Henry claimed: "We intend to get younger, deeper and play positive football. Adding two top players [Carroll and Luis Suárez] who have just turned 22 and 24 is a good first step."

Carroll Eyes Gerrard Link

Andy Carroll admits he can’t wait to link up with Steven Gerrard and hopes his move to Liverpool can take his game to the next level.

The new Reds No.9 believes his switch to Anfield will provide him with a fresh challenge and has set his sights on making an impact on the European stage.

"Liverpool's an instant draw, it's massive," he said. "Kenny Dalglish is a great bloke, a fantastic manager and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"Newcastle was my hometown and I loved it and the fans.

"That's what I've come here for - a new challenge and hope I can do the same here. I want to love the fans as I did up there.

"At Newcastle there were great players, here at Liverpool you've got Steven Gerrard who's outstanding and that's what I'm looking forward to, playing on a higher stage, like in Europe.

"I've got to concentrate on Liverpool and everything else will fall into place. If I get a call from England it's great.

"But Liverpool is number one at the minute. I know what I can do, people can say whatever, I'll still go out and do my best.

"It has been a massive change in the last year or so; getting promoted, getting the number nine shirt, getting in the England squad and then coming to one of the world’s greatest clubs.

"It’s very different to playing in the Championship. It has been so fast and thinking about it now, it does seem a very big change.

"It's a great chance for me to show what I can do. I've been in Newcastle all my life, but stepping away from people I've known is a big change."

The decision to swap his beloved Newcastle for Merseyside may have come out of the blue for Carroll, but he insists he already feels settled in the north-west.

He explained: "I said it felt like home after three days because of the welcome I've had. I know a lot of people here through Joey and Ryan Taylor so I've got a lot of friends down here who were practically up in Newcastle every week.

"My girlfriend is already down here so we're looking for places to stay. I'm looking forward to it."

Carroll is the latest in a long line of No.9s that achieved hero-status on Tyneside.

He admits he has modelled his game on former Magpies star, Alan Shearer and was quick to secure his idol's old shirt when it became available.

"I watched Shearer as a fan. It was the (No.9) shirt I wanted to wear when I was growing up," he said.

"So, getting it and being handed it was a great feeling.

"I knew the number nine shirt was empty. So, I thought I'd go in and ask for it. I'd had a couple of days off and they pulled me in and gave me it.

"I know I can play football, I know I can score goals and so I know I can handle the spotlight. I don't feel any pressure because I believe in myself to score goals and create them.

"Everyone knows what the Newcastle No.9 shirt means, and what it means at Anfield as well, with players like Fowler and Rush. But I want it because I know I can handle it.

"Now I've got the number nine at Liverpool which is great as well."

Despite receiving an ovation from the Kop ahead of Wednesday's victory over Stoke, Carroll has yet to feature at Anfield after missing out on his only chance back in May 2009.

Carroll said: "I was on the bench at Anfield when I was younger here, but Joey (Barton) got sent off when I was supposed to be coming on.

"I was stripped ready to come on, but got pushed back to the bench.

"That was the only time."

Sylvain Marveaux Close To Premier League Switch

Liverpool wing wizard target Sylvain Marveaux is reportedly close to signing a pre-contract agreement with Newcastle.

The 24-year-old Frenchman emerged as an Anfield target after the arrival of Damien Comolli, director of football strategy for Liverpool, in November.

Comolli was thought to be keen on using his contacts in France to persuade the player that Liverpool was the place to be, but the Daily Mail reports that Marveaux is close to agreeing a deal elsewhere.

Alan Pardew appears to be winning the race for the player, whose contract expires at Rennes in the summer and could sign a pre-contract agreement with a team outside of Ligue 1 immediately.

Marveaux has already seen the Reds in action this season, and was in the director's box for Liverpool's home defeat against Wolves back in November.

Searching for a move away from France, the player hasn't featured for Les Rouges et Noirs since the same month and now appears to be out-in-the-cold at the Route de Lorient.

Whilst Liverpool are still thought to hold hope of bringing the player to Merseyside, the Toon have stolen a march on the Reds and could attempt to seal the deal as soon as possible.

'Serious' Liverpool Interest Confirmed In Eredivisie Sensation

Liverpool were interested in bringing PSV Eindhoven attacker Balazs Dzsudzsak to Anfield in January, according to his agent.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from the Eredivisie last month but opted to pledge his future to PSV, despite interest from a number of potential suitors.

Liverpool were one of four clubs to make an enquiry about the Hungarian winger, but his representative would not confirm whether or not they made an official approach.

"The most serious teams were Lille, Wolfsburg, Liverpool and Juventus," Jozsef Vorosbaranyi told origo.hu.

"Some of them made a concrete offer but Balazs decided to stay in Eindhoven."

A deal for the €13 million-rated wideman would have represented quite a coup for Liverpool as they set about reinforcing their attacking ranks during the transfer window.

New Liverpool owners, New England Sports Ventures, spent a hefty £58 million to bring Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to Anfield and were disappointed not to get others - like Dzsudzsak - to Merseyside before Monday's deadline.

"They said when they came in they wanted to take the club back to where it should be. This was their first opportunity to show that," said Liverpool boss, Kenny Dalglish.

"They are actually a bit disappointed we didn't get more players in. That's a good thing."

Liverpool Attacker Wanted By Bundesliga Outfit

Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt is being monitored by German outfit who are expected to make a bid for the 30 year old Dutchman at the end of the season.

With the new strike force at Anfield it is quite possible that Kuyt’s future first team appearances will be limited and there is no guarantees that he forms any part of manager Kenny Dalglish future plans and so a move away from Liverpool will come as no surprise to the Anfield faithful.

Kuyt has been consistently the subject of transfer speculation, however with new owners and a new manager on board the rumours this time probably have a lot more credibility to them.

No fee has been mentioned but Kuyt will hardly break the bank and will fall within what Wolfsburg can afford.

Darby Hopes His Future Is At Liverpool

Stephen Darby hopes Liverpool is his future, so he looked to Anfield with interest when the Reds sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea for a British record fee of £50m and promptly spent almost £58m on strikers Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll on the final day of the transfer window.

Darby, 22, is a promising defender, and has already made his bow for Liverpool on two of the biggest stages, the Premier League and Champions League.

He is intent on a career at Anfield ultimately, to play alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, and now Suarez and Carroll, whose £35m transfer to Liverpool is now a record for a British player.

For now though, Darby is entirely focused on the present, and playing for Notts County.

After a hugely impressive month at Meadow Lane at the end of last year, right-back Darby has returned on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.

He enjoyed one of the most memorable moments of his career playing for the Magpies a day before the exit of Torres and arrival of Suarez and Carroll at Anfield.

How he must wish Reds' boss Kenny Dalglish was watching as he and Notts produced a magnificent performance against Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Meadow Lane and almost claimed a famous win.

Neal Bishop scored his first goal at Meadow Lane to put Notts ahead against the world's richest club and they led City until their new £27m striker Edin Dzeko decisively equalized in the closing stages.

"It was a great occasion for the club and a great tie to play in," said Darby.

"I really enjoyed playing against some of the top players and we almost beat them.

"We were all disappointed when they scored a late goal but a 1-1 draw against Manchester City is not a bad result and we can look forward to another big occasion in the replay now.

"We showed in the first game what we are capable of, so you never know what we could do at Eastlands."

Today, Darby will make his tenth league start for Notts just six miles from Anfield and 12 miles from his hometown of Maghull when they face Tranmere Rovers in League One.

Members of his family will be at Prenton Park – as "Notts fans for the day" he said – and he also has friends who are Rovers' fans.

It is a hugely important game for the Magpies, who are intent on climbing away from their current position towards the bottom of League One.

They are currently just two points above the drop zone, only two places and one point above Tranmere.

"I wasn't playing at Liverpool so it was important for to me to go out on loan, and I've enjoyed it at Notts," said Darby.

"The gaffer (Paul Ince) has given me a chance and I'm grateful for that.

"I've played in most of the games while I've been at Meadow Lane, which is great for my development at this stage of my career.

"It's going to be a tough game at Tranmere. They have already beaten us this season, but we were a bit unlucky to lose that day.

"We had a lot of chances in that game but didn't take any of them and were punished. We will have to take the chances we create today.

"We will have to work hard for each other and show a bit of character to grind out a victory."

Darby could play at left-back at Prenton Park if Jon Harley fails to recover from a thigh injury suffered in Notts' 1-1 draw against Walsall on Wednesday night.

The Magpies' assistant manager Alex Rae said Harley, who has only missed one league game this season, was making 'steady' progress and it was hoped he would be fit.

Like Darby, Rae is expecting a tough encounter against Rovers.

"I think all our games are important," he said.

"Tranmere are in and around us, so we'll be looking to put some points on the board to catapult ourselves up the table.

"If we had won against Walsall we would have climbed five places and we would have been moving in the right direction, so the draw was a big disappointment for everyone.

"It almost felt like a defeat because we had so much control of the game and conceded so late.

"We've got to re-group and get ready to go again."

Notts unjustly lost 1-0 to Tranmere at Meadow Lane in November.

"They turned us over earlier in the season, so we know they have got players who can make an impact," added Rae.

"We will give them the respect they deserve and appreciate they are fighting for their lives as well.

"It will be a typical League One game and I'm sure there will be plenty of blood and thunder."

Fernando Torres Explains Quitting Liverpool For Chelsea

Chelsea new boy Fernando Torres said he left Liverpool because they were a club in transition and a long way from delivering the success he craves.

Torres, 26, signed for a British record £50m on Monday, said: "Things had changed a lot in the last year.

"I think they have great ambition and they are doing the right things to get back, but it will take time. I didn't have that time."

Torres said he would not celebrate if he scores against Liverpool on Sunday.

Chelsea's deadline-day capture of Torres was the catalyst for a manic Monday of spending, in which Liverpool replaced the Spaniard by signing Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez for £35m and £22.7m respectively.

Torres, a 2010 World Cup winner and 2008 European champion with Spain, spent three-and-a-half years at Liverpool after joining from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £20m, scoring 81 goals in 142 matches.

But the manner of his departure, which came three days after the Spaniard put in a transfer request, angered some Liverpool fans, who are likely to make their feelings known at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"I only have good things to say about Liverpool people," said Torres. "They made me feel really good there for three-and-a-half fantastic seasons.

"I understand they will be angry and will not understand my decision. Maybe in a few days or weeks I will explain all the reasons.

"When I was an Atletico Madrid fan growing up, I couldn't understand it when a big player left. But with time I could understand they did the best for themselves, their families and their careers.

"I'm not asking them to understand me but I'm sure over time they will see what I did there.

"Football is like this. From one day to the other, people can love you or hate you."

Torres' commitment to the cause at Liverpool had been criticized this season but he said: "I never lost my ambition.

"Too many people are talking about that - that's just opinions. I was playing out of form for a month."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said he had not decided whether to start Torres or keep faith with the team that beat Sunderland 4-2 on Tuesday.

Asked if he would celebrate a goal against his former club, Torres said: "First I have to play, and then I have to score but I have big respect for Liverpool fans so I don't think I will."

Torres revealed that he made up his mind to leave Liverpool midway through the January transfer window and told the club he wanted to leave as soon as he knew of Chelsea's interest.

The Spaniard, whose fee was the fourth highest in football history, added that he did not feel pressurized by his price tag.

"The ambition of this team is to win trophies every year," he said. "That is my ambition too.

"I have been in this situation before when I signed for Liverpool. Big money means big expectation. I'm more than ready for the challenge. I'm excited abut a new life and new era."

Benitez Wants To Return To Liverpool

The Liverpool coach Kenny Dalglish is doing very well since taking over from Roy Hodgson, but he still only has a temporary contract at Anfield until the end of the season and a lot could happen between now and then.

There have rumblings from Spain that Jose Mourinho is looking to return to the Premier League, and probably this summer, so he just has to be a live candidate if he chooses to be, but another coach that is also very keen is Rafael Benitez, who was only sacked from Liverpool six months ago!

Benitez told the BBC this week: “To be manager of Liverpool is a dream for me. This time, I know that Kenny is doing really well.

“I have to wait and keep watching games, but if you say to me in the future would you like to be manager, for sure, no doubt about this. When, that is the question. I have to move forward, anyway.”

That sounds like he is fully expecting to return under the new owners, if Dalglish doesn’t fulfil expectations at least.

Liverpool To Unleash Their Secret Weapon ‘Better Than Baggio’

Amidst all the talk about Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, as well as the many other leading names currently being linked with a move to Anfield, you could understand those Liverpool fans that have forgotten about another international star that is already on the books on Merseyside – Joe Cole.

The 29-year-old England midfielder has had an injury plagued start to his Liverpool career since he signed on a free transfer last summer on a four year deal, and its fair to say that Kop fans are yet to see anything like his best form.

As a West Ham apprentice, Cole was one of the hottest properties in English football with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all keen to land the youngster but the grounded 16-year-old instead chose to sign professional terms at Upton Park where he had played since the age of ten.

When Paolo di Canio began training with Cole at West Ham, he delivered the following verdict:

'I played with Alessandro del Piero when he was Cole's age. In terms of ability they are similar, though perhaps Cole has an edge.

“I also played with Roberto Baggio and, I can tell you, Cole is a stronger version of Baggio.”

Make no mistake, Cole has fulfilled some of the promise that was shown in the very early stages of his career.

After West Ham were relegated in 2003 he left the Hammers for Chelsea where he spent seven glorious years, winning three Barclays Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his stay at Stamford Bridge.

But after making the switch to Anfield in the summer, Cole had a difficult start to his Reds career. He was sent off on his Liverpool debut against Arsenal, suspension followed, and then he was hit with a hamstring injury that put an end to his first month on Merseyside.

A string of niggling injuries meant that Cole rarely featured before the turn of the year, but he didn’t wait long to get off to a fresh start in 2011 when he scored his first league goal for Liverpool on New Year’s Day – a 90th minute winner against Bolton.

Just as he was starting to find his rhythm with the Reds, Cole picked up another injury which will cruelly keep him out of this weekend’s tantalizing fixture between Liverpool and Chelsea, and therefore prevent him from a return to his old stomping ground Stamford Bridge.

A combination of injuries, tactics, confidence, luck and a new club that was not stable when he first arrived has hardly helped Cole’s situation over the past six months.

But with the new-look Liverpool side and their array of attacking talent that Kenny Dalglish now has at his disposal, providing he gets himself fit enough for selection and overcomes those long-term injury problems, Joe Cole may prove to be the secret weapon in Liverpool’s bid to restore their club to its former glories.

Kenny Dalglish Hits Out At Andy Carroll Critics

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has expressed his delight following the signing of Andy Carroll from Newcastle United, and has hit back at critics of the £35 million spent on the striker.

The Reds boss, who has also welcomed Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez to Anfield, has stated that the club has signed a player of great potential, rubbishing thoughts that the 22-year-old will struggle to justify his price tag.

He said: "I don’t want it to be negative in any way, shape or form about Andy Carroll signing for Liverpool football club. He’s a great signing for us, as is Luis’ signing, it’s fantastic for us.

"And we can reassure Andy that we’re more positive than yourselves are [the media]."

Dalglish also insisted that the club wasn’t going to rush the 22-year-old into first team action, as he looks to recover from a thigh injury.

He said: "We’re really looking forward to getting him up and ready and working and I’m sure he’s anxious as well but he’s just got to be conscious of the fact that he doesn’t push too hard.

"So we’ll look after him, get him fit and he’ll play when he’s fit and ready. It might be a few weeks but we never signed him for a few weeks, we signed him for five-and-a-half years. So that’s what we’re looking forward to.

"He’s got fantastic potential. He’s already part of the England squad and for us it’s a fantastic signing for us. He’s the best person we could have got in here to wear the No.9 shirt and at such a young age, when you consider that he’s wore the No.9 at Newcastle, which is a fantastic honour and he can wear the No.9 here as well.

"For somebody at 22 years of age that’s a lot to carry on your shoulders and he’s showed by what he did at Newcastle that he’s capable of doing that. Anybody that can wear that No.9 shirt up there and score goals has got a chance.

"We know that he’s only a young boy. We know the price might be a bit more than what some people think it should be but then every single person in here has got to justify their wages and their costs so if you can do that with yourselves then surely he can do that for us."

Liverpool Set For Anfield Stay

Liverpool will not be leaving their Anfield home any time soon, owner John W Henry has suggested.

The subject of a new stadium became a major source of controversy for the Merseyside club's previous owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who ran into trouble after reneging on famous early promises to get work started on a new home within 60 days of their arrival.

But Henry believes the Reds do not need a new stadium, having been impressed by the atmosphere of the current ground on his numerous visits to date.

"The Kop is unrivalled," Henry said, in an interview with Fox Soccer Channel. "The atmosphere, I was really surprised because we've heard so much about needing a new stadium.

"We were surprised at how beautiful Anfield was both viewing it as an empty stadium and then with the first game. It would be hard to replicate that feeling anywhere else."

Henry also gave his thoughts on the sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea, admitting that once it became clear the Spaniard wanted to leave for Stamford Bridge the club saw little point in retaining his services.

"One of things that we talked about from the very beginning was how important it was that everyone was on the same page. No player is bigger than the club," Henry said. "We expect players to want to be there. If they don't want to be part of Liverpool Football Club then we should do everything we can to facilitate them going elsewhere."