Match Preview: Arsenal vs Liverpool

Arsenal begins Premier League life after Cesc Fabregas, and probably Samir Nasri, when they host Liverpool live on Saturday lunchtime.

Arsene Wenger and his club have been headline fodder for the majority of the summer amid what has undoubtedly been the most difficult period of the Frenchman's 15 years in England.

The sale of Fabregas to Barcelona was inevitable, but, with Manchester City also closing in on Nasri, Arsenal is being portrayed as a club in crisis.

Some fans have turned on Wenger as a result and chants of to the effect of 'spend some money' could be heard during the 0-0 draw at Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

An edgy 1-0 win over Udinese in midweek in the UEFA Champions League play-offs has done little to appease the doubters and a positive performance against Liverpool is essential as a consequence.

Controversial

But Kenny Dalglish's new-look visitors need to show their own mettle after the less-than-inspiring 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield last Saturday.

Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Jose Enrique all made their Premier League debuts for Liverpool in the draw, but did not have critics raving.

After a controversial, late draw at Emirates Stadium in April, a first three points at Arsenal in the 12th attempt would therefore give a significant indication of the new era under Dalglish.

Jack Wilshere is set to miss the game and is 50-50 for Wednesday night's Champions League return in Udinese.

Wilshere was on Thursday still undergoing treatment on his troublesome ankle injury, which it was originally hoped would clear up in time for last weekend's opener at Newcastle.

That game cost Wenger two more players, with new striker Gervinho sent off and midfielder Alex Song punished in retrospect with both starting three-match bans on Saturday.

The Udinese game saw Kieran Gibbs and substitute Johan Djourou both limp off with hamstring strains, joining Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Armand Traore on the sidelines.

That could force Wenger to hand summer signing Carl Jenkinson his Premier League debut against Liverpool in the unfamiliar position of left-back.

Defender Glen Johnson is an injury doubt for Liverpool, while captain Steven Gerrard continues his recovery from his groin problem.

England full-back Johnson missed last week's opening match with a hamstring injury and manager Dalglish rates him as his only doubt for the trip to London.

Dalglish may opt to make changes, with Martin Kelly and Dirk Kuyt pushing for the staring places of John Flanagan and Henderson.

Possible starting XIs:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Chamakh, Van Persie.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Agger, Carragher, Enrique, Lucas, Adam, Kuyt, Downing, Suarez, Carroll.

Dalglish: We Are Due A Win At Arsenal

Liverpool may never have a better time to end their miserable away run against Arsenal but manager Kenny Dalglish insists his team will not under-estimate Arsene Wenger's side.

The sale of captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona earlier this week and the impending departure of Samir Nasri to Manchester City have only added to the Gunners' problems.

Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Armand Traore were joined on the injury list by Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou after their midweek Champions League victory over Udinese.

And with new signing Gervinho and Alex Song also suspended for Saturday's match everything is pointing towards the Reds ending a stretch of 14 away matches to Arsenal without a win.

Liverpool's last victory came in February 2000 and only two of that winning side - Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, currently sidelined by injury - are still at Anfield.

"Maybe we're due for a win," said Dalglish.

"But it is not going to make it any easier for us because they have lost Fabregas, Nasri is unlikely to be playing and they have a couple of suspensions.

"It will still be a difficult game for us. Arsenal has been most football fans' second team because they play great football and are entertaining to watch.

"Unfortunately they have not won anything for six years and that is the monkey they would love to have off their back.

"But they are still a team I have the greatest respect for and so we go in there and hopefully we can make it as difficult for them as they will for us.

"I don't know how they are going to react, it is up to us to know how we are gong to react.

"We can control what we do and we can compete against them - that is all we can do."

Having begun their season positively with a good first half at home to Sunderland Dalglish saw his side fade after the interval as they were held to a 1-1 draw.

The Scot insists, however, that fitness is not an issue, pointing to the fact he fielded four debutants and two players who had been involved at the Copa America.

"The boys that played with the emotions and the magnitude of the task in front of them, for different reasons, it was understandable that the second half was maybe not as good as the first," he said.

"But we have no problem at all in terms of their fitness.

"We were disappointed with the performance because we can play better than that but we have a lot more positives to take out of it when we look back now than we thought we did at the time."

One of those debutants last weekend was Jose Enrique, who was thrust into the action just over 24 hours after completing his £6million move from Newcastle.

The Spaniard believes he has joined a team who can regain their top-four slot and, in future, hopes can win the Champions League again.

Enrique may only have been at Anfield for a week but it has not taken him long to spot the differences between his former and current employers.

Since January the Magpies have sold him, Andy Carroll (to Liverpool) and Kevin Nolan, three of their biggest names.

In comparison, Dalglish has spent more than £100million in transforming the squad during the same period.

"We have a good squad. They (Liverpool) had an amazing team before and they signed good players this summer - me too," he joked.

"It is a different mentality and they want to have an amazing team again like the Liverpool before.

"Liverpool wants to spend money. If they get in the top four this year they will spend a lot more.

"That is why I am here. I am really happy because it is a dream just to be here at a team that wants to spend money on players and be in the top four.

"Both teams fight for different things. In Newcastle there is a different mentality now, they don't want to spend a lot of money but here they want to spend and be big again."

Kuyt Wants Arsenal Start

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has revealed that he was disappointed not to have started against Sunderland last weekend but hopes to feature against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Dutch international striker was left on the bench by manager Kenny Dalglish in the Premier League opener at Anfield and was brought on only after the hour-mark.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw and although Kuyt says that he is pleased with the result, he admits that it was not easy for him to watch from the bench.

"I'm happy we're on the way now," Kuyt told Liverpool's official website. "The draw against Sunderland wasn't what we were hoping for - we wanted three points, but that's behind us now and a really big game is waiting for us on Saturday.

"I am feeling very well. It's my first full pre-season in many years. Last year, for example, I had two weeks to prepare for the season, but this year I had a full pre-season and I have to say I am feeling fitter than ever.

"I am desperate to play and was disappointed not to start on Saturday, but the manager needs to decide who he's going to pick - and hopefully he's going to pick me for the next game."

The former Feyenoord striker is also confident of a successful 2011-12 campaign and enthused: "I am very excited by the new season. I think the owners and manager have done a great job with the players who have come in January and the summer.

"It's very positive, we have a great squad, but it's now up to the players to show we are also a great team and have the ability to compete with the best."

Kuyt, who has established himself as one of the key players for Liverpool with his versatility and work ethic, is also enthusiastic about summer signings Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni, Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique.

"I think they've settled in very well," stated the 31-year-old. "A big plus for them, and for us, was that most of them arrived in pre-season so we could train and work with them during pre-season and get to know them better. That was very good and I think they've all done very well and are happy to be here.

"It's the job of everyone (to welcome new players), whether you are experienced or not. We have to try to help each other because at the end of the day, we need each other if we want to achieve something.

"You always try to make the new lads feel welcome. I think I did and the rest of the lads did as well, so hopefully we can have a great season together."

Liverpool And Chelsea Set For Shock Swap Deal

Liverpool is reportedly set to propose a remarkable swap deal with Chelsea if the Blues are serious in their pursuit of Raul Meireles.

Chelsea are focusing their efforts this summer on bolstering a midfield that was often left short of creativity and imagination last season and are attempting to recruit Valencia's Juan Mata and Tottenham star Luka Modric.

The Blues have also been linked with Portugal international Meireles, who they believe can add more drive and work-rate to the middle of the park. It is thought manager Andre Villas-Boas is a fan of the 28-year-old having worked with him briefly while both were at Porto.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to trim the size of his midfield following the arrivals of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing. Despite being recognized as Liverpool's player of the season last year, it is thought Meireles could be sold in order to free up some space and to ease the wage bill.

And according to caughtoffside.com, the Merseyside club will demand striker Daniel Sturridge in return for Meireles if Chelsea firm up their interest with an offer.

England U-21 star Sturridge was in superb form last season whilst on-loan at Bolton. After joining Wanderers in January, the 21-year-old forward bagged eight goals in 12 appearances but still finds himself way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba are the obvious first-choice while the presence of Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and £20m new-boy Romelu Lukaku means Sturridge has dropped further down the list.

Liverpool are keen to bring in another striker as they are short of options behind Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez but whether Sturridge will be willing to swap the bench at Chelsea for Anfield is uncertain.

Alberto Aquilani's Chances Of Liverpool Exit Boosted

Alberto Aquilani’s chances of ending up at AC Milan before the transfer window shuts have been given a boost by Fiorentina.

The Rossoneri have been targeting Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, but have been informed that La Viola is very unlikely to sell the 26-year-old to another Italian club.

Indeed, should Montolivo leave Fiorentina, then the club do not want to strengthen a domestic rival. This has put Bayern Munich in the driving seat, with the Allianz Arena outfit also keeping a close eye on the Italy international.

And so out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Aquilani, who is also on Milan’s radar, has seen his chances of ending up at the Serie A champions boosted.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is desperate for a midfielder to be added to his squad and would be fully prepared for that man to be Aquilani.

The former Roma playmaker is surplus to requirements at Anfield and would like to exit Liverpool in a permanent move after spending last season on loan at Juventus.

However, Aquilani is believed to be so determined to head back to Italy, certain he will receive few opportunities under Kenny Dalglish at Anfield, that he would also accept a loan if that were the only escape route on offer.

Reds Open To Poulsen Exit

Christian Poulsen's agent has revealed Liverpool are willing to let the midfielder leave the club.

The Danish international has found himself out of favour at Liverpool after failing to make an impact since arriving from Juventus last summer.

The summer signings of midfielders Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have pushed Poulsen further down the pecking order at Anfield and the club is now prepared to offload the 31-year-old.

Poulsen's agent, Jorn Bonnesen, has confirmed the player has been told he will not be playing regularly for Liverpool this season and that he is looking for a new club for the midfielder.

"I've talked with Liverpool now. They have said that they are not confident that they can meet Christian's desire for playing time, and they understand that we are trying to find a new club for Christian," Bonnesen told bold.dk.

"We look about us and explore the options.

"There are clubs interested, but I can not tell more about the possibilities.”

Dalglish: Keeping Liverpool FC Squad Happy Is A Challenge

Kenny Dalglish admits keeping Liverpool’s bulging squad happy could prove one of his biggest managerial challenges this season.

The Anfield outfit has embarked on a major summer recruitment drive with more than £50m spent on signing Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique and Alexander Doni.

However, Liverpool have struggled to move on many senior players during the transfer window, with only Nabil El Zhar, Daniel Ayala, Paul Konchesky and Milan Jovanovic having departed.

The substantial playing staff was illustrated when Joe Cole, Maxi Rodriguez and Alberto Aquilani didn’t even make the bench for last Saturday’s Premier League opener at home to Sunderland. Dirk Kuyt, an ever-present in recent seasons, was only a substitute, and a lack of European football means there will be significantly less first-team opportunities for fringe players this season.

And while insistent everyone will have a part to play, Dalglish admits ensuring morale stays high among the fringe players is a priority.

“It is a squad, not a team,” says the Liverpool manager, whose team visit Arsenal in today’s early Premier League kick-off. “We are a squad and the team will change throughout the season.

“People will play and people won’t play. You won’t get any success with 11 people. You’ll have success when you have got about 20 to pick from. Everyone will play a part.

“The most difficult thing I found in management first time around was the players who were not playing. There were only one or two subs in those days and you had to keep them happy.

“The happier they are, the better they play and train and that means the players who are playing are under more pressure. You are only as good as the players that aren’t playing.”

El Zhar was this week released from his contract, and is expected to join Spanish side Levante.

Another player heading for Spain could be Dani Pacheco, who is poised to join Rayo Vallecano on a season-long loan.

Dalglish, meanwhile, has intimated he may have been asking too much by selecting four debutants and two players with only limited training to start Liverpool’s Premier League campaign last week.

Henderson, Downing, Adam and Enrique all began the match, along with Lucas Leiva and Luis Suarez, who had recently appeared in the Copa America.

Liverpool appeared to run out of steam after the interval, but Dalglish said: “It's a huge ask. It was an emotive day for a lot of people. Lucas had only been back 10 days, Luis a week.

“Maybe it was my fault for going along those lines. But there's no problem with the players' fitness.”

Martin Skrtel could be in contention for a starting role after returning to training this week, but Glen Johnson is still struggling with his thigh problem.

Ayre Accuses Government In Liverpool Stadium Row

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has angrily responded to housing minister Grant Shapps after he criticized the amount of time it is taking the club to decide on its stadium future.

Liverpool recently had a public disagreement with Liverpool City Council about the delay in deciding whether to remain at Anfield or move to a new stadium in nearby Stanley Park.

Although Liverpool City Council and the government fell out last February over the "Big Society" idea as council leader Joe Anderson jettisoned David Cameron's hopes of turning Liverpool into a "pilot" area for the scheme, it would appear the council and Whitehall are unanimous in their disapproval of the club's impasse over its stadia intentions.

"In the interests of the wider community, the club needs to make a swift decision on whether they plan to build a new stadium or stay where they are – either way the residents around Anfield deserve to know," Shapps said.

"The delay is causing unnecessary uncertain for the community. Local residents are living in limbo.

"The council has already asked for extra time for the lease on Stanley Park by six months to allow the club time to explore all options, but the quicker Liverpool FC makes a decision, the more options they have."

Yet Ayre cast any notions of diplomacy aside in his startling riposte, accusing the government of being complicit in the lack of investment in the Anfield region. "It is extremely disappointing Mr. Shapps should publicly point the finger at Liverpool FC and claim they alone are delaying the regeneration of the local area, when he is fully aware of the impact of central government cutbacks on the whole city," Ayre wrote.

"If Mr. Shapps had taken the time to learn anything about our City, our football club and our community, he would know that we all work together and pull together and we only try to score points on the football pitch, not in the media."

Dalglish and Redknapp Set To Battle For £7m-Rated Scottish Starlet

Liverpool and Tottenham are both reportedly keeping tabs on Celtic's highly-rated youngster James Forrest.

The 19-year-old winger was given his chance in the first-team towards the end of the 2009/10 season when Neil Lennon was in charge on a temporary basis. He became an important member of the team last season under Lennon's guidance and is entering his second full-season as a first-team regular.

Forrest's progress last year was remarkable and he has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in British football.

And according to Fanatix.com, his sharp rise has not gone unnoticed with Premier League duo Liverpool and Tottenham both monitoring his situation at Celtic.

Celtic has already reportedly rejected an approach from the Merseyside club for Paddy McCourt and the Scottish giants are thought to be bracing themselves for another attempt by Liverpool for Forrest.

The Hoops will be even more unwilling to lose the Scotland international given his age and potential but Anfield manager Kenny Dalglish is reportedly prepared to test their resolve by tabling a £7m offer.

The move will be supported by Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group whose transfer policy is heavily based on recruiting younger, British players.

Tottenham Eye Ambitous Swoop For Liverpool Trio

Tottenham will make an ambitious attempt to land three Liverpool players if - or when - they decide to cash in on Luka Modric.

Manager Harry Redknapp is already looking to a future without the Croatian and will use the funds of his projected £35m sale to Chelsea to strengthen his squad and he hopes to do that with the signings of Joe Cole, Lucas Leiva and Dirk Kuyt.

The former West Ham boss has expressed his desire to work with Cole again having brought him through the ranks at Upton Park. Despite the England international's travails since moving to Merseyside 12 months ago, Redknapp still feels the 29-year-old has plenty to offer and the player himself would jump at the chance to link up with his mentor.

Dirk Kuyt is a surprise target given that he is already 31 years old yet his inexhaustible engine and eye for goal have seen him emerge as one of the most consistent performers for Liverpool - and in the Premier League generally - over the past couple of seasons. With first team opportunities diminishing with a change of formation at Anfield, the arrival of Jordan Henderson on the right flank and Kenny Dalglish's preference to field Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in tandem up front, Kuyt could be persuaded to move to north London.

Lucas could prove the trickier to extricate from his employers after finally getting to grips with English football last season. One of the Reds' more dependable player last campaign, the 24-year-old Brazil international has carved a niche for himself at the base of midfield and Redknapp would like him to reprise that role at White Hart Lane especially with Wilson Palacios bound for Stoke and Sandro injured.

Having spent a considerable sum on players in recent months, Liverpool could be tempted to sell - especially given their bloated midfield - though they are likely to demand more than the £25m that Spurs will offer.

Pacheco Poised To Join Rayo

Liverpool youngster Dani Pacheco looks poised to join Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano on a season-long loan.

A source close to the Primera Liga outfit claim a deal is almost done and that the promising forward will return to his homeland on a deal that will run until June 2012.

It is claimed that the 20-year-old will arrive in Madrid for a medical on Monday and to complete the relevant paperwork.

A number of clubs are reported to have contacted Liverpool this summer regarding a possible transfer, with permanent and short-term agreements discussed.

Pacheco, though, has had the final say in where he ends up, with it important for him to get games.

He believes he will get the opportunities he craves at Rayo Vallecano and considers them to be the best choice for his career.

The youngster revealed back in July that he was prepared to leave Liverpool in order to find regular football.

He hinted that a return to Spain would be his preferred choice, and it appears as though he may be about to get his wish.

Pacheco said at the time: "Above all, I want to play and if I have to leave to do that then there will be no problem.

"Some day I would like to return home. If it happens, it happens."

Pacheco took in a loan spell at Norwich last season, scoring two goals in six appearances as the Canaries secured promotion out of the Championship.

El Zhar Leaves Liverpool To Make Spain Move

Levante is set to snap up Liverpool flop Nabil El Zhar after he was released from his contract at Anfield.

The Moroccan winger was touted as a potential star of the future when he arrived from Saint Etienne five years ago but he has failed to establish himself on Merseyside.

And having made just 32 appearances for Liverpool, he has now reached an agreement with the club to terminate his current deal.

The writing was on the wall for the 24-year-old when he sent out on loan to PAOK but started just 13 games for the Greek club.

But now La Liga side Levante is ready to offer him a chance in Spanish football and are expected to complete a deal to sign him in the next few days.

Kenny Dalglish Warns Arsenal Trip Won’t Be Easy

Kenny Dalglish insists Liverpool's task hasn't been made any easier by Arsenal's mounting problems ahead of tomorrow's clash at the Emirates Stadium.

The Reds will face a depleted Gunners line up as they go in search of their first away win over Arsene Wenger's side since February 2000.

Arsenal has been rocked by the departure of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri is set to join Manchester City.

To add to Wenger's woes Gervinho and Alex Song are suspended, while Kieran Gibbs, Johan Djourou and Jack Wilshere are all struggling with injuries.

However, Dalglish has urged his players to forget about the Gunners and focus on themselves.

“It's not going to make it any easier for us that they've lost Fabregas and that Nasri might not be playing,” the Reds boss said.

“They've got a couple of suspensions but it's still going to be a difficult game for us.

“Arsenal have been most football fans' second team as they're very entertaining to watch.

“They're still a team I have the greatest respect for. We'll go there with the same feelings that we had last season - that it's going to be a really difficult game.

“I don't know how they're going to react but it's about what we do. We can control what we do and hopefully we can make it as difficult for them as they will for us.”

The Reds will take heart from their last trip to the Emirates back in April when Dirk Kuyt's 102 nd minute spot-kick earned them a hard-fought point.

“That was a great result for us,” Dalglish said.

“We had young Flanno (Jon Flanagan) at right-back and then Fabio Aurelio went off early on and Robbo (Jack Robinson) came on at 17 years of age to play against Theo Walcott, an England international, and did fantastically well.

“We battled hard throughout the game, competed really well and we got what we deserved from it.”

Dalglish will be looking for a repeat display from Jose Enrique after the left-back's impressive debut in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland. The manager is delighted to have the classy Spaniard on board.

“He's a good player, he's got experience in the Premier League and he's settled into the way of life in England so that's helpful,” he said.

“His English is good, it's better than mine and his football is better than mine as well, so we're quite happy with the signing of Jose.

“It's a position we had to strengthen. Young Jack Robinson has got fantastic potential, but we have to responsible with him. He's 17 and to throw him in and expect him to play a full season would have been wrong but he'll be there or thereabouts.”

Glen Johnson (hamstring) remains doubtful but Dalglish has no other fresh injury concerns. Martin Skrtel has returned to full training following a calf problem and is available for selection.

Jose Enrique Backed By Allardyce

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has been backed to thrive for his new club when the Reds face Arsenal on Saturday by his former Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce after proving his doubters wrong.

As the Spanish left-back prepares to head to the Emirates for the biggest Premier League game of the weekend, he was given a ringing endorsement by Allardyce, who brought him to English football four years ago during his reign as Newcastle manager.

There were concerns over the 25-year-old’s aptitude for English football as he initially struggled to impress on Tyneside but West Ham United manager Allardyce is adamant he will prove to be a big hit with the Merseyside club.

“When a player moves to a club of Liverpool’s stature it is a great for him but it is also a move that Liverpool will benefit from greatly,” Allardyce told Goal.com.

“I am very pleased that he has proved my judgement to be right because from the very start I had faith in his ability to make it in the Premier League.

“Jose has an excellent temperament, a great work ethic and on top of that he is a first-class defender. Not many wingers have got the better of him since he found his feet in England and on top of that he is a real threat going forward as Andy Carroll will testify from his own days at Newcastle.

“There will be another adjustment period but Newcastle is a big club in its own right because let’s not forget they attract crowds of 50,000 for most home games and the demands are great from the supporters that follow that great club.

“It is the same at Liverpool. He will feel relatively comfortable in that atmosphere but Liverpool being what they are there will be even greater demands on him now and everybody will be looking at him to see if he can take the step up to the next level, but I have every confidence in his ability to do so even on the biggest occasions such as the Arsenal game. Massive matches like Arsenal are the reason he moved to Liverpool and I bet he can't wait."

Valencia-born Jose Enrique joined Liverpool in a quest for the European football that had proved elusive at St James’ Park and his £6 million move to Liverpool has vindicated Allardyce’s judgement in a player brought to England for £6.5m.

“It is nice to see a player that we brought in from Villarreal do so well and really kick on but then again he came from one of the top clubs in Spain so we always knew he would do well,” Allardyce added.

“But he had to be given time. When he came to Newcastle it was like it is for every foreign player and it is even more difficult for young foreign players to adjust immediately to life overseas and conclusions are drawn very quickly by everybody.

“You have to try to protect them from that because people can almost start writing them off before they have even started. As time has gone and Jose has got used to the change in culture and the change of environment he has grown as a footballer and as an individual and has gone on to show what a talented player he really is.

“Of course as you have seen in the last two or three seasons, he has really excelled at Newcastle and that has sparked the interest of one of the biggest four or five clubs in England."

Learn To Play The Liverpool Way

School may still be out for most youngsters across the country but for a very special bunch of boys and girls, Liverpool FC has made sure their summer holidays are kept busy.

The Reds have joined forces with main club sponsor Standard Chartered to run two free soccer camps at the 'Goals' Soccer Centre in Speke for the local community.

This week has been the turn of local disabled children from across the city, who have all had the chance to learn football the 'Liverpool Way'.

Meanwhile, the Reds' 'Ability Counts' team, fresh back from their successful trip to Switzerland as part of the European Disabled Tournament, has also been training at the camp.

The next camp, running August 22-26, will be for all kids across the local community with everyone welcome to sign up.

LFC Community Coach, Scott Fowler said: "These types of camps are in many ways the highlights of our year.

"We really look forward to it and it never lets us down.

"It's a great experience for the coaches and for the kids involved."

34 Goal Starlets Set For Opener

In our latest column from the Academy, U18 coach Mike Marsh looks ahead to Saturday's league opener against Cardiff City.

The big kick off is almost upon us and everyone involved in the U18 set up can't wait to get started.

We feel we have made some good strides in the past few weeks and our final pre-season encounter against Watford last weekend gave us a better idea of where we are as a side.

Everyone has got a lot of minutes under their belts and shown what they can offer us this year. We've played eight games, which may seem like a lot, but I felt we needed that many because of the number of players we have. There are 20-plus lads in the squad and they are all now raring to go so we should be ready to get off to a good start.

A lot has been made of the fact we have netted 34 goals in that time but in our earlier matches we were playing against sides that were probably below the level we are normally used to.

As we got towards the end of the pre-season program we didn't trouble the scoresheet as often because the quality of opposition was higher. We only managed one at Middlesbrough and then we failed to fire against Watford. That's not to say we shouldn't have scored more in those two matches because I felt we should have.

But overall, I feel we are heading in the right direction and it was nice to score goals whilst keeping clean sheets too.

It's no secret that we've got an array of attacking talent in our side but we've also worked hard at the back. We've done work on our defensive shape every week and I think it has paid dividends in our last couple of matches.

It sets us up nicely for our first league game of the new season against Cardiff City on Saturday morning. We are confident we are ready for the challenge and I'm certain we won't be found wanting in terms of our fitness levels.

If I'm honest I don't know too much about the Bluebirds but I'm sure they'll be a strong, physical side and it's our job to be ready for them.

I've had a starting XI in mind for the past month or so. I've been 80 per cent certain of who would play. Obviously performances of certain individuals in that time means one or two players have come to the fore whilst others may have drifted out.

We are almost there though and it'll just be a case of finalizing things between now and the big kick off. We can't wait.

Six Players Linked With Liverpool Exodus

Liverpool look set to lose David Ngog to Bolton, with Kenny Dalglish keen to trim the club by at least six players over the next two weeks, according to the Liverpool Daily Post.

Ngog has long been the subject of exit talks, and Bolton are said to be readying a £4 million bid for the young striker.

And the Frenchman isn’t the only one to be set to exit Liverpool over the next few weeks, with Dalglish also looking to bring some money in from Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Emiliano Insua, Phillipp Degan and Alberto Aquilani.

Liverpool is reportedly hoping to sign a centre-back this summer, and have targeted Gary Cahill. But before Dalglish hands the Bolton defender a contract, he wants to let go of any players who don’t figure in Liverpool’s plans for the next season.

Talks for Ngog are said to have been taking place for over two weeks now, and Liverpool are hoping to seal the deal and get some money back into the bank.

While in January, Dalglish’s purchases were offset by the record £50 million sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea, Liverpool are yet to make any big money sales this summer and have spent well over £50 million on five new signings.

Liverpool Keeping Tabs On £9.5m Rated England Forward Starlet

Liverpool and Stoke City will both be on red alert after the latest comments coming out of Selhurst Park with regards to the future of Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha.

The 18-year-old first came onto the scene at Selhurst Park last season and was voted Young Player of the Year for 2011 by Crystal Place fans.

Zara's performances haven't gone unnoticed and the Ivory Coast born forward has represented England at youth level.

A number of Premier League clubs have been keeping tabs on the Zara with Liverpool and Stoke keen to acquire his services.

Kop boss Kenny Dalglish has been one of the busiest Premiership managers during the summer transfer window and is still looking to add to his squad.

It is believed both Dalglish and Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli are keen admirers of Zara and see him as a player for the future.

Last season Zara made 43 appearances for the Championship club in all competitions and scored just one goal whilst providing five assists. So far this term he has played in all three games and provided two assists.

Pulis Warns Liverpool Off Shawcross

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has told Liverpool to forget about signing Ryan Shawcross, insisting the club have "got no need to sell" their star defender.

Following the arrivals of England internationals Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate, rumours of Shawcross potentially heading for the exit door have circulated. Liverpool are expected to launch a bid imminently for the 22-year-old, though should they come in for the central defender their advances are likely to be repelled by a determined Pulis.

"We have got no need to sell Ryan," he told the Daily Mail. "We want to spend money if we can. I think the chairman and the board have made it quite clear that their intentions are to try to improve the squad this year.

"We are very pleased with the defenders we've got, now we have to improve our midfield and forward line."

Shawcross's head may have been turned by Liverpool's reported interest - not that Pulis is at all worried by the Reds' expected big-money offer. He told the Daily Star: "I haven't had to tell him to keep a clear mind. I think the fact that we have brought Matty and Woody to the club would have cleared his mind in loads of respects. With regards to Liverpool, I am sure Kenny Dalglish would have rung me if there was anything on that front."

The Potters are preparing for Thursday's Europa League clash with Swiss outfit FC Thun and, with the game set to take place on a plastic pitch, Shawcross and Woodgate are unlikely to be risked - paving the way for Upson to step in and make his Stoke debut.

Maxi Encouraged By Depth Of Liverpool Squad

Maxi Rodriguez insists he is pleased by the signings Liverpool have made this summer - even though the task of securing a first-team place has grown tougher as a consequence.

Over the last few months Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has recruited Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique, all of whom made their debuts for the club in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland at Anfield.

Rodriguez - scorer of seven goals, including two hat-tricks, for Liverpool towards the end of last season - was not included in the squad and looks set to face a battle to be selected.

But the Argentina international told the Liverpool Echo: ''Healthy competition is always good. Competition for places is always a positive thing for the club and I think it's great that the signings who have arrived are of such high quality with a great level of skills and technique.

''It means the manager has to decide what he thinks is his best 11 but that is something he will decide and we will all be hoping we are in it.

''It's always nice to welcome new faces to the club and you always go out of your way to make them feel as comfortable as possible. They are settling in well.''

Liverpool are attempting to break back into the top four this season and Rodriguez believes it is vital they make a strong start to the campaign.

''I don't think you can stress enough the importance of the first few weeks of the season,'' Rodriguez said. ''If you can see yourself near the top of the table it's great and the confidence that gives helps you grow as a team and as a squad.

''It also means that the teams you are facing will maybe come to Anfield with a different attitude, perhaps showing more respect when they're coming to play against you.

''I think at the start of any season your ultimate goal is to win the league and to come out as champions.

''If you can aim to achieve that then by the very fact that you are fighting for the title it will almost guarantee that you will be involved in the Champions League the following season.

''A team like Liverpool has to be battling on that level and have those kind of aspirations for the season.''