Match Preview: Stoke City vs Liverpool

Familiar faces will be reunited when Stoke welcome Liverpool to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, with Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy both set for their respective debuts.

Former Reds striker Crouch became Tony Pulis' record signing on transfer deadline day after leaving Tottenham in a £10million deal and he is expected to start this weekend.

The 30-year-old, who played for Liverpool between 2005 and 2008, will therefore be playing against a number of ex-team-mates, but could also be in opposition to one he did not expect.

Wales international Bellamy was also on the move on deadline day, when he left Manchester City on a free transfer to return to Anfield, where he spent the 2006/07 season alongside Crouch.

Stoke tried to sign Bellamy in 2010, but missed out as the ex-Blackburn and Newcastle player moved back to Cardiff on loan and they will consequently be well aware of his talents.

Pulis tends to be a busy man in transfer windows and particularly towards deadline day, with this year no exception as Wilson Palacios and Cameron Jerome joined Crouch in arriving on the final day of August.

The Stoke boss will run the rule over the new recruits to see if they are fit enough to make their bows, but it is expected they will feature as his side aims to ensure Liverpool have still to ever win at the Britannia in the league.

Marc Wilson and Rory Delap (both hamstring) will also be assessed ahead of kick-off, when Stoke will aim to maintain their unbeaten season to date in the Premier League and Europa League.

Liverpool, who are not playing in Europe this campaign, have also yet to suffer defeat after a frustrating opening day draw with Sunderland was followed by league wins over Arsenal and Bolton, while Exeter were knocked out of the Carling Cup.

Manager Kenny Dalglish is only expected to name Bellamy as a substitute and he could be tempted to recall Andy Carroll to face Stoke's physical centre-backs after dropping the striker for the victory over Bolton.

Carroll has been at the centre of attention after his lifestyle was questioned by England boss Fabio Capello, but Dalglish has defended his record signing and the £35million man could partner Liverpool's Player of the Month, Luis Suarez.

Captain Steven Gerrard is edging ever closer to returning from the groin injury which has left him unavailable since March, while Charlie Adam is over the hip injury he suffered on international duty and Glen Johnson (thigh) is back in full training.

Possible starting XIs

Stoke: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Woodgate, Wilson, Pennant, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Crouch, Jones.

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

Dalglish Backs Bellamy To Grasp Second Chance

Craig Bellamy will make his second debut for Liverpool at Stoke on Saturday backed by the ringing endorsement of his new manager and childhood hero Kenny Dalglish.

The Scot believes that the Welsh international is a better player at 32 than he was at 25.

Bellamy took a substantial pay cut and accepted a reduced compensation figure from Manchester City in order to force through a free transfer move to Anfield on deadline day last month.

He returns to the club he supported as a boy but left after just one controversy-stained season in 2007.

That sacrifice immediately endeared him to Dalglish -- the 60-year-old has prioritized signing players who have made clear their desire to feature for Liverpool.

But it is the benefit of his experience which the Scot believes will make Bellamy, for so long cast as a trouble-maker, such a valuable asset.

"I have never managed him before, so I do not know what he was like (day-to-day in training), but from what I have seen watching him I think he is a better player than he was when he was 25," said the Liverpool manager.

"He is wiser now and he uses his experience really well. I think he is ideal for us and he is someone who will really help us.

"He loves football. I know that for a fact. Last time he came here he said he was a fan and had always wanted to play for the club. He has that opportunity again. The older you get, the fewer opportunities you get, and he wanted to grab this one."

Bellamy's arrival on a free transfer completed a remarkable overhaul of Dalglish's squad -- that saw the Scot take his spending to £114m.

But Dalglish insists such a price was necessary for Liverpool to put out a side capable of playing in the style demanded by their fans.

"We had to have the money to change our style and bring in players who maybe offered something different to the boys who were here before," he said.

"The players that come in are going to reflect the person that is in charge. I have got the way that we want to play in my mind."

Liverpool Sniffing Around £20 Million Rated Little Messi

Reports in Germany have resurfaced linking Liverpool with a move for Werder Bremen midfielder Marko Marin, according to the reports Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has marked the 22 year old German International as his number one winter target.

Marin has previously been linked with a whole host of European clubs, at one stage it was thought that he would be heading to Old Trafford, then Arsenal became the favoured destination for the player labelled as the German Messi, now it is Liverpool’s turn to be linked with the Bosnian born midfield maestro.

Marin will continue to be a target until a team finally comes in and snaps the player up, he is undoubtedly talented, he is a huge prospect and on more than one occasion he carried Werder Bremen almost single handedly, it is therefore no surprise to read that Dalglish wants to bring the 22 year old to Anfield in January.

Marin will not be cheap, figures quoted have been anything between £15 Million and £30 Million, chances are that it will be closer to £20 Million, still a hefty sum, even in these days of inflated prices.

Blackburn Rovers Rival Liverpool & Spurs For Watford Striker

According to reports Blackburn Rovers are interested in Watford forward Marvin Sorrell.

The 20 year-old striker is reported to have been scouted by Rovers as well as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Sun claims Southampton will make an improved £4 million offer for Sordell in January.

The Hornets snubbed a £3 million Saints swoop on transfer deadline day.

Steven Gerrard Resumes Full Training With Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has revealed he is nearing a return to first-team football after resuming full training.

The Liverpool captain suffered a groin injury in March which ruled him out for the remainder of last season and having failed to take part in any of Kenny Dalglish's side's pre-season matches, the 31-year-old has conceded he has found the return to training difficult.

"I've been in full training for the last two days," Gerrard told the club's official website.

"It came as a bit of shock to the system actually because I've been one on one with Darren Burgess for the last three or four weeks working really hard to get to a certain level of fitness.

"Now I'm back in with the boys, it's a completely different ball game - it's a lot more tougher, quicker and I've struggled the last two days, so I'm really tired at the moment.

"But I'm back in full training and looking forward to being involved with the lads in games in the coming weeks."

Lucas Looking For September Form

Lucas Leiva is hoping Liverpool can pick up from where they left off prior to the international break, and start September with a bang by winning at Stoke City on Saturday.

The new-look Reds side saw a return of seven points from their first three games in the Barclays Premier League, and having impressed many onlookers with their array of attacking football under Kenny Dalglish, the Brazilian midfielder is eager for the squad to continue performing.

"We know we have two away games now and it's really important to get points in the away games," Lucas told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It always makes a big difference at the end of the season.

"We have to keep going and try to play well - the same way we have in the first three games. If we do, I am sure we will get points and we'll have another good month."

A trip to the Britannia Stadium will provide a tough test for Liverpool - an example of why the Barclays Premier League is the most exciting championship in the world, because of the variation in the way different teams set out. Finding a winning formula for all of them is the hardest challenge according to Lucas.

"We know how difficult it is to play against Stoke, especially on their own ground," he continued. "They have a physical game and big players, and their set pieces are always really difficult to defend.

"We have to go there ready to fight, try to play football and win. A lot of big clubs go there and can't win, but it will be a very good test for us to see how we cope with this type of team."

Much like Liverpool, Stoke were one of the busier teams in this summer's transfer window - most notably strengthening their attack with deadline day arrival of Cameron Jerome and former Reds striker Peter Crouch.

"They will probably be very excited playing their first game at the stadium for their fans, so we have to be aware of that," concluded the 24-year-old. "They have good players, including a couple that played here in the past.

"They have quality and we have to make sure we prepare well and are ready to battle."

Kelly: They'll Be Nervous Now

Martin Kelly believes defenders up and down the country will now be nervous whenever they look at a Liverpool teamsheet.

The Reds have four international strikers on their books once again having acquired the services of Craig Bellamy in the transfer window.

He will compete for places with Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt - and Kelly thinks the goals will flow no matter who is selected by Kenny Dalglish.

"When you see names like that on the teamsheet, the opposition has got to be looking at that and being a little bit nervous because of the players they are and the respect they've got," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"That's great for me because I'm playing with them.

"With teams coming to Anfield, they should be nervous before the game because of the crowd and because they're playing Liverpool Football Club. It should be intimidating coming to Liverpool."

Kelly has witnessed from close quarters the changes instigated by Dalglish and Fenway Sports Group over the last eight months. The revolution began in with the signings of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in January, with Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel leaving. Another seven players arrived this summer while the number allowed to leave tallied well into double figures.

"It needed a little bit of change because of the club we are," reflected Kelly. "At Liverpool you need to be pushing for things.

"The changes we've had, the people we've brought in like the manager and the medical staff, it's all knitted together now. We've gelled and we're ready to move forward this season."

The new depth of quality within Dalglish's squad means Kelly has to compete for position against not only England right-back Glen Johnson, but also impressive 18-year-old Jon Flanagan.

"That's the way football goes," he said. "All I can do is play well once selected. I've done that at this club but I need to keep that going and keep fighting for my place.

"As long as the fans and the manager know that when I do play I give my all and I won't let people down, that's the main thing. It's a massive club, you've got a lot of pressure and from a young boy you understand that at this club.

"We don't really discuss it. We help each other out in training and for me and Jon, looking up to Glen, who is the international right-back, it's the best thing we can have to learn from."

Kelly has made 29 appearances for Liverpool so far - one more than his good friend Jay Spearing. The two enjoy a friendly rivalry.

"My ambition as a young kid was to play for Liverpool and now I've done that just under 30 times," said Kelly.

"Now it's to keep going and keep learning from the best here at Liverpool. I want to play as many games as possible, no matter what competition it's in. To be part of a team like Liverpool at this time is a really good thing - they're exciting times.

"It (appearances) is in the program and me and Jay have got a little tab on it because I think I'm a couple ahead of him. I've got to keep that going."

Fans To Pay Tribute To Stephen Gill

A special fundraising night is being held at The Sandon in Anfield next Saturday in memory of legendary Liverpool fan Stephen Gill.

The devoted Red from Kirkby died earlier this year at the age of 56 following a long battle with illness.

‘Gilly’ won the Echo’s Fan of the Year award in 2007 and followed Liverpool home and away for 40 years. Poet and playwright Dave Kirby was a close friend of his and has helped organize the memorial night.

“Gilly was a real stalwart who was well known for his dedication to the Reds,” he said. “He was a great character and always had so many stories to tell.

“As his funeral was held in Newcastle many people couldn’t make it so we wanted to honour his memory in his own city.

“We’re expecting a huge response and all the funds raised will go to his family.”

Reds Mourn Hughes

Liverpool Football Club were saddened to learn of the death of former defender Laurie Hughes at the age of 87.

Hughes was a member of the title-winning team of 1946-47 and also represented England at the 1950 World Cup finals, becoming the first ever Reds player to play at the tournament.

In total, he made 326 appearances for Liverpool, scoring one goal against Preston North End at Anfield in December 1951.

Everybody at Liverpool FC would like to offer their deepest condolences to Laurie's family and friends at this sad time.

Liverpool Run Rule Over Talismanic Striker

Liverpool loan target Mario Gomez is keen on a move to England, and would relish the challenge of testing himself in the Barclays Premier League reveals German website TZ.

The 26-year-old Bayern Munich striker is looking to engineer a move away from the Bundesliga when the transfer window reopens in January, and according to the website that move could be to Merseyside.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish was known to be in the market for a forward to boost his attacking options at Anfield this summer, and rushed through a deadline day deal for Craig Bellamy - a move that saw the Welshman return to his former club four years after his Liverpool exile under former manager Rafael Benitez.

After failing in their attempts to bring Gomez in on loan last year, Liverpool may wish to renew their interest in January depending on how their current crop of strikers perform in the first half of the season.

Luis Suarez has become an instant fans' favourite on Merseyside, after a series of impressive displays following his £24million move from Ajax last January.

But £35million record signing Andy Carroll has struggled to hit top gear since moving to Anfield from Newcastle United in the same window. After coming into criticism recently regarding his off-the-field antics, all eyes will be on Liverpool's No.9 to see if he can deliver.

If however, Carroll fails to rediscover his goal-scoring form, the Reds may turn to Gomez who hit 39 goals for Bayern in all competitions last season, and the German international has started the 2011-12 campaign in similar fashion with four league goals already to his name this term.

Inter Milan Join Liverpool & Spurs For Brazilian Starlet

Tottenham and Liverpool will face a fight with Inter Milan for Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas.

The attacking midfielder – no relation to Liverpool’s current midfield anchorman – has been impressing a host of European teams with his performances in the Brazilian top-flight and has now caught Inter’s eye.

The 19-year-old has also been monitored by Liverpool and Tottenham but Kenny Dalglish’s side would have an advantage over Spurs as namesake Lucas Leiva is often his room-mate on international trips.

Inter are lining up a £15m bid but Sao Paulo are reluctant to sell as the teenager is only in his second full season with the first-team.

Liverpool Locked In Battle Over Danish Wonderkid

Liverpool are reportedly 'locked in battle' with AC Milan over Danish starlet Christian Eriksen.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who has earned rave reviews for his performances at both international and domestic level, had previously been earmarked as a star of the future at Ajax by Dennis Bergkamp and Johan Cruyff before graduating to the senior side in 2010.

Compared to Danish legends Brian and Michael Laudrupp, the teenager quickly began to attract interest from around Europe, with Liverpool one of the leading clubs in the race for the player's signature.

Now, talkSPORT claims the Reds are set to go head-to-head with the Serie 'A' outfit in a bidding war for the player, with Kenny Dalglish eager to secure Eriksen's future as a star of the future at Anfield.

Reports from Italy that the San Siro have recently entered the race for the player is only likely to fuel the interest of Liverpool further, with the Merseysiders looking to plot their rise back to the top domestically and the Rossoneri eager to maintain their position as champions.

After failing in their efforts to land the player before the close of the summer transfer window, Liverpool will be in no doubt over the challenges that lie ahead when trying to secure a deal, but good relations between the two parties after the purchase of Luis Suarez from the Godenzonen back in January could be an advantage.

Liverpool FC Keeping 18-Year-Old Striker On Radar

Liverpool FC will continue to monitor 18 year old Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha this season and will decide next summer whether or not to consider a bid.

The youngster has been one player in London that numerous clubs have shown interest in but with no serious bids forthcoming thus far.

It is however believed that the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal will monitor Zaha throughout the 2011-2012 season to judge his development and make a choice in June next year.

Zaha joined Crystal Palace in 2007 but signed a professional deal in 2010, the striker, who can also play in that “second striker” role has not found the net as much as he would surely have liked however his movement and passing has produced untold amounts of assists.

The player is Ivorian born but currently plays for the England U19 setup, this does however still mean he has the option to choose which country he would like to play for.

Suarez Clashes With Dalglish Over Fitness

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has told boss Kenny Dalglish that he does not want a rest - despite only having a week off during pre-season.

Having starred in Uruguay's run to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup, Suarez was a regular for both Liverpool and former club Ajax last season. He went on to fire his country to the Copa America title in July - being named Player of the Tournament in the process - to complete a hectic 12 months.

Dalglish named him in the starting XI for Liverpool's first game of the season, before benching him for the next match, away to Arsenal - a snub that frustrated Suarez.

"I want to play in all the games I can for Liverpool," he said in the Mirror. "I don't want any rest at all. Despite only having that week's training before playing again, I'm only 24 so I felt good. I was glad to get back to training at Melwood as I had been missing that whole atmosphere around the training ground and wanted to get back to playing at Anfield."

Adam, Glen & Gerrard Latest

Kenny Dalglish has revealed he has no fresh injury worries ahead of Liverpool's trip to Stoke City this weekend as he confirmed Steven Gerrard continues to make good progress in his recovery.

The boss expects to have Charlie Adam available for selection at the Britannia Stadium after the midfielder was ruled out of Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifier with Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Glen Johnson has resumed full training following a thigh problem.

Dalglish told his pre-match press conference: "I think we've been pretty fortunate. There doesn't appear to have been anybody come back (from international duty) with any injuries.

"Glen Johnson is training alongside us again now, and Steven is getting closer everyday, so everything on the injury front seems to be pretty positive for us at the moment.

"Charlie should be alright for the game. I think it was right what Craig Levein (Scotland manager) did in not playing him on Tuesday.

"To get him back was commendable of Craig Levein."

Quizzed by journalists for further information on Gerrard, who hasn't figured since March due to a groin problem, Dalglish added: "He's not far away.

"When Steven is ready to come back it will be a fantastic boost for everybody. The transfer window is shut, so for us it will be a real bonus because it will be like a new player coming back.

"As he said himself in an interview on Saturday, everything feels really strong, fresh and he's happy with where he's got to and what he's done - and we're delighted for him.

"He deserves a break from injuries and he'll be welcomed back with open arms."

Bellamy Image Not An Issue

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has no concerns about Craig Bellamy's bad-boy reputation.

The Wales international could make his debut in his second spell with the Anfield club against Stoke on Saturday after returning on deadline day of the summer transfer window.

Bellamy's previous time at Liverpool lasted just one season in 2006/07, when ex-boss Rafa Benitez decided a lack of discipline did not fit into his tactics.

The forward's initial spell was infamous for an alleged drunken attack with a golf club on former team-mate John Arne Riise during a training camp in the Algarve prior to a game against Barcelona in February 2007.

But Dalglish is not worried by Bellamy's combustible image, as the Liverpool boss joked in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Stoke: "I don't think it will be a problem. He has given up golf."

He continued: "You wouldn't want to take the personality away from any player. It is amazing how people always focus on the bad side of somebody.

"They never really focus on the good side. That doesn't make a good story."

Dalglish added: "Fortunately he has come to a club that doesn't want to do that. We want to concentrate on the good bits."

Bellamy is reported to have accepted a pay-cut to join Liverpool in a free transfer from Manchester City this August.

And Dalglish is pleased to have signed the 32-year-old in what will seemingly be a back-up role to Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

"I don't know why I have never signed him before in my managerial career. Maybe I wasn't working when he was available," said Dalglish.

"He is somebody that has impressed me. He has got pace. He has got quality. He loves this club, which is very important, and he will be a fantastic asset for us."

Carroll Defended By Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish does not agree with Fabio Capello's criticism of Andy Carroll's fitness and insists he is pleased with his £35million man.

Carroll did not make the bench for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Bulgaria on Friday and, prior to Tuesday's win over Wales, England boss Capello voiced his concerns over the player's drinking habits.

It is a subject Capello has raised before but Dalglish said there were no issues with the 22-year-old frontman.

"As we've said before, Andy was not properly fit last season because of a knee injury but we have been pleased with his level of fitness this season because he has lost that injury," said Liverpool's boss.

"I think Andy is very appreciative of advice from anyone who has a good standing in football.

"I think he appreciates Capello's advice because he has great respect for Fabio and Fabio has great respect for Andy."

Carroll at the end of last season missed England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland and the European Under 21 Championship.

The former Newcastle striker was then this summer pictured partying on holiday in Barbados, and it prompted Capello earlier this week to say: "Andy needs to be careful.

"I don't know anything about his lifestyle. It is a private problem that I never spoke about.

"But if he wants to be a good player and a good sportsman, he needs to drink less than the others. He is not at the top of his form at the moment."

Cole Ready To Shine Again

Joe Cole is ready to immerse himself in French football and claims he is looking forward to taking on a new challenge at Lille.

The midfielder secured a loan switch to the reigning Ligue 1 champions during the summer transfer window, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Liverpool.

The 29-year-old had plenty of offers to stay in England, allowing him to remain in the Premier League, but he has opted to broaden his horizons in foreign climes.

Cole said: "I'll be throwing everything into it. For me as a person, if I go and do something, I do it properly. I'll be moving here lock, stock and barrel."

The former West Ham and Chelsea playmaker has only penned a season-long deal at Lille, but he insists he will be learning the language.

He added: "There’s a few who speak perfect English but I'm going to try and throw myself into it and learn the language."

Cole endured a troubled 2010/11 campaign at Anfield, as he struggled to hold down a regular role, but he believes it will not take him long to get back to his best.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it. I've only played one 90 minutes in nine months. I've done a full pre-season but to get to your best, you need games.

"I'm ready to go. If the manager lets me off the leash I'm ready. I just need a run of five or ten games and I'll be back to my best. I know I made the right choice and I'm happy."

Cole is also refusing to give up on his international ambitions, despite finding himself frozen out of the England picture under Fabio Capello.

Asked if he would welcome a recall, he said: "Of course. I played over 56 times for England. I've loved every minute of it. I would love to be back involved. It's hard to see the lads out there and not be part of it."

Dalglish Delighted With New Signings Bellamy & Coates

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has revealed that he is delighted to have signed Craig Bellamy and Sebastian Coates and admitted that he is considering the pair for the weekend trip to Stoke City.

Both players joined the Reds during the summer, and the Scot stated that they are now "champing at the bit" to play a part in the game against the Potters this weekend.

"Sebastian was on Damien's radar for two years. Obviously he would have only been 18 then.

"He came to prominence in the Copa America when he won it with Uruguay and was voted Young Player of the Tournament - and that's not a bad accolade when you consider (Alexis) Sanchez went for 40 million to Barcelona. He must have played well!

"We're happy to have him in. We just need to give him time to settle down and we look forward to it.

"It's the same with Craig. He's really enthusiastic at being back and made a lot of sacrifices to come back, financially and otherwise, because of what the club means to him. We're delighted to have people with that attitude here."

When quizzed as to whether the new faces are desperate to feature at the Britannia Stadium, Dalglish said: "I would think so. I would hope so. I think everybody is champing at the bit to be involved at Stoke."

Liverpool Fans Accept Huge Financial Figures

Liverpool fans are the most accepting of the Barclays Premier League's massive wage and transfer bills, according to statistics gathered by GiveMeFootball.com.

Around three in every four football supporters believe that the amount of money being dealt at the top flight is stifling the English game.

But this compares to just one third of Liverpool fans, who answered “yes” to the question “Are transfer fees and player wages ruining competitive football?”

Reds' manager Kenny Dalglish spent over £50 million during this year's summer transfer window, a budget afforded to them by Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's American owners.

Fans who were most concerned about the financial stranglehold at the top supported Everton and Tottenham, who finished seventh and fifth respectively last year.

Around 90% of fans from these top flight contenders thought that spending was a problem.

Everton have failed to make a single signing this year, and have instead sold top talents such as Mikel Arteta and Yakubu to cover debts of around £45 million. Two players arrived on loan deals.

Tottenham, meanwhile, managed to hold on to Croatian international Luka Modric despite big money offers from Chelsea and their multi-billionaire owner Roman Abramovich. But Harry Redknapp only managed to purchase one player this summer, West Ham's Scott Parker, who was signed on deadline day for around £5 million.

During the January transfer window Liverpool paid out £35 million for Newcastle's Andy Carroll – a record for an English player - but before Dalglish had reached the £50 million mark this summer, he excused the Anfield club's massive expenditure, which is believed to be well over £100 million.

He said: “We acted responsibly in that the club wasn't going to go bankrupt with the money we spent.

“And we acted responsibly in that we put a value on the players that we didn't want to go past. That is responsible.

“We have acted in our best interests, meaning the interests of John (W Henry), the supporters, the players, everyone at the club - we didn't pay over the odds for anybody.

“There's a lot of money in the Premier League and if we have to spend, then we will try to spend it as responsibly as we can.”

Only Manchester City and Chelsea spent more than Liverpool, with £70 million and £77 million bills respectively, but around 80% of fans from these clubs thought that spending was ruining competitive football.