Match Preview: Liverpool vs Norwich

Liverpool and Norwich will both look to build on some encouraging recent results when they lock horns at Anfield on Saturday evening. Kenny Dalglish's Reds have bounced back from a couple of defeats in September to re-establish themselves in fifth place in the Premier League. Having beaten Wolves and Merseyside rivals Everton, they drew 1-1 with Manchester United last Saturday after being pegged back by Javier Hernandez's equalizer.

Norwich has also been moving in the right direction over the past few weeks after recovering from a poor start to the campaign. The Canaries have won three of their past four games and the 3-1 victory over Swansea last time out left them in the top half of the table. Paul Lambert will now be relishing the chance to claim a famous scalp at Anfield.

Lucas serves a one-match suspension for Liverpool after collecting his fifth booking of the season in the draw with Manchester United. Jordan Henderson, dropped to the bench for the last two matches, may therefore regain his starting place in midfield. Defenders Daniel Agger (rib) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) are fully fit again after playing in the midweek friendly defeat to Rangers. Andy Carroll will be hoping for a recall to the starting XI after Dalglish opted to go with Luis Suarez as a lone frontman against United, supported by fit-again skipper Steven Gerrard.

Lambert has had the luxury of not having to make too many changes to his side this season and again has no fresh injury worries ahead of the trip to Merseyside. He is, however, still without the services of defenders Zak Whitbread (hamstring), Daniel Ayala (knee) and Elliott Ward (knee). James Vaughan is a long-term absentee with a knee problem of his own.

Possible Starting XIs

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique, Kuyt, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Gerrard, Suarez.

Norwich: Ruddy, Naughton, Martin, Barnett, Tierney, Bennett, Hoolahan, Fox, Pilkington, Morison, Johnson.

Carroll Causing Concern For Dalglish

It's often said that a player returning from a long-term injury is like having a new signing and that is certainly true for Liverpool after Steven Gerrard's first start in more than six months last weekend. He couldn't have asked for a much better comeback, playing 90 minutes against Manchester United and scoring a goal too. As the captain and the driving force of Liverpool, his return is obviously a massive boost and he will be looking to kick on again when Norwich visit Anfield on Saturday.

From a manager's perspective there's not really much you can do for a player when he is injured - apart from offering words of encouragement and cajoling him along. It is down to the player to handle it and it can be really difficult when you're out, especially when you're a bit older.

Steven is 31 now and admitted this week that he seriously worried about whether he'd ever be the same player again whilst he was sidelined. When you know you're nearer the end of your career than the beginning, it's only natural to get those sort of doubts - especially as he's had setbacks as well. There will have been times when he's thought "I'm doing really well and only a couple for weeks away from coming back", and then suddenly he's out for another few months, which then seems like an age.

Although the manager's encouragement is important during a lengthy lay-off, the key people are the physio staff and your family, who keep you going during your low points. Rehab can include days and days of work that feels really mundane, and it can be difficult to find motivation when you're doing such light work. Life is easy for a footballer when you're playing games, winning matches, scoring goals - the whole world is rosy. Then suddenly, that's snatched away and your team-mates go off on holiday over the summer while you're visiting the medical staff - or they're travelling to games and you're not with them. It can be a real mental test; the six inches between your ears is the most important thing in football.

While Steven Gerrard has been frustrated by injury, his team-mate Andy Carroll will have been frustrated by his lack of playing time this season. It's been really difficult for him to deal with the expectations of him and I think people have got to try to forget that £35 million price tag and accept that he's young and going to take time to bed in. When he got into the Newcastle side he knew all the lads because he'd been at the club for years and he knew his way around Newcastle because that's where he's from. Suddenly there's a massive transfer fee, he's left the club he's grown up at and he's thrown in at the deep end playing for a huge club.

People have said that he doesn't fit into the formation that Kenny is using at the moment, but I think that Kenny is actually playing that way because Andy hasn't been good enough. Away from home, just about everyone plays one up front and that one is always going to be Suarez at the moment for Liverpool because of the way he's playing, his knowledge and experience. He's an established international, who's played for a big club in Ajax - Andy hasn't had that, he is still just a young lad. Against Norwich, Kenny will probably think seriously about playing two up top with Andy and Luis Suarez together but if he doesn't play in these sorts of games, it doesn't bode too well.

Kenny's team selection against Norwich will be interesting as it's the sort of fixture - at home to a promoted club - that Liverpool have to win if they are serious about getting into the top four. However, it won't be easy as Norwich has had a very encouraging start to the season and they're a tidy team. Paul Lambert has a lot of hungry players, most of who have been on the edge of being Premier League players but unproven, and they've reminded me of Blackpool last year in the way they try to play good football.

Dalglish Backs Jordan To Shine

Kenny Dalglish admits he does not yet know Jordan Henderson's best position but insists the Liverpool midfielder is at the right club.

Henderson, 21, made a £20million switch from Sunderland to Liverpool in the summer as Dalglish set about creating an English heartbeat to his team.

The size of the fee and the lack of a regular position in the team have seen the England Under 21 international struggle at times to display his best form.

In Liverpool's last two marquee games against Everton and Manchester United, the midfielder has found himself on the bench.

However, the suspension of Lucas Leiva for the Norwich game on Saturday could well provide him with a route back into the team.

And while Dalglish accepts he is yet to extract the best from the youngster, he has no doubt Liverpool will reap the benefit of his future years.

"I don't know his best position yet - but I know his best club and that's this one," said Dalglish.

"We just want him to play and enjoy playing. He's a talented footballer with a great future in front of him and we are just delighted he chose to come here.

"He'll be here for a long, long time and he's going to be a tremendous asset for us. He's got patience too."

He added: "He's a young boy who has come down from Sunderland and is starting to settle in really well now.

"He's another option for us in midfield this weekend. I've just got to make the right decision."

Liverpool Scouts Track England Starlet

Liverpool target Mason Bennett is poised for a shock senior debut with Derby County.

The 15-year-old forward has been scouted by a handful of top clubs in England, and has already earned international recognition at U16 level.

“Mason is someone we have to be patient with, but we can’t deny that we’re very excited about him," said Rams boss Nigel Clough.

“He’s a fantastic prospect and playing in the Championship would certainly not faze him."

Liverpool has a track record of bringing teenage talent to Anfield, with director of football Damien Comolli eager to build for the future on Merseyside, a philosophy proven with the signings of Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll.

The club's academy at Melwood is regarded as one of the best in Europe, with fellow England youth internationals Adam Morgan, Conor Coady and Raheem Sterling all plying their trade in the Liverpool ranks.

16-year-old Sterling would be of particular relevance, with Liverpool signing the player from QPR in 2010 for a fee that could rise to as much as £5 million.

Liverpool Dealt Decisive Blow In African Defender Pursuit

Liverpool has been dealt a decisive blow in their pursuit of Nigerian international defender Taye Taiwo.

The AC Milan full back was heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window, with Kenny Dalglish thought to be tracking the player before a move to AC Milan in May.

Despite the recent nature of the move, speculation has persisted that a move away from the San Siro could take place in the New Year, forcing agent Fabio Parisi to dismiss the claims.

“I saw him at the end of the match and he was very happy. The fans gave him an extra push. Let’s hope that he gets a chance to prove himself because the more he plays, the more he will believe," said Parisi.

“As for his future, he is definitely staying at Milan.”

A return to Ligue 1 has been mooted, whilst Liverpool are believed to be keen on adding a defender in the transfer window, with Ghanaian international Samuel Inkoom claiming he's close to joining the club.

After failing to secure Taiwo's services before the season began, Dalglish turned Liverpool attentions to Jose Enrique, bringing the Spaniard to Merseyside and solving the left-back conundrum at the club.

However, the Reds lack depth in position, and one of the African pair could join the ranks at Liverpool to provide competition for places under the stewardship of 'King Kenny'.

Molby: Goal Has Inspired Him

Jan Molby believes Jordan Henderson's strike for England U21s has given him a lift that could see him make a real impact against Norwich City this weekend.

The Reds will be without the suspended Lucas Leiva for the visit of Paul Lambert's men and Molby is tipping the former Sunderland midfielder to make a well deserved return to the starting XI.

Molby said: "With Lucas suspended, Kenny Dalglish has a decision to make about who to bring in.

"I expect Jordan Henderson to come in on the right, with Dirk Kuyt up alongside Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard in midfield with Charlie Adam. Henderson did himself no harm at all with his cameo against United. It seems that going away with England Under-21s and getting a goal has helped boost his confidence."

Three points against Norwich would see Liverpool put further pressure on the sides currently occupying the top four positions.

Molby expects a tough encounter against the Barclays Premier League newcomers but feels the Reds must pick up a victory if they have serious intentions of returning to the Champions League next season.

"We need to get back in the top four as quickly as possible," he said.

"If we're serious about achieving that we have to win games like tomorrow's home clash with Norwich City.

"I've been impressed by what I've seen of Norwich so far this season

"When they came up, you looked at the squad and thought it smelt a bit like the Championship. But they've managed to improve both individually and as a team.

"They attempt to play a similar type of game to Liverpool with a lot of quick passing. They've got good width in Elliott Bennett, who they signed from Brighton, and they aren't scared of anyone. They showed that recently at Old Trafford when they carved United apart on a number of occasions."

Reds Welcome Chinese Trialists

Two Chinese youngsters have realized a dream by beginning a week-long trial with Liverpool Football Club.

Lung Chan, 16, and Chen Nal, 15, arrived in the city on Wednesday ahead of a seven-day spell at the club's Academy.

A meet and greet with the likes of Frank McParland and Damien Comolli was first on the agenda prior to a Thursday evening training session with the Reds' U16 squad.

The duo both produced some neat touches during a two-hour work-out and they will now be hoping to show the club's coaching staff what they can do throughout their time in Kirkby.

The Academy’s director of recruitment Stuart Webber explained the decision to invite the pair to Liverpool.

Webber told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It all came to fruition when Damien (Comolli) introduced me to a Chinese agent. He had some ideas that involved us going out to China to have a look at a few of their players.

"As a result, a few weeks ago, I went out there and watched them in action. I saw the two who are here now and decided to ask them to come over to the UK so we could have a look at them in our own environment to see what they are like playing with our players and in our conditions.

"Asia is a massive market for us to explore and if we ever get it right, it could be huge for us. You only have to look at what it has done at Manchester United with Ji-Sung Park.

"It would be fantastic if we could find a player of that quality. It would be fantastic for us and for the whole of Asia. There is such a passion for football over there and it would be great to be able to give something back to them if we can find a player who is good enough to make it here at Liverpool FC."

He added: "Both of these lads have done well so far. Obviously the language barrier is difficult and it is a different culture. But they have adapted well and their ability is beginning to shine through. It promises to be an interesting week for both them and us."

Liverpool Don't Want To Scrap Relegation - Henry

Liverpool owner John W Henry has dismissed reports that foreign owners are keen to scrap Premier League relegation as "complete nonsense".

League Managers' Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan claimed earlier this week that the English top-flight's American and Asian power holders have discussed the possibility of ending relegation to the Championship, claiming that "particularly American owners without doubt" are keen on the concept.

Bevan's revelation led to an angry backlash from many involved in the game, with the Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson describing it as "suicide" and Wigan owner Dave Whelan threatening to pull Wigan out of the Premier League if such an idea became a reality.

But Henry, who took control of Liverpool last year, has rejected Bevan's comments - describing them as "complete nonsense" and telling the Associated Press that the issue "hasn't been discussed".

Fellow American owner Randy Lerner, who is the man at the Aston Villa helm, also dismissed the relegation reform claims, insisting he was "confused and surprised" by them.

Suarez Has Trophy Ambition

Luis Suarez is confident that, under the stewardship of Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool can add some silverware to the Anfield trophy cabinet this season.

The Reds are without a notable trophy since the 2006 FA Cup final triumph over West Ham - and five years represents an unaccustomed period of time devoid of glory for a club with such a rich history.

However, Liverpool is out to win everything this term, and Dalglish has built a squad capable of challenging on all fronts.

The January arrivals of Suarez and Andy Carroll - followed by seven high-profile summer acquisitions - heralded a renewed sense of optimism on Merseyside, and the Liverpool players have bought into this feeling.

Suarez certainly feels the Reds have the capability of ending the season with a trophy or two - especially with a manager like Dalglish at the helm.

"We're certainly capable of beating anyone," said the 24-year-old. "The team is in good form and feeling very confident, and it's also good the manager can see we have the ambition to pick up trophies.

"But for now, we'll take each match as it comes and hope to pick up some victories in the next few games."

He added: "I think the new arrivals have all been positive additions that have helped the team a lot.

"Although they know they are key players, the main thing is all of the squad knows we are in it together. No one player is bigger than the rest - on the field we are all equal."

Reds Linked With Inkoom

Ghana full-back Samuel Inkoom has claimed Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign him in the January transfer window.

The club are reported to be in negotiations with the 22-year-old who is contracted to Ukrainian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

The right-back area has been a problem for the Reds this season, with Glen Johnson suffering from a hamstring injury.

Centre-back Martin Skrtel has been used as a temporary right-back, while young defender Martin Kelly has also deputized in the position.

Inkoom told Ghana radio station Top Radio: "My agent is still locked in talks with my club and a scout of Liverpool and a deal could be concluded very soon.

"Nothing has been decided yet on whether I will join Liverpool on loan or move permanently.

"Liverpool is one of the biggest names in football and so if everything goes well and the Lord allows it, everyone will see where I am going and hopefully, it will be Liverpool, which will be a big step for me."

Inkoom began his career at Ghanaian side Sekondi Hasaacas before playing for Asante Kotoko and Basle.

He has won 25 caps for his country and was part of the squad that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

Kenny Dalglish Criticizes Retired Judge Over Hillsborough Comments

The Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has criticised a retired judge who suggested the families of Hillsborough victims should move on and drop their "conspiracy theories".

Sir Oliver Popplewell, who chaired the public inquiry into the 1985 fire at the Valley Parade stadium, which killed 56 people, called on the Liverpool families to look at the "quiet dignity and great courage" that relatives of the Bradford victims have shown in the years following the tragedy.

Dalglish said he was not aware of Popplewell's comments, and offered a dismissive response. "Who is he? Why should he make someone else's mind up?" said Dalglish, who was in his first stint as manager at the time of the 1989 disaster.

"I don't think he should be interfering. It is not comparable. Each one is equally as important to the people who have been involved in it as the other.

"I don't know who the guy is or what he said but certainly the Hillsborough families have been hugely complimented on their dignity and how they have gone about what they want to achieve.

"If two people have different opinions it doesn't mean either is right or wrong, you do what suits you best. Our families have been fantastically dignified in their approach and also, after 22 years, very patient and the least they deserve are some comfort."

Kenny Issues Suarez Support

Kenny Dalglish today insisted that Luis Suarez has the full support of everyone at Liverpool Football Club following allegations made in the aftermath of last weekend's clash with Manchester United.

Dalglish told reporters at Melwood: "The only thing we'll say, and then that is it put to bed, is that this Football club and everyone at the club is totally and utterly behind Luis Suarez.

"There was an allegation after the game about him diving all over the place and then there was an allegation from Patrice Evra.

"Obviously the two things are quite emotive, but we fully support the wee man in both things and everyone at the club does.

"I think the football club came out at the start of the week and made our position known - and apart from what I've said there, we won't be adding to it.

"We fully look forward to a complete, transparent report from the FA and look forward to co-operating 100% fully with what is done."

Evra Must Find Witness To Back Him Over Suárez Racism Claim

Luis Suárez increasingly looks like he will not face any charges from the Football Association unless Patrice Evra can produce witness statements to support his allegation that he was racially abused during Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Liverpool last weekend.

The FA is planning to send a delegate to Manchester to interview Evra, now that he is back in the country following the Champions League tie against Otelul Galati.

However, the case may rest on whether any of Evra's team-mates can corroborate his accusation that Suárez repeatedly racially abused him. The Uruguayan has vehemently denied the allegation, with the support of his club, and the FA needs to determine whether it is simply one man's word against another's. If that is the case, there may be nowhere further for the investigation to go.

The FA can also study television pictures but it would be highly unusual if it were to bring in lip-readers, and the inquiry will instead focus initially on what precisely the Senegal-born Frenchman claims was said, and whether his allegations can be backed up.

Evra had claimed on French TV that it happened "at least 10 times", but his case is undermined by the fact he did not bring the allegation to the attention of the referee, Andre Marriner, during the match.

The first Marriner knew of it was afterwards when Evra, accompanied by Sir Alex Ferguson, went to the referee's room to ask him to include it in his match report. Marriner then told the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, who spoke to Suárez and established that the Uruguayan denied the allegation.

Liverpool's belief is that if the case cannot be proved the FA should consider taking action against Evra on the grounds that it was a malicious allegation. This is unlikely to happen, however, unless there is categorical evidence that Suárez did not do what Evra claims.

A more likely outcome is that the case will be dropped if there are no other United players to support Evra's story. If that is the case, the FA may not even interview Suárez, having already been made aware from the Liverpool end that the allegation is denied. The FA is particularly sensitive to the rivalry between the clubs and eager not to be seen to be making any rash judgments.

However, anti-racism campaign groups such as Kick It Out believe Evra should have approached the referee during the game. Kick It Out launched its three-week 'One Game, One Community' action program last weekend, and the row between Evra and Suárez came on the same day that both players wore T-shirts to promote the campaign.

Lucas - More To Come From Reds

Lucas believes Liverpool will continue to improve over the course of the season as new players settle in and others are welcomed back from injury.

The Reds have made a solid start to the new campaign and are currently fifth in the Premier League after playing out a 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday.

Steven Gerrard returned to the starting XI against the Red Devils following a lengthy lay-off, while the likes of Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger are also pushing for recalls after getting back to fitness.

Competition for places has been increased by the arrival of several new faces over the summer, and Lucas has backed the Reds to mount a strong challenge this term.

"I think there is more to come," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"There are a lot of new players that came in over the summer and it always takes time to settle and build an understanding between the players."

Lucas will miss Saturday's clash with Norwich after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season, but he is confident Liverpool will return to winning ways after the draw against United.

"Unfortunately I will be out of the game because I am suspended, but I will be cheering the players on," he said.

"I think we deserved to win against Manchester United. We played really well and now we have to take the positives into the next game, hopefully get the three points and be closer to the top four.

"I think there is a lot to come and hopefully it will be a successful season for us.

"We are disappointed with the result because we wanted to win but you could see that we had a few players coming back from injury."

Eccleston Signing Completed

Rochdale have completed the signing of striker Nathan Eccleston on a month's loan from Premier League club Liverpool.

The 20-year-old will go straight into Steve Eyre's squad for the weekend clash at Exeter.

Eyre told the club's official website: "I'm very grateful to Liverpool for their co-operation.

"He's a very good man, he's a got a lot of fire in his belly, a lot of talent and he loves to score a goal."

Eccleston has made seven first-team appearances for Liverpool, making his debut in October 2009, and has had loans spells at Huddersfield and Charlton, where he stayed for the second half of last season

Amoo Extends Bury Loan

Bury manager Richie Barker has extended the loan deal of Liverpool striker David Amoo until the New Year.

Amoo joined the Shakers on an initial month-long deal in September and it was due to expire after Saturday's game against Bournemouth.

However, the 20-year-old has agreed to prolong his time at Gigg Lane and will stick with the League One club until 2nd January.

The forward has scored once in four appearances for Bury after spending spells on loan at MK Dons and Hull City last season.

He has made one senior appearance for Liverpool, which came in a Europa League qualifier against FK Rabotnicki in July 2010.

Liverpool Confirm Deal To Bring Best South American Starlets To Anfield

Liverpool will be able to hand select the some of the best young talent coming out of South America after agreeing a deal with Uruguay's reigning champions Nacional.

The Uruguayan side is considered to have the best academy in the country and have brought through two of Liverpool's current squad in Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates.

"Liverpool would come and watch how our academy works and would have first option on signing our young players," a Nacional spokesman told BBC Sport. "We are working towards finalizing an agreement as soon as possible."

Nacional have had a major part to play in the resurgence of Uruguayan football with 14 players from this year's 23-man Copa America-winning squad either playing for the side or having come through the youth system.

Suarez has become an instant Kop hero, while Coates is regarded as one of the best young defenders in South America and is expected to have a long career at Anfield.

After bringing Coates to Liverpool, director of football Damien Comolli declared that he was keen to begin a partnership with Nacional.

"We are talking about a partnership with them that we would like to create over the next three, four or five years, to see if there is more talent coming through," he told the Liverpoolfc.tv in September.

"Maybe we can help them to develop their standards and, in turn, have the ability to bring those young players here. We already have a strong link with South America through Lucas [Leiva], Maxi [Rodriguez] and Luis [Suarez].

"Since it's been such a success with Luis - and I'm sure it will be for Sebastian [Coates] - why don't we try to make it an even bigger success by bringing in other players from Nacional?"

Bologna Move To Tie Down Ramirez Amid Liverpool Interest

Liverpool target Gaston Ramirez is set for a new deal at Bologna to put an end to speculation over his future.

The attacking midfielder is highly sought-after and Liverpool, along with Juventus and Roma, has monitored him in Serie A.

Ramirez, 20, is one of Bologna's most prized assets but is on relatively low terms at the club - and his situation is being closely monitored by Liverpool.

He has a contract until 2015 but that hasn't put off Kenny Dalglish and Bologna is wary of interest in him ahead of the winter transfer window.

It is understood the Serie A club will offer Ramirez a fresh deal - to include a minimum release clause - with the Uruguayan in line for a bumper pay day in a bid to keep him from the clutches of admiring clubs.

Liverpool Set To Win The Race For South American Starlet

Liverpool look to have won the race to sign South American sensation Andy Polo - with the teenager expected to arrive at Anfield next month.

A host of top clubs, including Real Madrid and Arsenal, have sent scouts to Peru to run the rule over the highly-rated striker, who made his debut for Universitario aged just 16.

Polo, nicknamed La Joya (The Jewel), has scored three goals in 13 games and has been compared to Brazilian star Robinho.

The teenager is expected to travel to England in November at the end of the Peruvian domestic season.

He will spend a month at Anfield and is then expected to sign a long-term deal to join his South American compatriots Luis Suarez, Lucas and Sebastian Coates.

Steven Gerrard Had Doubts He Would Return From Injury

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted to being concerned whether he would return from injury during the "hardest six months of my career".

Gerrard, 31, scored against Manchester United on Saturday in his first start since groin surgery in March.

Asked if he feared for his career, Gerrard said: "I think it's only natural you have doubts and different things do cross your mind.

"There were times when I was as low as I've ever been as a footballer."

Gerrard said that before the operation he needed injections to get through games.

"Basically, I knew that wasn't right," he added.

"I was missing training sessions and coming in the day before a game trying to get that last session in or having injections to play the next day.

"You can only do that for a certain amount of time before your body gives in - and mine gave in.

"My groin packed in on me and, when it happened, I was down and I was low.

"I knew it was going to be a serious one, something I wasn't used to. I had to try to be positive but I will admit that I was down."

Gerrard had expected to return for the start of the season but caught an infection related to the groin injury in July. He was admitted to hospital for further treatment.

"When it [the injury] happened, it took time before I got back into a positive frame of mind," Gerrard said. "Without doubt the last six months have been the hardest of my career."