Match Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool

As much as Andre Villas-Boas and Kenny Dalglish would prefer it not to be the case, all eyes will be on Fernando Torres, with a few glances towards Raul Meireles, when Chelsea host Liverpool on Sunday.

Torres and Meireles both left Anfield within the last 12 months under respective clouds having been seen by many on Merseyside to have forced their transfers to Stamford Bridge.

Spain international Torres quit Liverpool last January in a £50million deal, while Portugal playmaker Meireles moved on the final day of this summer's window having played three games for his former club this season.

Both players have claimed there are untold stories to their transfers, but they remain unpopular in the eyes of those in red and are certain to be targeted by the travelling boo-boys in West London.

Liverpool's loss was Chelsea's gain and, although Torres, who suffered defeat to Liverpool in his first reunion in February 2011, has scored just three league goals since moving, both he and Meireles appear to be important members of Villas-Boas' new-look team.

Such will be the focus on Torres and Meireles, there may even be some respite for John Terry amid the ongoing investigations of the Football Association and the police regarding allegations of racism towards Anton Ferdinand.

Chelsea's main concern is to avoid dropping further points, with Premier League leaders Manchester City already holding a nine-point lead over Villas-Boas' fourth-placed club, who have already lost three games.

Liverpool would need to win four or more goals to overtake Chelsea, but Dalglish's side are just three points behind their weekend hosts, despite drawing three of their last four league matches.

Chelsea will welcome back Didier Drogba from suspension, while John Obi Mikel shook off a back injury to face Blackburn before the international break.

Goalkeeper Hilario was not involved in the squad at Ewood Park because he was suffering with 'flu, but Michael Essien (knee) remains a long-term absentee.

Defender Jamie Carragher is in contention to return to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday having missed the last two matches with a calf injury.

Striker Luis Suarez is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up after being rested for Uruguay's friendly win over Italy in midweek as a precautionary measure after a minor back problem.

Captain Steven Gerrard is still making his way back to full fitness after an ankle infection.

Possible starting XIs:

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Lampard, Ramires, Mikel, Mata, Sturridge, Torres.

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

AVB - Reds Still In Title Hunt

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas believes Liverpool are still in the hunt for the Premier League title by virtue of their significant summer spending.

The Blues tackle Kenny Dalglish's men at Stamford Bridge on Sunday bidding to close the 12 point gap between themselves and table-toppers Manchester City.

Three successive home draws have seen Liverpool's momentum stall, but they know a win in west London will bring them level with their opponents.

Many are already suggesting a two-horse race for the title between the two Manchester clubs, but Villas-Boas has refused to rule out the prospects of Liverpool thanks to the Anfield club's history and heavy investment in players over the summer.

"I've always seen them as title contenders because it's been assumed by them that they would do it," said the Portuguese.

"Dalglish has made the necessary changes to Liverpool for them to progress to title contenders this year.

"He made seven changes to the team, seven coming in, which represents the type of commitment the ownership have to put them back on title-winning ways.

"They are one of the biggest clubs in England and I always assumed they were challenging for the title."

Speaking about his own side's prospects, Villas-Boas admits that his side is facing a crucial month of domestic league, cup and European action.

"It's a good period for the different competitions," he added. "You can qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, the Premier League can maybe start taking its pattern by the end of December.

"There's also a quarter-final in the Carling Cup with Liverpool, which gives us a chance to go into that competition next year."

Villas-Boas has also challenged Daniel Sturridge to maintain his level of performance after making his England debut in midweek.

The 22-year-old capped a successful year with a first appearance for Fabio Capello's side in the 1-0 win against Sweden on Tuesday, and his club manager now hopes he can prove he deserves to stay in his national squad.

"His performances for the club have taken him to England, and to a first appearance, which is something that is gratifying," said the former Porto boss.

"When someone arrives at that level, you have to prove you can continue to be at that level. That's the challenge he faces."

Reina Aims To Pile The Agony On Fernando Torres

Pepe Reina is desperate to pile the misery on his close friend Fernando Torres when Liverpool FC face Chelsea tonight.

The Liverpool FC keeper will line up at Stamford Bridge against his fellow Spaniard who quit Anfield for a British record fee of £50million back in January.

Since then Torres has struggled in the capital with just five goals in 30 appearances and Reina is on a mission to ensure the striker endures another fruitless afternoon against Kenny Dalglish’s men.

“Fernando is my friend and I always speak to him,” Reina said. “It will be strange to play against him once again and to see him in blue is kind of strange.

“But I’ve played many times against friends of mine both in Spain and in England and it’s never been a problem.

“I will wish him all the best of luck after the game but for those 90 minutes I wish him anything else.

“I don’t want to lose.”

Torres is guaranteed a hot reception from Liverpool fans who were angered by his decision to walk out on the club.

However, Reina insists supporters should remember what he achieved during his three and a half years at Anfield when he netted 81 goals in 141 appearances.

And the shot-stopper expects Torres to rediscover the form which made him a Kop idol.

“It was his decision to leave and we had to respect that,” Reina said.

“It was such a large amount of money and it was still a difficult period for the club. Fernando thought it was an opportunity to keep growing as a player.

“What we need to keep is that Fernando scored a fantastic number of goals for Liverpool. He was once the people’s favourite.

“We’ve said it many times, there is no-one bigger than Liverpool. Players come and go, managers come and go, the club will always stay.

Carroll Will Be Given A 12-month Boot Camp To Salvage His Liverpool Career

Liverpool will put Kop-flop striker Andy Carroll in a 12-month boot camp in a bid to salvage his Anfield ­career.

The £35million star’s diet and ­drinking will be closely monitored – and he is even prepared to ditch his ­trademark ponytail as worried Kop chiefs plan a new clean-cut image for him.

Carroll, 22, has scored just four goals in 16 Premier League games since his move from Newcastle in January – a slump that that has seen him drop out of the England reckoning.

Three Lions boss Fabio Capello left him out of the squad for the games against Spain and Sweden and he hasn’t been guaranteed a Liverpool starting place this season.

The new year-long health kick ­imposed by Anfield chiefs is a clear sign they are disturbed by his conditioning, even though they have repeatedly denied it.

A source said: “Andy is happy to go along with this long training schedule Liverpool have devised for him. It’s a conditioning program which will look at his whole lifestyle. While Carroll is obviously a big lad he is not particularly muscular and they want to put this right. They are not looking to give him more bulk, but more strength.

“He knows that as a £35m signing he should be the first name on the Liverpool team-sheet for the game at Chelsea but he also knows this won’t be the case.

“And as far as England is concerned he feels that his international career is going backwards.” Significantly, when asked if Carroll still had an England future, Capello replied: “Yes. But it depends on him, not on me.”

But Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is defiant about his out-of-condition striker...and particularly that hefty fee.

Dalglish said: “Andy’s price-tag is only a problem for other people, not for us.

“He replaced a £50m striker which means we are £15m up on the deal – so he’s not a bad buy. Besides, we don’t look at anyone’s price.

“If someone comes here for nothing it doesn’t mean he has to be better than someone who has come here for £20m. If you can pass, play and score it’s no problem what you cost. Money is irrelevant.

“We are delighted with Andy Carroll. Two of the last three games he’s played have been his best two for the club.

“I don’t know where people get their ideas from about Andy. Stories appear on the internet about him and people follow it up even though it’s not always true.”

England boss Capello has warned Carroll he must be playing regularly and scoring goals to be under ­consideration for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

The England boss said: “Andy Carroll is a good player and a good talent but in this moment we need to wait.

“First, he needs to score goals. For forwards it is like a drug – they need goals and I am waiting for his goals. I am looking for his goals.

“But I’m not worried about him. With young players you need to wait sometimes.

“When some players change clubs, like Carroll from Newcastle to Liverpool, the pressure is different.”

Arsenal And Liverpool To Battle For Barcelona Defender

Arsenal and Liverpool are amongst the teams ready to try and sign Eric Abidal, according to the Mirror.

The agent of the French left-back has claimed that it is more and more likely Abidal could leave the Nou Camp with his contract out at the end of the season.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool invested in new full-backs over the summer in the form of Andre Santos and Jose Enrique but appear to be keen on adding Abidal.

“We have very good relations with Barcelona, but we have not yet found the solution to extend the contract,” said agent David Venditelli.

“The truth is that, as time goes by, the risk of Abidal leaving Barcelona next year gets higher.”

Liverpool Set To Secure Chris Samba Signing

Liverpool is leading the hunt for Blackburn’s defensive colossus Chris Samba.

The ambitious Rovers star has switched agents after failing to secure a move away from Ewood Park last summer.

And Liverpool have been alerted to the fact he remains keen on leaving the struggling Ewood Park club. Arsenal showed keen interest in Samba last January, when the Congo international was rewarded with an improved five-year contract by Blackburn.

The Gunners and local rivals Tottenham were both chasing Samba during the summer but neither tabled official bids for the player.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has since signed German international defender Per Mertesacker, meaning that his interest in Samba has cooled.

Spurs are still on the look-out for a new centre-back but Liverpool are said to be in pole position for Samba.

Despite signing young Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates in the summer, the Anfield club are still on the look-out for a new centre-back especially as this may be Jamie Carragher’s final season as a regular first-teamer.

It is believed Samba, 27, has become increasingly frustrated with life at Ewood Park and is eager to move to a bigger club while he is still in his prime.

That has sparked his move to new representatives and could see him switch clubs in January.

Blackburn owners Venky’s are under no pressure to sell players but they could be tempted by an offer of around £10million for their prize asset.

Reina: I'm Excited By Future

Pepe Reina believes all the ingredients are in place to make Liverpool challengers for the game's top honours.

The Spain goalkeeper insists the acquisition of the club by Fenway Sports Group last year has provided the Reds with the grounding required to enjoy a bright future - and he's excited by what is in store for the club.

"Now we have the money to buy some players and create a squad that is able to compete for the title," said Reina.

"Hopefully, with the right balance of the owners, supporters and the squad we can become champions again.

"It's important for the club to have this stability and positivity with the new players and a new manager. It is something we have to work on and the plan is to get better.

"It has been a good football career so far but my dream is to be in a championship-winning Liverpool team.

"My time here has been more positive than negative and I am very proud of having played so many games for Liverpool already.

"Liverpool is probably one of the best clubs, if not the best, in the world and it has been a pleasure to be here for the last seven years."

U18s Cruise To City Win

Liverpool U18s produced another superb display on their travels as they secured a 3-1 win at Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

Mike Marsh's youngsters were looking to bounce back following last weekend's disappointing loss against Bolton and they did it in style courtesy of goals from David Moli, Jordan Lussey and Jack Dunn.

The result means the Reds remain unbeaten away from home this season and pick up three points that will give them a significant lift ahead of the forthcoming clash at Man United on Friday.

The visitors bossed the contest throughout and could have stolen in front on four minutes but no-one was on hand to fire in the rebound after Josh Sumner's shot was spilled by Angus Gunn.

City responded and Tyrell Belford did well to thwart Adam Drury before Alex Henshall's cross-shot was brilliantly cleared by Matty Regan.

The hosts were beginning to find openings and Drury wasted a glorious chance to put them ahead when he fired straight at Belford.

This miss seemed to inspire life into the Reds and after Lussey hit a free-kick into the wall they should have opened the scoring on 26 minutes.

The ball broke to Moli inside the six-yard box but when the forward miscued it presented an even more inviting opportunity for Regan. The centre back struck the ball cleanly but saw his effort arrow wildly wide of goal from point-blank range.

Next, Dunn fizzed just off target before the away side broke forward with devastating effect on 32 minutes.

Belford's quick-thinking throw found substitute Nathan Quirk on the left wing. The midfielder, who had just replaced the injured Sumner, hit a superb outside of the foot pass down the line to find the clever run of Dunn. The England U17 star raced through before unselfishly teeing up Moli who made no mistake from eight yards.

Dunn then saw a low free-kick beaten away at the near post by Gunn and Regan headed a corner over as Liverpool ended the half on top.

City was always going to respond after the interval but the visitors continued to produce a display worthy of their lead.

With defences on top, chances were at a premium until another fine move saw Liverpool double their lead on 59 minutes.

Moli did well down the right before crossing to the far post where Lussey ghosted in to fire home a clinical finish.

Both Dunn and Moli then wasted openings before City were given a lifeline on 76 minutes when Regan was harshly penalised for handball.

However, Belford produced a smart save low to his right to keep out Albert Rusnak's spot-kick.

With time ticking away Liverpool continued to threaten and they made it three four minutes later when Moli set up Dunn to beat Gunn with a low drive. It was the perfect way for the youngster to celebrate his 17th birthday and capped a final overall performance from Marsh's charges.

To their credit, City kept pushing until the end and they grabbed a consolation three minutes from time.

Kenny's Chelsea Lucky Charm

Kenny Dalglish is hoping to maintain a proud record when he takes Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Scot has never lost to Chelsea as Liverpool manager in any competition - winning eight and drawing three of the 11 meetings.

Here are the rest of the facts and figures ahead of the big game from club statto Ged Rea.

Head to head (league only):

Overall: Liverpool 62 wins, Chelsea 46 wins, 28 draws.

At Chelsea: Liverpool 17 wins, Chelsea 37 wins, 14 draws.

A win will put Liverpool level on points with Chelsea and a three goal margin of victory will take the Reds above their London rivals.

Last season Liverpool recorded their second Premier League 'double' over Chelsea. The Reds won 2-0 at Anfield thanks to two Fernando Torres goals in the first half and a tremendous rearguard action after the break.

Raul Meireles scored the only goal of the game after 69 minutes of the return in London last February - a game that saw Torres wear a Chelsea shirt for the first time.

The 'double' was only the Reds' second over the Blues in 21 seasons.

All of the Reds' wins at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League era have been by a 1-0 scoreline. Last season's victory followed Xabi Alonso's winner in 2008 and Bruno Cheyrou's in 2004.

Despite a recent improvement, Liverpool have picked up just 13 points out of a possible 57 in league visits to Chelsea.

The Reds have lost 11 of their last 15 league visits to the Bridge and won only three of the last 21 on the ground.

Since the inception of the Premier League Liverpool have won 15 and lost 16 of the 38 meetings.

Liverpool has scored just eight times at Stamford Bridge in 19 league visits.

They have not scored more than once in a league game on this ground in their last 15 visits since a 2-2 draw in December 1995 when Steve McManaman scored both goals.

Pepe Reina was controversially dismissed in the league meeting on this ground in February 2006, while Steven Gerrard also received his marching orders at Stamford Bridge in 2003.

Glen Johnson played 72 times for Chelsea in all competitions from 2003-07, scoring four times.

His first ever league goal was scored on this ground eight years ago this month in a 5-0 win over Newcastle.

Jordan Henderson made his career league debut on this ground in November 2008. His Sunderland team lost 5-0.

However, he was in the Black Cats side that recorded a shock 3-0 win at the Bridge a year ago last weekend.

Patrik Berger scored Liverpool's last hat-trick against Chelsea - at Anfield in October 1997.

That is one of only four occasions when Reds players have scored three in a game against Chelsea - the others being James Stewart (1910), Fred Pagnam (1915) and Gordon Hodgson (1930). All were scored at Anfield.

No player has ever scored a hat-trick for Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool's clean sheet last season was only their fourth in the last 16 league visits.

The Reds' biggest victory on this ground came in December 1989 when they won 5-2.

Liverpool's heaviest ever defeat at Stamford Bridge came on the opening day of the 1937-38 season when they lost 6-1.

Only Fabio Aurelio, Lucas and Dirk Kuyt of the current squad have scored for Liverpool at Stamford Bridge - all in the Champions League.

In fact, Aurelio's last Liverpool goal came in the 4-4 European draw at the Bridge in April 2009.

The Reds are looking to record back-to-back league wins at Stamford Bridge for the first time since the 1974-75 season.

Liverpool have won twice in the last three visits and have won four of the last six league meetings home and away. They have lost only two of the last nine.

In the last seven league meetings between the sides only one of the teams has managed to score. The last occasion when both teams scored was in the 1-1 draw at Anfield in August 2007.

Charlie Adam could make his 250th career club appearance in all competitions.

Going into this weekend's fixtures only the United's of Manchester and Newcastle (three each) have conceded fewer league goals on the road than Liverpool's five.

Liverpool is looking for a third successive league clean sheet for the first time since last February, when they kept four in a row. The last in that sequence was the 1-0 win at Chelsea.

The Reds have won four away games in succession in all competitions. The last time they won five was in May 2006 (ultimately they won six in a row) while they bid to register three in a row on the road in the Barclays Premier League for the first time since May 2009.

Chelsea have scored only six times against Liverpool in the last 10 league meetings home and away.

They have lost only six of their last 144 league games at home, the last coming in that 5-3 loss to Arsenal in the last fixture in front of their home fans.

Chelsea's last hat-trick in the fixture was scored by George Mills in August 1937 at Stamford Bridge.

Didier Drogba has scored 10 goals against Liverpool during his career - the first two for Marseille and eight for the Londoners.

Fernando Torres scored seven goals in eight games against the Londoners. Since moving to Stamford Bridge he has scored five goals in 30 games in league and cup. He scored 13 times in his last 30 Liverpool games.

He has scored more league goals for Liverpool in 2011 than he has for Chelsea - four for the Reds, three for the Londoners.

By comparison Luis Suarez has scored 11 in his 27 games for the Reds, while Andy Carroll has five in 21 appearances.

Raul Meireles scored five goals in 44 appearances for the Reds with his penultimate goal for the club coming on this ground. He has found the net once in his 11 games for Chelsea - scoring his side's first in a 5-0 Champions League win over Genk.

Nicolas Anelka played for the Reds during the 2001-02 season while on loan from Paris St Germain, scoring five times in 22 games in league and cup.

Along with Fernando Torres, David Luiz also made his Chelsea debut in this fixture last season, while Salomon Kalou, John Obi Mikel and Alex have all made their Blues' debuts against Liverpool in recent seasons.

The Blues have kept only two clean sheets in the last 10 games in all competitions and the 1-0 win at Blackburn last time out was their first Premier League shut-out since the opening day.

They have not kept a league clean sheet at Stamford Bridge since beating West Ham 3-0 in April.

Frank Lampard is Chelsea's leading scorer this season with seven goals, six in the league. He has scored five times in his last five league games, including a hat-trick at Bolton last month.

Earlier this season he became only the fifth player in history to make 500 Premier League appearances.

John Terry and Ashley Cole are the only players to play in every Chelsea league game this season.

Chelsea have had five players sent off this season: Alex, Torres, Jose Bosingwa, Didier Drogba and Ross Turnbull.

They have conceded nine goals at home in five league games. They shipped only 13 in 19 league games last season at the Bridge.

In 11 league games they have conceded 15 goals this season - the same number they let in during the whole of Jose Mourinho's first season in charge.

Leading scorers this season (league in brackets):

Liverpool: Suarez 7 (4), Carroll 3 (2), Adam 2 (2), Bellamy 2 (1), Gerrard 1 (1), Henderson 1 (1), Kuyt 1 (0), Maxi 1 (0), Skrtel 1 (1), own goals 2 (2).

Chelsea: Lampard 7 (6), Sturridge 5 (4), Torres 4 (2), Mata 3 (2), Ramires 4 (3), Terry 3 (3), Kalou 2 (0), Anelka 1 (1), Bosingwa 1 (1), Drogba 1 (1), Ivanovic 1 (0), Luiz 1 (0), Malouda 1 (1), Meireles 1 (0).

Reina - Torres Not Missed

Jose Reina insists Liverpool have not missed Fernando Torres since his departure to Chelsea due to the impressive form of Luis Suarez.

Torres was snapped up by the west London outfit for a blockbuster fee of £50 million, but has struggled to replicate the form that saw him plunder 81 goals in 141 appearances on Merseyside.

In the previous meeting between the two teams in February, Torres was withdrawn after 66 minutes in a game eventually decided by a Raul Meireles strike.

While Torres has struggled to find his rhythm, his replacement Suarez has flourished since his £22.8 million move from Ajax and is now a firm fans' favourite.

"Fernando is top class; Luis is as good or even better than Fernando," said Reds keeper Reina.

"Those players are really special. You don't find those kind of players very often.

"The club did a good job in signing Luis and hopefully he will be many years with us and hopefully he will score as many goals as Fernando."

Reina and Torres were very close during his time on Merseyside and even lived on the same street in Woolton.

The way Torres has struggled at Stamford Bridge has surprised most observers but his compatriot is confident he will regain his optimum form.

But hopefully it will be after Sunday, when the two sides face each other.

"He is the same player but it is a different team so it is difficult to judge (how he compares to his best form for Liverpool)," added Reina.

"I think there are a lot of periods when goalscorers' lives are like that. Sometimes you do it, sometimes you go through bad spells but Fernando does know how to score and is a very good player.

"With Juan Mata behind him he will deliver more goals and will be better. He is such a good player and he will be a real threat for us - not just him because they have a lot of good players that can create us problems."

Aquilani Reveals £5.2 Million Liverpool Buyout Clause

AC Milan midfielder Alberto Aquilani has revealed that the Serie A champions will be obligated to sign him on a permanent basis from Liverpool for £5.2 million if he features in 25 matches this term.

The 27-year-old is currently on a season-long loan deal with the Rossoneri after it became apparent that first team opportunities at Anfield were not forthcoming.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has selected the Italy international 13 times in all competitions so far, and Aquilani has divulged the details of a potential permanent move to the Giuseppe Meazza.

"There is a buyout fee set at €6 million [£5.2 million] and it is activated after 25 games," he stated to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I feel more assured. You can never say no to Milan. I have always had the hope of becoming a Rossoneri player."

Aquilani spent last season on loan at Juventus, and believes a long term deal at the Turin club was blocked by Liverpool's large valuation of him.

"I did not expect to be bought by Juventus, the price set by Liverpool [€16 million] was too high. Juventus was an opportunity and I have used it well.

"It was a critical step in my career as after Liverpool I needed to play continuously. Maybe if I had not gone to Juventus I would not be at AC Milan," he concluded.

Bellamy Reveals He Snubbed Spurs In Favour Of Reds Move

Craig Bellamy has revealed how he turned down the chance to join Tottenham this summer to return to Liverpool.

The Welsh striker was in-demand during the off season with his career at Manchester City hanging in the balance. He spent last season on loan at Championship - and boyhood - club Cardiff, but a permanent move to a Premier League outfit was always expected.

Bellamy was heavily liked with a move to Tottenham with manager Harry Redknapp desperate to bolster his forward options.

And the 32-year-old has revealed how he turned down the chance to go to Spurs in favour of going to Liverpool and, aside from the Reds, a move back to Cardiff would have been his ideal move.

"There was interest from one or two other clubs, but I was trying to be straightforward with Cardiff," Bellamy told LFC TV.

"With no disrespect to your QPRs and your Stokes, who I do like a lot, I would go to Cardiff before them. But if there was a big club, or a chance of playing in the Champions League or for a club fighting for the Champions League, I had to look at that opportunity and take it really seriously.

"It all went on from there really. Come the last day, I'd resolved an issue with Man City which allowed me to go on a free. On the deadline day, I woke up, my phone went, my agent was on his way to see me - I was in a hotel with Wales - and he said, 'We have two offers - there's Liverpool and there's Tottenham. What do you want to do?'

"I like Tottenham, I like the team a lot. I feel the way they play and pass the ball would suit me a treat - but this was a chance to go to Liverpool.

"I don't believe you should return, go back to your old clubs, but this is Liverpool and I could never walk away from this opportunity."

Lucas Taking Liverpool Legend Lessons

Liverpool midfield stalwart Lucas Leiva has admitted that he has been watching Xabi Alonso closely, in order to improve his own game.

The Brazilian initially found life difficult after his move to Anfield, sparking displeasure in The Kop over his performances, and looked to Alonso in a bid to turn his career around.

Lucas puts this lengthy bedding-in process down to the need to dramatically change the style of play he was known for as a young player before his arrival at Liverpool.

Rafael Benitez signed the former Gremio man as a box to box driving midfielder, but it quickly became clear that the physicality of the Premier League would stifle this aspect of his game.

The former Brazil Under-20 captain was forced to re-think his game and begun his tutelage as a holding player, sitting in central midfield and protecting the defence.

Lucas cited a number of influences, including Barcelona man Sergio Busquets, but says his former teammate Alonso was his most influential.

He said: "Sergio Busquets is a player who is really good. Of course he has players around him who always help him and always make the simple pass. People can see how good he is.

"Xabi Alonso is a player I always watch and try to learn from. I had a few years with him here and I could see how good he was. Xabi would be my choice at the moment."

Hard work began to pay off for Lucas and, with a steady improvement in form, the boos subsided to become approving murmurings, until he was regularly praised for his hard work and consistency.

His redemption was finally complete last season, when he was confirmed as an Anfield favourite, voted LFC Player of the Season 2010-11.

The 24-year-old has not let his level drop since and the accolades have kept coming, as he was recently named North-West Player of the Year for 2011.

"I am really happy to be voted," he said. "I'm sure all the Liverpool fans worked really hard to make sure I won the award.

“They are always behind me and supporting me, and I'll try to repay them with performances on the pitch.”

Liverpool Miss Out On Johnson

Adam Johnson has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester City, putting an end to Kenny Dalglish’s alleged interest in capturing the England winger for Liverpool.

After arriving at Eastlands from Middlesbrough in January 2010, Johnson has impressed with some very creative, sparky performances.

At the age of just 24, he has time to mature into an even better player too, and will doubtlessly add to the nine England caps he already has.

"This club's going places and I want to be at one of the top clubs in Europe,” he explained to the club’s official website. "I wouldn't have signed if I didn't see a big future here."

"I'm delighted to sign, I'm just glad it's all sorted out. It was never on my mind when I was playing. You can't let that happen, contracts can take a long time these days.

"I want to become a top player, I want to keep winning things and picking up medals.

"It's great being part of it - my game's improved, I'm playing for England and in the Champions League, that probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't come here."

Having scored thee times in six Premier League matches so far this season, Johnson has laid some sturdy foundations for a good year under Roberto Mancini.

Poyet Defends Suarez Comment

Gus Poyet has refused to back down from defending Liverpool striker Luis Suarez over alleged racist comments made against Patrice Evra.

Suarez has been charged by the Football Association for remarks made to Evra in a 1-1 draw between Manchester United and Liverpool in October.

Poyet caused further controversy by claiming that Evra has been "crying like a baby" over the comments and is convinced that his fellow Uruguayan is innocent.

It came just days after FIFA president Sepp Blatter triggered outrage by insisting that there is no racism between players.

Liverpool have revealed that Suarez is to deny the charge at a personal hearing and he has received the backing of Brighton boss and former Uruguay midfielder Poyet.

He told TalkSPORT: "I know Luis very well and I will go to court if someone wants to prove he's not racist.

"I can assure you and everyone Luis is not a racist. We use different words and it is a different kind of situation.

"We live in Uruguay with plenty of people who have different colour skin. We all live together and play football together.

"What hurts me the most is that you accuse someone. Luis Suarez has been accused of being a racist."

The Seagulls manager is adamant that Suarez's words have been misunderstood due to language differences but was unable to clarify what has been said between the two players.

He added: "You are not racist when you go against one, but (you are) if you go against the whole world of different colour and nationalities. That is being racist, not saying one word in one moment.

"If that's what you want, fair enough. I take it and accept it. I had to behave in a different way because I've been in England for 13 years. So I know what you are like and I adapt to that.

"Give Suarez another six months and I think he'll be how you want him to be."

Reds Search For Soccer Prince

Liverpool today announced they are backing the 2011 Soccer Prince - the X-Factor-style television program which aims to unearth football's next biggest star.

The Reds are the only Barclays Premier League team to support the initiative and are offering a one-year development program under their guidance to the winner.

Having previously been held in China and Vietnam, this year's competition will take place in Turkey and the first live show will be televised in the country on Saturday night with a special appearance from Anfield legend and Istanbul hero Dietmar Hamann.

From thousands of hopefuls aged between 14 and 16, Soccer Prince hosts auditions in 14 cities across the country.

80 boys will be selected to progress from the audition stage where they will take part in five-a-side tournaments and try to further impress the judging panel to try and win one of 24 places in the live shows, which will start in March.

From there, the contestants will face the voting of both the judges and viewers over several weeks until five are left in the competition to contest a two-show finale in May.

The winner will travel to the UK and spend one year being developed under the guidance of Liverpool. This one-year development program includes English education, tourism opportunities and all costs are covered by the show.

"What we are providing here is that once in a lifetime chance to play for Liverpool," said Managing Director Ian Ayre. "People love us because of football and it lets people in other countries see the power of Liverpool Football Club. The key for us is that it's all over different parts of the world and giving different kids a chance."

Steve Cartwright of organizers Kickworldwide said: "Soccer Prince will prove to be a massive hit in Turkey, and we are all very excited to be working alongside Liverpool FC again as we take this successful reality format into emerging markets across the world.

Our collaboration with Liverpool FC, steeped in history and tradition, will ensure that the prize winners will be immersed in the true ethos of English football."

Charity Thankful For LFC Donation

Bradbury Fields today spoke of their gratitude after receiving a signed Liverpool jersey to put up for auction to raise funds for the charity.

The organization, which is the largest provider of services for blind and partially sighted people on Merseyside with more than 4,000 people on their register, popped down to the club's Academy complex to receive the shirt from promising youngsters Krisztian Adorjan and Adam Hajdu.

The jersey will now be put up for auction, with funds raised going towards the charity.

A Bradbury Fields spokesperson said: "Bradbury Fields is delighted with the support we have received from Liverpool Football Club not just in donating football memorabilia, but also for the opportunity to meet players and staff and to visit the famous Liverpool Football Club Academy.

"Our Chief Executive, Jim Moran, thanked Liverpool Football Club for generously donating a signed LFC shirt which will be put up for auction and will no doubt help us to raise substantial funds for our charity."

Uruguayan Embassy To Help Luis Suárez Fight FA Charges

Liverpool will have the backing of the Uruguayan football association to help Luis Suárez fight the allegations of racial abuse that have left him open to a long ban and reinforced Kenny Dalglish's view that the authorities are threatening to "walk all over us".

Suárez, who denies the allegations and will plead not guilty, returned from international duty to go straight into talks with Dalglish, Liverpool's manager, about the FA's decision to charge him. Dalglish reiterated that the striker has the club's backing and has been informed that the Uruguayan authorities believe he is innocent. Officials in Montevideo want the help of the Uruguay embassy in London to back Suárez's argument that the words Patrice Evra reported would not be considered offensive in parts of South America.

The semantics will be crucial to the issue, with Dalglish maintaining his view that the player does not deserve to face FA charges of using "abusive and insulting words" including "a reference to the ethnic origin and colour or race" of the Senegal-born Evra.

"I don't think there is any doubt that any player at this football club who finds themselves in a bit of a bad time is always going to be well looked after by the people here," Dalglish said. "That is a given for this club."

The Liverpool manager, repeatedly citing the club's statement that are "fully supportive of Luis", wants the process to be completed "quickly but correctly", and there was a clear sense of a siege mentality building behind the scenes at Anfield.

Dalglish, prickly and keeping his answers deliberately short, has already railed against what he considers to be a string of contentious refereeing decisions against his team and has been incensed by the "disgraceful" scheduling that sees them play a Carling Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on 29 November, only 48 hours after their Premier League game against Manchester City. The Suárez issue has merely compounded Dalglish's view that Liverpool is not getting any help from the authorities.

"Most of the time you don't want to say anything but, if you don't say anything, they'll walk all over you," he said. "They might still walk all over us anyway but you've got to justify yourself, you've got to have an opinion and you've got to make a statement of a belief you've got.