Lucas Leiva Enjoying Partnership With Charlie Adam

Liverpool FC’s Lucas Leiva believes his double act with Charlie Adam is starting to click.

The central midfielders were two of Liverpool FC's outstanding performers in Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Lucas worked tirelessly to win back possession and Adam played a big part in both of Liverpool’s goals.

They have started 11 of the club’s 12 Premier League games this season alongside each other and the Brazilian is relishing playing with the Scotland international.

“Charlie is an offensive player and I try to give him the licence to go forward and make a key pass,” Lucas said.

“You could see the pass he put on for Glen Johnson for the winning goal.

“When we’re defending he gets back and tries to help me. Charlie is learning a lot about the defensive role.

“There are a lot of new players in the team and it takes a little bit of time to get an understanding but like everyone I’m really happy and enjoying playing with Charlie.

“If we play more games together then we will be even better because the understanding will improve.”

Victory over Chelsea kick-started Liverpool’s push for Champions League qualification after the frustrating home draw with Swansea City.

Lucas says Kenny Dalglish’s side must go into every game with the attitude they showed in the capital – starting with this Sunday’s showdown with leaders Manchester City at Anfield.

“If we approach every single game like we approached the Chelsea game, then we would be in a better position,” Lucas said.

“We were really pleased with the performance, especially in the first half when we did very well. When they came back for the second half they changed the system and we lost the way we played a little bit. But after a few changes and a talk with the manager we settled and looked for the second goal.

“They had the ball a lot at the back, and our strategy was to let the centre-backs have the ball and then press at the right moment.

“When you regain the ball close to or in the opposition’s half, you always have a chance to break and you can find space. That’s what happened when we got the ball off Mikel and scored our first goal.

“If you see Barcelona play, they play the ball out from the back a lot and they can be open if you regain the ball. But the problem is that against Barcelona, you can’t get the ball off them!

“We could do that against Chelsea though, and that was important.

“We had to get the three points because we had dropped points at home.

“Now we need to find a good way of playing at home. We have to improve our record there.

“When we play away, the first thing we do is defend very well and on the counter-attack we are dangerous.

“We have to find out the way to play at home. If we can do that then we can have a very good season.”

Lucas was delighted for Glen Johnson and Maxi Rodriguez who both scored their first league goals of the season at Stamford Bridge.

Johnson missed the first two months of the season due to injury, while Rodriguez had been limited to just 14 minutes of league football prior to Sunday.

“Glen has been suffering with injuries but he has had a few games together now to get fit and his confidence is back,” Lucas said. “We know he’s capable of doing something like that. It was a very important goal. I was really pleased for Maxi as well. After a lot of time out of the team, he showed how important he is and deserved his goal.”

Liverpool Prepare To Battle Russian Side For Barcelona Midfielder

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is preparing to make a move Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita once the January transfer window opens for business.

According to reports in The Sun, it is believed Liverpool will have to battle mega-rich Russian club Anzhi Makhackala if they are to acquire the services of the Mali international.

During the course of the summer transfer window Kop boss Dalglish brought in a number of midfield players including Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

However it is felt that Dalglish and Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli are both big fans of Keita and are planning to beat Anzhi to his signature by tabling a £5million move for the 31-year-old.

It seems as though the midfielder would also prefer a move to Anfield over Russia after his quotes a couple of weeks ago.

"Liverpool are a great club and it is fantastic to hear they are interested in me but you know how I feel about Barcelona," he said.

"But we are in football and nothing is an absolute, so let's wait until the end of the season.

"I want to play more games and the Premier League is very attractive and exciting for anyone."

Liverpool Trial For 15-year-old Scandinavian Starlet

Liverpool are set to hand 15-year-old Swedish schoolboy Gustav Engvall a trial at the club.

The midfielder confirmed that he's set for the Anfield opportunity pre-Christmas, and is excited to make the trip from Färjestadens GOIF in Swedish 3rd division.

"I'm going over there and will train with them in December," he said on the trial with Liverpool.

"It will be great to see how everything works at a big club and it will be a really good experience whatever happens."

Kenny Dalglish's coaching staff will take the opportunity to run-the-rule over the teenager, with opportunities for competitive action in the Liverpool academy sides at Melwood.

The Reds are no strangers to taking youngsters on trial, with Chinese youngsters Lung Chan, 16, and Chen Nal, 15, spending time on Merseyside as Liverpool look to expand into the growing Asian market.

Engvall's chance at Liverpool is based on talent alone though, and the Swede will be aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard, Charlie Adam & Co at Anfield.

Charlie Adam Relishing Competition For First-Team Places At Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam has stated that he is relishing the competition for first-team places at Anfield this season.

The 25-year-old has been a regular feature in Kenny Dalglish's starting XI so far this term, following his summer transfer from Blackpool.

Whilst Adam believes his switch to Merseyside was a 'reward' for his performances at Bloomfield Road last season, the Scottish international is not taking his place for granted, with fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard still to make his return to full fitness.

Adam told Liverpoolfc.tv: “There are top international players in every position here.

"It means you know you have a battle just to get your place. As a footballer that's what you want, big challenges and hopefully I can keep challenging for a place.

"When you get a chance to come to a club like this it's the reward for all the years of hard work you've put in. Then when you get here you can't rest on your laurels. I don't want to just be here. I want to continue working hard, stay in the team and perform as well as I can."

Lucas Issues Reds Challenge

Liverpool midfielder Lucas admits they need to raise their game against the Premier League's lesser lights if they are to challenge for a top-four finish.

The Reds proved once again they are a match for the top sides in the Premier League with their impressive 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday.

However, they have struggled in games they have been expected to win, dropping eight points out of a possible 18 at Anfield following draws against Sunderland, Norwich and Swansea City.

Brazilian midfielder Lucas has now called on his team-mates to improve their home form and treat every game like they are playing one of the top teams.

"If we approach every single game like we approached the Chelsea game, then we would be in a better position," said Lucas.

"We had to get the three points here because we'd dropped those points at home. Now we need to find a good way of playing at home, we have to improve our record there and if we do that then our position will definitely get better.

"When you're playing against teams that aren't maybe considered among the top clubs, then you always need to be on the attack and score goals.

"We have to find the balance and the right time to do that. When we play away, the first thing we do is defend very well and on the counter-attack we are dangerous.

"We have to find out the way to play at home, if we can do that then we can have a very good season."

Glen Targets Home Comforts

Glen Johnson believes it is just a matter of time before Liverpool start to build up a winning momentum again at Anfield – and is hoping the Reds can click back into gear on home turf starting in Sunday's clash with Manchester City.

Kenny Dalglish's side have drawn their last three games at Anfield but after the superb victory at Stamford Bridge, confidence is high going into the game with Roberto Mancini's Barclays Premier League leaders.

The right-back insists a return to winning ways on home soil is just around the corner.

"Normally a team's best form is at home, but as long as we can start picking up a few more points at home and doing what we are doing away then we won't be too far away," said Johnson.

"We haven't been playing badly at home.

"We've created some fantastic chances and if we'd taken one of them in a few games then we'd have nine or 10 more points and it would make it a whole new ball game.

"We can take a lot of confidence from the result and performance against Chelsea and we are aiming for the top four - that's what we are fighting for."

Lille Chief Hints At Permanent Cole Move

Lille president Michel Seydoux has suggested the reigning Ligue 1 champions may look to turn Joe Cole's loan move from Liverpool into a permanent switch at the end of the season.

Cole, 30, has impressed since swapping Anfield for the Stade Lille-Metropole on a season-long loan, enjoying a new lease of life when it appeared his career had stagnated.

The midfielder, who has 56 England caps to his name, has previously spoken of his desire to stay in France and Seydoux has hinted that Lille would consider signing him on a full-time basis.

"It is not a certainty that he will leave us again at the end his contract," Seydoux said to RTL. "If he has a certain good feeling with Lille and we can make him an interesting offer ... This is something that we will look into."

Meanwhile, Seydoux admitted that Lille will likely struggle to hold on to highly-rated Belgium winger Eden Hazard unless they can replicate last season's success this time around.

"There is a real chance that he will stay at Lille if we have a good season and he still sees challenges here," Seydoux said. "If we don't do well, it's probable that he will leave the club after this season as there's plenty of interest.

"Will €50 million be enough? Nobody is irreplaceable and there are solutions for that kind of money."

Liverpool FC To Open Second Boot Room Cafe With Global Expansion Planned

Liverpool FC will open a second Boot Room Sports Cafe a year after the first opened in Anfield, with global expansion on the menu.

The new cafe will open next month in Ellesmere Port’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village, which will seat 230 people and have the same look as the existing Sports Cafe, with Liverpool FC memorabilia, private booths, TV screens and a children’s area.

Club managing director Ian Ayre said: “The Boot Room Sports Cafe at Anfield has been a huge success and we are very excited about opening a second high-quality restaurant that LFC fans and Cheshire Oaks visitors can enjoy.

“Cheshire Oaks provides an excellent location, being the UK’s largest outlet centre and the new restaurant will initially create around 50 jobs.”

He added: “This is the first step in us expanding the franchise outside Liverpool, and we are already in discussions with a variety of people interested in International Liverpool FC Boot Room Franchises around the world.”

Match Report: Chelsea 1 - 2 Liverpool

Glen Johnson scored a sensational late winner to earn Liverpool three vital Barclays Premier League points at his old club Chelsea.

Former Blues full-back Johnson netted a brilliant solo effort to inflict his old club's third defeat in four league matches and leave both teams 12 points behind Manchester City.

Each side committed bad defensive errors to concede earlier goals, with Maxi Rodriguez giving Liverpool a half-time lead on his first league start of the season and substitute Daniel Sturridge equalizing shortly after the break.

A draw was arguably a fair result but that had also been the case in Chelsea's games against Manchester United and Arsenal this season when they also ended up on the losing side.

This loss cast further doubt on manager Andre Villas-Boas' Stamford Bridge revolution, with the Blues now looking set to drop out of the top four, something billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is unlikely to tolerate for long.

The Russian watched his prize asset left on the bench as Fernando Torres and Liverpool's Andy Carroll both failed to start.

The game did bring together the two players accused of racially abusing an opponent in recent weeks.

Both John Terry and Luis Suarez, who strenuously deny the allegations made against them, were both spared the kind of hostile reception from rival fans they might expect against other opponents.

Liverpool made the more impressive start, almost exploiting Chelsea's now notoriously high defensive line by twice Rodriguez getting beyond Suarez and Bellamy.

It took 10 minutes for the home side to seriously threaten, Juan Mata drilling Florent Malouda's cross dangerously back across goal.

At the other end, Branislav Ivanovic got a vital touch on Bellamy's cross before Johnson wasted a great opportunity to tee up a team-mate after a barnstorming run.

Liverpool, wearing black armbands in memory of the son of goalkeeper Brad Jones, who died of leukaemia on Friday, were looking more than comfortable, although Drogba hit the stanchion with a free-kick some supporters thought had gone in.

Terry, whose error cost Chelsea dearly against Arsenal in their last home game, made another gaffe in the 28th minute when he was robbed by Kuyt but David Luiz snuffed out the Liverpool attack.

Lucas was booked for clattering into the defender but the visitors' pressure was beginning to tell and they took the lead five minutes later after more horrendous defending.

John Obi Mikel dwelt on Petr Cech's pass and Charlie Adam robbed him, fed Craig Bellamy, who played a one-two with Suarez before feeding Rodriguez to clip over the goalkeeper.

An angry exchange between Terry and Bellamy, who have had more than one run in down the years, was calmed by referee Lee Probert.

With Chelsea's title bid threatening to unravel entirely, Villas-Boas hauled off Mikel for Daniel Sturridge at half-time.

It almost paid off four minutes in when Frank Lampard and Mata combined to find Drogba, who curled over from a good position.

The home side still looked uncertain whenever Liverpool broke but their pressure told in the 55th minute thanks to some rotten defending from the visitors.

Malouda was allowed to advance into the box and his cross-cum-shot was tapped home by Sturridge.

A wonder-save from Jose Reina stopped Ivanovic glancing home Drogba's free-kick two minutes later as Chelsea continued to dominate.

Ramires was booked for a late tackle on Martin Skrtel, with Kuyt following suit after hauling back Malouda.

Liverpool threw on Jordan Henderson for Bellamy in a bid to stem the tide, although Malouda went close with an audacious overhead kick.

The winger then sent a half-volley from Ivanovic's cross back across the face of goal and over the heads of waiting team-mates as Torres and Carroll both warmed up on the touchline.

They were made to wait even longer as the next change saw Stewart Downing replace Rodriguez before Ivanovic was cautioned for a nasty tackle on Suarez.

With just six minutes remaining, Torres finally arrived - along with fellow Liverpool old boy Raul Meireles - with Drogba and Ramires making way.

The visitors missed a great chance when Kuyt dragged wide after great work down the right from Henderson before Johnson produced one of the goals of the season to win it three minutes from time.

The full-back brought down Adam's pinpoint crossfield ball superbly, nutmegged Ashley Cole, and drove goalward before slotting into the corner.

Reds Delight Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish saluted his Liverpool side after they overcame Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Glen Johnson's superb late goal.

The spoils looked set to be shared after Daniel Sturridge cancelled out Maxi Rodriguez's first-half opener before Johnson's intervention.

The former Chelsea full-back collected Charlie Adam's raking cross-field pass, nutmegged Ashley Cole and the slotted home after driving into the box.

Dalglish's side is now level on points with the fourth-placed Blues in the Premier League table and it was a sweet moment for the Scot.

He guided his side to a 1-0 victory in West London shortly after returning to the Anfield hot seat last season, but took more pleasure from the victory this term.

"We wanted the same belief and positivity as last year. I think they surpassed that and were better this year than they were last year," Dalglish told Sky Sports.

"It is a great credit to them to come away from here with three points.

"In the first half we got a goal and were playing really well. In the second half they changed a little bit, put a bit more pressure on us and got the equalizer.

"But we hung on in there and to their credit they kept going. And at that stage of the game to have our right full-back up there and slotting it away is a great credit to the players and how much they want to move forward.

"I thought we played really well in the first half, and I don't know if anyone would object to us taking the three points.

"I was just pleased with the way they played, their attitude and their commitment. It was 'Dad's Army' really, with a lot of the old boys playing. Then the young boys came on and they never let us down either.

"It was a good day for Liverpool football club."

Duo Dedicate Win To Jones

Glen Johnson and Charlie Adam dedicated Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to Reds goalkeeper Brad Jones.

The visiting players wore black armbands during Sunday's Premier League encounter in memory of Jones' young son Luca, who died on Saturday after a battle with leukaemia.

Johnson scored the winning goal three minutes from time when he collected Adam's raking cross-field pass, nutmegged Ashley Cole and drove into the box before sliding the ball past Petr Cech.

Adam also had a hand in the first as he robbed a dozing John Obi Mikel before releasing Craig Bellamy, who played a one-two with Luis Suarez and then played in Maxi Rodriguez for the opener.

"I'd like to dedicate that to Brad. He's had a difficult week so that's for you," the Scotland international told Sky Sports.

And Johnson added later on Twitter: "I want to dedicate my goal and the win to Brad and all his family! My love is with all of you!!! X"

Adam felt that the Anfield outfit's grafting was the key, with the Reds showing great resilience to go on and claim all three points after Daniel Sturridge had cancelled out the opener.

He said: "Hard work was the difference. We had good shape.

Glen Johnson Delighted To Be Returning To Full Fitness

Glen Johnson says he is nearly back to full fitness after grabbing an 87th minute winner for Liverpool away to Chelsea on Sunday.

With the build-up to the game focusing on ex-Liverpool players who now ply their trade at Chelsea, in the form of Fernando Torres and Raul Meireles, it was the former Blues man who grabbed a dramatic winner for his side.

Liverpool took the lead in the first half through Maxi Rodriguez, before substitute Daniel Sturridge equalized after the break, but Johnson's late goal helped the Reds move level on points in the table with their opponents.

The England international, who returned to action after a lengthy absence through injury in October, says his fitness levels are improving every game.

“I was the last name in people’s minds but I like to get forward and I’m very grateful for the goal,” Johnson told Sky Sports.

“Obviously I’ve had a few difficult months but I’ve been feeling better game by game and I finally feel I’m getting back to full fitness.

“We knew we dominated the first half but we knew they would get a kick up the backside at half-time and we expected a reaction, and once they get into that gear they are difficult to stop. The lads showed great character to bounce back and get the late goal.

“It’s two big clubs chasing each other and we know we know we are in a good position. We could have been better with results but we are happy with the result and we will take it.”

Charlie Adam was also a stand-out performer for Liverpool, playing a vital part in both of his side's goals.

“It was difficult because Chelsea is a good team,” Adam said. “We knew it was going to be difficult but we’ve got good players ourselves and I thought we played terrific and it’s a good way to bounce back after a difficult few weeks because the result against Swansea was hard to take.

“We were told to press and you always think you’ve got a chance and I was fortunate enough to get [the ball]. Maxi did well to finish it and we did well to bounce back after conceding the goal [early in the second half].”

Liverpool Join The Race To Sign PSV Star Midfielder

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for in-demand midfielder Kevin Strootman who has been attracting interest from a number of European clubs are starring for PSV Eindhoven.

The 21-year-old only joined the Dutch club in the summer after coming through the youth system at Sparta Rotterdam and has so far impressed both for his club and for his country with some assured displays for Holland.

The central midfielder has already made six appearances for Holland and recently scored his first international goal against Finland in September 7.

Holland manager Bert van Marwijk is a huge admirer of the midfielder and has praise on the player vision and ability on the ball. This has led to a number of reports linking him with a move away from PSV with The People reporting that Liverpool have been watching the player in action.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish sent assistant manager Steve Clarke and coach Kevin Keen to Hamburg last week to watch the midfielder in action against Germany and the pair were said to have been impressed with what they say despite the 3-0 loss.

PSV paid €13million for the midfielder during the summer and Liverpool would certainly have to make an improved offer if they were to convince the Dutch club to part with the talented youngster.

Liverpool Planning Surprise Swansea Raid For Nathan Dyer

Liverpool are believed to be preparing to make a shock bid for Swansea City's Nathan Dyer after the winger's impressive performances in recent weeks caught the attention of manager Kenny Dalglish.

Dyer, 23, has been one of the star players during Swansea's impressive start to their first season in the Premier League and Reds boss Dalglish apparently sees the young wideman as exactly what he is looking for to complement his existing squad.

Dalglish signed Stewart Downing from Aston Villa in the summer and the England man has been a top performer on the left, while fellow new recruits Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have been regulars in the centre.

But the Liverpool boss is reported to be keen on bringing balance to Liverpool's team with pace and width on the right and he has identified Dyer as the man to offer that.

The Scot has personally scouted the player already this season and saw him up close when Swansea earned a 0-0 draw at Anfield earlier this month.

Dyer was again impressive as the Swans lost narrowly at home to Manchester United on Saturday.

However, Dalglish may have to move quickly if he is to secure his services, with both Everton and Newcastle also said to be keen on making a bid.

LA Galaxy Target Kuyt As Their Next Premiership Signing

LA Galaxy are ready to make an effort to sign Liverpool’s Dutch International Dirk Kuyt with a view to signing the player in January but loaning him back to Liverpool for three months.

Kuyt’s time at Liverpool is coming to and end and it was always thought that he would return to his native Holland, however the speculation is that it is LA Galaxy that he is destined for.

LA Galaxy will be looking to bring in a couple of new players this winter, especially with David Beckham set to leave, and have identified Kuyt as the perfect choice, he may be 31 years old, but they feel that he could offer them at least two good seasons before he retires, possibly even three.

It would be an interesting dilemma for Kuyt, he has expressed the wish to return to his old club Feyenord, but it seems their interest is minimal and it was always going to be difficult for him to set up camp at Ajax, another club linked with the 31 year old.

LA Galaxy have a habit of going for players coming to the twilight of their careers and it makes sense that they would want Kuyt, question remains, would he go to the USA?

Liverpool Fans Wearing “Evra Is A Liar” T-shirts

Liverpool fans showed up at Stamford Bridge on Sunday wearing “Evra is a liar” t-shirts, which stewards made them remove ahead of kick-off.

Despite Luis Suarez admitting he called Evra a name in Spanish and the FA charging the Liverpool striker with directing racial verbal abuse at Evra, Liverpool fans have predictably rolled out their usual hero worship for their player.

Fellow Uruguayan Gus Poyet spoke out in defence of Suarez earlier this week, claiming his countryman isn’t racist, rather they “treat people of colour in a different way” back in Uruguay.

“I played with a player, and nobody knew him as Fernando Cáceres,” Poyet said. “Everyone knows him worldwide as Negro Caceres. Is that racist? In England it is but in the rest of the world, in South America or Spain, it’s not.

Some Liverpool fans have quickly claimed that “negro” or “negrito” is not racist terms in Uruguay, in fact, they are words you would use to address a friend.

The Kop: “In Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay where there are few people of African origin and appearance, negro is commonly used to refer to partners, close friends or people in general. It is similar to the use of the word “nigga” in urban communities in the United States.

For example, one might say to a friend, “Negro Como andas?” (literally “Hey, black one, how are you doing?”). In this case, the diminutive negrito is used, as a term of endearment meaning “pal”, “buddy” or “friend”. Negrito has come to be used to refer to a person of any ethnicity or color, and also can have a sentimental or romantic connotation similar to “sweetheart,” or “dear” in English.

It seems to me if Luis Suarez did use either word it would be more in the context of a term of endearment rather than a racial slur.”

Hold on, aside from the fact it is irrelevant to the FA what terms are or are not seen as acceptable in Uruguay, why on earth would any Liverpool fan think that Suarez was referring to Evra as “buddy” or “sweetheart”? With the pair of them at each other all game, it would be ridiculous to seriously try and claim that Suarez was using a “term of endearment” when talking to Evra that day.

Evra was visibly worked up whenever he came in to contact with Suarez, with the referee having to separate them on a number of occasions. For argument’s sake, let’s imagine Suarez didn’t think there was anything offensive about what he was saying. It wouldn’t have taken him long to work out that what he was calling Evra wasn’t going down very well and he needed to stop. Regardless though, pleading ignorance where racist terms are concerned doesn’t cut it and if Suarez called Evra “negro” or “negrito” he needs to be punished accordingly.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently criticized Liverpool for not doing as United had by obeying the FA’s request not to talk about the case. Kenny Dalglish has astonishingly repeatedly claimed that if Suarez isn’t found guilty, Evra should be punished. If Suarez is found guilty, the Liverpool manager and fans have put themselves in a very embarrassing position in vehemently supporting a racist.

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.”