Dalglish Queries Spearing Red

Kenny Dalglish wants to see greater consistency from match officials after Jay Spearing's red card cost Liverpool in a 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

The Reds midfielder was dismissed after 72 minutes of a keenly-fought encounter at Craven Cottage.

Spearing dived in on Moussa Dembele, catching the Cottagers forward after first winning the ball.

Leaving the ground went against the 23-year-old, with his challenge deemed to be reckless.

Dalglish believes Spearing might have got away with the tackle on a different day, with 'interpretation' now a buzz word in Premier League refereeing.

"He has won the ball with the first thing but he has probably upset the referee with his follow through," the Reds boss told Sky Sports.

"But he has won the ball first and it's not his fault somebody is standing there. Sometimes you see them result in a red, sometimes they get away with it.

"You can go through every referee decision and find a problem with it, I think the problem everyone has at the moment is the level of interpretation and that's not consistent."

While disappointed with that particular call, Dalglish believes Liverpool were unfortunate to leave the capital empty-handed on Monday night.

"I think we would have taken something from the game if we had been left with 11 men," he said.

"For us, we played as well as we have been playing but you have to do enough to win the game. I think we did enough to come away with something, but we haven't done it.

"We need to brush ourselves down and get on with it and not feel sorry for ourselves. The lads put in a great effort to try and win the game, even when we went down to 10 men we had a couple of close things."

Martin Jol: Jay Spearing Could Have Broken Moussa Dembele's Ankle

Martin Jol claims that Jay Spearing’s challenge on Moussa Dembele could have broken the Fulham star's ankle.

The Liverpool midfielder was sent off for the second-half tackle, which won the ball but caught the Belgian’s leg strongly when he followed through.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Jol said: “I will be honest. I saw the tackle from three angles and it could have broken his ankle."

The Fulham manager also defended his players for the close attention they gave to controversial Liverpool dangerman Luis Suarez throughout the 90 minutes during his side's 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

He said: “If you drop off Suarez too far then he is unbelievable. He will go in front or through you. He is almost impossible to defend.

“They played a 4-3-3 again and in hindsight it was a good decision to play with Moussa Dembele.

"It helps us as a midfield to create chances. If he starts scoring goals then I think Dembele will be a major player in the game.”

Jol was delighted that his team had rediscovered the winning knack at Craven Cottage, which has been such a fortress during the last few years. It was only Fulham’s second league victory on home soil this season.

“It was much-needed and a good win,” he said. “If you win 1-0 and keep a clean sheet, it is always pleasing.

"We have had a lot of clean sheets and results away from home, but we have also had good games at home, especially against Spurs in the second half. Against Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers we also played well.

“The sending off helped us but we were well organized and I think we have the players to score goals in this league.”

Kuyt - Euro Dream Still On

Dirk Kuyt insists Liverpool is still on course to qualify for the UEFA Champions League despite the 1-0 loss at Fulham in which Jay Spearing saw red.

Clint Dempsey was the difference as Kenny Dalglish's ten men made an unhappy return to west London by failing to build on their midweek Carling Cup victory over Chelsea.

The result leaves the Anfield outfit five points off the fourth spot finish they need for a place in Europe's top club competition next season.

But Kuyt believes the result was just a setback and Liverpool will be up there at the end of the season.

He said: "It's a huge disappointment but we need to keep going, look at ourselves and try to improve.

"We definitely want to challenge for the top four and if we want to do that we need to win these type of games.

"I thought we were unlucky because we had the chances to score. We did okay in the first half but the way we came out in the second half was much better.

"I didn't see Jay's challenge and I don't know if it was a red card. Obviously it didn't help us in our efforts to win the game. It's a huge disappointment not to get the three points."

Dalglish Defends Suarez

Kenny Dalglish believes it is time Luis Suarez was afforded some protection after describing chants of 'cheat' during Liverpool's defeat at Fulham as 'scandalous'.

Uruguay international Suarez has seen his reputation come under attack this season amid accusations that the striker is a diver.

During Monday night's 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage, Suarez saw a goal disallowed for offside and he also had a couple of penalty shouts.

Fulham fans felt Suarez went down too easily at times and made their anger known, while the former Ajax ace was pictured appearing to respond to the taunts with a one-fingered gesture.

Asked for his thoughts of the 'cheat' taunts directed at Suarez, Dalglish said: "Scandalous.

"I would like to see you write that in the paper because you would be in a bit of trouble as well. You write what you want to write.

"At the end of the day, we will look after Luis the best we can and I think it is about time he got a wee bit of protection from some people.

"His integrity is impeccable. He can look in the mirror and go to bed at night and sleep soundly. If other people can do that then fine. All we ask is to be fair, is to be honest."

FA Investigating Offensive Gesture From Luis Suarez After Fulham Defeat

The FA is looking into an offensive gesture allegedly made by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after Monday’s 1-0 defeat by Fulham in the Premier League.

The Uruguay forward was caught by photographers appearing to raise his middle finger towards the Craven Cottage crowd as he left the pitch.

Manager Kenny Dalglish refused to condemn the forward, telling reporters: “I've not seen the picture and I am not taking anybody's word for it. But until you have proved it is true to me, I won't comment.”

Suarez has already been charged by the FA for alleged racist comments made to Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during the two sides’ Premier League clash in October.

The loss to Martin Jol’s side leaves the Reds in seventh place in the table, three points behind Newcastle.

Powerful Striker Transfer Delay Alerts Liverpool

Hampton and Richmond striker Dan Thompson's proposed move to Portsmouth has fallen through, with a host of Premier League clubs circling, according to The Daily Star.

The non-league forward has been heavily linked with a move to the south coast, however Stoke City have also reportedly lodged a bid.

But with the deal now having hit a snag, domestic heavyweights Liverpool and Newcastle United are both interested.

Thompson's big frame makes him a likely target for Newcastle, while at just 17 years old he could be a target for the future for Liverpool.

Liverpool brought in the likes of Jordan Henderson and Sebastian Coates in during the summer as they looked to breathe new life into their squad.

Shelvey Fires Brace For Five-Star Reds

Jonjo Shelvey hit a brace as Liverpool Reserves cruised to a superb 5-1 success at home to Wigan on Tuesday afternoon.

The midfielder notched the Reds' first of a one-sided encounter early on before Krisztian Adorjan and Nathan Eccleston put the hosts well clear inside 20 minutes.

The Latics were stunned but did pull a goal back through Daniel Redmond to give themselves some hope heading into the interval.

Shelvey then added a fourth following the break and Suso was also on target as Rodolfo Borrell's charges made it three league wins on the spin.

Liverpool Reserves: Hansen, Flanagan, Sama, Wisdom, Wilson, Coady, Suso, Shelvey, Ngoo, Eccleston, Adorjan.

Liverpool Starlet Can Follow Nani And Ronaldo's Footsteps

Former Liverpool star Steve Staunton believes that if Andy Carroll is given time at the Merseyside club, he will show his £35 million worth, as the striker continues to find his feet at Anfield.

On Monday night Carroll was subbed off in the 77th minute for Dirk Kuyt, after yet another lacklustre performance in which the Reds lost to Fulham 1-0.

In fact, in 15 appearances for Liverpool this season, Carroll has only scored three times, and with the 22 year old costing a British record fee of £35 million, pressure is mounting for him to deliver.

But Staunton believes that Carroll will be a worthy purchase for Liverpool, even if he doesn't show it in his first full season at Anfield.

"Carroll gives Liverpool an extra dimension, but he's only a young man," he told Talksport. "He's only been there a few months. If he gets a run of games, settles in and scores a few goals he'll be alright.

"When Ronaldo and Nani first went to Man United, everyone was saying the same sort of thing about them, that they weren't god enough, etc, but five years later Ronaldo goes for £80m and Nani is irreplaceable at Man United. So you've got to give him a bit of time.

"We know the media, when they have it in for someone, they really go for it and I think they've been unfair on the lad. He just needs to keep working and it will come right for him.

"He's with the right man - Kenny Dalglish will get the best out of him and keep his confidence high."

Carroll made the move to Liverpool from childhood club Newcastle at almost literally the last minute of January deadline day, with the Reds making a massive outlay on the England international.

But Carroll's fee was offset by the £50 million that the club profited on Fernando Torres leaving the side the same day.

Liverpool is currently seventh in the Premier League table, and are five points behind fourth placed Chelsea. The club will be hoping that Carroll's form picks up soon, so they can push for qualification in next season's Champions League.

Match Report: Fulham 1 - 0 Liverpool

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey struck a late winner as Liverpool's outstanding form on the road ended during a controversial evening at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey stabbed home a long-range 85th-minute shot by Danny Murphy that had bounced off the arms of Jose Reina, to secure only Fulham's third Barclays Premier League win of the season.

However, a sense of grievance cloaked Liverpool's night after they were denied a strong claim to a penalty and a legitimate goal from Luis Suarez was disallowed for offside, before Jay Spearing was shown a straight red card.

Philippe Senderos hacked down Charlie Adam with referee Kevin Friend claiming the tackle was executed just outside the area in what was a desperately tight call.

Worse was to come when Suarez produced a brilliant finish after jinking his way clear, only for a flag to be raised even though the Uruguay striker was onside.

The final insult was delivered in the 72nd minute when Spearing, making his first Premier League start of the season, was shown a straight red card.

Spearing, who had replaced knee-injury victim Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up, caught Mousa Dembele with a sliding challenge, but only after cleanly winning the ball in what was a harsh call.

The result denied Liverpool a record-equalling seventh successive away win in all competitions as they endured their first defeat in 12 games.

They dominated long spells of the game yet their defence was unpicked with five minutes gone, Bryan Ruiz finding Dembele with a wonderful through-ball.

Dembele was through on goal but his first touch was disappointing, giving Reina the time to close down the space.

The lively start continued when Suarez picked out Andy Carroll only for the England striker to stab his shot straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Schwarzer was then forced to dive to his right to deny Adam following some inventive build-up play from Liverpool.

It was then Reina's turn to scramble across goal as Dembele directed a fine effort towards the bottom-left corner, and moments later Dempsey tested the Spaniard.

Liverpool were the more incisive side going forward, though they could ill-afford any lapses in concentration with Fulham showing flourishes in attack.

Jordan Henderson struck the right post having expertly glided his way into a shooting position and shortly after he combined with Carroll to set up a chance for Suarez that crept wide.

On two occasions Dempsey tried his luck from just outside the area, but Reina was alert to one while the second struck the advertising boards.

Suarez was hacked down on the edge of the area but Adam's kick was easily dealt with by Senderos.

Bellamy brought down Dempsey, resulting in a face-off between the two with Fulham's American forward the aggressor, though Friend booked both players.

Jose Enrique fired a dangerous shot that Schwarzer did well to palm clear of danger as Liverpool controlled the early exchanges of the second half.

Fulham were lucky to escape a penalty in the 59th minute when Senderos brought down Adam.

The initial tackle appeared to have been made just outside the line, but contact continued well inside the area.

Friend was well positioned and refused to award a penalty with Bellamy hitting the free-kick into the wall.

Carroll, Liverpool's £35million signing from Newcastle, saw a shot head towards the corner flag and was taunted with chants of "what a waste of money".

Suarez had his goal disallowed and Liverpool's frustration boiled over in the 72nd minute when Spearing was sent off for his challenge on Dembele.

Dembele had the bit between his teeth as Fulham pushed for the winner, going close on two occasions.

At the other end substitute Stewart Downing hit the left post as a frantic climax beckoned.

The killer blow landed with six minutes of normal time remaining, starting with Murphy pulling the trigger from well outside the area.

Reina failed to control the ball and the lurking Dempsey was able to convert from close range.

Dempsey Hails Important Win

Fulham goalscorer Clint Dempsey admits the dismissal of Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing was crucial on Monday night as the Cottagers celebrated a 1-0 victory.

Dempsey's opportunist goal five minutes from time settled the Craven Cottage game in Fulham's favour, though they only came into the ascendancy after Spearing saw red for a challenge on Moussa Dembele 13 minutes previously.

The midfielder clearly won the ball but followed through recklessly with both feet and caught the Cottagers forward just above the ankle.

The net result of the decision was summed up by Dempsey, who told Sky Sports: "We had more space, more time on ball and we were able to open them up.

"We've not been able to score enough goals but we got one tonight and it's an important win."

The goal came when the United States international followed in after visiting keeper Jose Reina uncharacteristically spilled Danny Murphy's low shot.

And Dempsey said: "You've always got to take a chance. Danny did a good job getting the shot off and you've got to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes you get lucky and it falls to you.

"Any points right now are big because the table's so tight. We're just happy to get the win."

Liverpool To Make Shock Move For Chelsea's Unhappy Duo

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka and defender Alex have both been linked with a move to Liverpool after handing in transfer requests and telling manager Andre Villas-Boas that they want to leave the club.

The Portuguese boss has told the unhappy pair that they can no longer train with the first team and that the players can leave as soon as the January transfer window opens.

"The conversation was fair and direct with the players," replied Villas-Boas after being questioned on the duo's future. "They are top professionals and their professionalism and integrity is never in question but on recent results and form we have decided to try to get the group together and we have decided to assign different training times for them.

"The transfer requests were accepted but it doesn't mean it will happen and if it doesn't happen they will return to full training."

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Anelka as director of football Damien Comolli attempts to convince the striker to return to Anfield, nine years after a relatively unsuccessful loan spell.

The Reds are in need of another forward as they attempt to push for a top four finish and realise that they will be able to get the Frenchman for a nominal fee with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Kenny Dalglish will certainly face plenty of competition for the striker with Russian sides Terek Grozny and Anzhi Makhachkala both desperate to land Anelka.

While the club is hoping to land Anelka, they are also reportedly interested in bringing Alex to the club as well. The Brazilian would bring plenty of experience and provide back-up for the likes of Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool also believe they can pick up the pair for a relatively low fee as Chelsea no longer see them as first team regulars.

Liverpool Enter Race To Sign Swiss Youngster

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Switzerland youngster Fabian Frei, but face competition from a host of European clubs such as Juventus and Schalke as interest intensifies.

Considered by many pundits as a hot prospect, Frei has established himself as full international since his step up from the Under-21 squad in the summer and remains an integral part of Basel’s squad though Swiss media are suggesting that his seven year stay at the Swiss Super League champions could be coming to an end if the interest from Liverpool is genuine which its believed is.

Kenny Dalglish is eager to add to his squad in January and has identified a midfielder as his top target with reports in Switzerland suggesting he has sent scouts to watch Frei who is thought to be eager to play in the Premier League.

Frei is thought to be valued by his current employer at £6 million, though with many of Europe’s top clubs interest, its thought that the fee could be as high as £9 million.

German Alerts Arsenal & Liverpool With Views On Bundesliga Exit

With Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly keen to swoop for the 95-cap German forward when the January transfer window re-opens at the end of this month, Lukas Podolski has reiterated that his future at FC Cologne is undecided.

The Germany international scored both goals as Cologne salvaged a 2-2 draw at Stuttgart yesterday and, speaking afterwards, implied that his future plans were far from settled.

"I will talk to Cologne before anybody else and see what they have to say," he told ZDF television.

"Of course I am getting plenty of offers and I expect more of them to arrive to me, to my agent or to my club in the coming weeks but, I repeat, I must first talk to Cologne."

Both Arsene Wenger and Kenny Dalglish - eager to add a cut-price goalscorer to their ranks as soon as possible - will have been interested by these new comments as they strive to mount a title challenge in the New Year.

Lazar Markovic Delivers Liverpool Snub By Revealing Chelsea Dream

Partizan Belgrade starlet Lazar Markovic has delivered a snub to Liverpool by revealing his ‘dream’ move would be to their Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The 17-year-old striker is being followed by a host of clubs across the world, and is largely recognised as one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe.

The Reds have previously been accredited with a keen interest in Markovic, who has six goals in 13 appearances this season, but the youngster has revealed he only has eyes for Stamford Bridge.

‘I really hope I can go to Chelsea, it's my dream,’ said Markovic.

‘I'm told there were 20 scouts from all over Europe in the VIP box when we beat Red Star.

‘But Chelsea is the place I want to play. I had all the pictures of the team on my wall at home back to when they had Gianfranco Zola.

‘And any time they are on TV I try to watch them. For me Chelsea are the best.

‘I want to go to the Premier League. It is the best league in the world.’

Dalglish: Liverpool's Revival Down To Hard Work And Team Spirit

Liverpool’s success this season has been built on a foundation of hard work and a strong team spirit, according to boss Kenny Dalglish.

The Anfield giants can move up to fifth in the Premier League with a convincing victory over Fulham on Monday night, and are unbeaten in five matches against Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea so far this term.

But in spite of this good form, Dalglish believes there is more to come from his team, and hopes their formidable work ethic is once again in evidence at Craven Cottage.

“We’ve beaten some good teams and we’ve deserved it on the day, but we are still a work in progress,” he told reporters. “We are plodding on, and how the players go about their work and their quality will give them their reward."

He added, “The fact is, even though they have gone about things the same way away as they have at home, we haven’t got the results our performances have deserved at Anfield."

“But away from home, maybe we’ve had that little bit of luck that helps you go over the line.

One player Dalglish feels embodies the attitude he is looking for is winger Maxi Rodriguez, who has scored 10 goals in his last nine appearances despite failing to command a regular first team place.

“Maxi is someone you admire,” the Scot added. “A lot of people can look and learn from him, and believe me, I’m tempted to play him in every game.

“He has a fantastic recent goalscoring record, he’s an intelligent footballer who must have been some player five years ago when he was in his prime."

He said jokingly, “He might be getting a bit towards my age now, but he is still a clever, intelligent footballer. He knows how to play and he knows how to finish.

Former Liverpool Defender Backs Reds To Maintain Top Four Chase

With all of Liverpool's rivals for the top four places picking up three points over the weekend the pressure is on Kenny Dalglish's men to continue the form and keep up with the pack.

Former Reds defender Dominic Matteo feels that it is matches against the likes of Fulham that are the must win games should Liverpool want to get back into the Champions League places.

Speaking exclusively to Sportsvibe.co.uk, he said: "Liverpool has been playing some really good football of late and you are beginning to see Kenny has put a good team together and the team spirit seem right.

"There have been a few hiccups to the newly promoted sides, they don't make it easy for you but they're really the games Liverpool have struggled with and not just this year but over the last couple of seasons now.

"I don't fear the bigger teams but it is the game like against Fulham that Liverpool should be beating if they want to challenge for the top four.

"There will be a bit of pressure on Liverpool as you don't want to fall too far behind the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham who are playing well, and we need to keep in touch with them."

Matteo who made 153 appearances for Liverpool during an eight year spell at the club between 1992 and 2000 believes Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy will be the key figures in helping the Reds come away from Craven Cottage with all three points.

"Suarez for me has been fantastic and I love watching him play," the 37-year-old added. "If the Fulham defenders can't deal with him that will be key.

"Bellamy is also on a good run of form, I think Kenny did the right thing resting Bellamy after the news about Gary Speed and hopefully he will come back fresh tonight.

"Liverpool spent a lot of money on Andy Carroll and people expecting him to play more games but Bellamy has come into the side, he's got that electric pace and works hard for the team and at the moment on merit he deserves to be there."

Carra Goes Old School With Kit

Jamie Carragher returned to his old school to donate a footy kit on Friday.

The 33-year-old visited All Saints Primary in Bootle as part of an initiative launched by the Barclays Premier League and the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) to boost the sport at grassroots level.

All 20 top flight teams have donated £25,000 to create a £500,000 fund to provide schools and clubs with free kit and equipment.

Carragher said: "It's always great to come back. It's All Saints now but it was St James' when I was a lad.

"This is the area where I was born and brought up and I've got a lot of family and friends around here.

"People around here are very proud of what I've achieved at Liverpool. It's important to me that I come back and recognize them as well.

"Hopefully one day we will see another kid from Marsh Lane doing as well as I've done if not better. That's what we would all love to see."

The PFA's director of community John Hudson added: "The way the kids' faces lit up when Jamie walked in, you could see what it meant to them.

"The aim of the initiative is to give something back to grassroots football and get players to inspire children to achieve."

LFC Set For Africa - With Tony Blair

Liverpool Football Club will this week be heading for South Africa to discover whether the highly-acclaimed Tactics 4 Families initiative will scoop a prestigious Beyond Sport award.

The program has been nominated for the Sport Team of the Year accolade, and the club recently travelled to New York to showcase the scheme at the world famous Yankee Stadium as part of the Beyond Sport United summit during which LFC Family Officer Mark Chester delivered a presentation about Tactics 4 Families.

Each of the audience members at the conference had $50 to donate to the project they were most impressed by, with Tactics 4 Families picking up $3,050.

Having impressed in the Big Apple, LFC's Tactics 4 Families is now vying with Manchester City's 'Enterprise City' scheme, as well as programs from the Philadelphia Eagles and the Memphis Grizzlies for the prize.

The winner will be revealed at the end of the four-day summit in Cape Town.

Mark said: "It's a great privilege to be representing Liverpool Football Club at the Beyond Sport Summit.

"To be shortlisted for the prestigious Sport Team of the Year award for our Tactics 4 Families project is an honour and it reflects positively on the whole club.

"Tactics 4 Families is just one example of our many successful community projects through which we use the name, reputation and resources of the club to help people as they face life's challenges.

"We've been shortlisted alongside three other fantastic projects run by the Philadelphia Eagles, Memphis Grizzlies and Manchester City, so the competition is fierce - and any one of us would be a deserved winner. I am really looking forward to representing the club amongst so many of our sporting colleagues from all corners of the world."

A distinguished list of speakers will be at the Beyond Sport Awards summit, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Olympic legend Michael Johnson and former South Africa skipper Lucas Radebe.

Reds Aim To Equal Record

Liverpool head to Fulham on Monday knowing a win would equal a club record of away successes.

In all competitions it is six victories in succession away from home - a win at Craven Cottage will equal the club record of seven set between December 1981 - February 1982 and again in January - March 1988.

Head to Head (league only):

At Fulham: Liverpool 10 wins, Fulham 8 wins, 6 draws.

Overall: Liverpool 27 wins, Fulham 8 wins, 13 draws.

Last season the Reds achieved a league 'double' over Fulham. They won 1-0 at Anfield back in January (John Pantsil OG) but saved their best for the return at Craven Cottage in May winning 5-2. It was Liverpool's biggest ever win at Fulham.

In that game Maxi scored his second hat-trick in 16 days with Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez also finding the net. Moussa Dembele and Steve Sidwell scored for the Londoners.

Overall in the Barclays Premier League Liverpool have won six and lost four at Fulham, while home and away have won 12 and drawn four of the 20 meetings.

Liverpool's biggest win over Fulham in the league came in November 1955 when they won 7-0 at Anfield.

There has not been a draw between the teams at Fulham in the Premier League.

Liverpool's biggest loss at Craven Cottage came in both October 2009 and April 1956 - losing 3-1.

Prior to Maxi last season the only Liverpool player to score a hat-trick against Fulham was Billy Liddell in September 1954 at Anfield.

The Reds have kept six clean sheets in the last eight games with Fulham.

Liverpool are looking to record back to back league wins at Fulham for only the third time in their history.

Steven Gerrard scored his first Liverpool goal 12 years ago on December 5 in a 4-1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Liverpool is unbeaten in the last eight league games (four wins, four draws) - their best run for two-and-a-half years.

They have won their last three away games in the league. The last time they won four in a row was in May 2009 when they won the last five of that campaign.

In those last three away victories they have conceded just one goal in total.

The Reds have won four on the road in the top flight this season - more than any team outside of the top three going into this weekend's fixtures.

Liverpool has won more points away from home (12) than they have at Anfield (11) this season.

Luis Suarez is searching for his first league goal in the Premier League for two months. His last came in the win at Everton in a 2-0 win.

He is Liverpool's leading scorer in the league with four goals. Next highest is own goals with three.

Both of Andy Carroll's league goals this season have come away from home (Everton and West Brom).

Jose Enrique is the only outfield player to have appeared in every minute of the Reds' 13 league games this season.

Jamie Carragher was sent off on this ground two years ago (along with Philipp Degen). All three of Carra's dismissals in a Liverpool shirt have come in London.

Dirk Kuyt's last league goal for Liverpool came on this ground last May. His next goal will be his 50th in the English top flight.

Maxi has scored 10 goals in his last nine starts in all competitions.

No team has scored more than once against Liverpool in the last eight league games and none in the last 11 in league and cup.

The Reds have kept three clean sheets in the last five games - against West Brom and Swansea in the league and Chelsea in the Carling Cup.

Liverpool is unbeaten in the last 11 games since losing at Tottenham in the league 11 weeks ago.

This is the Cottagers' 28th game of the season already - half of them coming in cup games.

The only Fulham player to score a hat-trick against Liverpool is Roy Dwight, who did so in 1956.

Fulham have scored only five goals in the last eight meetings home and away and six in the last 10, with five coming in the last two Craven Cottage clashes.

They have lost their last two games at home this season, beaten 3-1 by both Everton and Tottenham.

They last lost three in a row in the Barclays Premier League in front of their home fans in April 2002 when Liverpool and Tottenham were amongst the teams to win in that sequence.

Fulham have won just once at home in the league - beating QPR 6-0. They have drawn with Aston Villa, Blackburn and Manchester City. In that game with City they were 2-0 down early in the second half.

Of their 11 league goals scored at home this season six have come in one game.

That 6-0 win over QPR was their first win of the campaign and came in their seventh league game.

In that thrashing of QPR Andrew Johnson became the first Fulham player to ever score a Premier League hat-trick.

They have won just one of the last six games in the league and none of the last three since winning 2-0 at Wigan at the end of October.

The last two goals scored by Fulham in the league have been own goals - Younes Kaboul of Spurs and Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen.

They have won just eight of the 48 league meetings with Liverpool.

Martin Jol is Fulham's 26th post-war manager and their seventh since 2000.

He has never beaten Liverpool as a manager in seven games - three draws and four defeats - all with Tottenham, taking three points out of 18.

There has only been one goalless draw between the teams in a league game at the Cottage - in 1962-63.

Clint Dempsey has now scored a record 38 Premier League goals for Fulham. His first goal came against the Reds in May 2007 after coming on as a substitute.

Mark Schwarzer has kept five clean sheets in the Premier League this season - only Michel Vorm (Swansea) has kept more.

Leading scorers (league in brackets):

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

Fulham: Johnson 11 (3), Dempsey 5 (3), Zamora 5 (3), Murphy 4 (1), Duff 3 (0), Sidwell 2 (0), Dembele 1 (1), Briggs 1 (0), Hughes 1 (0), Ruiz 1 (1), own goals 3 (3).

Pardew: Liverpool Are Playing To Andy Carroll's Strengths

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes that Liverpool is not playing to Andy Carroll's strengths.

The young hitman made a record £35 million move from the Magpies to Merseyside during last season's winter transfer window, but has scored only four league goals since his big-money move to Anfield.

During the week the 22-year-old also missed a penalty in a League Cup clash against Chelsea, though Liverpool eventually won the tie 2-0.

"I think Andy Carroll’s a fantastic player and I don’t think Liverpool play to his strengths if I’m honest," Pardew said on the Sky Sports 'Goals on Sunday' program.

"You give him the ball in the right areas and he’ll finish, no question."

"I watched them in the week, Liverpool, and they put two crosses into the box: Luiz fouled him for a penalty which wasn’t given, and then Alex handballed it and they got a penalty.

"But they just don’t deliver the sort of balls that he wants really. He’s good on the floor, he’s decent, he’s a decent striker but he’s not top level."

When quizzed as to whether Carroll needs to adapt to Liverpool's style of play or vice versa, Pardew said: "Well something’s got to help him I think if he wants to be a success there, because I think with the movement and the players they have he doesn’t get the deliveries in that box that brings out his strength.

"Andy’s going to feed on those situations. The modern era that we’re in there’s less crosses and there is more movement and there is trickier play and Andy perhaps needs to adapt his game to fit in there."

The Newcastle boss added that in his opinion, left-back Jose Enrique, who also left the Toon for Liverpool, may not be ideally suited to provide the service from the flanks that the young hitman needs.

"I had an issue with Enrique putting the ball into the box for him [Carroll]," Pardew said. "He wants to feel his way in, find a route in there – don’t get me wrong he’s a fantastic player – but he wasn’t the type of full-back who wants to get the ball out of his feet and put it in the box."

Pardew is backing Carroll to make it to the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.

"He’s a terrific player, I felt sorry for him when he was left out of the England squad," he said. "I still feel in the European Championships that he should be included, I believe he’s a potentially good player for England."