Premier League Preview: Aston Villa vs Liverpool

Liverpool will look to keep their push for European football next season going strong when they visit Aston Villa on Sunday.

With 15 games behind them in 2011/12, Kenny Dalglish's side are in sixth place in the English Premier League on 26 points - three behind Arsenal who are in the automatic Europa League place, but 12 behind leaders Manchester City.

They have lost just three games so far in the league, but their Achilles heel has been too many draws - five of them in total - with four of those coming at Anfield against Manchester United, Norwich, Swansea and Manchester City.

They finally broke that run of dropped points at home by posting a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, with Uruguayan international Luis Suarez scoring the only goal of the game.

Alex McLeish's Aston Villa, meanwhile, is in ninth place in the league standings, seven points behind Liverpool.

The Midlands club made a solid start to the season, with two wins and five draws from their first seven matches.

But after their 4-1 loss to Manchester City on October 15, their first defeat of the season, things have not been so rosy at Villa Park.

They have lost two of their past four matches, although the defeats came against quality sides in Tottenham and Manchester United.

McLeish's men did bounce back in their most recent game, however, by scoring a 2-1 win away from home against bottom side Bolton.

McLeish has some selection headaches ahead of the fixture, with striker Gabriel Agbonlahor suspended for the match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Bolton.

Winger Jermaine Jenas, who Villa had secured on loan from Spurs, is out for the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in their 1-0 loss to Manchester United on December 3, and goalkeeper Shay Given is nursing a hamstring injury likely to keep him out until the New Year.

For Dalgish, Jay Spearing will serve the second-match of a three-game suspension for being sent off against Fulham, while Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva is out for the rest of the season after injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Captain Steven Gerrard is back in training after overcoming an ankle infection, and his hoping to be back in action before the end of the year.

McLeish Expects Downing Stick

Alex McLeish believes Stewart Downing may come in for some stick as he returns to Aston Villa as a Liverpool player.

The ex-Middlesbrough winger left Villa Park last summer after two years at the club in order to join the Reds.

Sunday's game will be Downing's first return since leaving and McLeish knows he is one of a number of visiting players they need to watch.

The Scottish tactician believes the England international was a popular player, although that will not stop fans trying to get under his skin.

Ironically Downing's last Premier League goal came while he was an Aston Villa player in last season's win over Liverpool.

Reception

When asked what sort of reception Downing would receive, McLeish said: "I don't know.

"I think Stewart was a well-liked lad here at Villa but I'm sure the fans will wind up the opposition.

"I'm sure Stewart will maybe not get too much flak because he is a decent lad and he did a decent job

"But maybe the fans will give a wee bit of apprehension-inducing stick shall we say!

"He is a terrific player, and £20million tells you he has got something in his locker.

"We know what he can do. We have to give him close attention and try and make sure he has a quiet return to Villa Park."

Dalglish Eyes Top Four

Kenny Dalglish has hailed the progress made by his Liverpool side but now hopes to push into the UEFA Champions League places.

The Reds have enjoyed a solid start to the Premier League season but have ground to make up on the top four and will hope to stay in contention by beating Aston Villa on Sunday.

Dalglish does not believe Liverpool are far away from challenging the elite group once again and has called on his men to keep working hard.

"We've been delighted with what we have done," said the manager.

"We'd love to progress into the top four and the best way to do that is to do what we do well.

"It is only slight but, then again, some of the smallest steps are the biggest ones to take."

Manchester City and Manchester United currently lead the way in the title race and Dalglish insists they are both extremely strong teams despite being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage.

The London trio of Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are also ahead of Liverpool going into the festive period but Dalglish is ready for the challenge.

He added: "Of course it's going to be tough. The teams that are there or thereabouts are really good sides.

"Two of them got put out of the Champions League but there are still really good sides here.

"It's going to be tough but we'll have a good go and see where it takes us.

"We'll look to get the points by playing as well as we have done and getting that wee bit of extra luck.

"We believe we are doing things the right way so we'll continue to do that because we don't know any other."

Liverpool Planning Tottenham Raid For England International Midfielder

Liverpool are rumoured to be considering a January move for out-of-favour Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone.

According to reports on Footybunker.com, Liverpool is desperate to sign a replacement for the injured Lucas Leiva, who will miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Lucas, who has come under criticism during his time in England, has been one of Liverpool's stand-out players this season, and his injury comes as a major blow as Kenny Dalglish tries to lead his side back into the Premier League's 'big four'.

Despite a plethora of midfield talent, the club lacks an established holding midfielder and has ear-marked Huddlestone as a short-term replacement.

The 24 year-old has fallen down the pecking order at White Hart Lane and is thought to be concerned at his lack of playing time since his return from injury.

The England international is currently valued at around £7 million, a price considered perhaps too high for a player who will have a short term role at Liverpool. However, Liverpool may test Tottenham's resolve with a loan bid for the powerful midfielder.

Liverpool Target Diego Perotti Admits Leaving Sevilla If Club Needed Cash

Liverpool wing wizard target Diego Perotti has admitted he would leave Sevilla if the club needed money.

The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Anfield at the end of last season, with The Sunday People claiming that Kenny Dalglish made an enquiry over the player in March.

Reports surfaced on Sky Sports in April before leading into the summer, leading to Los Rojiblancos president Jose Maria Del Nido claiming that the player would not be sold to clubs in England or Italy.

However, Perotti has admitted that he could leave if the finances are needed at the La Liga outfit, potentially alerting suitors Liverpool, Juventus and Inter Milan.

"Before the end of the League I said that I'd only go if the president came and told me that the club needed the money if we stayed out of the Champions League," said Perotti.

"I would only leave if Sevilla needed money."

Gaston Ramirez, Lucas Rodriguez and Eduardo Vargas have more recently been linked with moves to Liverpool in the British media, leaving Kenny Dalglish with plenty of options over who he could turn too on January 1st.

The Anfield chief has so far been coy over potential additions to the ranks on Merseyside, but the Scot has admitted that Liverpool owners FSG are willing to bankroll some more moves should he wish to make signings in the New Year.

Liverpool Join Race For Dundee Utd Midfielder

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Dundee United midfielder Scott Allen in the January transfer window, according to The Daily Mail.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to sign the Scotland under 21 international, but will have to fight off interest from Rangers, Celtic and West Brom. Rangers’ boss Ally McCoist believed his side was the favourite for the player, but Liverpool's interest leaves Allen's future up in the air. West Brom have had a £400,000 bid accepted for Allen. Rangers have spoken of their desire to sign the midfielder and McCoist has urged Allen to think of Scottish football before England.

Liverpool is keen to bring the 20 year old down to Merseyside and with Kenny Dalglish's hero status in Scotland, Allen may be eager to link up with Liverpool. Allen has played just six first-team games for Dundee United, but is regarded as one of the best players the club has produced. The midfielder's contract expires in the summer and Allen will speak to interested parties in the January transfer window to try and arrange a deal away from Tannadice.

The Reds are without Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva until the end of the season and have doubts over captain Steven Gerrard's long-term fitness following injury worries. Liverpool boss Dalglish is again looking to young players and sees Allen as one for the future alongside fellow Scotsman Charlie Adam.

Aurelio Eyes First-Team Inclusion

Fabio Aurelio remains upbeat about the prospect of featuring for Liverpool in the second half of the season, and is determined to play a part in the club's quest for honours in 2012.

The 32-year-old Brazilian full-back is currently sidelined with a calf injury, and hasn't yet featured for Kenny Dalglish's side this campaign.

"For me the most important thing is to be available," Aurelio told Liverpoolfc.tv. "At the moment I am fighting to come back but hopefully once I return I can play some minutes on the pitch.

"It's not my decision but I will try to work as hard as possible to have the opportunity. I am capable of doing a job. I still have six months of contract here and I hope to finish the season off in a better way than it has started [for me]."

Aurelio believes the Reds deserve to be higher than their current position of sixth in the Barclays Premier League table, but is optimistic about their chances of forcing their way back into the reckoning for a top-four finish.

"We started off the new season with a lot of new faces and with everyone adapting to new teammates," he continued. "So far, I think we could have done better than we have but we are not in a bad position. I am still very confident that the team can achieve things this season.

"The performances haven't been so bad because of the opportunities we have been creating, but the ball hasn't been going in the net. I think we will keep going and if we create the same number of chances in the future, the goals will come."

With competition for places at Anfield as fierce as ever, Aurelio is hoping the busy festive period will give opportunity to the team's fringe players to make an impact.

"It's a hard time. You have a lot of games in a short period of time," he concluded. "For the ones who play regularly, maybe they are not looking forward to such a quick run of games.

"But for the ones not involved it is a chance to play and the moment to show what they can do, like Maxi has done.

"Maxi is a good example because he has worked hard and done well in each training session. You don't know when the opportunity will come you just have to be ready for it. It keeps everyone motivated because we know during this period there are lots of games and you never know what can happen."

Melwood Pair Led By Example

Conor Coady has paid tribute to Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey after the duo excelled during their respective run-outs for Liverpool Reserves recently.

The Melwood pair hit a double apiece as the second-string romped to wins over Sunderland and Wigan - and the 18-year-old midfielder feels he can only learn from playing alongside such dedicated first-teamers.

Coady told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Jay's been fantastic. He's a top player and a good lad. He helps you through the game and is a privilege to have in your team. It was fantastic to have him alongside me against Sunderland.

"He's just the perfect example to all of us lads hoping to make the grade and push on to Melwood like he has.

"It was the same with Jonjo and it's great that we've had some first-team players involved in the reserves recently because you learn a lot off them. All of the boys are doing well anyway but it doesn't hurt when they come down because you can only pick up positive pointers from them."

Coady featured as an unused substitute during the Europa League trip to Sparta Prague and a Barclays Premier League win over Birmingham last season.

He has yet to get the nod so far this term but remains hungry to make an impression.

He said: "I've been up to Melwood now and again when they've needed players for training sessions. Any time you get the call you are delighted because it's a fantastic experience for any of the boys going up there, not just me.

"I just try to take it one step at a time when I go up there. I try to take everything in and work as hard as I can. Playing with those players is just the highlight of your day.

"I just want to carry on playing well now and keep progressing. It'd be nice to go further in the NextGen and do well in the (reserve) league. I'll focus on that and then at the end of the season, see how it is going and hopefully push on even more."

Suarez Facing Verdict Wait

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez may have to wait until tomorrow to discover whether his defence against a racism charge has been successful after the second day of a disciplinary hearing.

Proceedings against the Uruguay international began yesterday in front of an independent three-man panel but, although more aspects of the case were heard last night, it is understood no decision is imminent.

The 24-year-old has been charged with abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, and referring to his ‘‘ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race’’ by the Football Association.

Suarez has always denied the allegations levelled against him by the France defender and the player and his club were hoping to successfully make a case for his defence at the two-day hearing.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has given the Uruguay international his full support since the complaint was made back in October.

And he did not waver from that stance when asked about the case at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match at Aston Villa.

‘‘We are standing right beside him and helping him as much as we possibly can,’’ said the Scot, who would not comment on reports he planned to appear in person at Suarez’s hearing.

‘‘We have said many times before we cannot say anything which will be prejudicial.

After it’s finished there is a chance to have a conversation.

As I said last week the FA should have given you (the media) the information when everything was happening, not us.’’ Evra made his allegations about Suarez immediately after the match at Anfield on October 15, telling French TV the South American had used a racist insult to him ‘‘at least 10 times’’.

If Suarez, who has always denied the allegations, is found guilty he could be banned or fined, or both.

Evra said: ‘‘There are cameras.

You can see him (Suarez) say a certain word to me at least 10 times.’’ Both players spoke to FA officials during the investigation and there have been suggestions Suarez was unaware language that is acceptable in Uruguay is viewed as racist in Europe.

Liverpool & Arsenal Interest In Asian Genius Denied

Keisuke Honda's agent has denied claims that Liverpool or Arsenal are pursuing the player.

CSKA Moscow's attacking midfielder was heavily linked with a move to England in the summer transfer window, with both Kenny Dalglish and Arsene Wenger reported to be admirers of the 25-year-old.

However, agent Kees Ploegsma has moved quickly to deny the speculation, insisting there has been no contact over a possible move away from Russia.

"There is no interest in Keisuke to report. I have nothing else to add, there is no interest," he told the International Business Times when questioned on Liverpool and Arsenal.

Interest from the Gunners stems back to the FIFA World Cup in 2010, when Wenger described the Japanese playmaker as a 'genius' on national TV.

Following Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri's exits from the Emirates Stadium, Honda once again emerged on the Arsenal radar as the Frenchman looked to rebuild his midfield.

However, the north London outfit instead added Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun on loan, and whilst Park Chu-Young is yet to impress for Arsenal, a move no longer seems likely.

As for Liverpool, they are known to be in the market for players from Asia after chief sponsor Standard Chartered suggested the club would be able to expand their marketing capabilities with a player from the continent.

Chinese youth players have since spent time at Anfield on trial, although a senior international would help Liverpool take major steps into an 'untapped market', as suggested by director of football Damien Comolli.

The IBT goes on to site a recent report in The Sunday Mirror that the player has again emerged on the Liverpool radar, although initial interest stems back to Rafael Benitez's reign on Merseyside, and an offer doesn't appear to be close if the agent's comments are anything to go by.

Madrid Midfielder On Liverpool Loan Radar

Liverpool are being linked with a January loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

The 26-year-old is one of a handful of players in the position to be linked with the Reds, as Kenny Dalglish considers his options following a season-ending injury picked up by Brazilian Lucas Leiva.

Seydou Keita, Yann M'Vila and Sandro have also been placed on the radar, but reports in The Independent claim Liverpool are plotting a loan move on the French international.

Diarra has Barclays Premier League experience from his time at Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth, whilst Tottenham Hotspur were also linked with a move for the player in the summer.

Liverpool was also reported to have an interest at the time, and are once again considering the former Le Havre starlet with the transfer window just 17 days away.

Jay Spearing is expected to fill the gap left by Lucas in the heart of the Liverpool side, whilst skipper Steven Gerrard is yet to recover fully from an ankle injury at Anfield.

A short-term deal is expected to appeal most to Liverpool as their former Gremio starlet recovers from the anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up in the Carling Cup, although it's unclear if Jose Mourinho will be willing to let the out-of-favour central midfielder leave in a loan capacity.

Dalglish Confirms Andy Carroll Will Figure Over Festive Period

Kenny Dalglish has backed the strength of his Liverpool squad as the Premier League nears the busy festive season.

The Reds are one of the few clubs with squads big enough to handle the intense fixture list and the 60-year-old has backed his fringe players, including Andy Carroll, to make an impact.

When asked about Carroll's chances of playing over Christmas, Dalglish claimed: “Everybody’s got to be prepared and ready to play. They will all expect to play some part in some of the games, and Andy Carroll is no different.

"The performances in the Carling Cup where we’ve made a lot of changes for all the games, it’s proved to the players and the people who’ve been watching the players who haven’t played as much as they’d like that they’re very capable of stepping in.

Dalglish also dismissed rumours that he would be looking to sign players in January with several strikers being linked to the low-scoring Reds who have netted fewer times than the likes of Norwich, Blackburn and bottom club Bolton so far this season.

"There will always be speculation but it’s not a Panini sticker book," Dalglish continued. "We’re happy with what we have got.

"They’ve done as much as they possibly could with the opportunities they have had. We have said many times we are happy with what they have done on and off the pitch and that doesn’t change.”

Skrtel Enjoying Reds Role

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has hailed his partnership with Daniel Agger, stating the Dane is easy to play alongside.

The Reds have conceded three goals in six games since the Slovakian stopper was paired with Agger during Jamie Carragher's absence.

Uruguayan Sebastian Coates is also vying to start for Liverpool and Skrtel believes competition for places is healthy.

The 26-year-old is also enjoying his football under manager Kenny Dalglish and is happy continuing to fight for his place in the team.

"Daniel is a top quality player and is easy to play alongside," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I think we are doing well together.

"We have a very good understanding on the pitch which is important and we are working hard and enjoying our job."

Skrtel added: "I'm really enjoying my football under the manager. The atmosphere around the club is very good and he has played me in almost every single game which gives me a lot of confidence.

"I'm happy I am playing and I am working as hard as I can to stay in the team.

"Our squad is now very strong. That is very important for the team because we have a lot of games in front of us, especially January when we have cup matches as well, so we need everybody fresh."

Gerrard Set To Return To Training On Monday

Steven Gerrard is scheduled to return to full training with Liverpool on Monday after recovering from an ankle infection.

The club captain has spent the past week continuing his rehabilitation in the United Arab Emirates, with club doctors believing the warmer climes would enable him to return to fitness sooner. Although no timescale has been put on his return to competitive action, the Telegraph reports it is hoped Gerrard will be available for the FA Cup third round tie against Oldham at the start of January.

Gerrard has seen his campaign ravaged by injury, with the ankle infection coming just a month after he had recovered from a groin injury that prevented him from playing at the start of the season.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will be particularly keen to have the midfielder back among his squad, especially over the hectic festive period. Dalglish admitted on Thursday that he will use all his options over the next few weeks - with under-fire striker Andy Carroll given the chance to press his claim for further first team football.

"Everybody will get an opportunity. I wouldn't know who has played how many games in a row and we won't judge by that," Dalglish said. "Every one of them is ready to step in and play. There is no individual we are not comfortable with putting in.

"Everybody will be hoping they take part but not because someone is injured but because it would be right for them to take part in a game. In that I think they're well set up for it. The performances in the Carling Cup, where we've made a lot of changes for all the games, proved to the players and the people who've been watching the players who haven't played as much as they'd like that they're very capable of stepping in. That's all we can ask for.

"Everybody's got to be prepared and ready to play. They will all expect to play some part in some of the games. A lot of the games are in proximity to one another.

"Everyone keeps throwing up exams for people but I think they've stood the test of time. They've done brilliantly. They've got to the semi-final of the Carling Cup, what else can you ask for?"

Juan Agudelo Enjoys Experience Training With Liverpool

USA international striker Juan Agudelo was left in awe after his trial experience with Liverpool.

The 19-year-old New York Red Bulls striker already has 15-caps to his name for Jürgen Klinsmann's national team, but got his first taste of European football during brief spells with Stuttgart and the Reds in recent weeks.

It's an experience which has left a lasting mark on the teenager, who cited Luis Suarez as a player who stood out on the Anfield training ground during the trial.

Veteran Liverpool defenders Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger also made their mark on the talented forward, who admitted that were difficult to get past even on the training ground.

"Suarez really stood out, and the two center backs, Skrtel and Agger, were unbelievable with their speed and strength," he said on the Liverpool experience.

"It was hard to get around them."

The Red Bulls were delighted that one of their rising starlets got the chance to stay fit during the MLS off-season with a stint in Europe, whilst US coach Klinsmann was also eager for Agudelo to gain some invaluable experience.

"We're very pleased that Juan is staying fit and gaining tremendous experience training at the highest level at Stuttgart of the German Bundesliga and now Liverpool of the English Premiership," said NYRB sporting director Erik Solér before the trip.

"For such a young player, these stints are invaluable and we are eager to continue to track his development heading into the upcoming MLS season."

Shevey Handed Championship Honour

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been named Football League Player of the Month for November after his loan spell at Blackpool.

The 19-year-old, who has now been recalled to Anfield, scored four goals in five matches for Ian Holloway's Championship side during the month.

Now Shelvey, who was named on the bench for last week's 1-0 victory over QPR, is hoping that he can continue with his fine form and force his way back into the starting eleven for the Merseysiders.

He told the Liverpool Daily Post: "I think that going out on loan has helped me get my confidence back up and I think I am showing that in training back here.

"I have got to try to force my way into the Liverpool team and stay there. I feel this is a good chance for me to kick on.

"Being at Blackpool has helped get me back into Liverpool's plans."

Speaking following his recall, primarily to cover for the injured midfielder Lucas Leiva, Blackpool boss Holloway added: "Jonjo was fantastic [for us].

"I think he has all sorts of talent and will never lose that. Hopefully he will get the chance to use that and shine because he really suited us.

"The boy is good enough to play anywhere and in our system floating in off the right he was dynamic. He has gone a long way to giving us some confidence and making us realize we can win some games.

"I hope his career goes from strength to strength."

West Ham Join Liverpool In Race To Sign Crystal Palace Striker

West Ham are the latest club to be linked with a move for Crystal Palace's in-demand forward Wilfried Zaha, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks.

The teenage forward caught the attention last season when he burst into the Palace first team and this season has once again proved his quality with a string of impressive performances.

Zaha has scored five goals so far this season, while his ability running with the ball has also created a number of opportunities for his fellow forwards.

The 19-year-old has been one of the stand-out performers in Palace's superb run in the League Cup, a competition in which he has scored three times and was instrumental in helping the club overcome Manchester United in the last round.

West Ham are the latest club to declare their interest in the versatile forward as manager Sam Allardyce attempts to get his promotion push back on track after two consecutive losses.

The Sun believes that the east London club are prepared to make an offer of £5million in the January transfer window but are aware that there may be offers from Premier League clubs.

West Ham currently have a number of injuries to attacking players with the likes of Sam Baldock, Matt Taylor and Henri Lansbury all sidelines and Allardyce knows that he needs reinforcements.

Zaha has the ability to play across the front line or in wide positions and is viewed as the man to help fire West Ham to automatic promotion.

Liverpool Set To Raid Premiership Rivals For Brazilian International

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is preparing to step up his pursuit of a new midfielder to replace the injured Lucas who is out for the rest of the season and has set his sights on Tottenham's Sandro, according to reports in The Metro.

Sandro signed for Tottenham from Internacional in 2010 for £8million, however the Brazilian international has failed to nail down a regular first-team place and since the arrival of Scott Parker has found himself even further down the pecking order at White Hart Lane.

The 22-year-old had some impressive performances for Tottenham during their debut campaign in the Champions League last season and over the course of the previous couple of months Sandro has been linked with moves to Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus.

Premier League rivals Liverpool are now also keen to bring Sandro to Anfield once the January transfer window opens for business as Kop boss Dalglish feels he would a like-for-like replacement for Lucas.

It is believed Liverpool are planning to table a £12m offer for the Tottenham midfielder in the New Year.

Dalglish: We'll Rise To Festive Challenge

Kenny Dalglish insists Liverpool are ready to tackle the busy schedule awaiting them over the Christmas and New Year period.

Following Sunday's clash at Aston Villa, the Reds will take on Wigan on Wednesday night before playing host to Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day.

Newcastle United then travel to Anfield on December 30, before Liverpool's first test in 2012 is against Manchester City on January 3, with the FA Cup third round tie against Oldham scheduled to take place just three days later.

But while Dalglish acknowledges the program is a demanding one, he maintains his side will stick to their tried and tested mantra of taking each game as it comes.

"Obviously you take into account the fixtures you've got coming up and how many days you've got in between," he said. "There is a great deal of thought that goes into the process.

"After the first game, you take into account how your players are before you move into the second game - but you do that before every match.

"The games do come thick and fast now and we've just got to deal with it, but you do take into consideration the workload. Everything is monitored anyway, so you've got a good idea of how the players are."

Dalglish added: "We'll get the first game done, and then we'll worry about the one after it. We know what fixtures we've got coming up, but there is not a great of thought that goes into the one beyond the Aston Villa game.

"The greatest influence on the team against Aston Villa will be who we're playing against - not the game that's coming after that at Wigan. First thing's first."

The Reds head into Sunday's contest at Villa Park hoping to build on an away record that has seen them take 12 points from a possible 21 so far.

Dalglish acknowledges that the Villans will pose a real threat to his team's chances of closing the gap on the top four and is hopeful the encounter will see Liverpool hit the goal trail.

He said: "We're not going to sit and identify their dangers or weaknesses because we're not going to sting ourselves.

"Any information we've got we'll keep to ourselves. That's the way we've operated and that's the way we'll continue to go.

"They (Villa) got a fantastic result at Bolton at the weekend. It's been difficult for Alex (McLeish) moving from Birmingham to Villa, obviously. But he seems to have got them going a little bit, just at a bad time for us. We aren't doing bad either, so we'll be respectful and look forward to a difficult game.

"Our away form has been really impressive. We got beaten the last time away from home (Fulham) but the performance was good enough to have won it. We'll just keep going like we have done before.

"I think the only stat that isn't in our favour is probably in the goals for column. We've got fewer points than the performances deserve. We've got that in our own hands and we'll just continue to do what we've done and sooner or later we'll turn our chances into goals."

He added: "We've not come up against a goalkeeper who hasn't been outstanding against us. I think 16 times against the woodwork makes a contribution as well. At the same time the responsibility is on us to create chances and then finish them off.

"We'll probably win a game scoring every chance that we make, so we'll look forward to that."

Kenny On January Transfers

Kenny Dalglish today confirmed Liverpool 'have the option' to add to their squad in January - but insisted they don't necessarily need to bolster the ranks.

With the transfer window set to re-open in 16 days' time, journalists at Melwood were eager to quiz the boss on any potential plans to bring in new faces to the Reds squad.

"We don't speculate on anybody - either our own players or somebody else's players," Dalglish told his pre-Aston Villa press conference.

"It doesn't matter what we say, there is going to be speculation in the newspapers - but we won't be here to answer every question that's in newspapers.

"We'll do our business the way we've been brought up to do our business, and that's privately behind closed doors.

"We have the option to add if we want to, but we also have another option that we don't have to."