Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs Blackburn

Blackburn's challenging festive season run continues as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Boxing Day.

After losing to the English Premier League's bottom side Bolton 2-1 on Wednesday, Rovers head to Liverpool knowing that a trip to powerhouse Manchester United awaits them on New Year's Eve.

Blackburn manager Steve Kean has been under enormous pressure from the club's disgruntled fans after presiding over just two wins from 17 matches so far this season, and it may go a long way to saving his job if he can take a point or even three against a top-six team.

That may not sound as far-fetched as it seems against Liverpool, who - despite being unbeaten at home this season - have drawn five of their eight matches at Anfield.

Sunderland and newly promoted duo Norwich and Swansea have all left Anfield with a share of the points, while Liverpool were also unable to break down lowly Wigan in their most recent fixture, on Wednesday.

If Blackburn are to come away with a point, they will most likely need to break down the team with the best defensive record in the Premier League; Liverpool have conceded just 13 goals in 17 matches.

Liverpool's problem this season has come at the other end, with front men Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt failing to provide enough goals to make the Reds a genuine title threat.

On the injury front, Kenny Dalglish has no fresh concerns, and was again coy about the availability of skipper Steven Gerrard, who is recovering from an ankle infection.

"Everything he's (Gerrard) done he's done very well. He's been training, but whether that means he's ready or not, we'll have to wait and see," Dalglish said.

Midfielder Jay Spearing has been included in the Liverpool squad after serving his mandatory suspension following his red card against Fulham.

An injury to Scott Dann is the latest blow for Blackburn, with the centre-back set to miss six weeks after having and operation on his groin.

Dann joins Ryan Nelsen, Gael Givet and Martin Olsson on the sidelines for Rovers.

Maxi Eyes Half Century

Maxi Rodriguez could be set for a landmark 50th league appearance for Liverpool if he is selected for the Boxing Day clash with Blackburn Rovers.

Here are more facts and stat ahead of the festive showdown courtesy of Ged Rea.

Head to head: (League only)

At Anfield: Liverpool 38 wins, Blackburn 9 wins, 16 Draws.

Overall: Liverpool 53 wins, Blackburn 35 wins, 38 Draws.

Last season Liverpool won this fixture 2-1 with all three goals coming early in the second half. Sotirios Kyrgiakos, with his last goal for the club, gave the Reds the lead.

Within two minutes Jamie Carragher scored an unfortunate own goal before Fernando Torres shot home the winner.

The last meeting, back in January, saw Rovers win 3-1 at Ewood Park. Martin Olsson and Benjani (2) netted for the hosts. Steven Gerrard pulled one back on 81 minutes but five minutes later he missed from the penalty spot. It was to be Roy Hodgson's last game in charge of Liverpool.

In the Barclays Premier League Liverpool have won 16 of the 34 meetings with Rovers winning seven.

At Anfield Liverpool have won 11 and drawn five of the 17 Premiership clashes.

Liverpool have won the last four in a row against Blackburn at Anfield - the first time since 1954-55 when they won for the sixth time in succession.

Steven Gerrard began his Liverpool career with a substitute appearance against Blackburn in November 1998.

Billy Liddell, in 1958, is the last player to score a hat-trick for Liverpool against Rovers - doing so at Ewood.

Dick Forshaw in 1923 is the only Liverpool player to perform the feat at Anfield in this fixture.

Liverpool have kept eight clean sheets in the last 14 league meetings with Rovers at home, though Blackburn have scored in four of the last five visits.

Liverpool's biggest home win over Rovers has been achieved on four occasions - in October 1896, October 1933, April 2004 and April 2009 - winning 4-0.

The Reds have lost only twice in the last 25 league meetings home and away - 1996 and last season.

Craig Bellamy joined Liverpool first time around in the summer of 2006 for £6.5 million. He scored 17 goals for Rovers in 32 appearances in all competitions in his one and only season with the Lancashire club (2005-06).

Jonjo Shelvey made his league debut for Liverpool as a substitute in last season's 2-1 win at Anfield.

Charlie Adam, Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing all scored against Rovers last season for Blackpool, Newcastle and Aston Villa respectively.

The Reds have lost just twice on Boxing Day in the last 24 years. The last time they were beaten at Anfield was in 1986 when Manchester United won 1-0. Their last defeat was at the hands of Blackburn in 2006 at Ewood.

Liverpool have conceded only three first half goals in a league game at Anfield in the calendar year 2011 - Kevin Davies (Bolton - New Years Day), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham) and Vincent Kompany (Manchester City).

The Reds have lost only one of their last 15 games in all competitions.

Tottenham were the last team to score more than once against the Reds three months ago. Since then they have conceded eight goals in 15 games with only three coming in the last nine games.

Liverpool have the meanest defence in the Premiership this season having conceded 13 goals in 17 games.

If they shut Blackburn out it will be the first time since February that Liverpool have kept four successive clean sheets.

They are eight points better off than at the same stage last season (17 games).

This is only the fourth season in the Premier League era that Liverpool have remained unbeaten at home in the league up to Christmas. The other seasons being 1994-95, 2006-07 and 2008-09.

After last year's Boxing Day fixtures Liverpool were 10th in the table, 15 points behind the leaders and nine points off fourth.

Blackburn's biggest league win at Anfield came in September 1905 when they won 3-1.

Rovers' last victory on this ground came in September 1993 when Liverpool fan Mike Newell scored in a 1-0 win. It is their only league success at Anfield since 1963. Rovers' manager that day was Kenny Dalglish.

They have lost 10 and drawn 5 of the last 15 meetings here since that victory.

Rovers have scored just four times in their last eight visits to Anfield.

Not since May 2002 have they scored more than once in front of the Kop - and on that day they lost 4-3.

The last Blackburn player to score a hat-trick against the Reds was Danny Shea in September 1913 when he netted four times in a 6-2 win at Ewood.

Only three players have been sent off in Premier League meetings between the teams - all Rovers players: Henning Berg (1995) and Zurab Khizanishvili (2005) at Anfield and Lucas Neill at Ewood in 2003.

Rovers' leading scorers in the Premier League against Liverpool are Jason Wilcox and Chris Sutton (both with four).

Blackburn have failed to win away this season - picking up four points out of a possible 24. Their draws have come at Fulham, QPR, Norwich and Wigan.

They have suffered defeats on the road at Aston Villa (1-3), Newcastle (1-3), Stoke (1-3) and Sunderland (1-2).

Their last away win came at Wolves on the final day of last season.

Blackburn Rovers were bottom of the Premier League on Christmas Day. The only basement side at this stage of the 19 previous PL seasons to stay up was West Bromwich Albion in 2004-2005.

In their defeat to West Brom nine days ago Scott Dann became the first Englishman since February to score for Rovers in the Premier League.

Blackburn is 11 points worse off than they were at this stage last season (after 17 games).

Steve Kean has won seven league games out of 38 since being appointed just over a year ago. They have lost 20.

Rovers have not kept a clean sheet in the last 20 league games -their worst run since a club record 27 games in 1931.

They have kept only four Premier League clean sheets since Kean took over.

Rovers have dropped 12 points from winning positions this season - the most in the Prem along with Norwich.

Scorers this season: (league in brackets)

Liverpool: Suarez 8 (5), Bellamy 3 (2), Carroll 3 (2), Maxi 3 (1), Adam 2 (2), Skrtel 2 (2), Gerrard 1 (1), Henderson 1 (1), Johnson 1 (1), Kelly 1 (0), Kuyt 1 (0), own goals 3 (3).

Blackburn: Yakubu 11 (10), Rochina 6 (2), Hoilett 3 (3), Formica 2 (2), Pedersen 2 (1), Samba 2 (2), Vukcevic 2 (1), Dann 1 (1), Givet 1 (0), Goodwillie 1 (0), Roberts 1 (0), own goals 2 (2).

Dalglish: Yakubu Poses Threat To Liverpool

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits Blackburn striker Ayegbeni Yakubu poses a threat at Anfield tomorrow, but is confident his in-form defence will keep the Nigerian quiet.

Rovers' summer signing from Everton has 10 Barclays Premier League goals - including four in one match against Swansea three weeks ago - this season.

However, the Reds have the most miserly defence in the top flight having conceded just 13 times in 17 league matches and have kept seven clean sheets, five of which have been in the last eight games.

"His goal tally is pretty impressive for a team at the bottom of the table," said the Reds boss.

"He's a clinical finisher. He got four against Swansea and got another goal the other night (against Bolton).

"He is a threat, but then there are a lot of good strikers that Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have come up against recently and they've been playing particularly well.

"We won't be presumptuous that they are going to play well but then again we won't be presuming Yakubu is going to score against us either.

"It will be a decent game, and it will be a good competition between Yakubu and ourselves.

"If we take our eye off everyone else and just concentrate on Yakubu then we could find ourselves in trouble, so we've got to be responsible and look after everybody.

"But he has certainly had a good goalscoring season this year."

Liverpool will be looking to improve on their disappointing home record this season when bottom team Blackburn visit.

Dalglish's side has won just three times in eight Anfield appearances and the win over QPR on December 10 ended a run of four successive draws at the famous old stadium.

The Scot admits it is not for want of trying as they have created numerous chances but have one of the lowest conversion rates in the top flight.

"We would love the boys to get the reward some of their outstanding build-up play deserves and we'll continue to make chances, and the opposition know we'll make chances," said Dalglish.

"There have been a few inspired goalkeeping performances against us which we can't do anything about, and the first thing we have to do is concentrate on hitting the target.

"We would be lots more frustrated if we didn't create those chances so as long as we get them we will be fine - the goals will come and the goalkeepers won't be as good as they have been.

"We now have two home games in a row starting with Blackburn and we need to take maximum points if possible.

"We know Blackburn aren't in a nice situation at the moment and because of that it will be difficult with them fighting for their lives and we will have to do our best."

All Eyes On Suarez & Kean At Anfield

Kenny Dalglish has leapt to the defence of Blackburn manager Steve Kean as Liverpool's Luis Suarez prepares for his first Anfield game since receiving an eight-match ban from the Football Association.

Suarez, who is set to appeal the suspension for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, is still eligible to play as his ban has yet to come into force.

The Uruguay striker featured in the goalless stalemate with Wigan on Wednesday -- the day after the suspension was announced -- and is again set to play against Blackburn, the Premier League's bottom club, on Monday.

But there will be just as much attention on beleaguered Kean as there will be on Suarez after a dreadful run of form which has left Blackburn fans calling ever louder for the manager to be sacked.

Earlier in the season Kean said he was willing to meet disgruntled fans to outline his plans for the future.

But the Scot now believes his safety could be at risk if such a meeting took place.

Liverpool manager Dalglish, who masterminded Blackburn's Premier League title success in 1995, admits the situation at his former club is 'sad' but believes Kean needs support -- not abuse.

"They are under a lot of pressure and the frustration is understandable in many ways," said Dalglish. "But I don't think it is helpful and I think it is sad really that it has come to that, but that is the way it is.

"I think it is unfortunate that as a manager you know that results are going to count and if you don't get them then you are running the risk of getting your P45 (sacked).

"Results aren't purely down to what the manager does, he needs support from the players, owners and certainly the crowd."

Having dropped points at lowly Wigan in midweek, Dalglish is demanding his side return to winning ways as Liverpool seek to keep their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League alive.

Captain Steven Gerrard could return from his two-month injury absence from an infected ankle.

Midfielder Gerrard, 31, has appeared in just five matches this campaign as a result of injuries, but he is back in training and stands a chance of featuring against Blackburn.

"He's been training, but whether that means he's ready or not, we'll have to wait and see," added Dalglish, who has midfielder Jay Spearing available after suspension.

Meanwhile, Kean's future could be decided over the course of the next few days with Blackburn facing a daunting match against Manchester United on December 31 after Liverpool.

"It's not a nice place we find ourselves in at the moment," said Kean, who was appointed a year ago after Blackburn's Indian owners Venky's sacked Sam Allardyce.

"I'll take the responsibility for that, I'll never shirk away from that or duck that. The players are giving me everything they can.

"It's been tough. It's never easy when you're getting a bit of stick but it's part of the job.

"There are plenty of people who have got stick over the years from fans and months later the fans are singing your name. That's football."

Blackburn could be without first-choice keeper Paul Robinson who has a small tear in his calf muscle while Sweden international Martin Olsson (hamstring) has not recovered as quickly as anticipated.

Rodgers Reveals Donnelly Blow

Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed Cliftonville have backtracked on an agreement the Premier League club had regarding a fee for Rory Donnelly.

The Welsh side announced last week that an offer, believed to be in the region of £100,000, had been accepted by Cliftonville for the teenage striker.

Donnelly visited Swansea earlier this week to discuss terms, but Everton and Liverpool have subsequently declared their interest in the Northern Irishman.

Rodgers has confirmed the goalposts have now been moved and he is waiting to see if it will be possible for the Swans to conclude a deal for Donnelly.

"We have done everything we can up until this moment," said Rodgers. "We had the player watched over a number of months, I went to see him myself, and I felt he was worth taking into our group.

"We arranged for him to come over for a couple of days, he's a good kid and his agent and assistant coach enjoyed their time here and that's as much as we can do.

"We agreed the fee on the basis he came here and enjoyed it and we could put a deal together, what happens after that is out of our control.

"They decided the fee was no longer agreed and that's something out of my hands."

Although Rodgers appeared downbeat about Swansea's prospects of signing Donnelly, he did not rule out the prospect of Chairman Huw Jenkins putting in an improved offer for the 19-year-old.

"At this moment the chairman has spoken with their chairman and I will find out how that evolves," Rodgers said.

"It's up to the club, I came back with a valuation and Cliftonville have played the game quite well, but we shall see.

"He's a good kid and the two clubs who are reportedly interested are fantastic clubs, but it has to be about an opportunity for the player and they (Cliftonville) will decide who will be best suited.

"I find it sad and disappointing that we had an agreement and now we don't, morally you would think that would stand but we will find out over the next few days."

Five Players Liverpool Could Buy In The January Transfer Window

Here we take a look at some of the players that have been linked with winter moves to Liverpool.

1. Inigo Martinez – Real Sociedad

The Spanish youth international has scored two quite unbelievable goals from the halfway line this season. The catch? Well, he’s a centre-back!

2. Fernando – Porto

Much has been made of Liverpool losing their influential holding player Lucas Leiva to injury. Fernando is one of the names linked with replacing the 24-year-old.

3. Gaston Ramirez – Bologna

Liverpool has been linked with the playmaker’s signature for a number of months and it seems likely that the Reds could add to their Uruguayan contingent.

4. Roberto Soldado – Valencia

Kenny Dalglish’s side has also been linked with an ambitious £20m swoop for in-form Valencia striker Soldado. Only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals in La Liga in 2011.

5. Ola John – Twente

Described as the “next Ryan Babel” the quick and skilful winger could add some much competition for Liverpool’s wide births.

PFA Chief Dismisses Luis Suarez's Claims

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief executive Gordon Taylor has rejected Luis Suarez's claim of innocence that the term he used against Patrice Evra is not racist in Uruguay as the fallout following the Liverpool striker's ban continues.

Suarez is alleged to have called Evra 'negrito', claiming it is not offensive in his native country, but Taylor believes the forward is still in the wrong.

“I’ve travelled the world a lot and this defence that it is OK to make reference to the colour of somebody’s skin in South America in a jovial manner, well I’ve not heard that before," he told The Telegraph.

"In the past we’ve been told that spitting [at someone] is common in South America and I’ve not seen that either.

“Maybe our standards are so high because we have such a multicultural society and such a multicultural game, but that is only right, it does not mean our standards are too politically correct or anything like that.”

Taylor also laid blame at Liverpool's door suggesting that clubs should make foreign players aware of what could be seen as offensive in this country.

"I think it is up to the clubs to ensure new players are aware of what is right and wrong and they do," he continued. This isn’t something that happens normally and foreign players have been coming here in large numbers for the last two decades and that includes players from South America.

“If I was to work abroad, in the Middle East or Asia, it would be up to my employer and myself to make me aware of what is deemed acceptable behaviour in that culture and what is not. It’s about respecting the country and the culture where you work. I don’t see why that is any different here."

Suarez has been handed an eight-game ban and a 40,000 pounds ($62,712) fine by the FA for the incident but is planning to appeal.

Charlie Adam Is Not Afraid To Take Penalties Again

Midfielder Charlie Adam has no qualms about taking Liverpool’s next penalty despite squandering the spot-kick which saw his side lose ground on the Premier League’s top five.

Having created a number of chances against Wigan on Wednesday night, Gary Caldwell’s handball gave the Reds the perfect opportunity to break the deadlock just after half-time.

But Liverpool’s penalty curse continued as Adam, who has scored the team’s only effort from 12 yards at West Brom in October, made it four failures in five attempts with goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi saving.

The Scotland midfielder has now joined Luis Suarez, Dirk Kuyt and Andy Carroll in having missed from the spot this season.

But he said: “I never thought I made a good connection with the penalty and the keeper made a good save but I’m disappointed I didn’t score.

“I scored the last one I took and was confident but I missed it.

“But if the opportunity comes around again I will be there to try to take another one.”

Kuyt Eyes Perfect Present

Dirk Kuyt is aiming to deliver the perfect Christmas present to Kopites on Monday and help maintain Liverpool's push for a top-four finish.

The Reds play host to Blackburn Rovers in the traditional Boxing Day fixture - and Kuyt is determined to provide some festive cheer to supporters.

"We all want to be happy and get the three points, especially on Boxing Day," the Dutchman told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It's going to be a very important game for us - as will all of the games around Christmas. To win on Boxing Day at home will be massive for everyone.

"They will give everything they've got. They're not a bad team. They are physically very strong, so we have to be ready for them, believe in our own strengths and get the three points.

"It's a crucial period. If we can get as many points as possible it will be great because if we get the right results, we will be right up there where we want to be.

"Hopefully we can go on another good run and take it into the New Year."

Blackburn will arrive at Anfield bottom in the Barclays Premier League table following Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat against Bolton.

Kuyt feels an early goal for Liverpool could be key for Kenny Dalglish's men - and he's hoping he can get on the scoresheet to end a statistic of having never scored against the Ewood Park side in eight previous appearances.

"In every game we play, if we can score in the early stages it can make a huge difference," he said. "If you are one-nil up after 20 minutes, the crowd is right behind you and it makes football much easier.

"It would be brilliant to score against Blackburn. I've scored against many teams, but Blackburn is still on the list.

"Hopefully I can score a goal on Boxing Day - that would be great."

Suarez Replacement Solved At Liverpool

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has a problem, and the solution is sitting in his dressing room.

The Reds’ scoring record has been rightly criticized over the past two months, as it is pretty sub-standard for a team who are supposed to be challenging for a top four finish.

The record was then coupled with their best player and forward being handed an eight-match ban from the FA - this issue has caused much controversy, but the fact remains that Liverpool are facing a significant amount of time without him.

Another problem Dalglish has had to face is the apparent flop of £35million record signing Andy Carroll.

The former Newcastle forward has not really got going since his switch to Merseyside and has struggled to get games, never mind score the goals needed to maintain the challenge for a Champions League place.

Considering this, there has been much speculation over which striker the Scot is likely to bring in during January to remedy the problem - there appears to be a general assumption that a new recruit is needed.

Dalglish has no need to do this; he has the answer to his problems staring him in the face.

Well, maybe not right in the face, but the answer is definitely in his vicinity.

That answer is Dirk Kuyt and Dalglish needs to begin using him in the middle if he wants to increase his side’s number of goals.

For too long has Kuyt been stranded out on the right hand side, working his socks off but not getting much luck in the scoring charts.

The Holland international started his career as a centre forward with Utrecht and really broke through at Feyenoord, where his scoring record is exceptional.

The 31-year-old has spent most of his Liverpool career stationed out on the right of midfield or a front three and was never really given a proper chance to lead the line.

Despite this, Kuyt has always chipped in with goals in his career with Liverpool – he has finished every full season in double figures.

He is no Luis Suarez but he can bring certain attributes to the central striker role that could boost Liverpool’s goal record.

First and foremost, Dirk Kuyt works tirelessly and any defender will have a hard time trying to shrug him off. His touch is good and his link play can be slick when it needs to be.

Suarez does get into good positions and his movement is very clever, but he is wasteful in front of goal and his final ball often lets down some highly skilful and creative build-up play.

Kuyt would not be able to carve out the same kind of chances as Suarez but he would pose more of a physical problem for defenders, while holding the ball up more effectively than Carroll is capable of.

Part of Liverpool's current problem is that Suarez’s knack for beating defenders and making deep runs into opposition territory often causes him to become isolated.

Kuyt would be more inclined to bring others into the play and this would aid a more rounded style of play, with more people in the box to convert effective crossing from the flanks.

The Dutchman is also a far superior header of the ball and Stewart Downing’s, so far, fruitless attempts at assisting a goal may well find more success with a player more inclined to attack the aerial ball.

Downing has the ability put in some exceptional crosses, but this skill is not utilized quite so well when he only has Suarez to aim for.

Kuyt is a more clinical finisher than most of the other strikers at Liverpool, though he does not possess the dribbling ability to create chances for himself.

There is no suggestion that the 31-year-old should occupy the position permanently – Suarez’s obvious brilliance overrules certain tactical advantages that may be gained by playing the Dutchman. It does feel, however, that those at Anfield have forgotten Kuyt's ability to play in a lone role and that it may prove an affective, though sparingly used while Suarez is available, alternative.

So, rather than paying for an expensive striker from somewhere around Europe, Liverpool could use the Uruguayan’s ban to try and find a different way of attacking the opposition.

Problems of this ilk often provoke rash responses, like calling for the purchasing of a new player, as if that will immediately fix things, but this is rarely the case.

Rearranging what you already have is a way to experiment new systems and styles of play, while maintaining some kind of squad continuity – new arrivals can often take time to gel.

So Anfield bosses should put their chequebooks away – it’s time to put Dirk Kuyt back where he belongs.

Kenny Hoping Spearing Learns

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is hoping Jay Spearing learns from his sending off against Fulham.

The Reds midfielder was dismissed in their 1-0 defeat at Fulham for a sliding challenge on Moussa Dembele.

Dalglish felt Spearing may have been slightly over-zealous, although he does not believe there was any malice in the challenge.

The Anfield chief does not feel Spearing needs to change his game greatly, adding he will benefit from his experience.

"There was no maliciousness in his tackle. He was totally focused on winning the ball," explained Dalglish.

"He did win the ball but his momentum came through and made contact with Dembele.

"It was maybe over-enthusiasm but that is not something you'd complain about in football - at that age you'd expect him to be.

"I'm sure he'll be more knowledgeable for his experience but there is nothing he needs to change greatly.

"Everybody's character is different but character is what makes you successful - and the wee man has certainly been successful here.

"We don't intend, or need, to change the boy's character.

"He just needs to be a bit more mature and I'm sure the three games (suspension) has taught him that."

Dalglish had been pleased with the midfielder's form and he is hoping he can recapture his displays following suspension.

"It was disappointing to lose him because he was doing really well," said the Reds boss.

"He's served his punishment and maybe that's an advantage with the games coming quite quickly.

"But he's got nothing to prove to us - we know what Jay can do, we know what he's about and he's done very well for us in the past.

"There is no reason to think he's not going to do well in the future."

Liverpool Poised To Raid FC Porto For Fernando

Liverpool look poised to open talks with FC Porto for the transfer of defensive midfielder Fernando.

The Reds recently lost Lucas to injury, depriving boss Kenny Dalglish of his favoured holding midfielder.

But Dalglish is looking beyond Lucas’ spell on the sidelines – Fernando’s potential presence at Anfield would allow the Scot to play two midfield enforcers when required, but at other times the option to play Lucas in a more advanced role would be explored.

Fernando is a non-nonsense holding player who has impressed at Porto for his ability to win the ball and quickly supply it to team-mates – vital in the transition phases of games.

The Brazilian is highly rated by the Portuguese champions, who would not be keen to lose his services, especially in mid-season.

Fernando is under contract with Porto until 2014 and is believed to have a buyout clause of around €30M.

Liverpool would look to pay less than the Brazilian’s release fee however and have recent experience of negotiation with the notoriously hard to deal with Portuguese champions, having snapped up Raul Meireles last summer.

Dalglish has money to spend in the January transfer window, but is also aiming to add another attacking string to his side’s bow, as well as bolstering the midfield with Fernando.

Reina Bemoans Form Of Opposition Goalkeepers Against Liverpool

Jose Reina has bemoaned the form of his opposite numbers when coming up against Liverpool.

The Anfield goalkeeper is rated as one of the best in the business, but he is more concerned by the form of fellow shot-stoppers who are preventing Kenny Dalglish’s side from pushing up the Premier League table.

Wigan’s Ali Al Habsi was named man of the match in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in midweek, one of many goalkeepers who seem to have saved their best form for the Reds.

And Reina reckons Liverpool could be a lot higher in the league table if they had been more clinical in front of goal.

"Once again it is the goalkeepers - Al Habsi was man of the match and he prevented us getting those three points," said Reina.

"But we didn't lose the game and we kept a clean sheet which is always positive. We have to take the positives and that is the team is defending very well and we can take a lot of confidence from that."

Cole Keeping Options Open

Joe Cole has not ruled out a return to Liverpool but is enjoying his time on loan at Lille and feels it would be 'logical' for him to stay with the French club.

Cole joined the Ligue 1 champions on a season-long loan deal over the summer and has caught the eye with a series of impressive performances both in their domestic games and the UEFA Champions League.

Lille boss Rudi Garcia has expressed his desire to keep Cole beyond the summer, although Kenny Dalglish has not yet heard anything about the possibility of turning the move into a permanent arrangement.

Cole is not sure what the future holds but is open to the idea of going back to Anfield, where he would have the chance to prove his worth after a frustrating 2010/11 campaign.

However, he has indicated that his preference would be to remain at Lille as he feels he is finally getting back to his best form.

Asked about a possible Liverpool return, the midfielder told Sky Sports News: "Who knows what will happen? I might get the chance to change that round.

"At the moment I am happy here. I am playing and I am playing well, so it is all going good.

"If it continues going like this, it would be the logical option (to stay at Lille).

"The football's gone quite well, considering I didn't play for so long at Liverpool, but I've had a good start and I'm only going to improve as I get closer to my best level.

"I am edging closer to what I was at my peak at Chelsea."

If he can keep performing well until the end of the season Cole may put himself in contention for a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.

He is keen to be involved but will not build his hopes up too high after falling down Fabio Capello's pecking order over the past 18 months.

"It is at the back of my mind, but you can't drive yourself mad because it is out of my hands," said Cole.

"I am a proud Englishman and I love playing for my country. I have had some great times in an England shirt and I don't want to not ever play for England.

"I definitely have a lot more to offer."

Cole continues to follow the Premier League from afar and has given his backing to Andre Villas-Boas to rise above the pressure and succeed at his former club Chelsea.

"It is a difficult time for the club because things have to change, and he is definitely the man to take them through it in my opinion," said Cole.

"It would be rash if anything happened to him because you are just restarting the engine again."

Liverpool Manager Dalglish Calls For Racism Rules

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish declared that football required specific guidelines about what language was considered racist, at the end of a week in which his striker Luis Suarez has been dealt an eight-game ban and his former team-mate Alan Hansen has been engulfed in controversy over his use of the word “coloured.”

Dalglish, who fully expects Suarez to face a torrent of abuse from opposition fans with Liverpool possibly several weeks away from receiving the written explanation of his FA charge for his abuse of Manchester United's Patrice Evra, said: “It would be helpful to everyone if someone gave us some guidelines about what you can and cannot say.”

The manager's request came during a discussion of the criticism Hansen has come under after using ‘coloured' twice on Wednesday night's ‘Match of the Day’, though he feels it applies equally to the case of players' language.

The manager's tone was markedly softer two days after the FA's independent regulatory commission verdict, and his message was the one Liverpool would have been well advised to adopt 48 hours earlier: that they would not discuss Suarez's conviction until they have received the full written details.

Dalglish is concerned about the abuse Suarez will receive in relation to the FA charge, with at least five Manchester United chants already in circulation.

He said he expects the authorities to be as decisive in their judgment on the fans of offending clubs as they were on Suarez, who has also been dealt a £40,000 fine.

“I think where they (the FA) have to be more supportive is the reaction from people — and then antagonism of the crowds — towards Luis,” Dalglish said. “It could be problematic. That is the great problem.”

Ironically, Liverpool would need to contact and work with the FA if they want assistance to counteract abuse, much as Tottenham Hotspur did for the systematic purge on homophobic and racist abuse at Thursday's match with Chelsea, though the Anfield club has positioned themselves at a vast remove from the FA in their response to Suarez's charge.

The FA is unlikely to be able to offer any guidelines on acceptable language, given that the response to specific words is subjective. Liverpool must apply their sensibilities.

Dalglish has received most criticism for the decision to wear a Suarez T-shirt at Wigan on Wednesday night, 24 hours after the Suarez judgment, though he stood by that decision and by Liverpool's statement questioning Evra's reliability as a witness.

“The statement couldn't have caused anybody any trouble, nor the players with their statement or by their support with the T-shirts,” he said.

“If we are not in any trouble, we will just leave it at that before we do get into any trouble.”

Former Manchester United and Aston Villa centre-half Paul McGrath described the move as “shameful” and said he would not have worn such a T-shirt.

“If I was in Glen Johnson's situation, I'd have thrown the shirt to the floor,” the former Republic of Ireland international said.

Johnson later responded on Twitter: “I will support who I want when I want! There are a lot of reasons why I'm standing by Luis Suarez!”

Asked if Liverpool would have been better advised to wait until the written judgment, rather than attacking the commission's decision on Tuesday, Dalglish said: “We don't know what the (written) judgment is and why they came to that judgment. We only know what we know.

“I think if everybody waited until the statement is written and shown on the FA website, you will have a better idea for why they came to their reasoning.”

It is conceivable that the written judgment will be released by the commission chairman, Paul Goulding QC, before the New Year — and if not, very early into 2012. Contrary to the popular impression, it is Goulding who decides when to release the document to the case's two interested parties — Liverpool and the FA.

Despite the FA's battles of the past 12 months with Sir Alex Ferguson, United see out 2011 with the respect of the FA for the dignity with which their manager has avoided any vitriol over Liverpool's renewed attack on Evra.

Whether United would have acted in the same way had the decision gone for Liverpool is another story.

Dalglish said Suarez had been “emotional” about the players' support for him and that he had no intentions of removing him from the line of fire, given his own relentless desire to play.

Manchester United Boss Unsympathetic To Liverpool & Dalglish

Sir Alex Ferguson has implied his indifference at the way in which players and staff at Liverpool has conducted themselves in the aftermath of Luis Suarez being handed an eight-match ban following alleged racist comments towards Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra.

Suarez was handed the punishment at the start of last week after a rather tedious few months of allegations and accusations.

Since then, the Merseyside club have rallied round their player and those associated with Liverpool, led by manager Kenny Dalglish, have been critical of the severity of the recriminations. However, speaking yesterday, 69 year-old Ferguson was adamant that the decision was correct.

"Our support of Patrice was obvious right from the word go and that's still the same," he told The Guardian.

"The matter is over and I think we're satisfied that they [the FA's independent commission] found the right decision.

"This wasn't about Manchester United and Liverpool at all. It was nothing to do with that. This was an individual situation where one person was racially abused."

Reds Put On The Spot

Another busy week for Liverpool saw a dominant away victory at Aston Villa followed (almost inevitably) by a frustrating stalemate with the Reds' perennial party poopers, Wigan Athletic.

Sandwiched in between those encounters was an FA hearing that resulted in an eight match ban for Luis Suarez, for 'racially abusing' Patrice Evra.

This is a sensitive issue that is bound to divide opinion, but the club's unprecedented reaction to the punishment bestowed on Suarez, not to mention Kenny Dalglish's unwavering support would suggest that the incident in question owes more to cultural differences than racial abuse.

It is unthinkable that a man with the integrity of Dalglish would put his reputation on the line, if the club's opinion was any different. Liverpool look set to appeal, which some would see as risky, given that his ban could be extended if the ruling was upheld.

The fact remains though, if the player and the club believe that justice has not been done, the length of ban becomes an irrelevance. They must seek to clear his name and in doing so, restore the club's reputation for zero tolerance on racism. Any suggestions that Suarez would not be in the right frame of mind to play against Wigan Athletic were swiftly dispelled as Dalglish kept faith in his talisman, who dually rewarded King Kenny with another committed performance.

The Uruguayan possesses tremendous mental strength; the type of which separates the great players from the good. There was never any chance of Suarez letting Kenny down with his performance. Another Liverpool forward who never lets the side down is Craig Bellamy, who was instrumental in the early goals that secured another away victory for the Reds at Villa Park.

Bellamy scored the first and delivered a mean cross onto the head of Martin Skrtel for the second; helping to cement a man of the match performance from the Welshman. With Villa looking low on confidence, Liverpool dominated possession and continued to carve out chances.

Only the woodwork would deny Suarez a goal, as he first rattled the cross bar before stroking an exquisite chip against the inside of the post. Jonjo Shelvey made his first start for the club and rewarded Dalglish with an all action display in front of the influential Charlie Adam.

Never shy in front of goal, Shelvey had five shots and on a couple of occasions took up great goal scoring positions in the box. Had some of his team mates been a little more generous with the ball he may well have ended up on the score sheet.

Ultimately, Liverpool would have to settle for 2-0 and a satisfying away win.

Roll on three days to Wigan and an all too familiar pattern begins to take shape. Liverpool are fast out of the blocks, passing the ball well and creating great chances straight from the off.

Despite this impressive level of industry, it doesn't yield any goals. Glen Johnson failed to finish off another fine move; denied by the excellent Wigan stopper, Ali Al Habsi. Al Habsi would be a thorn in the Reds' side all evening.

Possibly Liverpool's most unwanted statistic this season is their haul of missed penalties.

The curse would strike again here as Charlie Adam (the only Liverpool player to score a penalty this season) joined Suarez, Dirk Kuyt and Andy Carroll on the list of spot kick failures. Such a record could prove costly for Liverpool as competition for Champions League qualification is stiffer than ever.

Liverpool was driven on late in the game by their incessant attacking left back Jose Enrique. The Spaniard has proven to be one of the best acquisitions of the season and has brought great dynamism to the side.

Quite how he has never been called up for the Spanish senior side is a mystery. His technique, ball retention, strength and pace are all second to none.

Despite his endeavor, a goal remained elusive and Liverpool were forced to settle for a point on what has become a bit of a bogey ground for the Reds.

Frustration at draws this season has been diluted by the level of Liverpool's performances. Dalglish has crafted an attacking side that plays attractive high tempo football, passes the ball well and presses high up the pitch when they don't have possession. Team ethic is a good as it's been since King Kenny's last rein at the helm.

Its great news for Liverpool supporters and has given fans a new lease of life this term. The goals for record is one that is in need of improvement but this is something Dalglish will be all too aware of. He will get it right.

Liverpool finish the year with two home games over Christmas against Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, before starting the new year with a crunch clash at Manchester City. With seven fixtures in January, the depth of the squad will be tested to the limit.

This is a great chance for players who don't start every week to stake their claim for a first team place. With Luis Suarez suspended (subject to appeal) it will provide an opportunity for Andy Carroll to prove his worth and put the doubters at bay.

Carroll may not have enjoyed the greatest of starts to his Liverpool career, but if he seizes his chance and starts hitting the back of the net, he will have provided an antidote to the team's achilles heel.

That should be top of everyone's Christmas list.