Liverpool Eye Colombian As Suarez Replacement

Liverpool target Teo Gutierrez has been made available by his club - but only if his £8m valuation is met.

The Racing Club de Avellaneda forward has been attracting the attention of a number of clubs across Europe and the impending eight game ban Luis Suarez is facing has heightened Liverpool's thoughts of adding another striker to their squad.

The 26-year-old has his six goals in 15 appearances in Argentina's top-flight this season and has now reached 15 caps for his native Colombia.

The striker was prolific in his early career in South America and earned a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor in January 2010.

The frontman scored some important goals during his time in Europe, including a hat-trick against Bursaspor in the Turkish Super Cup, but failed to settle and moved to Argentina in February.

Now his form in front of goal has sparked a new wave of interest across the Continent, with a host of clubs ready to take a gamble on the relative unknown.

Racing Club vice-president Rodolfo Molina told Argentinean paper Ole: "There are no formal proposals for Teo Gutierrez, just words but no realities.

"When we receive an actual proposal we will study the numbers hard. The club does not reject the sale, but we will only negotiate on his real value.

Liverpool Midfield Star Wants Permanent Move Next Summer

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole has confirmed that he would like to make his loan move a permanent one at the end of the season after a terrific first half of the year in Ligue 1.

Cole made the move to Lille at the start of the season after falling out of favour with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish and has found a new lease of life in France.

Cole has been a regular starter under manager Rudi Garcia and has revealed that he would be more than happy to extend his stay at Lille past the end of the season.

"Right now, I'm really happy at Lille," Cole told Sky Sports News. "I'm playing, and I'm playing well, so basically everything's on track. If things continue like this, it would make sense for me to stay at Lille.

"In footballing terms, things are going really well, especially given the fact that I didn't play much for Liverpool last season. I've started off well here and I'm going to keep getting better and better."

The former Chelsea man has made 15 league appearances for Lille, scoring three goals and also forming a superb partnership with star midfielder Eden Hazard.

Lille currently sit just four points behind big spending league leaders Paris Saint Germain and will hope to once again push for the league title and a place in the Champions League.

Enrique Insists He Deserves A Chance To Prove His Worth For Spain

Liverpool's Jose Enrique insists he should be given a chance to prove his worth in the Spanish national team ahead of next summer’s European Championships.

The left-back has impressed at Anfield since joining from Newcastle United in the summer, but as of yet has failed to feature for his country above under-21 level.

The 25-year-old is eager to receive the recognition of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, and believes that playing for an established club such as Liverpool should aid his goal of gaining a Euro 2012 call-up.

"I think I deserve a chance," he told Marca.

"I think that just for the fact that I've managed to play for a team like Liverpool, they should be thinking of me.”

Valencia full-back Jordi Alba is currently first choice for the position, and Enrique was quick to note that the 22-year-old '"is doing a very good job" for the national side.

Bolton Eye Liverpool Starlets

Bolton Wanderers are hoping to swoop on Liverpool duo Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan on-loan in the January transfer window.

Manager Owen Coyle is desperate for new recruits to salvage his team’s season after two wins all season has left his side second bottom.

Winger Sterling, 17, is one of the most highly-rated teenagers in England and Coyle insists he can help the teenager’s development in the same way he has done for Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge.

The England U-17 international is yet to make his first-team debut and following the Reds summer recruitment drive is unlikely to feature this season.

Defender Flanagan, 18, has made nine appearances for the Reds so far but as Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly are now fit his chances of any action is greatly reduced.

Coyle is in need of a right-back with major doubts arising over Paul Robinson and the injury to Tyrone Mears.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish may be willing to let the youngsters go on-loan to give them first-team experience but this may change by the new year depending on injury and form of his current regulars.

However, Coyle insists defender Gary Cahill will not be leaving the Reebok Stadium for Anfield this summer.

The 25-year-old has attracted strong interest from Liverpool and Arsenal but neither club has submitted a formal bid for him.

The England international has only one-year left on his contract but has a release clause in his deal that allows him to leave for £17 million.

But Coyle states he and the player are only concentrating on the new season despite more rumours linking Cahill with a move to Anfield.

“This (Liverpool) story is without a shred of foundation,” Coyle said. ”It is irresponsible. To just reel words off is in poor taste.

“Nothing surprises you in football but people should have more knowledge of the background for anything before they write it.

“It doesn’t faze me. I am not raging about it. I am just making a point."

The Society Of Black Lawyers Accuses Liverpool & Chelsea Of Condoning Racism

The Society of Black Lawyers (SBL) has condemned both Liverpool and Chelsea for appearing to excuse the alleged racism of Luis Suarez and John Terry.

Peter Herbert OBE and co-chair of the organization said, “To our knowledge, neither club has bothered to conduct its own independent investigation or hold a disciplinary hearing."

“If such serious allegations of racism had been made in the workplace, any reasonable employer would consider itself to be under a strict duty to conduct a full, detailed and impartial investigation into the allegations, and not simply to state that they stand behind the denials of the player concerned."

The organization wants the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to handle the Suarez case as a racist incident, as they have done with Terry, and believe there should be no difference in the treatment of both players.

Chelsea released a statement expressing its utmost support for John Terry after he was charged with a racially aggravated public order offense in connection with the alleged remarks aimed at QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Liverpool has also jumped to the defense of its Uruguayan striker who was given an eight-match ban and 40,000 pounds fine by the FA after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.

The SBL is planning to make a formal complaint to the CPS about the racist and offensive language used by Suarez, and is hoping to convince the CPS to launch a full investigation.

The organization is also hoping the CPS will prosecute the former Ajax man if the result of the investigation gives a reasonable chance of conviction according to the public interest test.

The SBL believes both clubs should have treated the incidents as gross misconduct instead of simply denying the allegations.

"The punitive effects of racism are felt by thousands of people in Britain each day. The response of the Football Association (FA) and the CPS must be robust to protect others from the humiliation, pain and suffering that this type of hate crime inflicts," Herbert said.

He added, "There is no reason why Suarez should not face criminal charges. When individual football clubs and fellow players – both black and white – endorse this kind of behavior, they themselves become part of the problem because they stand in the way of the total eradication of racism from the sport.

“Their denial and appeasement reflects an abdication of their role as responsible players or employers.”

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 1 Blackburn

Even the return of captain Steven Gerrard after a two-month absence failed to lift Liverpool out of their current Anfield malaise as the Barlcays Premier League's bottom club Blackburn left with a point they barely deserved.

The England international, sidelined since October with an ankle problem, played the final 21 minutes but could not inspire a change in fortunes.

Kenny Dalglish's side, although unbeaten at home this season, have now drawn six and won three and been held five times in the last six outings at Anfield.

And had it not been for Maxi Rodriguez's 11th goal in his last 12 starts, the result could have been more embarrassing after Charlie Adam had put through his own net on the stroke of half-time.

A familiar pattern of failing to take chances emerged very early on but the difference here, throughout the whole side, was the lack of spark and crispness which the Reds have usually had.

Luis Suarez's second-minute free-kick which sailed just over set the tone before Adam sliced an ambitious volley from outside the area which gave Mark Bunn, deputizing for the injured Paul Robinson, a much easier save than he could have anticipated.

There followed two efforts from Suarez, one into the side-netting from Glen Johnson's pass, and the other missing the target completely with a left-footed shot from a similar position on the right of the penalty area.

In recent months opposition goalkeepers have made a habit of saving their best performances for Anfield and Bunn's point-blank block from Andy Carroll, starting for the first time in four matches, after Downing had kept in Jose Enrique's deep cross had a familiar look to it.

Carroll had a goal ruled out on the half-hour as Suarez was offside and the assistant's flag rescued Bunn from conceding a penalty when he brought down Rodriguez, although it was inactive Suarez and not the Argentinian who had got ahead of the Rovers defence.

Blackburn's attacking was sporadic at best and when they did get a chance to test the meanest defence in the Barclays Premier League they wasted it as Ayegbeni Yakubu's cross from a quickly-taken corner was well over-hit.

In the end they needed a helping hand as, totally against the run of play, Adam diverted Morten Gamst Pedersen's inswinging corner past his own goalkeeper just seconds before half-time.

It capped a disappointing few days for the Scotland international, who also put through his own net against Rovers for Blackpool last season, as he missed a penalty in Wednesday's goalless draw at Wigan.

It took Liverpool eight minutes to equalize.

Downing's cross was cleared only as far as Martin Skrtel who hooked the ball back to the far post where Rodriguez headed in from close range.

The goal gave the Reds the spark they needed and, with Bunn wasting time at every opportunity, Suarez headed wide Downing's corner from a spot very close to where his team-mate had equalized.

A Carroll overhead kick was cleared by Grant Hanley while another Rodriguez far-post header, this time back across the six-yard area was crying out for a final touch with no Liverpool player anywhere near.

Gerrard finally got his long-awaited return to action in the 69th minute when he replaced Adam and ran straight on to curl in a free-kick which was headed over by Rodriguez.

Suarez then headed over Johnson's cross before the England defender was relieved to see David Dunn stab wide after needlessly giving away possession in midfield.

The action intensified as Carroll headed wide Enrique's cross, Rodriguez made way for Craig Bellamy to come on against his former club and Downing rolled a left-footed shot too close to Bunn having been played in by Gerrard.

Liverpool twice thought they had stolen the points in the closing moments, Carroll drawing a fine save from Bunn with a close-range volley and 17-year-old Adam Henley, on his first senior start, clearing off the line after Daniel Agger's header from the subsequent corner.

Such problems cannot be allowed to continue for Kenny Dalglish, who must surely have to address the issue of a lack of goals in the coming transfer window.

Blackburn's players celebrated a hard-earned point at the final whistle but their difficulties - they remain bottom of the table - will probably take more fixing.

Downing's Performance Against Blackburn Draws Mixed Reaction From LFC Fans

Of all Liverpool players, Stewart Downing was perhaps the most influential in Monday's draw with Blackburn Rovers. After the game, LFC supporters had plenty to say about the winger's performance.

To start, please don't mistake "influential" for a glowing review. It's more of a way of saying he was key to the outcome of the game. Downing saw so much of the ball in the first half, one could almost forget that Liverpool was playing with attackers on the left side.

It may have been by design, as Downing was deployed on the right wing against rookie left back Adam Henley. The 17-year-old American-born Welsh fullback was making his first-ever start for in the Premier League.

Downing never hesitated to attempt to dribble past him. He repeatedly attacked his inexperienced opponent, and used his skills to create space to deliver crosses into the box.

This is where LFC fans were divided. For as many times Downing served crosses into the Rovers' penalty area, it only lead to a scoring chance on few occasions. In short, fans wanted to see a better end product.

Downing also failed to convert two chances to win the game in final 10 minutes. In the 84th minute, Steve Gerrard sent him in on goal with a well-weighted pass. Downing cut it onto his favored left foot, but his far-post shot lacked the power to beat goalkeeper Mark Bunn, who dove to save it.

Three minutes later, Craig Bellamy served a dangerous ball into the area from the left side. It was too high for Andy Carroll to head it, but it was perfect for Downing. He rose and headed it well, bouncing it off the ground toward the far post, but Bunn heroically turned it away.

Downing has yet to score 19 games (18 in the Premier League) into his LFC career. He also has not registered an assist. Some Liverpool fans are happy with his contributions so far. Others are frustrated with the England international.

Steve Kean Proud Of Players For Holding Liverpool

Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean has expressed his pride at his players’ resilience in holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in their Boxing Day clash.

The visitors held on to condemn the Reds to their seventh draw of the season and their sixth at Anfield as Kenny Dalglish’s men failed to push on after Maxi Rodriguez’s equalizer.

The Rovers coach – who had seen his team go 1-0 up on the stroke of half-time thanks to a Charlie Adam own goal – was thankful for the team’s luck on occasions but highlighted the players’ discipline in defence as well.

“We were disciplined in defence and created quite a few chances on the break," Kean told BBC Sport. “In the second half, sometimes you need great saves and lucky breaks. I am proud of the lads. I think we showed that if we keep our discipline we can come to places like this and dig out results.”

Rovers' effort and graft in defense was evident from the start and Kean admitted he reveled in denying Liverpool all three points.

“I enjoyed it,” the Rovers boss told reporters after the game. “We were a little bit disappointed in the way that we started the second half but that side in the first half had defensive organization spot on. Credit to the players we worked on that a lot, to get a platform where we can win the ball and then start off our counter attacks.”

Rovers’ goalkeeper Mark Bunn made a string of saves throughout the match to keep the scores level and it was his leap to deny Andy Carroll in the fifth minute of stoppage time that denied Liverpool a late winner.

“He’s made two great saves and I’m delighted for him because he’s been taking part in the [League] Cup but he’s been very patient,” Kean added. “Paul Robinson has picked up a calf tear and Bunny makes saves, he’s agile and he gets about his box and it’s a super save at the end. Full credit to the lads; we dug in and managed to get something from the game.

Dalglish Cannot Hide Frustration

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish could not hide his disappointment after a draw with rock-bottom Blackburn Rovers, but was pleased to have Steven Gerrard back on the field.

The Reds were held to a sixth Premier League draw of the season at Anfield after Charlie Adam's own goal was cancelled out by Maxi Rodriguez on Boxing Day.

Liverpool pummelled the Blackburn goal, but Mark Bunn was one of the heroes as, not for the first time in the current campaign, a visiting goalkeeper was man of the match.

It has been a familiar tale for Dalglish and if Liverpool had taken wins from the 12 points they have dropped at Anfield, they would be sat comfortably in the top four.

And the Scot told Sky Sports after the match against Blackburn: "It is the same story for us. It gets repetitive hearing it; it gets repetitive saying it for us.

"There is not a great deal more they (the players) can do other than have a bit of belief in themselves when they get in there."

Bunn denied Andy Carroll, who was making a rare start, twice with two reflex saves, while 17-year-old Blackburn debutant Adam Henley cleared a Daniel Agger effort off the line with the final kick of the match.

"We did have something to show for it, we got a point, which is not what we deserved and is not what our intent was, either," Dalglish said.

"But they (Blackburn) came to go away with something and they got it. They fought hard for the cause.

"We have got to look after what we can do for ourselves."

Captain Gerrard was back after a two-month absence, having been sidelined since October with an ankle problem, and he played the final 21 minutes.

"He needs to get some time on the pitch," said Dalglish.

"With him and Bellers (Craig Bellamy) coming on, it was to try and do something a little bit different to see if we could get something.

"From his (Gerrard's) first free-kick, we went close with a header. It is smashing to have him back."

Dalglish Unhappy With Cards

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes Craig Bellamy is being unfairly treated by referees.

The Welshman has a feisty reputation and his manager fears that may be working against the forward after four bookings in as many matches.

Dalglish has been disappointed by the yellow cards Bellamy has received in the recent games against Fulham and Wigan, and the Scot hopes a pattern is not developing.

The Liverpool manager said: "It's all well and good having rules, but rules should be the same for everyone, not split up for different people.

"Would you ever ask Bellamy to tone down his feistiness? No. He is experienced enough. But he has been booked four times [in his last four games] and hasn't deserved any of them.

"Does that force you to alter how you might select him in the future? You would hate to believe there is an agenda against him. If Craig needs to play, he will play. We have just got to take that chance.

"[Wigan defender] Antolin Alcaraz gave five free-kicks away last Wednesday and there was no yellow card. If [Alcaraz] is going to get five chances, does that mean everyone else is? We just need a wee bit of clarity."

Bellamy was booked after a coming together with Clint Dempsey in Liverpool's defeat at Fulham, where Jay Spearing was also sent off, and Dalglish was confused by the decision.

"Clint Dempsey put his head in Craig's face," said the Scot. "When we asked the referee why the wee man was booked he said, 'Craig knows', but he didn't know.

"There was another against Queens Park Rangers when Joey Barton approached him. I don't know why he has been booked but I haven't seen anything in any of them."

Steven Gerrard Needs Time, Says Kenny Dalglish

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish welcomed captain Steven Gerrard's return from injury but warned it would take time for the skipper to regain full fitness.

Gerrard's 20-minute cameo was a rare bright spot for the Reds in a 1-1 home draw with bottom club Blackburn.

"It's fantastic that he's got back and he looks a lot stronger and a lot fitter now than he was in years gone by I think," said Dalglish.

"But he needs some time on the pitch now to get him back to full fitness."

Gerrard was making his first appearance since 22 October after undergoing treatment on an infected right ankle.

The injury came only one month after he had returned from a six-month absence following groin surgery.

After coming on for Charlie Adam with the score at 1-1, Gerrard created a chance for Maxi Rodriguez with his first touch - a curling free-kick which the Argentine headed over the bar.

But even the inspirational skipper could not prevent Liverpool drawing at home for the sixth time in nine league games this season.

"The difficulty was who to take off because it wasn't as if we were playing poorly," added Dalglish.

"Usually if there is a bit of a struggle you can see you have two or three options but there wasn't anyone who deserved to come off.

"But we had to do something to try to win the game. I made two substitutions - Steven and Craig Bellamy to try to win it - and with a bit of good fortune we probably would have."

Carroll Can Take His Chance

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish expects £35million man Andy Carroll to take his opportunity with 'two hands' over the festive period.

The former Newcastle striker, who moved to Anfield last January, has started just eight Premier League games this season and has scored only two goals.

A traditionally busy fixture-list over Christmas and the New Year means Carroll could be offered chances to start as Dalglish rotates his squad.

"Training well never does anybody any harm whatsoever, and if you are going to get an opportunity then the better you train, the more capable you are of taking that opportunity," said Dalglish in the Liverpool Daily Post.

"As we have said before, everybody that is in this group of players has trained fantastically well and if they have been given an opportunity they have always taken it and if the big yin (one) gets an opportunity I am sure he will take it with two hands."

A lack of fitness meant Carroll did not make his Liverpool debut until a 15-minute run out against Manchester United in March.

Injury problems continued to trouble the 22-year-old in the second half of last season and Dalglish believes the record-breaking signing is as a result still at the same stage as summer signings in settling at Anfield.

The Reds boss said: "I think what we have to remember also is, seven new players, it's their first season and you would include Andy in that as well.

"He came in last season with an injury and never featured until the Manchester United game, when he came on as a sub. So his career really only started in August there.

"We have got to get know them and they have got to get to know us and I think it is a fantastic credit to all of them, the new ones and the ones that were here before, that they have gelled so quickly.

"That includes everybody who has come in. It will take a bit of time for everyone to be acquainted with each other but we are happy with the progress we have made so far."

Mancini Angry At Liverpool's Extra 48 hours Before Key Game

Roberto Mancini has criticized the Premier League for scheduling the next round of fixtures in a way that means Liverpool will have two days' extra rest before their away game against Manchester City a week on Tuesday.

Liverpool are at home against Newcastle United on Friday night and City face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon, giving Kenny Dalglish's players close to an extra 48 hours to recover for the match at the Etihad Stadium. Mancini, who watched with frustration here as his team failed to score for the first time in domestic football this season, said that he was "not happy" with the Premier League for giving Liverpool a clear advantage going into their game against City and one that could impact on the title race.

"I am disappointed only because we play 1 January and 3 January and Liverpool play 30 December and then 3 January against us. I think that at this moment this is not correct," the Manchester City manager said. "I'm not happy with this situation because two days [of rest] in this moment when we play every three days is not correct. Sometimes the fixtures can [be] better because to play one game after four days and for us after 48 hours can make a difference."

Mancini's post-match mood will not have been helped by the sight of Manchester United hauling themselves level on points with City at the top. He expects Sir Alex Ferguson's side to be three points clear after their home match against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. "I think United will win [their] next game and it's more difficult for us against Sunderland away and then within 48 hours again," he said. "But I'm confident we can do a good job by the end."

Although David Silva squandered a wonderful chance and Mario Balotelli and Sergio Agüero both threatened, City struggled to break down a West Bromwich Albion side who were tactically superb and thoroughly deserved a point. Albion might have come away with an even better result but Shane Long headed wide in the second half and Jerome Thomas hit a post.

"We don't keep many clean sheets, so it's good to do it against a side of City's calibre," said Hodgson, who believes that United have started to turn the screw in the title race.

"In some ways the riches are on the blue side of Manchester but to some extent the quality and talent are on the red side. City could virtually put out two Premier League sides and United have been unlucky with injuries. But the important thing is United beat Fulham 5-0 away in the week and have put five past Wigan yesterday. They're flying."

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.