FA Cup Preview: Liverpool vs. Oldham

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is likely to rotate his squad for the game against the League One Latics.

That could mean recalls for defenders Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates, who have not started since the Carling Cup win at Chelsea in late November.

Striker Luis Suarez serves the second game of an eight-match ban, but captain Steven Gerrard will probably be given another chance to continue building up his sharpness having made three substitute appearances following his comeback from an ankle infection.

Oldham manager Paul Dickov expects to have on-loan trio Luca Scapuzzi, Tom Adeyemi and Nathan Clarke available for the game.

The players' loans expire ahead of the tie, but Dickov is confident that respective agreements with Manchester City, Norwich and Huddersfield will be reached to make them eligible for selection at Anfield.

"Hopefully that will be done so they will be available," said the Latics boss at a Thursday press conference. "Nathan, Luca and young Tom will hopefully be sorted out today."

Midfielder James Wesolowski is expected to recover from a dislocated shoulder to contest a place in the starting line-up having taken part in a practice match on Wednesday.

Striker Matt Smith scored on his first start since August in the 1-1 draw with Chesterfield on Monday but is expected to make way for top scorer Shefki Kuqi, and Dickov admits he is suffering from selection headaches.

"The good thing for me is that I've got more or less a fully fit squad to pick from," he said. "The sad thing for me is I'm going to have to leave a couple of players out of the starting XI and the 18 who work ever so hard for me, which isn't going to be nice, but that's my job as a manager."

Dalglish Won't Undermine FA Cup

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish hopes his team's football will do the talking against Oldham in the FA Cup on Friday night after a week in which the club's off-field actions have made the headlines.

The Reds decided not to appeal Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra earlier this week but have faced criticism over the way they have handled the whole controversy.

Dalglish is now keen to focus on matters on the pitch and is looking for a good performance from his side at Anfield on Friday.

"To get back on the pitch after the week we've had on and off it is the best thing we can do," said the Scot.

"It'll be a great time too for our people to show support for one another - for the players to show their gratitude towards the fans for the support they've given us recently and also vice-versa.

"The FA Cup has been undermined in many ways and in many quarters, for varying reasons, but we certainly won't ever undermine it.

"It's a competition that's there to be won so we'll go into the Oldham game with the same attitude and desire as we went into the Carling Cup.

"The Carling Cup is something people have done the same with - undermined and undervalued - but we went about our job as well as we possibly could and we've got our reward for that (with a two-legged semi-final against City starting on Wednesday)."

Dalglish is certain to make several changes for the League One visitors but that does not mean he will take Paul Dickov's League One side lightly.

"We've always said how strong the squad is and maybe it's an opportunity for us to give the people in that squad the gratitude they deserve by giving them an opportunity to start the game," added Dalglish.

"But that's not to say we're undermining or being disrespectful in any way. We'll treat Oldham with complete respect.

"League positions don't matter in cup competitions or in any game. On any one day, any team can beat anyone else.

"If you're not prepared for it mentally and physically, you're going to make it much more difficult for yourself."

Friday represents the Reds' first home cup draw Dalglish has had since taking over almost exactly 12 months ago - his first match in charge was the FA Cup third-round defeat at Manchester United.

"When we've had home draws before that we've not been too successful have we?" he told Liverpool's official website.

"We don't want to rewrite that history. It's going to be difficult because it's a big draw for them to come to Anfield and I'm sure if they lose the game it won't be because of lack of effort.

"We've got to match them for effort and make sure we come out on top."

Dickov To Take Fight To Reds

Paul Dickov insists his Oldham side will look to attack when they chase an FA Cup upset against Liverpool on Friday night.

A second-round replay victory over Southend at Boundary Park in December booked a mouthwatering trip to face Kenny Dalglish's side for the Latics, who currently lie 14th in League One.

Only veteran striker Shefki Kuqi has played at Anfield before among Dickov's largely youthful squad and, while acknowledging the magnitude of the task in hand, the former Manchester City forward is determined that his players enjoy the tie.

"I'm not going to say we're going to go to Anfield and win the game - I think I'd probably get taken away in a straightjacket - but the one thing we are going to do is go there and have a right good go," he said.

"People are saying you've got to go there and play five at the back or five in midfield, but we don't want to change too much. We're trying to keep it as normal as we can this week.

"As to how the players will react, we won't know until eight o'clock on Friday night, but the one thing we're just trying to say to them is go and enjoy the occasion by doing the right things.

"I've been lucky enough to play in big games over my career at big stadiums and at Wembley. You can get carried away with the occasion and before you know it the game's finished.

"I want all my players to remember every single minute of the game and take it with them for the rest of their careers."

This term Oldham began their 15th consecutive season in the Football League's third tier - the longest tenure of any side in the division - but a pair of famous cup occasions over the past decade have allowed supporters to hark back to the club's early 1990's heyday in the top flight.

On their previous third-round trip to Merseyside, Gary McDonald's goal sank Everton 1-0 in 2008, three years after Manchester City fell foul of Latics at the same stage.

More that 6,000 travelling supporters will make the short journey down the M62 dreaming of a repeat, with Liverpool's recent history of cup mishaps at the hands of Barnsley, Reading and Northampton providing further encouragement.

"We know that economically times have been hard for the town and the fans, and the support we're getting is quite humbling for myself and the players," said Dickov, who was on hand to pour hot drinks for fans queuing outside Boundary Park for Anfield tickets last week.

"Tomorrow night is a big thank-you to the fans, but that's not to say we're going there to make up the numbers."

And, straightjacket or otherwise, Dickov admits he has already cast his minds eye towards the improbable.

"I do dream, I just hope it's not a nightmare," he said. "I'd be daft to say that I'm not thinking about going there and winning and what would happen. Every single round in the FA Cup there's a shock.

"Win, lose or draw I want my players to do themselves proud. And I'm going to stand on the touchline and be proud of my players and the football club."

Gerrard's Return Can Lift Carroll - McManaman

Steve McManaman has backed Steven Gerrard to set Liverpool striker Andy Carroll on the path to becoming a "number nine superstar".

Carroll has scored just five goals in 30 appearances since his £35million switch from Newcastle and this season he has appeared bereft of confidence.

But former Anfield favourite McManaman believes Gerrard, who is back in action after an injury-dogged 2011, has the quality to bring the best out of Carroll.

And McManaman warned that Oldham could feel the backlash in the FA Cup third round tie.

"Steven is Liverpool's best player, he is arguably England's best player," said McManaman. "His assists are wonderful. Just ask Fernando Torres what his assists were like.

"His delivery, his ability to put a ball through is second to none. It should help any centre forward, whether it is Luis Suarez, Torres or Andy Carroll and hopefully it will do.

"Against Manchester City he was a little bit isolated. Liverpool huffed and puffed and lacked that real goal threat.

"I felt a little bit sorry for him because he was up front on his own and Liverpool felt 'we have a big man here, let's chuck everything into the box'.

"It is about quality. Andy Carroll will improve significantly by being at Liverpool. The time to judge him is not now.

"I hope in years to come we are talking about a number nine superstar. You hope that Steven plays against Oldham because he is trying to get his fitness back and that Andy Carroll does play."

McLeish - No Reds Bent Contact

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish insists he has not had any contact with Liverpool about a possible move for Darren Bent.

Rumours have suggested Liverpool are weighing up a move for Bent as they look to bring in cover in attack with Luis Suarez currently serving an eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

Bent, Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner and McLeish had all previously said the England international was going nowhere and McLeish insists they would not consider selling the former Tottenham and Sunderland man.

"We've not heard a thing from Liverpool," said McLeish. "I'm aware of the speculation.

"But there has been no contact with this club and I think you've had three parties telling you that.

"But, even if there was contact, we would not entertain that (selling Bent).

"We wouldn't want to entertain selling our top scorer of last season. He is a prolific marksman."

Liverpool Alerted As Moses Stalls On New Contract

Wigan forward Victor Moses is being linked with a possible move away from the DW Stadium after the player’s agent revealed that he is yet to sign a new contract.

The former Crystal Palace player initially struggled to make the step up to the Premier League but this season has rediscovered his best form and has been one of Wigan's best players.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has continually praised the youngster and was hoping to tie him down to a new deal in the coming weeks, however, it has been revealed that talks have so far been unsuccessful.

Tony Finnigan, Moses' agent, said: "We talked to Wigan about a contract five weeks ago but still haven't seen anything. My phone goes all the time. Victor's got his admirers out there."

As well as Liverpool, Tottenham and Sunderland are also said to be tracking the progress of the 21-year-old and may consider moving for him at the end of the season.

Moses represented England throughout his youth career but still has the opportunity to play for Nigeria as he is yet to make an appearance for the senior England side.

Martin O'Neill is said to be an admirer of Moses and with rumours that Stephane Sessegnon is unhappy at the Stadium of Light, he may consider the Wigan man as a replacement.

Yet, it is Liverpool that is thought to be leading the race to sign the youngster after scouting the player on a number of occasions.

The Metro believes that a bid of £8million would be enough to persuade Wigan to part with the attacker, who also has the ability to drop into midfield and play in wide areas.

Moses record in front of goal is not particularly impressive, with just four league goals for Wigan, but glimpses of his ability have led sides to believe he will improve as he matures.

Liverpool And Arsenal Battle For Brazilian Striker

Liverpool and Arsenal face a major battle with Fiorentina and Borussia Dortmund to sign Spartak Moscow striker Welliton.

The Brazilian, 25, is rated one of the best forwards in Russia and has attracted interest from a number of European clubs.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal are keen to bolster their forward line and have been linked with a move for the 5ft 9in forward.

Spartak Moscow is desperate to keep their prolific forward but would consider offers in the region of £7m.

Kenny Dalglish and Arsene Wenger will have to act fast if they want to sign him as reports in Russia suggest that Fiorentina and Borussia Dortmund have also entered the race to clinch his signature.

FA Urged To Take Further Action Against Liverpool

The head of European football's anti-racism group has urged the Football Association to charge Liverpool with bringing the game into disrepute over their response to Luis Suarez's eight-match ban.

Piara Powar, executive director of European football's anti-discrimination body FARE, said Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's comments had been ''undignified'' and that their reaction had damaged the club's brand across the world.

He said: ''This is a lack of respect for the governing body by Liverpool and the FA should charge Liverpool FC and Kenny Dalglish.

''I think the FA should come back now and be very clear that Liverpool could be construed to have brought the game into disrepute by the way in which they have consistently undermined the judgment and by Kenny Dalglish's comments.

''Liverpool have been too keen to support their man and in doing so have whipped up a sense of paranoia amongst their fans. This is not the Liverpool FC that we have applauded in the past for their support for a whole range of issues.

''The responses from Kenny Dalglish have been undignified; the way in which they have dealt with the whole matter has been unprofessional. For the club to so aggressively militate against what looks to most people a considered judgment from the FA leads to a potential for anarchy.''

Powar said reaction from his colleagues in other parts of the world made him believe the affair was damaging Liverpool.

He added: ''They have damaged their brand, no question. There is no question that Liverpool do have a global appeal, but I have emails from colleagues in Africa asking me what the hell is going on.

''I think people will be watching this and I believe there is no question that their plans for global expansion will have been damaged by this. That's not to say they cannot come back from this but it has done them a lot of damage and they have not conducted themselves in a very palatable way.''

Powar's call comes after Lord Ouseley, the chairman on British football's anti-racism group Kick It Out, called Liverpool ''hypocritical'' and Suarez's apology ''lamentable''. Ouseley also described Liverpool players wearing T-shirts in support of Suarez as ''dreadful''.

Dalglish Hails Team Behind Team

Kenny Dalglish today praised the team behind the team as he prepares to celebrate a year since his memorable return to Melwood.

Our most famous No.7 was invited back into the dugout 12 months ago this weekend following the departure of Roy Hodgson from Anfield.

Since then he has transformed the fortunes of the team on the field by bringing unity back to the club where he scored 172 goals in 515 games as a player.

But, speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv today, Dalglish was quick to exalt those who have stood by his side during the past year.

"It's been busy, especially when the transfer windows have been open," he said. "On the football side of it you can see the progression that's been made on the pitch.

"We've been delighted with the work Steve Clarke's put in - he's been fantastic. Wee Sammy (Lee) was here at the beginning and Kevin Keen has come in since. The support we've had from the people I've mentioned has been fantastic.

"Damien (Comolli) has put in a lot of hard work in the recruitment and selling of players. It's been hectic and a bit eventful at times but I wouldn't have changed it.

"Just being asked to come back - that's my highlight. I was very fortunate to be asked the question and when John (Henry) said he'd like me to stay on, it was equally as much of a highlight.

"I'm delighted to be here and happy with the way things are going, but at the same time I think we can do better."

Dalglish Now Looking To Move On Without Suarez

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits they will miss Luis Suarez as he serves his eight-match ban - but insists they have to look past the Uruguay international's absence.

The club announced they had decided not to appeal against the Football Association punishment imposed for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra just over an hour before the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.

With one match already out of the way and the prospect of possibly half the suspension being served in cup competitions, Dalglish will be hoping the unavailability of his top scorer and chief creator will not be detrimental to their Champions League qualification ambitions.

Suarez will miss both legs of their Carling Cup semi-final against City and if, as expected, they get past League One Oldham in Friday's third round a further two will be taken up by the FA Cup.

That would see Suarez available to return for the equally-important month of February, when they host Tottenham and Everton either side of a potentially vitriol-filled trip to Old Trafford.

"He has an eight-game punishment and he has to serve it so I suppose now is as good a time as any to serve it," said Dalglish.

"I think it was better to get the situation over and done with and leave it there.

"Luis is a fantastic player and fantastic person so we he will be missed but we just have to get on with it.

"It is not better to miss him at any time - we'd much rather have him but we don't."

The loss of Suarez, who has been Liverpool's best player since he joined almost 12 months ago from Ajax, can be offset slightly by the return of captain Steven Gerrard.

Against City he added another 33 minutes to two previous second-half substitute appearances as he continues his comeback from two months out with an ankle infection.

It seems unlikely he will start against Oldham but Wednesday's semi-final first leg back at the Etihad Stadium looks more realistic.

"Stevie is improving his level of fitness all the time but we have to be very careful as to how he prepares," said Dalglish.

"It would be wrong of us to be negligent and throw him in and undo all the good work he has done so far.

"We would love to have him back fit and well but we just have to be a bit patient."

In his absence, and that of the injured Lucas Leiva, Jay Spearing has come into central midfield to perform the defensive role.

Liverpool To Complain To FA Over Handling Of Luis Suarez Case

Liverpool will seek urgent talks with the Football Association chairman, David Bernstein, to demand reform of the disciplinary procedures that led to the suspension of Luis Suárez.

Although the Merseyside club has now accepted the eight-game ban, their anger at the guilty verdict has not diminished and the means by which the punishment was reached remains a matter of dispute.

Senior club officials are to contact Bernstein to register a series of complaints about the handling of the Suárez case, and request a thorough inquiry into how future incidents of this nature are dealt with.

They will even consider asking the FA if it would be prepared to take such a case to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport to enable a player to clear his name beyond the English governing body’s jurisdiction. However, for Liverpool to have taken the Suárez case that far would have required the FA’s agreement.

Liverpool believe judging such an incendiary case involving alleged racial abuse should never have been based on ‘the balance of probability’ as the Commission was entitled to do. It could be argued a higher threshold of guilt, as will be required in the forthcoming John Terry race abuse case in the criminal courts, is justified.

In a criminal trial, Suárez’s guilt would have had to be established ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ and, such was the seriousness of the charge, Liverpool’s lawyers believe the same weight of evidence should have been required.

Suárez, Liverpool argue, was found guilty on the kind of subjective evidence which would never have been given credibility in a court of law. The club believes Patrice Evra’s allegations would have been thrown out if pursued by the Crown Prosecution Service and believe the same standards should be applied.

Liverpool are also unhappy that the Independent Regulatory Commission, led by Paul Goulding QC, was selected by the FA, which was itself bringing the charges. They feel this represents a conflict of interest where the accusers are in effect selecting the jurors. That brings into dispute the notion of full independence.

Although Liverpool were within their rights to challenge the make-up of the commission and made no representation to oppose its members, they say it would have been pointless to do so because the FA would also have picked its replacements.

For a commission to be genuinely independent, it is Liverpool’s view that the FA should not have jurisdiction on who sits on it.

There are numerous aspects of the 115-page written report which Liverpool continues to find inconsistent with the commission’s findings.

Liverpool is unhappy that Evra was granted three meetings with the FA and given access to video evidence well in advance of the December hearing.

It is Liverpool’s belief that Evra was coached by the FA disciplinary team before meeting the commission, enabling him to piece together his version of events to tally with the footage and appear more consistent in his verbal evidence than he had been in earlier statements.

Suárez, who did not have access to the same video evidence until he sat in front of the commission, according to Liverpool, inevitably had a sketchier memory of what had happened at particular points of the game which had been played two months earlier. This made him seem less sure of what took place at certain moments considered of importance by the commission.

Despite all these concerns, Liverpool still decided not to appeal against the suspension and fine because they felt it would have been an exercise in futility given that they would have been working within the same procedures. A new panel, appointed by the FA, could have reduced the ban but would have had no power to overturn the verdict.

Suarez Issues Limited Apology

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has issued a public apology following his eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra - but has stopped short of saying sorry to the Manchester United defender.

The Reds have decided not to appeal against the Football Association suspension and £40,000 fine imposed on the Uruguay forward for his comments towards Evra.

Suarez said in a statement that he would carry out the suspension "with the resignation of someone who hasn't done anything wrong" as the word 'negro' - which he claims he used "only once" - is a commonly-used word which does not show any lack of respect in his country.

He has now apologized for any offence caused - although not directly to Evra.

Suarez said: "I admitted to the commission that I said a word in Spanish once and only once. I told the panel members that I will not use it again on a football pitch in England.

"I never, ever used this word in a derogatory way and if it offends anyone then I want to apologies for that."

Manager Kenny Dalglish refused to back down in the long-running row over how the situation has been handled and claimed the 115-page report which damned Suarez's evidence failed to mention several salient facts.

He would not elaborate on what those where but insisted he was right to raise the issue.

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor, meanwhile, believes the punishment meted out to Suarez sends a warning that racism in the game will not be tolerated.

He said: "It's a lesson to all of us...that all players coming into our game from different countries understand and accept what we are about - equality and diversity.

"We have got probably the most multi-cultural game in the world so it's important to set the right example.

"We don't want him (Evra) feeling a victim. We want our black players to feel comfortable that racism can be dealt with in football terms, as well as the law of the land.

"Some issues are bigger than a player, the club or the game and racism is one of those. We have to learn from it and there should be no misunderstanding or ambiguity in the future."

Newcastle Skipper Breaks Silence On Sensational Liverpool Move

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has admitted that he is palpably aware of Liverpool's interest in him.

However, rather than entertaining thoughts of a move to Anfield in the New Year, the 29 year-old Argentina international, was keen to reiterate his desire to remain at St James' Park.

"I never wanted to pay any attention to rumours about offers from other clubs," he told reporters ahead of tonight's clash with Manchester United.

"I have experienced this at many clubs and the best thing is always to focus on your work and wait for developments.

"One of the names mentioned was Liverpool, but I haven't spoken to anybody. I don't think Newcastle are thinking about my either, either."

Having made 124 league appearances for the Magpies since arriving on Tyneside from Deportivo La Coruna, as well as collecting 34 international caps, Coloccini has clearly caught the eye of Kenny Dalglish over the course of the past few seasons.

However, it now seems as though the Liverpool boss will have to bide his time over a swoop for the Newcastle skipper, much to Alan Pardew's relief.

£16.6m Uruguayan International Welcomes Liverpool Interest

Uruguayan international defender Jorge Fucile has reportedly welcomed interest from both Liverpool and Chelsea.

The Reds were linked with a move for the player in the summer, and have again emerged on the radar in the past week as Kenny Dalglish looks to add some strength-in-depth to his defence.

Andre Villas-Boas has also been linked with a move for the Porto full-back in the past, and The Metro reported yesterday that the Blues were back in the hunt to bring the player to England.

A Bola is now reporting that the 27-year-old has welcomed interest from the Barclays Premier League pair, and after rejecting the chance to move from the Primera Liga in the summer, he's willing to make the switch if either club meets his minimum fee release clause - £16.6 million.

Fucile is said to be a long-term admirer of Liverpool boss Dalglish, giving the Reds hope of winning the race for the player if they wish to meet his transfer fee.

Versatile with an ability to also play in midfield, Fucile would provide cover for both right-back Glan Johnson and left-back Jose Enrique at Anfield, as well as the more advanced wide positions for Liverpool.

It's also claimed that the arrival of Brazilian defender Danilo could speed-up Fucile's possible exit from the Estádio do Dragão, although Liverpool aren't the only club keen on the former Montevideo starlet.

Chelsea and Italian giants Inter Milan are also said to be keen on the player, with Villas-Boas' relationship with the player built during a season together with the Dragões.

The 34-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer, and a handful of players, including Hulk and Radamel Falcao, were tipped to follow the manager.

Despite nobody making the move, AVB continues to be linked with his former Porto stars, and Fucile is the latest in a long line of players emerging on the Chelsea radar.

With Alex set to leave and Gary Cahill's £7 million move to the capital yet to be completed, Chelsea remain in the market for defenders, and Fucile could be the answer if other deals can't be agreed.

Jelavic Doubts Liverpool Links

Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic is refusing to be distracted by reports that Liverpool are considering a bid for him.

Jelavic, who joined the Glasgow side from Rapid Vienna in 2010, has been linked with a big money move in January - with QPR just one Premier League club to have been credited with an interest.

Liverpool, who have also been linked with Aston Villa striker Darren Bent in recent days, are the latest club to be linked with the Croatia international - although the 26-year-old remains doubtful about whether he is really the subject of discussions at Anfield.

"Of course it is nice to see your name being linked with that kind of club," Jelavic told Slobodna Dalmacija. "But I don't know if the rumour is true.

"Liverpool is a big club and anybody would like to play at Anfield but I'm just trying to stay focused on my game."

Jelavic has got used to reading speculation about him, but insists he is happy to remain at Rangers for the foreseeable future.

"Every day I read in the papers that some new club is coming to get me but it's funny as I don't know anything about it," he added. "So I don't mind if a day passes without me looking at the papers. I just want to stay focused for Rangers.

"I love it in Glasgow. I'm contracted here for another two-and-a-half years. But, if the club were to sell me to get the money they need, then that would suit me too."

Liverpool Plan To Raid Premiership Rivals For £15m Rated Midfielder

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is set to step up his pursuit of a new midfielder during the course of the January transfer window and has set his sights on Sunderland's Stephane Sessegnon, according to reports in The Metro.

Sessegnon has begun o play some of his best football for Sunderland since the arrival of new boss Martin O'Neil at the Stadium of Light.

The Benin international joined Sunderland last January from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £6million, but it is felt that Sessegnon is struggling to adapt to life in the North-East.

It has emerged Premier League rivals Liverpool are putting together a package to try and bring the 27-year-old attacking midfielder to Merseyside.

However, Liverpool seems to only be willing to go up to £8m for Sessegnon, whilst Sunderland value the player at £15m.

Dalglish On Edge As Striker Lifts Lid On Possible Liverpool Move

FC Twente frontman Luuk de Jong has reiterated his desire to play in the Premiership, alerting a host of clubs, including both Liverpool and Tottenham, who are reportedly interested in him.

21 year-old de Jong’s contract with his current employers runs out in June of 2014, meaning that any prospective suitors would have to stump up a sum of around €10 million in order to prise him away from Enschede.

Speaking earlier this week, though, the young frontman suggested that a move to England would not be a possibility in the immediate future.

"I’m still very happy playing for Twente, but every player has dreams," De Jong told fifa.com.

"Mine is to play in a nice foreign competition one day. And the Premier League is a really nice competition. I don’t have real plans for the future - I’ll see what comes my way."

Having already won 6 international caps as well as boasting a record of 24 goals in 56 league games for Twente, de Jong would be welcomed by both Kenny Dalglish and Harry Redknapp into their respective squads. However, it now appears as though both managers will have to wait to level an offer.

Reds Urge Gerrard Caution

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists he will resist any temptation to rush captain Steven Gerrard back into action too soon.

The Reds' talismanic skipper came off the bench in recent fixtures against Newcastle and Man City following two months out with an ankle infection.

The temptation to start Gerrard in upcoming matches will be even greater for boss Dalglish given that star striker Luis Suarez is in the midst of an eight-game suspension.

It seems unlikely, though, that Gerrard will start against Oldham in the FA Cup on Friday but next Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium looks more realistic.

"Stevie is improving his level of fitness all the time but we have to be very careful as to how he prepares," said Dalglish.

"It would be wrong of us to be negligent and throw him in and undo all the good work he has done so far.

"We would love to have him back fit and well but we just have to be a bit patient."

Spearing Eyes City Revenge

Jay Spearing insists Liverpool will come back stronger when they return to Manchester City in the Carling Cup.

The 23-year-old midfielder was part of the side that lost 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night in the Premier League, sinking without a trace despite City going down to 10 men in the closing stages.

Liverpool has the chance to redeem themselves in the two-legged semi-final of the Carling Cup and Spearing believes his side can cause a lot of problems.

"We know what we have to do better when we come back here next week in the Carling Cup and we will be better," he told the club's official website.

"We will get at them right from the off and I still feel we can cause them a lot of problems. They are going to be two massive games and I don't see any reason why we can't make the final.

"We have Steven Gerrard back now and he is a massive influence on the team and we will go into the two games with confidence.

"Before we can think about that though we have to get ready for our next game which is the FA Cup against Oldham.

"It's another important game for us and we want to get back to winning ways in front of our own fans."

He added: "The goals we conceded (at City) were our own fault and we could have done better to prevent them.

"I thought as a team we did quite well overall. We used the ball well at times and just some lapses in concentration cost us the game.

"Sometimes it is the small details which can cost you in these games. When it was still 0-0 Jordan Henderson put a great ball through to Stewart Downing, and he was unlucky not to score when Joe Hart made a great save. If that had gone in it could have been a different story."

Match Report: Manchester City 3 - 0 Liverpool

Normal service was resumed for 10-man Manchester City as they once again put daylight between themselves and rivals Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League table with victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.

After just one point and no goals from two matches, they were given an easy ride on their way to opening up a three-point cushion over their neighbours, who will try to reduce the gap again at Newcastle.

Despite their recent wobble Roberto Mancini's side are still a formidable force, especially at home, and they extended their 100% home league record this season to 10 matches and made it 55 points out of a possible 57 in at the Etihad Stadium in the last year and three days.

It was only the second time this season Liverpool had conceded more than one in a league match - and their worst result since losing 4-0 at Tottenham in September - but it could easily have been more.

Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure did the damage in the first half after benefiting from defensive lapses and even after Gareth Barry was sent off, City added a third with James Milner's penalty.

Mancini's side were fortunate to escape from Anfield with a 1-1 draw in November but this encounter was not even close as they recorded only their second win in 14 matches against the Merseysiders.

Prior to kick-off Liverpool confirmed they would not be appealing Luis Suarez's eight-match suspension for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

If this is what life is like without the Uruguay international then the Reds could be in for a difficult six weeks, although the quality of opposition will rarely be matched.

In a battle between the league's top scorers and the meanest defence, something had to give but few would have predicted it would be the usually reliable Jose Reina.

Having already denied Edin Dzeko at the foot of his right-hand post, the Spain international made a complete hash of judging Aguero's 25-yard dipping shot and the ball flew underneath his body.

That was in sharp contrast to counterpart Joe Hart's reactions in denying Stewart Downing moments earlier when his England team-mate threatened to score having been played in by Jordan Henderson.

The goal had a more positive effect on Liverpool, who enjoyed their best spell of possession, than it did City but Reina was almost exposed again when Dzeko's shot deflected off Glen Johnson but crept just wide of the post with the goalkeeper completely wrong-footed.

While Liverpool were creating half-chances, with Hart pushing away Charlie Adam's low free-kick, City were more threatening thanks to the prompting of David Silva and Martin Skrtel was lucky to escape conceding a penalty when the ball bounced up on to his raised arm as Aguero tried to go past him.

Reina went some way to redeeming himself with a sharp save from Vincent Kompany's glancing header but was left helpless by Toure's powerful header off the underside of the crossbar from Silva's corner in the 34th minute.

Kompany showed his value at the other end of the pitch just before the interval by blocking Dirk Kuyt's close-range shot from Andy Carroll's knockdown.

In the technical area Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, hood up on his coat, gave the impression of a man trying to remain anonymous. Unfortunately for him most of his team had been equally nondescript in the first half.

Ten minutes into the second half Adam was replaced by Gerrard, who had been the catalyst for victory over Newcastle on Friday, and former City striker Craig Bellamy came on for Kuyt.

The substitutions produced the required lift but with City content to hold their lead and hit them on the break it remained a long way back for the Reds.

Liverpool appeared to have gained the momentum when Barry, having been booked late in the first half, was sent off for a second caution after blocking Daniel Agger.

But seconds later the result was wrapped up when they conceded possession inside City's half and Skrtel fouled Toure on the breakaway to allow Milner to make it 3-0 from the spot.

The hosts made their numerical disadvantage imperceptible and almost added a fourth when substitute Adam Johnson's shot beat Reina but rebounded off the post.

Gerrard responded with a long-range drive and substitute Maxi Rodriguez from much closer in but, like Liverpool's performance, they failed to hit the mark.

Even with the match won, City's concentration did not waver and Hart produced a point-blank block to deny Rodriguez.

The result highlighted the difference between title contenders and top-four hopefuls but worryingly for Liverpool they still have to face City twice more this month in the Carling Cup semi-final.