Match Preview: Liverpool vs.West Bromwich Albion

Just two points separate Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League and a win on Monday is crucial for either side to make a charge for the top six.

Liverpool sit seventh, five points behind sixth-placed Arsenal while West Brom are ninth.

The reverse fixture this season was on the opening day, and West Brom slaughtered the Reds 3-0. However, the Baggies haven't won a league game since Christmas and sit bottom of the form table.

Brendan Rodgers should be able to call upon Daniel Sturridge, who has been struggling with a thigh injury, while soon-to-retire Jamie Carragher could continue keeping Martin Skrtel out of the team in defence.

Zoltan Gera scored arguably the goal of the opening weekend back in August against Rodgers's men but the Hungarian is out of Monday's match with a knee injury.

Steve Clarke is also without Goran Popov after his red card last week for spitting in the direction of Kyle Walker. Liam Ridgewell should come in for the Macedonian.

Possible starting lineups

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson; Downing, Suarez, Sturridge

West Brom: Foster; Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Dorrans, Yacob, Morrison, Brunt; Long, Lukaku

Sturridge Facing Late Fitness Test

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will undergo a late fitness test in order to ascertain whether he can feature in Monday night's Premier League clash with West Brom.

The 23-year-old, who has scored four goals in six games since moving to Anfield from Chelsea, withdrew from England duty due to a thigh injury picked up during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Raheem Sterling was also forced to abstain from international duty with the England Under-21 squad, but manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he will be fit for this game.

"Raheem was on the field this morning so he'll be fine," Rodgers told reporters.

"Daniel we're just monitoring over the next couple of days. It's not overly serious but we just need to assess to see where he's at. We'll see by Sunday.

"Everyone else is fine."

Boss: Coutinho Adds Competition

New attacker Philippe Coutinho will add an extra level of competition to the Liverpool first team according to manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Northern Irishman swooped for the Inter Milan midfielder on the penultimate day of the January transfer window to further bolster his options after the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.

A previous injury means Coutinho may not be available for as instant an impact as the striker - who has notched four times in six appearances - and the 20-year-old's fitness will be assessed in the coming days.

But the increased battle for places in the starting XI that the signing of Coutinho brings is exactly what the boss was aiming for.

"He had been injured but he trained this morning. He's a young player that I've got very high hopes for," Rodgers told reporters at his pre-West Brom press conference on Friday.

"Daniel was ready to come in and play; with Philippe, we'll see how he goes in the next few days.

"He had a bridging session yesterday - he was with the medical team in Milan, came here and we've assessed where he's at in terms of fitness.

"He trained with the group this morning and we'll observe him over the next couple of days.

"He's a top young player with big experience. Bringing him into the group adds competition. The team that have been involved in the last couple of games have been exceptional.

"It's very important that the players on the side are fighting to get into the team. The key for us all was to build a competitive squad to challenge.

"The players have done remarkably well up to this point, but there's still a long way to go for us - an awful lot of improvements to make, consistency to find. But we're on the right path."

Despite performances deserving of six points from fixtures at Arsenal and Manchester City, the Reds collected just two from the respective journeys to the Emirates and the Etihad.

Rodgers refused to concede defeat in the battle for fourth, however, and says his players are of the same mentality.

Carragher Is Irreplaceable, Says Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that Jamie Carragher is one of a ‘dying breed’ and will be irreplaceable at the club when he retires at the end of this season.

"He has been a giant for me since I came in here, an incredible man, he is one of a dying breed," Rodgers told The Guardian. "He is someone who has good real old school values and ethics but, as you can see from his last two performances, he still has the qualities to play at this level.

"He is a real iconic player for this club and, for me, one which will be irreplaceable. I don't think he can be replaced. I genuinely think he is a player who I would call a pure defender. You see a lot of rash defending nowadays but he defends with great intelligence, he knows when to mark a man and when to mark space and understands the basic principles of defending.

"He is an outstanding leader and organizer in the team and to find someone with all those capabilities and who has the heart the size of a lion is very difficult. That type you won't find but you have to look for other types with other qualities and that is something we will have to do."

Ferdinand Backs Carragher To Enter Management

Manchester United defender has backed Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher as being the perfect candidate to enter management, following the 35-year-old’s announcement that he will retire at the end of the season.

Carragher released a statement earlier today announcing his decision to hang up his boots after over 700 appearances for the Reds since making his debut in 1997, immediately leading to individuals from the football universe heaping praise onto the 35-year-old, including the likes of Michael Owen, Gary Lineker and Robbie Fowler.

Ferdinand was quickly on the scene, tweeting, “Jamie Carragher has been a great servant to Lfc. Great player and top fella! Funny guy! Nutter when we were kids but management material now.”

Carragher brought an end to speculation surrounding his future at Anfield earlier today through a statement which read, "This will be my last season at Liverpool and my last as a professional footballer.

"I'm making this announcement now because I don't want the manager or the club to be answering questions on my future when I've already decided what I am going to do.

"I will be fully committed between now and the end of the season to doing the very best for Liverpool Football Club, as I've done my entire career since joining aged just nine-years-old.”

Yesil Reportedly Injured During Friendly

There's no official news as of yet, but widespread reports and rumors on Twitter and the like that young German striker Samed Yesil has torn his ACL while playing for the U19s, which would mean a long layoff for a player that seemed to be finding his level after joining the U21s.

His stint with the senior squad earlier in the season was clearly too much too soon--by the player's own admission, it would be two to three years before he was ready to contribute on a consistent basis, but the failures of the summer transfer window meant that he had to serve in emergency duty in domestic and cup competition. He wasn't terrible, but it was a bridge too far to expect him to have a huge impact so soon.

If the news turns out true--and it's worth reiterating that we really don't know just yet--it's an unfortunate turn, particularly given the slate on offer for the youngsters this spring. Between the NextGen tie with Sporting and the run-in of the U21 Premier League, he'd be getting regular match action in meaningful(ish) matches. If that can't be the case, it's extremely disappointing, and hopefully he's able to make a full recovery from whatever injury he's incurred in a match that means absolutely nothing.

Marsh: I'm Not Surprised By Andre's Gesture

Mike Marsh believes Andre Wisdom's decision to head straight to the Academy immediately after signing a new contract with Liverpool is indicative of the grounded personalities being instilled into the club's home-grown starlets.

The defender penned a new long-term deal with the Reds in January at Melwood and as the ink was still drying on the papers, he headed back to the club's youth complex in Kirkby to show his gratitude for all the work the coaches and staff there put in during his development.

Marsh told Liverpoolfc.com: "It just shows you the input and work he's done at the Academy with all the coaches in his development. It's nice for him to go back and share his pride at being offered a long-term contract with the first team and thank the people who worked with him.

"It's a very down-to-Earth club and I'd have been surprised if Andre hadn't gone down and thanked people. We've got a great link between the Academy and the first team here at Melwood.

"There are a couple of role models for the Academy lads here - the likes of Andre, Conor Coady, Raheem, Suso, Flanno and Robbo. There are a lot of them.

"We had four lads from the Academy up here training with the group this week, and so there are incentives for them to get up to Melwood - and there are people here who can say to them if you do well and continue going in the right direction daily, there's a chance for them to come up to Melwood permanently."

Liverpool Defender Commits Future To Anfield

Martin Kelly has committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long term contract at the club.

The 22-year-old, who is currently out of action after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United back in September, was delighted to extend his stay at the club he has supported from a young age.

"I'm delighted to sign. It means everything to me and my family,” Kelly told Liverpool’s official website. “I've been at Liverpool since I was seven, so it's in my heart and I love the club.

"When you play in the Liverpool shirt, you have to show the fans what it means. I just love playing and trying my hardest for the supporters and for my family."

The product of Liverpool’s academy has made 54 appearances for the Reds since making his debut against Lyon during Liverpool’s Champions League campaign back in October 2009.

The news of a young defender committing himself to a long term future at Anfield comes days after Jamie Carragher announced his decision to retire at the end of the season.

Rodgers On Kelly Commitment

Brendan Rodgers today outlined the characteristics which can help Martin Kelly become a valuable member of the Liverpool squad after the young defender signed a fresh contract extension with the Reds.

The right-back put pen to paper on a deal to extend his stay at Anfield on Friday, the latest in an increasing line of players who have committed their future to the club since the arrival of Rodgers, who spoke of his pleasure at the news.

Asked by reporters at Melwood about the 22-year-old's contract, the boss enthused: "Martin Kelly has shown a commitment to our vision here.

"He's a young player that really impressed me when I came in. He's got a great manner about him off the field, he's low maintenance, he wants to work, he's professional - and he was exceptionally good in the games that he played early on in the season."

Kelly has been sidelined for the majority of the 2012-13 campaign after suffering a knee injury against Manchester United at Anfield - and Rodgers explained that no date has been set for his return.

"His rehabilitation is coming along very well, he's getting stronger in his legs," the Northern Irishman continued.

"He's doing a lot of work on his upper body as well. There's no timeframe on his return but he's worked hard."

Expanding on the theme, the discussion at the club's training complex turned to the heart of Liverpool's defence and the idea that Kelly could one day form a partnership with fellow talent Andre Wisdom.

Just 24 hours after Jamie Carragher announced that he will no longer be part of the Liverpool backline after the end of the season, Rodgers admitted the future for both aspiring defenders is exciting.

Rodgers On Financial Fair Play

Brendan Rodgers fully agrees with a new Barclays Premier League initiative which will limit the losses any of its member clubs are allowed to record.

In a move which aims to improve financial stability among the league's 20 teams, each side must adhere to wage bill regulations and abide by a maximum loss total of £105million across the three seasons from 2013 to 2016.

The Liverpool manager was asked for his opinion on the incoming rules during a press briefing on Friday, and gave his complete backing to the policy.

"For me, it's a good idea," Rodgers told reporters.

"We certainly wouldn't want to see one or two clubs who have got a lot more finance than anyone else run away with it.

"We've seen in the last couple of years, clubs that we would consider to be massive clubs and institutions in the game going bankrupt and struggling.

"That's not anything we want to see. It can happen.

"It's very important for the fair play and the competition itself, that there's a playing field that we all feel we can compete in.

"Once that kicks in over the next two or three years, it will be good for the game."

Benítez Surprised Liverpool Game Under Scrutiny

Rafael Benítez said he was "surprised" to learn that Liverpool's Champions League group game victory over Debrecen four years ago, a match he oversaw while manager at Anfield, had come under suspicion as part of Europol's investigation into match-fixing.

The Hungarian club has confirmed their goalkeeper, Vukasin Poleksic, had been questioned by Uefa having been approached by fixers before the game at Anfield, which Liverpool won 1-0 with a Dirk Kuyt's goal. No player or official involved with the game has been disciplined for any offence relating to it though Poleksic was banned for two years in 2010 by Uefa for failing to report an approach from match-fixers involving Debrecen's 4-3 defeat to Fiorentina in October 2009, a month after the Anfield tie.

Rob Wainwright, the director of Europol, the European Union's law-enforcement agency, had told a news conference on Monday that a total of 425 match officials, club officials, players, and serious criminals, from more than 15 countries, were suspected of being involved in attempts to fix matches, with 380 games under suspicion.

"I'm surprised, though it was nothing to do with [Liverpool]," Benítez said. "We went out to win the game, and we did. I didn't remember [anything suspicious]. It was a game we had to win, and we approached it to do just that. The fact it was 1-0 means it was quite difficult. I think that it's fantastic that the investigation is taking place, analyzing those 300-odd games. If they find something then OK. If not, even better. But it's important to clarify things. I'm very happy with that."

Luis Suarez Keen To Discuss New Anfield Contract

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez insists Liverpool can still qualify for next season's Champions League and is keen to talk about a contract extension with the club either this summer or next.

Suarez signed an improved deal, which runs until 2018, last August but he is reportedly a target for incoming Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola when the transfer window reopens.

Asked by Spanish radio station Marca if Liverpool should talk about his future in the summer, he said: ''Yes, we should talk this June or the next one, in 2014. My contract ends in 2018.

''I'm very happy here and my family love the life here too.

''I want to enjoy being at this club where I, like all the kids, dreamed of playing and now I'm fulfilling that dream.

''I'm very pleased and very happy because Liverpool is growing.

''It's not the team that it once was as they have had a dip but now we have a new coach, who has a philosophy of the game with which the players are very happy.

''The only thing missing is to have more positive results so we can finish in a Champions League spot.

''We would like to qualify for the Champions League if possible.

''We are young and growing as a team and when the players mature, we will be stronger.''

Brendan Rodgers' side put in probably their best performance of the season in the 2-2 draw at champions Manchester City on Sunday.

Despite failing to beat any team in the top 10 so far Suarez believes performances against their major rivals, which have all been closely contested affairs this campaign, have provided optimism for the future.

''We showed we can match anyone – we had chances to win many of those matches,'' he said.

''If we go into every game in the Premier League with the same intensity that we've shown in the big matches we can be much higher in the table.

Gerrard Leads England To Brazil Win

Liverpool and England skipper Steven Gerrard spearheaded the Three Lions to only their fourth ever success over the samba stars of Brazil on Wednesday night.

Both the midfielder, who earlier this week was named his country's Player of the Year, and right-back Glen Johnson completed the full 90 minutes as goals from Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard sealed a famous 2-1 win at Wembley.

The hosts last tasted victory against the South Americans back in 1990 when Gary Lineker scored the only goal and you have to go back a further seven years for the last instance of an England side scoring twice against Brazil.

The evening saw Chelsea's Ashley Cole become the seventh player to reach 100 caps for England; a feat Gerrard achieved in the previous fixture against Sweden.

One-time Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson was delighted with his team's display, telling reporters after the game: "I am very pleased with the way the players went about their business. I don't think we stole anything.

"Apart from a somewhat mad spell at the start of the second half when we conceded the equalizer by running the ball out from the back and then a bad backpass and a kick out gave them a second opportunity, I thought we dealt with the questions Brazil asked and posed plenty of our own."

Jamie Carragher Will Hang Up His Boots

Jamie Carragher will retire from football at the end of the season, the club have announced.

Carragher, who use to be an Everton fan, joined the Reds in 1994 as a trainee has made 723 appearances to date since making debut in 1997 in a League Cup tie against Middlesborough.

"This will be my last season at Liverpool and my last as a professional footballer,” he told liverpoolfc.com

"I'm making this announcement now because I don't want the manager or the club to be answering questions on my future when I've already decided what I am going to do.

"I will be fully committed between now and the end of the season to doing the very best for Liverpool Football Club, as I've done my entire career since joining aged just nine-years-old.

"It has been a privilege and an honour to represent this great club for as long as I have and I am immensely proud to have done so and thankful for all the support I have had. There are many memories I want to share and people to thank, but now is not the time for that.

"I won't be making any further comment on this decision until the end of the season; all our focus and concentration should be on achieving the best possible finish in the league this season and trying to win the last remaining trophy we are competing in."

Rodgers: Carragher Has Big Role To Play

Brendan Rodgers believes Jamie Carragher can still write another significant chapter in his Liverpool story before calling time on a glittering playing career at the end of this season.

The boss was reacting to news that the 35-year-old will be leaving the club this summer, ending a first-team career at Anfield that has spanned 16 years.

Carragher broke back into the first team last month when Norwich was dispatched 5-0 at Anfield and has retained his place at the expense of Martin Skrtel.

And Rodgers envisages Carragher having a big part to play for the remainder of this campaign.

"Jamie has been absolutely outstanding for me since I joined the club," he said. "He has been a model professional on and off the pitch and has shown an unswerving commitment to our work.

"We still have a lot to play for as we look to finish as high up the Barclays Premier League as possible and continue our progression in the Europa League, a competition we'd like to win.

"He will have a significant role to play for us between now and May and I know his commitment and dedication on the pitch will remain as it has done his entire career at Liverpool.

"Jamie's focus is always on doing what is best for the team and he has said he doesn't want any distractions while there are still important matches to be played and won.

"But when the time is right we, as a team and a club, will give the man the tribute and recognition he deserves; I know the supporters will want to say thank you to someone who has served them with such distinction for so long."

Agger Rejects Brondby Payment

Liverpool's Daniel Agger has offered former club Brondby a helping hand by turning down a payment from the cash-strapped Danish side.

Agger joined Liverpool from Brondby in 2006 and last September, his former side was ordered to pay a lump sum to all current and former players as result of the club choosing not to pay supplementary holiday pay, pensions as well as other benefits since 2004.

Brondby has suffered a decline both financially and on the pitch in recent years and Agger hopes that his gesture can help them out.

"I am not going to claim any money from the club. The club is in trouble and needs help. And I want to help. I hope a lot of other people are interested in helping too," He told Ekstra Bladet.

"Brondby is an important club, not just in football, but also for a lot of people in the local community. It is a huge organization with a huge network. You can tell by the amount of people showing up to the games. They are a huge deal in all of Denmark."

However, although Agger hopes other players will follow his lead in waiving the fee, he says that he won't look down on anyone who chooses to accept the money owed.

"They are fully entitled to their money. But, I hope a lot of players will review their decision to claim this money. It won't be good for anyone if Brondby is not to be found in the best Danish division." He said.

Borini On Fiorentina Radar

Liverpool’s Fabio Borini is on the summer transfer wish-list of Serie A side Fiorentina, reports La Nazione.

The Italian international, who scored the winner in the Under-21 game against Germany on Wednesday, has a major admirer in Viola sporting director Daniele Prade.

According to reports, Prade has already made contact with the Anfield outfit about a player who only left Roma for England in the summer.

Borini, 21, who cost the Premiership giants around €13m, has had an injured-affected first season with The Reds.

The forward, part of Italy’s Euro 2012 squad, broke a bone in his foot in October. He returned to action last month.

Borini Not Interested In Fiorentina Move

Fabio Borini will not be moving to Fiorentina in the summer says his agent.

Borini signed for Liverpool in the summer but the Italian has struggled to find his best form since the move, which has lead to rumours that he may seek a return to the Serie A.

But Borini's representative has moved to rubbish such reports, with the 21-year-old fully focused on being a success in the Premier League and justifying the faith shown in him by Liverpool.

Marco De Marchi told firenzeviola.it, "I have never been contacted by Fiorentina and I have nothing to suggest they are interested.

"Fabio is happy to play for Liverpool, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, and is happy with his experience in the Premier League.

"A return to Italy? Fabio is 21 years old and has already changed teams five times. He is tied to Liverpool until 2017.

"If the reported interest from Fiorentina is true, then we should thank them as they are a club that has focused on the nurturing of young talent, but I haven't discussed this with Fabio.

"He is just back from an injury and his season starts now. His mind is wholly focused on Liverpool."

Liverpool Want Ben Arfa Included In Carroll Deal

Liverpool want to use Hatem Ben Arfa as a make weight for any deal that will see Andy Carroll rejoin Newcastle in the summer.

The French international has missed much of the season through injury but over his time at the Magpies he has convinced Reds boss Brendan Rodgers enough to take him to Anfield according to the Daily Mail.

Although the winger did not seek an exit during the January transfer window his affiliation with the club is likely to be put under further pressure despite the fact Newcastle brought in six French players during January.

Ben Arfa has previously stated a desire to play for the rich, Qatari-backed club Paris Saint-Germain.

Carroll has been on loan at West Ham after the £35million signing found it hard to make a mark at Anfield.

He has scored twice in 12 appearances for the Hammers so far, the latest coming on Saturday when he headed the winner against Swansea having returned the side following a two-month injury lay-off.

Sturridge Eyes Rapid Return

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is hoping to be fit for next Monday's Barclays Premier League clash with West Brom at Anfield.

Sturridge has been forced to pull out of the England squad for this week's friendly against Brazil at Wembley with a thigh problem.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Sunday, a game in which he also netted his fourth goal since joining Liverpool from Chelsea last month.

"I got a knock on my quad and I'm going to get a scan on it," he told the club's official website. "Hopefully it's not too serious and I'll be okay for next week's game."

Sturridge was injured in the first half at the Etihad Stadium but played on until being replaced in the 89th minute. He reported for international duty but a decision was made to withdraw after speaking to manager Roy Hodgson.

Liverpool now hopes victory over the Baggies can keep them in contention for a place in the top four.

The point against the champions came after another 2-2 draw at Arsenal - two encouraging results from which the Reds believe they could have claimed even more.