Sunday, May 17, 2009

Premier League Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs. Liverpool


When West Bromwich Albion crashed to a 4-2 defeat against Manchester City midway through April, it seemed that their Premier League season was officially a write-off. Dead last, nine points from safety, they were destined for an instant return to the Championship.

However, three games and two victories later, the Black Country outfit are still kicking. Having grabbed a surprise 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic last time out, they are now three points shy of 17th-placed Newcastle United (albeit with a considerably inferior goal difference) heading into the final two rounds of the campaign.

But whilst Newcastle face Fulham, Middlesbrough host Aston Villa and Hull City take on Bolton Wanderers this weekend, West Brom must attempt to slay a hugely in-form Liverpool side - a task which Tony Mowbray thinks his team are well capable of.

The Baggies boss said, "They have lost two games this season, one of those was against Middlesbrough, a team who are on the same number of points as us. We can take a little bit of belief from the fact that you can catch them on a day when they are not quite at it for whatever reason."

Mowbray and his men might be in luck, as results elsewhere could see Albion up against a team that have nothing left to play for.

Liverpool are presently perched in second place, but their dreams of ending a 19-year wait for the league title could be shattered before they even set out for the Hawthorns.

With their midweek win over Wigan Athletic, Manchester United jumped out to a six-point lead atop the standings. Thus, if they manage a draw or better against Arsenal on Saturday, they will clinch a third consecutive crown, dooming their north west rivals to another trophyless season.

Nevertheless, Rafael Benitez and his troops have not given up the ghost as they prepare for their trip to the West Midlands. The gaffer revealed this week that he was targeting victory in both of the club's remaining games, regardless of whether they are still in the hunt or not, but he acknowledged that West Brom would be no pushovers.

Benitez said, "It will be difficult because when you play against a team who are battling against relegation it is hard, but it is always tough in the Premier League. They are a team who like to play football. It's a pity they are a team at the bottom of the table because they have always tried to play good football."

The stats are in Liverpool's favour, though, as they have a 100 per cent record against the Baggies in the Premier League - seven meetings, seven wins and some 22 goals in the process.


FORM GUIDE

West Bromwich Albion

May 9 West Brom 3-1 Wigan
May 2 Tottenham 1-0 West Brom
Apr 25 West Brom 3-0 Sunderland
Apr 19 Man City 4-2 West Brom
Apr 11 Portsmouth 2-2 West Brom

Liverpool

May 9 West Ham 0-3 Liverpool
May 3 Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle
Apr 25 Hull City 1-3 Liverpool
Apr 21 Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal
Apr 14 Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool (Champions League)


TEAM NEWS

West Bromwich Albion

Scott Carson is hoping to reclaim his place in goal after recovering from a hand problem, but Dean Kiely's impressive efforts against Wigan could see the ex-Red benched.

Mowbray has a less friendly dilemma at left-back. Both Paul Robinson (ankle) and Marek Cech (cramp) are struggling for fitness. Centre-back Abdoulaye Meite is out with a hamstring injury.

James Morrison could also miss out. The Scotland midfielder is still suffering from a lingering heel problem.

Probable XI: Kiely; Zuiverloon, Martis, Olsson, Cech; Koren, Valero, Greening, Brunt; Menseguez, Fortune.

Liverpool

The Merseysiders have been boosted by the news that Xabi Alonso should return in midfield, having missed last weekend's victory over West Ham United with ankle trouble.

Otherwise, few changes are expected from the team that won 3-0 at Upton Park. However, if the title race comes to an end on Saturday afternoon, Benitez may start Sami Hyypia, who will leave for Bayer Leverkusen this summer after ten years of loyal service to the Kop.

Probable XI: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio; Mascherano, Alonso; Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun; Torres.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

West Bromwich Albion

The Baggies will have to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool's mighty midfield if they are to pull off their eye-pleasing passing game, and that means plenty of work for Borja Valero. The Spaniard was in fine form against Wigan last weekend, breaking up and constructing moves with equal efficiency.

Liverpool

Despite having a penalty saved, Steven Gerrard netted twice as the Reds routed West Ham last time out. Recently named the FWA Footballer of the Year, he is the man you would expect to step up and take charge.

Rafa Hoping To Kop Car


Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wants Carlos Tevez – but he isn’t prepared to blow all of his transfer budget on the Argentinian striker.

Manchester United’s reluctance to turn their temporary capture of the popular Tevez into a permanent £26million deal has alerted other clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Benitez would love nothing more than to snatch Tevez away from bitter rivals United.

The Spaniard’s hands are tied, however, when it comes to his spending power, even though a truce has been called between warring co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

Even if Liverpool were able to negotiate a fee of £20m for Tevez, it would leave Benitez with precious little cash for other transfer targets.

Sacrificing midfielder Xabi Alonso, who almost left for Juventus last summer, is an option but a large proportion of the cash from that deal is earmarked for bringing in Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

Gerrard Confident Of Title Glory


Steven Gerrard has the taste for winning the Premier League title - and believes Liverpool now have the necessary experience to claim top spot.

The Reds have pushed Manchester United all the way this season but had to admit defeat when United picked up a point from a 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Saturday to seal a third successive crown.

Gerrard expects manager Rafael Benitez to add to his squad this summer and is optimistic about their chances for next term.

The 28-year-old told The People: "The couple of signings the manager will make this summer are really key to us getting over that final hurdle, because we know that maybe with a couple of per cent more we could have won it this time.

"This is the first time I've been involved in a title race that has lasted the distance and the buzz of running United really close has been so enjoyable that I want more of it.

"I'll have certain regrets when the season ends but I don't normally like looking back, to be honest.

"This time I'm going to use the experience to drive me on and try to win the title over the next few years. We certainly have the ability, as we've shown this year.

"It's a hard league to win and it's taught me that you do need the experience of being in title races to win them. I think because Chelsea and United both have that experience, maybe that's where we've come unstuck.

"Sometimes you just have to go for it and take big risks to win the kind of games that we have drawn. But we've learned a lot and I think next year could be our year - I'm really confident about that."

Gerrard has so far been a one-club player, and he expects it to stay that way.

The England midfielder agreed a two-year extension to his current deal last month, keeping him at the club until 2013.

He continued: "I am on the verge of signing it now, there are just a couple of minor details, so I am hoping I can sign it before I go off on my holidays.

"This is a big contract for me and it's likely to be my final one. It takes me to 33 but I feel I'm in the prime of my footballing career at the moment.

"I feel confident and strong and I feel really good when I'm out on the pitch. The aim for me now is to stay fit for the next four years and try to play as many games as I can and win as many trophies as I can.

"I'm getting greedy when it comes to winning trophies because I know I have to win as many as I can before it's too late."

This season has been far from smooth off the pitch with Gerrard facing a probable July court appearance after an incident in a Southport bar.

He added: "I've had to deal with a situation this season that's been difficult and if that had happened to me four or five years ago, it would have affected my form, I've no doubts about that.

"But, with age, experience and maturity, I have learned to park my problems or things on my mind until after a game. I have learned to deal with it in my own way and get on with life."

Javi Martinez Is Kop Target


Athletic Bilbao’s midfield sensation Javi Martinez is a summer target for Liverpool.

The Spain Under-21 star, 20, has a £24million buy-out clause but the Basque club will do business for closer to £12m.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has kept an eye on the rangy playmaker's meteoric rise to first-team regular and sent his spies to watch Martinez in Wednesday's 4-1 Spanish Cup final loss to Barcelona.

Rafa is also looking to recruit Shrewsbury No 2 John McMahon for his coaching staff.

He is the brother of Kop legend Steve and has impressed in developing young talent.

On-Loan Portsmouth Midfielder Jermaine Pennant Uncertain Where Future Lies


Jermaine Pennant has admitted that he is not sure where he will be plying his trade come the start of the 2009-10 campaign.

The right-sided winger is currently on loan at south coast club Portsmouth from Premier League rivals Liverpool until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old's contract at Anfield is set to expire this summer so he will be able to join any prospective suitors on a free transfer during the close-season.

The former Arsenal star seems to have no future with the Reds, and though he was linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Italian outfit Milan during the January transfer window, he says nothing has been decided yet.

"Next season I'm out of contract so we'll have to see what happens," Pennant told Sky Sports.

"I've got a battle on my hands at the minute with Portsmouth fighting relegation.

"When that's over we take a break and then we'll take it from there."

Since arriving at Fratton Park in January, Pennant has made 13 appearances for Pompey and has not ruled out joining them on a permanent basis.

"It's always going to be an option. I've enjoyed my time there," Pennant remarked.

"I've had a very hard season, but next season we'll see what happens.

"I'm all ears and I'm ready to talk to people."

Steven Gerrard: I've Grown Up And Learned How To Deal With My Problems

Steven Gerrard has opened his heart on a season of personal turmoil and glory - and confessed he couldn't have coped with his court case hell four years ago.

Liverpool skipper Gerrard, named Football Writers' Footballer of the Year after an outstanding season pursuing Manchester United, has revealed vast reserves of mental strength in blocking out a probable July court appearance after an incident in a Southport bar.

Many stars would have buckled under the pressure of having to perform at the highest level and maintain Liverpool's title dream.

But Gerrard managed to sideline his personal anguish and deliver top class performances which helped keep the pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson's men until the end of the campaign.

And now, in his first major interview, Gerrard reveals: WHAT gave him the inner strength to survive his court case nightmare.

Why he will sign a new four-year deal in the coming weeks.

How he is consulted by Kop boss Rafa Benitez on transfer decisions.

Where he is happiest playing in the current Liverpool line-up.

Speaking of his legal trauma, Gerrard said: "I've had to deal with a situation this season that's been difficult and if that had happened to me four or five years ago, it would have affected my form, I've no doubts about that.

"But with age, experience and maturity I have learned to park my problems or things on my mind until after a game. I have learned to deal with it in my own way and get on with life.

"I am really pleased I'm at the age now where if there is a problem or something's not going right I can park it to one side and deal with it.

"I have had to be professional and even more focused and I have to thank my manager Rafa and my team-mates for helping me get through this season because it hasn't been easy.

"And that's why I am really pleased with myself for the way I have dealt with it and how I haven't let it affect my football.

"Four or five years ago I had a situation where my mum and dad split up and I wasn't enjoying training and it affected my form.

"Certain other little things down the years have affected me too, and I am only human.

"I've come into work and brought the problems with me - both to the training ground and on to the pitch. I've not been able to deal with it - but this time around, with age and maturity I've learned to cope."

Gerrard's reward for a season which put Liverpool within touching distance of their first League title in 19 years will be a new four-year deal that he'll sign within days.

The Liverpool captain said: "I am on the verge of signing it now, there are just a couple of minor details, so I am hoping I can sign it before I go off on my holidays.

"This is a big contract for me and it's likely to be my final one. It takes me to 33 but I feel I'm in the prime of my footballing career at the moment. I feel confident and strong and I feel really good when I'm out on the pitch. The aim for me now is to stay fit for the next four years and try to play as many games as I can and win as many trophies as I can. I'm getting greedy when it comes to winning trophies because I know I have to win as many as I can before it's too late.''

Gerrard is always kept in the loop at Anfield on major team decisions - and he's excited at the prospect of Liverpool's summer transfer activity.

He said: "The couple of signings the manager will make this summer are really key to us getting over that final hurdle, because we know that maybe with a couple of per cent more we could have won it this time.

"This is the first time I've been involved in a title race that has lasted the distance and the buzz of running United really close has been so enjoyable that I want more of it.

"I'll have certain regrets when the season ends but I don't normally like looking back, to be honest. This time I'm going to use the experience to drive me on and try to win the title over the next few years. We certainly have the ability, as we've shown this year.

"It's a hard league to win and it's taught me that you do need the experience of being in title races to win them. I think because Chelsea and United both have that experience, maybe that's where we've come unstuck.

"Sometimes you just have to go for it and take big risks to win the kind of games that we have drawn. But we've learned a lot and I think next year could be our year - I'm really confident about that."

Gerrard's big aim is to stop United's trophy-winning juggernaut and he's confident now that Benitez has committed his future to Anfield that the pieces are falling into place.

"Rafa signing has definitely had an impact, '' said Gerrard. "If you see our form and the way we have played since he signed the new deal, it has given everyone a big lift and that is what this club is all about - togetherness.

"We don't like picking up the papers and reading about Liverpool involved in off-the-field stuff like contracts, owners and negotiations.

"I have been involved in that myself and it's not what we want here. We want togetherness, continuity - and that will bring out the best in the team.''

And will the Kop skipper continue in his second striker role next season? "I hope so because I've loved playing this role behind Fernando Torres this season,'' admitted Gerrard.

"Credit must go to the manager because he's seen the strengths of my game and has utilised them to the benefit of the team. Fernando has also been key to that.

"He stretches defenders, he's very direct and he runs in behind, which gives me a lot of space behind him. And with two holding midfielders behind me it gives me licence to do what I like doing, which is bursting forward and getting into attacking positions. I've had to work at certain roles and the manager has helped me not be selfish and only want to play in one position.

"If I was to say 'no, I only want to play in this position' I could find myself on the bench for England and not playing the way I want to at Liverpool. Rafa has told me to learn to play in different positions. I'm benefiting from that now."

Lucas: Gerrard Has Been Superb


Steven Gerrard will lead out Liverpool for the first time as Footballer of the Year at West Brom on Sunday.

The Anfield skipper won the Football Writers' award this week, but will no doubt now be expecting to take the field at The Hawthorns knowing that Liverpool's title bid has failed.

Manchester United are likely to wrap up their third successive title and their 11th Premier League crown by at least taking a point from their home game with Arsenal 24 hours earlier.

But Gerrard will be proud that he has been the driving inspiration behind Liverpool's season, a fact echoed by young Brazilian midfielder Lucas.

Lucas said: "For me it is not a surprise he has won the award because he has been superb all season.

"We know how important he is to this team and Liverpool - for me Stevie is one of the best players in the world. I think only two or three players are maybe at the same level as him so he deserves all the credit.

"I have been at Liverpool for two years now and I have learned a lot from Stevie.

"Every day I watch him in training and you can see just what a world class player he is. He gives 100% always in training and I learn a lot of things every day from him."

Explaining his own dreams, Lucas added: "We all know Liverpool is a big club with magnificent support and we want to work as hard as we can to help Liverpool win titles.

"I came to Liverpool to try to make history. We still have a chance to win the league, but if we do not win it this year then hopefully next season will be even better."

On Thursday night Gerrard was guest of honour at the Hillsborough memorial charity match at Anfield between a Kenny Dalglish XI and an All-Stars team.

Gerrard was introduced to both sets of players before the game and given a rapturous ovation from the fans.

He said: "Being guest of honour capped a great couple of days for me.

"It was a fantastic occasion, a fitting tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough 20 years ago and also a chance to help the Marina Dalglish appeal which is obviously a really good cause."

Liverpool will have midfielder Xabi Alonso back at West Brom following an ankle injury, having missed last week's victory at West Ham, their eighth victory in nine league matches.

Forlan Happy To Stay


Striker Diego Forlan has given Atletico Madrid a major boost ahead of Sunday's must-win clash against Valencia by pledging his commitment to the club beyond the end of the season.

The 29-year-old former Manchester United forward has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer, but he insists he is happy in the Spanish capital and is focused on securing Atletico a place in next season's Champions League.

"There are always rumours that I will leave in the newspapers," said Forlan, whose last-minute winner against Espanyol last weekend ensured Atletico moved back to within a point of fourth-placed Valencia.

"I am very happy though, I have a contract here and I want to qualify for the Champions League," he added in AS.

"The talk about signings is something that you [the press] do for the likes of Real Madrid.

"We are only thinking about the game against Valencia, which we have to do well in if we are to reach the Champions League. I'm very pleased to be at a great team like Atletico Madrid."

Forlan has bagged 27 league goals this season - one behind Primera Division top scorer Samuel Eto'o - and his double last Sunday, the first of which was a left-foot screamer from 25 yards, could prove vital.

He is delighted with his tally, adding: "I will enjoy the moment I'm in as to have scored more than 25 goals is something very good."

Los Rojiblancos must pip Valencia to fourth place to claim a berth in the qualifying stages of the Champions League and, with three games remaining, midfielder Maxi Rodriguez knows what they have to do.

"We know what we are playing for and we cannot fail," he told Marca. "We must look at this game as the opportunity to beat our direct rivals and to try and get into the Champions League places."

Sir Alex Ferguson Questions Steven Gerrard's Player-Of-Year Accolade


Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly questioned Steven Gerrard's credentials for winning the Football Writers' Association player of the year award ahead of Manchester United's candidates.

While Gerrard took 73 of the votes, 10 higher than Ryan Giggs, the winner of the Professional Footballers' Association award, he was the only Liverpool player to win more than one nomination, whereas almost half the vote went to Old Trafford players. Wayne Rooney was in third place with 36, whereas Ferguson's own choice, Nemanja Vidic, received 12, Rio Ferdinand had six, Cristiano Ronaldo three and Michael Carrick two.

"The fact that we had six players in there didn't do them any good because the vote has been split," said Ferguson. ­"Steven Gerrard is a terrific player in his own right and you can't deny the lad his position in the game but, from the Manchester United perspective, I thought Vidic had a great chance this year. His form has been magnificent all season."

"I don't think we should be too disappointed about it [the FWA award]," he said. "When we won the Treble in 1999 none of our players won the award then either. The more important thing for us is what we actually win as a team. That's far better and more rewarding for us."

Ferguson might be amused to learn that Fernando Torres received the same number of votes (one) as Manchester City's Richard Dunne, but Ferdinand's injury was clearly weighing on the manager's mind. "The player we'd like better news on is Rio," he admitted. "I'm sure he'll be fit for the final but it's one of these calf niggles that usually take 10 days to two weeks. He should be fit for next Sunday's game against Hull."

Ferguson was unwilling to speak in detail about the issue of Carlos Tevez's future.

"I said months ago that I'm fed up talking about players' contracts and I'm not getting into it. David Gill [the chief executive] met with them [Tevez's representatives] on Wednesday and they discussed the avenue in which Carlos would stay at Manchester United. End of story." It has emerged that Real Madrid made an offer for the Argentinian four months ago, an approach that was rejected. Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic said: "We have spoken since with his representatives but he's informed us he wants to stay in England. Carlos says it is important to his family to stay in England so it seems he will either stay with Manchester United or find another club."

Segura Named Reds Academy Manager

Former Olympiacos boss and Barcelona coach Jose Segura has been appointed Liverpool academy technical manager.

The 48-year-old worked in Barcelona's youth system and with Barca's B team before winning the Greek league and cup double with Olympiacos last year.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said: "We've worked hard to bring in the best people and Jose is a great appointment.

"He's worked with top young talent in Spain and knows the challenges faced in bringing players through."

Segura will succeed Piet Hamberg who leaves at the end of the season.

"He's also got experience at the top after his success with Olympiacos and I'm delighted that he's agreed to join us," Benitez added.

Rafa Benitez: If Gerrard & Torres Had Been Fit, Liverpool Would've Won Premier League

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has intimated that they would have secured the Premier League title by now had Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres not been stricken with injuries throughout the season.

The Reds have not been ruled out of the race for the title just yet, but Manchester United need just one point from their two remaining fixtures to retain the championship for a third successive year following a 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic on Wednesday which puts them six points in the lead.

The Merseyside based outfit have lost only twice throughout the 2008/09 campaign, while the Red Devils have suffered defeat on four occasions.

Benitez has suggested that had has star men been fit and available to play together on more occasions, Liverpool might have converted some of their 11 draws into victories, and subsequently clinched the title.

"You cannot imagine if Gerrard and Torres had been fit all season where we would be now so it has been a good season but you know it could be better," the Spaniard told the club's official website.

Only Chelsea and Manchester United have conceded less goals than Liverpool this season, but Benitez feels it is unfair to label them a defensive team especially as they are the Premier League's top scorers.

"I don't think people realise how important it is to keep the balance," Benitez remarked.

"Because we are organised some people say we are not an attacking team. It's so clear we are an attacking team and a very good attacking team.

"I think it's always important to score goals, but to score 119 last year and now more than 100, I think it's very good. It's not just the strikers as we have a lot of players who have scored for us.

"That is very good and it means the team has a very good offensive mentality and we still keep the balance and defend well. That is important for winning."

Finally, the 49-year-old cited Manchester United's strength in depth in terms of squad numbers as the determining factor in the race for the Premier League title.

"It's strange but it also means United are a strong team and have a good team," Benitez stated, referring to the fact that Liverpool have lost less games and have a superior goal difference.

"They have a good squad which is important because when you are talking about the league you are talking about nine months."