Manchester United 3 - 0 LiverpooL

Champions Manchester United crushed 10-man Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford in a controversial north-west derby.

United took a firmer grip on top spot in the Premier League, but it was the performance of referee Steve Bennett - and Javier Mascherano's lack of control - which will be the talking point.

Mascherano, already booked, was dismissed just before the break for blatant dissent which earned him a second yellow card - and then the red.

The Argentinian had to be hauled from the pitch, such was his anger, and his boss Rafael Benitez was equally unhappy with the incident.

Wes Brown had scored his first goal of the season - and only the third of his career - to give United control at the break, before Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani netted inside the last 11 minutes as Liverpool tired.

But in a week which has seen football infuriated by Chelsea's Ashley Cole's escape from dissent aimed at referee Mike Riley, it was hardly surprising Bennett was having none of the same.

Cole should have been sent off at Tottenham in midweek - and Mascherano felt the backlash.

The midfielder had been snipping away at Bennett throughout the first period, ably assisted by Fernando Torres.

If television viewers could see the dismissal coming, Mascherano could not.

Torres had been booked for arguing seconds earlier, so when the midfielder continued the debate there was going to be only one winner. Mascherano was incensed, and had to be virtually pulled off the pitch.

United brought back goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and defender Rio Ferdinand after groin and back injuries respectively, while Paul Scholes and skipper Ryan Giggs also returned.

Liverpool were unchanged after seven straight victories - a run which was to end in the 150th league meeting between these clubs.

The opening tackles were sharp and Mascherano was booked for cutting down Scholes, before Wayne Rooney twice went close.

First the striker got behind Jamie Carragher, whose tackle could easily have produced a penalty had the former Everton man gone down. But the England striker kept his feet and forced Jose Reina into a save with his legs.

Then Scholes' lofted pass fell behind the Liverpool defence, and Reina scooped the ball away from Rooney.

Bennett decided not to book Anderson for a late challenge on Steven Gerrard, before Reina rushed out of his box quickly to clear the danger with Rooney homing in.

Ronaldo's shot hit the foot of a post before Reina half-stopped a 33rd-minute Giggs effort and needed to claw it back from under the bar.

The deadlock was broken a minute later when Rooney's curling cross into the box was met by the unlikely figure of Brown - who reached it before Reina and saw his header drop into the net.

Then Liverpool's frustrations with perceived injustices saw them implode.

First Torres was booked for dissent, and when Mascherano joined in Bennett produced another yellow - and then red.

Gerrard was pushed back into Mascherano's holding role for the second half, which started with Reina making a point-blank save to stop a Ronaldo effort.

Reina produced another improbable save from Rooney, six yards out, before Fabio Arbeloa became the next Liverpool player to be booked for tugging back Anderson.

Ferdinand was cautioned for a foul on Torres from behind, before Benitez sent on Yossi Benayoun for the ineffective Ryan Babel just before the half's midway mark.

Torres, clinical in recent matches, then missed a decent chance when Gerrard's free-kick found him unmarked at the far post.

United sent on Carlos Tevez and Nani for Giggs and Anderson after 73 minutes, and it took another wonder save from Reina to stop Tevez making it 2-0.

Liverpool were incensed by a Michael Carrick challenge on Torres - right in front of Benitez - which Bennett chose not to punish.

Reina denied Ronaldo with a block which hit the bar and went out for a corner - which proved decisive.

Nani's 79th-minute corner was headed home by Ronaldo - and two minutes later Nani created space for himself on the edge of the box to blast in the third.

A disgruntled Torres was immediately replaced by John Arne Riise - and there was no way back for Liverpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson felt his young Manchester United side found a new level of maturity as they beat Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford to stay in pole position in the Premier League.

Wes Brown was the unlikely scorer of United's first when he leapt to head in Wayne Rooney's cross and the visitors ended the first half with 10 men after Javier Mascherano was sent off for a second bookable offence after arguing with referee Steve Bennett.

Liverpool failed to make a period of second-half pressure tell, and Cristiano Ronaldo headed home the second from a corner in the 79th minute before Nani added a third two minutes later after good interplay with Rooney

Ferguson was hugely pleased with the display and told Sky Sports: 'It was a really good performance - a performance of maturity.

'We've seen a team mature over the last six months and today they hit their high peak.'

Asked to comment on the dismissal of Mascherano, the Scot added: 'He has been booked and kept badgering the referee. We've talked about dissent and I think that was dissent.'

Ferguson refused to accept the title was in the bag, and said: 'It's going to go right to the end, Chelsea and Arsenal going really well. We've beaten a strong Liverpool side playing good football.'

United striker Rooney said: 'It's always nice to beat Liverpool and it's opened up a bit of a gap now at the top of the league.

'I'm delighted with the win. I know the goals will come [for him personally] - I'm not too concerned with that.'

Asked whether he thought the red card was a turning point, Rooney said: 'We were always on top. The Liverpool players were tired at the end, but overall I don't think it would have made any difference.

'We know it's in our hands now - we have to try and win as many games as possible and stay top of the league. We've got a good mix in the dressing room and we know what we have to do between now and the end of the season.'

Rafael Benitez was adamant Mascherano had only asked Bennett why team-mate Fernando Torres had been booked.

The said: 'Clearly he didn't say anything. Ryan Babel was close to him, he didn't say anything, he was asking what happened.

'In these big games, to lose a player in this situation...it's strange because Javier Mascherano is a good professional and was really surprised with the sending-off.

Liverpool FC Rumour Mill: Anfield Moves For Bentley, Cattermole And Deco?

David Bentley is once again being linked with a move from Blackburn Rovers to Liverpool.

Web rumours say Rafa Benitez is confident of making Bentley a Liverpool player, so much so a £12million bid is being prepared for the 23-year-old.

However, if the rumours are to be belived, Atletico Madrid fancy their chances too.

Bentley could be a replacement for Harry Kewell, who looks set to leave in the summer.

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Another player Liverpool are being linked with by the web gossips is £5million Middlesbrough starlet Lee Catermole.

The England Under-21 international, a product of the Middlesbrough academy, signed a new four-year contract at the Riverside Stadium in early 2007.

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Liverpool are said to be chasing Deco, the Portugal international midfielder who plays to leave Barcelona in the summer.

DiarioSport says the Portugal international midfielder believes this will be his last season at the Nou Camp and is ready to move to England, though will seriously an offer from Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United or Liverpool have all been mentioned as potential destinations for Deco, who is currently getting his finances in order ahead of making a move out of Spain.

However, the midfielder also hasn't ruled out returning home to Brazil if the right European offer doesn't arrive.

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And finally, good news for Dirk Kuyt in the wake of Sundays’ 3-0 defeat at old Trafford - he could yet force his way into the Holland squad.

Holland boss Marco van Basten insists the door remains open to Liverpool striker Kuyt.

"Can he do something to return to the squad? Absolutely: play good football," Van Basten is quoted as saying.

"He must make such an impression at his club that we cannot ignore him.

"We must make choices and at the moment our choices are different. Other players are doing better.

"But if Dirk can make himself an important player for Liverpool, it could be that he returns to the national squad."

Rafa Defends Mascherano

Rafa Benitez admitted he was shocked by referee Steve Bennett's decision to send off Javier Mascherano in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

Mascherano was shown a second yellow card for dissent just a minute before half-time with the score at 1-0.

The Argentine approached Bennett after Fernando Torres had been cautioned but Benitez insists he was merely asking the referee what had happened and was not looking to cause any trouble.

Benitez accepts that Mascherano should have been more careful but feels the dismissal killed off any chance of a Liverpool comeback.

"Clearly he didn't say anything," Benitez told Sky Sports. "I asked Ryan Babel, who was close to him. He didn't say anything, he was asking what happened.

"In a big game like this between the top four, a sending-off for asking is just a surprise."

"I was trying to say to him to calm down. Everybody knows he is fantastic professional so I was disappointed and the player was surprised.

"The player was not saying anything apart from 'what happened?'

"I have talked to him and he knows he has made a mistake."

Benitez also defended goalkeeper Jose Reina, who was at fault for Wes Brown's goal and also Cristiano Ronaldo's.

"Sometimes keepers make mistakes. These things happen," said Benitez.

"The game had finished. We had a 15-minute spell in the second half when they were feeling the pressure, but then they scored the second goal."

We Are At Our Best – Fabio Aurelio

Fabio Aurelio believes Liverpool head into their Sunday showdown with Man United in their best form since he joined the club.

The Brazilian left-back insists Liverpool's seven game winning run should give them great confidence as they prepare to take on the Premier League table toppers at Old Trafford.

United moved three points clear at the top of the league in midweek thanks to a 2-0 win over Bolton in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored for the fourth successive game.

But Aurelio says the Reds will not be intimidated by Alex Ferguson's side and will arrive at Old Trafford tomorrow looking for the three points which would allow them to close the gap on the league leaders.

"We are playing very well at the moment and we have to take our recent form into this game," he said. "Obviously, United are a good team and it will be a tough test for us but we have confidence because we have won our last seven games.

"Our form is very good, I think we are playing as well now as we have at any time during the last couple of seasons, and if we play as well as we can against United then of course we have a chance.”

If Aurelio is selected he will come up against 33-goal Ronaldo – the only United player to score for Ferguson's side in their last four games – but he insists he is not daunted by that prospect.

"Obviously, Ronaldo is a good player," he said. "We know that and we know also that United have other good players so we will have to be prepared.

"But, like I said, we are playing well so we won't have any fears.

"The confidence we have at the moment is very important because it means that even if we go a goal down, like we did against Reading last week, we still have the belief that we can change the situation.

"We have some big games coming up and we have to be ready. We know that our form over the last few weeks will not matter unless we win our next games.

"So we have to keep on working hard and doing what we have been doing so we are able to fight against the top teams."

Despite having been off the pace for much of the season, Xabi Alonso believes a win against United would give Liverpool an outside chance of mounting a late title challenge.

He said: "Now we are entering the decisive moments of the season.

"To be champions is difficult but not impossible. We are developing a sensational run and we have not given up on anything.

"Our match against United is key. A victory at Old Trafford would open up our chances for the end of season and it would be a big blow in the Premier League for United.

"Our objective is to go to Manchester and win and it would not surprise me if we did. We are playing our best football of the season."

Tom Hicks’ Odds On To Quit Anfield

Given the amount of speculation doing the rounds, it was always going to be only a matter of time before the bookies offered odds on who Liverpool's owners will be in the future.

Paddy Power is the first to spot the gap in the market with a series of special bets now available for anyone who fancies a punt on whether Tom Hicks and George Gillett will still be in charge or DIC will see them off.

The odds on Hicks leaving Liverpool are:

2/1 - Before the end of the season

9/4 - During the summer

9/2 - During the start of next season and the end of 2008

5/1 - Between the start of 2009 and the end of the 2008/09 season

Liverpool are also 13/2 to win the Premiership in 2009 under DIC and it is 6/1 for them to break the world transfer record under DIC in 2008/09.

Paddy Power spokesman Darren Haines said: "We have had a lot of interest from our customers in the onwership situation at Liverpool so in response to this demand we have decided to open a book.

"Our hunch is that Hicks will eventually quit Liverpool and the only question is when, so the book reflects that."

No doubt, Paddy Power will be refusing any large wagers from backers in Texas and Dubai.

Rafa Benitez: Time To Settle Score Against Manchester United

If there is any danger of anyone connected with Liverpool becoming over-confident about their chances of beating Manchester United tomorrow, the mere mention of John O'Shea's name should be enough to burst their bubble.

The Irish international utility man remains the only player to have scored a league goal for Liverpool against United during Rafa Benitez's four-year reign as Reds boss.

The scrappy own goal O'Shea scored at Old Trafford in September 2004 will not live long in the memory for anyone who witnessed it, nor will it inspire too many dreams of daring deeds when Liverpool visit the home of their north west rivals tomorrow.

This will be Benitez's eighth attempt to get one over on Alex Ferguson in Premier League combat and he is hoping Liverpool's fortunes finally change after a run of hard luck stories in a fixture which he believes is one of the biggest in world football.

"Every game is a big game at this stage of the season," said the Spaniard.

"But United is a massive game because of the rivalry between the two clubs and the fans and the history of the two clubs. We will be trying to do our best.

"When you play against United, you know that you are playing against very good players.

“Always in games like this I say the same thing, the small details can make a big difference.

"We have been good against United in some games but we have not managed to get the result we have wanted.

"As a manager you must be disappointed because every game that we play against them we are really close so we need to win.

"I remember one game when (Djibril) Cisse had a good chance when it was 0-0 but could not score and United scored late on.

"Then, a couple of seasons ago we again had chances but could not score and we conceded a last minute goal from a Rio Ferdinand header.

"Sometimes it has come down to a little bit of luck and sometimes it has come down to the fact that they are a good team.

"We are playing well and we have confidence, so if the team keeps on playing as well it has been and working as hard as it has been, then I feel we have a chance of scoring and winning.

"I think we can beat them. It will be difficult, but we will do our best."

As befitting a team which has won its last seven games on the run, confidence is one commodity which is certainly not in short supply at Liverpool.

Throughout the week leading up to tomorrow's game, several Reds stars have spoken of their belief that they can go to Old Trafford and come away with all three points.

Their belief has of course been fuelled by the form of Fernando Torres who became the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler to score 20 league goals in a season.

The £20m striker is on the hottest of hot streaks, as evidenced by the fact that he now trails Cristiano Ronaldo – arguably the player of the season – by just four goals.

In one of the strange quirks of football, despite the fact that he is scoring against pretty much everyone else in the game at the moment, Ronaldo is yet to get his name on the scoresheet against Liverpool, the team, incidentally, he supported as a boy.

The pair go head-to-head in tomorrow's battle of the north west giants and Benitez says there is no reason why Torres' scoring streak cannot continue against United.

He said: "I have had a couple of players who have had runs like the one Torres is on at the moment.

"There was a player when I was manager at Extremadura who scored 24 goals in one season when the year before he had scored just one or two goals.

"Also, at Valencia there was Mista who also got 24, including 19 in the league, so sometimes you do have a player who is on fire and they go into almost every game believing they can score a goal.

"That is the situation now with Fernando but it is clear that he cannot score goals without the players around him.

"He could not have scored the goals he has scored without Gerrard close to him or Babel or Kuyt, or without the likes of Mascherano, Alonso and Lucas doing their jobs behind him."

With the 4-2-3-1 formation serving him so well in recent weeks, Benitez is unlikely to make any changes to the structure of his team and with no new injury worries, the line-up is expected to have a familiar look.

The only decision the Reds boss has to conjure with is whether or not to offer a recall to Sami Hyypia and move Jamie Carragher across to right back.

After all the controversy – much of it ill-judged – about rotation, the Liverpool team now has a settled look about it with several players making starting positions their own thanks to improved performance levels.

Torres' will be one of the first names on the team sheet and should his hot streak continue, he will rid his club of the spectre of John O'Shea.

But no doubt Rafa Benitez and his players couldn't care less if the Irishman put through his own goal once more – as long as it gave them the win they so desperately want.

Liverpool Boss Benitez Monitoring Boro Boy Cattermole - The Next Stevie G

Liverpool are monitoring the progress of Middlesbrough's midfield teenage prodigy Lee Cattermole.

Sportsmail understands that Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has instructed his scouts to take a look at the £5million-rated 19-year-old with a view to a summer swoop.

Benitez is believed to admire Cattermole's tough-tackling approach and, wary of the need for an even bigger squad next season when he will be able to name seven substitutes, the Spanish manager appears keen to add some young, British talent to his multi-national squad.

Talismanic captain Steven Gerrard, 27, has about five years left before his legs will bring an end to his box-to-box game and Cattermole could use that time to learn from - and eventually fill the boots of - the England star.

Teesside-born Cattermole is one of an increasing line of talented youngsters to emerge from Middlesbrough's impressive Academy system.

England head coach Fabio Capello this week called up Cattermole's Boro team-mates Stewart Downing, 23, and David Wheater, 21, to his second full England squad.

That news was reportedly greeted with much celebration at the Riverside but Liverpool's interest in one of their rising stars will surely provoke a less warm welcome on Teesside.

Cattermole made his Boro debut in the Tyne-Tees derby against Newcastle United on January 2, 2006, and has since made 60 appearances, scoring three goals. He has been capped twice by England Under 21s.

Rafa Lauds Dangerous Duo

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has hailed the growing understanding between Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

Torres has made an incredible impact since he joined The Reds from Atletico Madrid for £26.5million last summer, netting 27 goals so far this campaign.

Gerrard, meanwhile, has formed an impressive understanding with the Spaniard, with the duo running riot in Liverpool's last seven victories.

And ahead their Grand Slam Sunday encounter against league leaders Manchester United, Benitez is sure that Gerrard and Torres propel him to his first win at Old Trafford.

"They have trained together for months, and now it is easier for them to work together, it is easier," he said.

"Both are scoring goals and things are easier because they are happy on the pitch.

"Steven is happy playing in this position, he is scoring goals and enjoying the way he is playing.

"We had some problems in which we could not control games we should have been controlling. So we decided on two holding players and Steven playing further forward with Torres, and it has worked really well."

On going seven league games without success over United, Benitez added: "As a manager I am disappointed that we cannot seem to beat them in the league. We get closer, and closer.

"But we are getting closer, we have confidence and know that we are capable of winning at Old Trafford. The team is playing well, and the difference could be a small detail or one fine player."

Benitez Irked By Fergie's Ref Tactics

Rafael Benitez has accused Sir Alex Ferguson of attempting to manipulate referee Steve Bennett ahead of Liverpool's trip to Manchester United on Sunday.

United boss Ferguson has repeatedly called for star player Cristiano Ronaldo to receive more protection from officials in the days leading up to this weekend's match.

The Scot insists he fears the Portugal winger will be driven out of the Barclays Premier League by the type of rough treatment Ferguson claims he witnessed in the recent FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth.

But Liverpool manager Benitez believes his opposite number is simply playing mind games.

"Ferguson is clever, that is clear," Benitez said. "After a difficult game, he was talking about referees and before an important game (against Liverpool) he is talking about protecting Ronaldo.

"The referees, though, have experience and they will know Ferguson. This kind of treatment must be the same for all the teams and all the players.

"I wasn't surprised last week to hear what he was saying. I just want to go into the game with the same situation as the other team."

Benitez is confident Bennett, who is due to officiate at Old Trafford on Sunday, will not be influenced by Ferguson.

"I think the referee has experience and is strong enough so I don't see it being a problem," said the Spaniard, who believes his own players deserve just as much protection as Ronaldo.

"Ferguson is very clever and has a lot of experience.

"I don't know what he was thinking about exactly, but if you need to protect Ronaldo, you also need to protect (Fernando) Torres and (Steven) Gerrard and all the skilful players in the league."

Meanwhile, Spanish defender Alvaro Arbeloa believes Liverpool's two Champions League victories over Inter Milan - in particular the triumph in the San Siro - gives them the confidence to produce a shock win at Manchester United.

Old Trafford is not a happy hunting ground for Benitez, who has never achieved a win there as manager.

His league record against United is six defeats and a draw, and his only success over the Red Devils was a 1-0 win in the FA Cup, two years ago.

But Arbeloa feels Liverpool's confidence is growing after seven successive victories.

He said: "We have won in the San Siro, so why not at Old Trafford? We are confident in ourselves and maybe things have improved in that respect for us.

"The two wins over Inter Milan have helped us, beforehand we were not playing consistently.

"And now we have Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard scoring in virtually every game, and that has given us all a boost."

The 25 year-old understands the importance of the game - the 150th top flight meeting between the two sides - to the fans.

He said: "Derby matches are the same the world over, in Spain and Italy, too. It is important for everyone, but more so for the fans.

"It seems more important for them than it is for us, but we know how important it is to win, no doubt.

"We have our big players happy and in form, that means we are all confident in such matches as derbies.

"We know we have to fight for every ball, these sort of games are that bit different."

Djibril Cisse Would Welcome Liverpool Return

Djibril Cisse has said he would welcome a return to English football and has not ruled out rejoining Liverpool.

The Marseille striker was sold by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to the French side two seasons ago, but the 26-year-old does not bear grudges against his former manager.

"I'm not unhappy with Rafa," Cisse said in the Sun. "I just respect his choice and it was his decision and I have to respect that."

Cisse was linked with a move back to the Premier League during January's transfer window with Manchester City and West Ham noting an interest in the French striker.

Although the former Auxerre frontman is committed to Marseille, he could be tempted to a return to England and even possibly a switch back to Anfield.

"You never know," Cisse said. "Things happen so fast and football is so unpredictable.

"Of course I would like to come back to the Premier League. For the moment I play for Marseille and I have to give 100 per cent."

Cisse feels he has unfinished business in the English game having seen his time at Liverpool marred by injury having broken his leg 19 matches into his Anfield career.

"Unfortunately I broke my leg when I was there and did not have a chance to prove myself."

Cisse managed 13 goals in 48 appearances for Liverpool before completing a £6 million switch to Marseille two years ago.

Tommy Smith: Liverpool Can Have The Edge On United

It was something of a “scruffy” win against Reading – and I would be more than happy if it was a similar type of game against Manchester United.

If it is, I can see us getting a point, and possibly three.

Over the last few weeks United have not been their fluent selves, while the Reds, with Fernando Torres in terrific goal scoring form, have had far more consistency.

After the great result against Inter Milan it would have been easy to slip up against Reading. But Rafa Benitez has been playing the same team more or less recently and that has been a big plus.

United will be wary of Torres, but, likewise, we will have to keep a watch on Ronaldo and Rooney.

It has become something like a “derby” match, in which United have been better than us. But they have struggled lately – the game at Derby being an example – and the Reds have certainly improved.

That, to a large extent, has been down to Torres and his ability to score regularly. His 20-goal league mark so far is a tremendous boost and the team would be in a far better position today if he had played all the games he had been available for.

I thought Steve Coppell’s side have improved greatly and acquitted themselves well at Anfield, putting us under pressure at times.

I was quite happy with 2-1 because it turned scrappy towards the end. But in those situations you just have to get stuck in for the result and that’s what we did.

League results lately have given an air of confidence missing in mid season and this has helped the Reds string a run together. But United will prove a different proposition.

Martin Skrtel has settled in well. He’s a big lad and that’s what we have needed. He just needs to concentrate for the 90 minutes.

The Premier League is all about power and character, having to dig in and fight – and that’s what the Reds will have to do.

In Javier Mascherano we have the perfect player to help stop United. He will feel better now he has opened his account, but his role in front of the back four is vital and we will need another big performance from him.

Will Benitez play a Euro-style game against United? There is no doubt they are extremely effective in Champions League games and the manager is meticulous with his preparation.

Let’s hope he is spot on come Sunday. What a tremendous lift a positive performance at Old Trafford would do ahead of the Arsenal showdowns.

I fancy our chances against the Gunners in the Champions League.

Don’t get me wrong, they are a good, young side. But I don’t think they have the strength to last the pace this season.

Recent results have shown vulnerability about Arsenal, who knows no other way to play than attack. But if you hit them on the counter, or crowd out their midfield, they don’t necessarily have the answers.

The more goals Fernando Torres scores, the greater he enjoys himself, and he will be a key figure.

But the other vital ingredient is the way the Reds are brought up on Euro football and tactics.

The draw underlined how strong the Premier League is with half the teams from England. The incentives for progress are there.

Rafa Benitez Tells Capello To Give Steven Gerrard Captaincy

Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard should be England’s permanent new skipper because he has matured on and off the pitch.

The Liverpool manager is aware that his own Anfield captain could well lose the England armband for next Wednesday’s friendly international in Paris against France.

New England coach Fabio Capello has talked of experimenting with various options before making a decision ahead of the start of the World Cup qualifiers in September.

Gerrard, who was skipper for Capello’s first match last month against Switzerland because John Terry was injured, may well find himself sidelined in Paris.

But Benitez is sure who he would want to see leading England.

He said: “I feel he should be given the armband for England permanently. On and off the pitch now he is a far more mature player, he knows what to do and how to behave.

“He would be a very good selection, a good option. He is a key player for us and for the national team.

“He has become a better player over the years. When he was 21, 22, he had plenty of energy but not as much now.

“Now he knows more how to play. Between 25 and 30, players are better. They know when to run, they know when to tackle. Now Gerrard is in this period of his career.”

Capello is considering Terry, Rio Ferdinand and even Gareth Barry and he says he will not make a decision until the day of the match.

Whoever he chooses, Capello must be impressed with Gerrard’s current form. The 27-year-old needs one goal to reach 20 for only the second time in a season.

The understanding between Fernando Torres and Gerrard has given Benitez confidence that he can at last manage a winning side in the league against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, after six previous defeats and one draw.

He said: “The understanding between players is always important, especially players up front. The partnership between Torres and Gerrard has made a massive difference, it is difficult for teams to stop them both. We are profiting from this.

“They have trained together for months, and now it is easier for them to work together.

“Both are scoring goals and things are easier because they are happy on the pitch.”

He added: “Steven is happy playing in this position, he is scoring goals and enjoying the way he is playing.

“We had some problems in which we could not control games we should have been controlling. So we decided on two holding players and Steven playing further forward with Torres, and it has worked really well.”

Liverpool must win to maintain their push for fourth spot in a straight fight now with Everton.

Benitez says: “This is one of the biggest games of the season, although we do have some other very important matches coming along. But because of the rivalry between the two clubs, this makes it special.

“This is a crucial time, and if we do (win) it takes us closer. If we keep winning we get closer and closer. But if we lose it will be very difficult to move closer to them in any way.

“If we win, and then beat Everton the following week, it will make things interesting.

“I know I have not won a league game against United, but we have been very close at times and only lost to last-minute goals.”

Rafa Benitez: ‘Ronaldo Is Not Getting Any Special Treatment’

Rafa Benitez today insisted he will not be making any special plans to deal with the threat posed by Cristiano Ronaldo when Liverpool meet Man United on Sunday.

The Portuguese winger has been imperious form this season and currently tops the scoring charts with 33 goals to his name.

Though he is a confirmed admirer of Ronaldo's talents and is well aware of his ability to win games almost single handed, Benitez does not want to distract his players from the capabilities of United as a team by focusing too much on a single individual.

He said: "We have no special plans because if you start thinking too much about Ronaldo you will forget about Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs.

"The most important thing for us is to keep our own team working as a team and if we do that maybe United will have to worry about us.

"If you are just watching Ronaldo there is a danger you will lose the others.

"They are a good team with a lot of good players so we need to think about controlling all of them.

"And maybe they are already thinking about Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard or some of our other players."

The showdown at Old Trafford brings together Torres and Ronaldo, arguably the two best performing players in Britain and beyond this season.

Benitez believes there is very little between the pair but insists he would not swop record signing Torres for anyone.

"They are both really good players and it is very good for the supporters to see them play because they must enjoy watching them," he said.

"But Torres is our player so I would not want to change him."

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano says he cannot wait for Sunday's game which will be his first visit to Old Trafford as a Liverpool player.

He said: "I did not play in the away game for Liverpool last season because I was still at West Ham.

"I played against them at Anfield this season and I really enjoyed the game even though the result did not go our way.

"I am sure the game on Sunday will be just as tough because United are a good team, but hopefully we will get a better result this time."

Dirk Kuyt: ’We Will Show How Much We Have Improved’

Just over a month ago, the prospect of Liverpool going to Old Trafford with any great confidence of getting a positive result was only marginally more likely than the chances of the Stretford End singing Poor Scouser Tommy.

Having crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Barnsley, Liverpool were at a low ebb, having already found themselves pushed to the margins of the title race thanks to a poor run of form after New Year.

But on Sunday, they will turn up to face Alex Ferguson's men as the country's form team, having followed up their cup exit with a string of seven successive victories, including the vanquishing of Italian champions Inter Milan, home and away.

It is this dramatic upturn in fortunes which makes Dirk Kuyt believes there is every chance of Liverpool getting a result at Old Trafford in a game in which the Dutchman believes the reigning English champions will see just how much their North West rivals have improved.

"It's a game we are all looking forward to," he said. "We are on a good run, having won our last seven games in a row, so it's nice to have Man United at this moment.

"It is a big game so hopefully we will show how much we have improved over the last couple of months.

"Everybody, apart from Daniel Agger, is fit so that is very good for us.

"We feel very strong at the moment. Even when we played Reading last week we did not play at our best but you could still see there was quality in the team.

"It can only be a good sign when you are even winning the games you haven’t played well in and that give us great confidence for the weekend."

United have already beaten Liverpool once this season when Carlos Tevez scored the only goal of a disappointing game at Anfield.

On that occasion, United reinforced their title credentials by securing a vital victory, even though their level of performance was not at its highest.

Kuyt is in no doubt that the challenge will be just as difficult when the two sides meet again on Sunday, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo in such outstanding form.

But he also believes United will face a different Liverpool to the one they came up against last December.

"United are obviously one of the toughest teams to play in the league," he said.

"They have got quality players in attack but they also have good players in defence and a great goalkeeper, so it will be a tough game. But we will be ready for it.

"Everybody knows that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the league and he will be really tough, but they also have Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, who are great players.

"But I think everyone at Liverpool is looking forward to it.

"We know we will have to work really hard but we have individual quality ourselves.

"We have players who can make and score goals and we have the confidence that we can do that."

While Liverpool have been unable to keep pace with United in the race for the title, Fernando Torres has been keeping up with Ronaldo in the race to be the country's top scorer.

As things currently stand, Ronaldo has 22 goals to his name, with Torres just two goals behind.

And Kuyt is backing his Anfield team-mate to grab another one on Sunday at one of the toughest venues in the Premier League to show that Liverpool are now a different proposition to the one which succumbed to Barnsley just five weeks ago.

He said: "It looks like Fernando is scoring a goal every game now so at least we will score on Sunday at the very least. That would be nice.

"We know that we can score in every game now and we have had quite a few clean sheets in the last few weeks as well, so we know that we are better than we were a month or so ago."

Liverpool took the advantage in the battle for that all important fourth spot last weekend when they recorded a vital 2-1 win over Reading the day before rivals Everton lost to Fulham.

Kuyt knows the only way Liverpool can guarantee that they hold off the challenge from their Mersey neighbours is if they win every game from now until the end of the season – and because of this he is adamant that they will be looking for nothing but a victory at Old Trafford.

He said: "It will be difficult but we know that we can beat them.

"We have to look for the win because we are trying to get fourth place in the league, so that means trying to win every game we play between now and the end of the season.

"So we will be going for the win and then we will see what happens."

Liverpool have come a long way in a very short space of time. Now they face the ultimate test of their renewed confidence and much improved form.

But at least they are going to Old Trafford with a genuine belief they can get a result – and that is progress in itself.

Liverpool FC Solve Daniel Agger's Injury Mystery

The operation to cure Daniel Agger's longstanding foot problem has been declared a success by surgeons.

The Danish international has been out of first team action for Liverpool since breaking a metatarsal last September.

He has attempted a comeback on two separate occasions but after training and playing for the reserves Agger told Liverpool's physios that he was still feeling pain in his foot and it was decided that surgery was the only option.

Agger went under the knife on Monday afternoon and surgeons discovered a piece of floating bone which they believe was the source of his ongoing discomfort.

The 23-year-old defender will now return to Melwood to begin his rehabilitation with a view to being fit in time for the start of next season, although a comeback ahead of schedule before the end of this season has not been ruled out.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is delighted that the problem finally appears to have been solved.

He said: "Daniel was reporting some pain in his foot so it was decided that he would go for an operation.

"He has now had that operation and the surgeons believe they have found out what was causing him the pain.

"Daniel has more confidence now that the operation is over.

"The doctors have told me that in a normal situation his season is finished but that he will be back for next season. If he improves quickly and makes good progress then he could play before the end of this season, but I think we will wait for next year. It will be like having a new signing when he is back.

"I know he is happier now. He has been trying so hard to get back fit again but now he can look forward to next season knowing it will be a different situation for him.

"It has been a big blow to Daniel and to us that he has been out for so long but hopefully the problem has now been sorted out and he can start working towards being fit for the start of next season.

"Martin Skrtel has come into the side and done very well along with Carra and Sami Hyypia but it will obviously be good to have Daniel back because he is an important player for us."

Kewell Fights For Reds Future

Harry Kewell has vowed to fight to win a new contract at Liverpool.

The Australian international's current deal expires at the end of the season and he could leave Anfield for nothing in the summer.

Kewell has not featured for Liverpool since the shock FA Cup defeat to Barnsley and Reds boss Rafa Benitez has admitted the former Leeds star faces a battle to win a contract extension.

The 29-year-old will miss this weekend's clash with Manchester United as he has been given permission to join up with Australia this weekend for their training camp ahead of the World Cup qualifier with China next week.

Kewell, who has seen his time at Anfield blighted by injury, insists he will not give up on winning a new contract.

"I've got a contract until the end of the season and I'm still fighting for another one at Liverpool," Kewell told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"I've got the Aussie spirit of never say die and I'll take that all the way to the end. I won't give up until the final whistle.

"The best thing for me is to get some games so I can be fighting fit for Liverpool. There's a chance here to play two games and the manager was very happy for me to come across.

"I've just got to play football.

"I've been through some good times and bad times and I've realised now that just want to enjoy my football. That's the important thing."

Celtic have been linked with a possible move for Kewell in the summer, but the winger claims he is unaware of any interest from the Scottish champions.

"It's the first I've heard of it and I've heard a lot of things in my period in football," added Kewell.

"There's a lot of fantastic clubs out there, but for now my goal is on Saturday and then China."

Beware Liverpool’s TAG Team, Says John Arne Riise

John Arne Riise has warned Manchester United to beware the ‘TAG’ team that is wrestling Liverpool’s opponents into submission.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have netted 12 of the 18 goals Rafael Benitez’s have accrued since embarking on a seven-game winning streak.

The pairing have struck up a prolific understanding reminiscent of the Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton ‘SAS’ combination that fired Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League title in 1995.

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Sunday hoping to break Benitez’s United duck in the Premier League and strengthen their claims for a top-four finish.

And Norway left-back Riise, who is hopeful of regaining the left-back role at the weekend, reckons the form of Torres and Gerrard can help Benitez’s men secure a first league win over their bitter North West rivals in four years.

“Gerrard and Torres have a partnership like I’ve never seen before,” said Riise. “The two of them are in unbelievable form at the moment, both looking strong and both scoring goals.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised with the way Torres is playing because we knew he was a top striker, but sometimes it can take a while to settle in English football. He hasn’t needed time at all. I know for a fact that defenders hate to play against him because he’s so quick and so strong.

“United will definitely be worried about us because we’re the form side at the moment, but at the same time we have to respect them because they are a top side also.”

Liverpool’s encouraging run of form will be put to the test over the next three weeks. After Sunday’s game at United, Everton visit Anfield a week later for the Merseyside derby before three games in seven days against Arsenal in both the league and the Champions League.

And Riise admits: “These next couple of weeks are going to be unbelievable. We are playing top games against top teams but we are looking strong at the moment and so we can’t wait for the matches to come around.

“This is the sort of run of games you train for and work towards during the season. There’s still a lot to play for for us as we look to secure fourth place and keep going in the Champions League.

“We’ve closed the gap on the top teams of late but we still need three teams to mess up if we’re going to get back into the title race.

“For now I think we have to look to finish fourth and that’s why the derby next weekend is going to be so crucial.”

Riise believes Benitez must take his share of the credit for the manner in which Liverpool have suddenly hit a rich vein of winning form.

“It’s down to the manager and his rotation,” he said. “Because he changed the team around earlier in the season we’re now seeing the rewards of that.

“When you have so many competitions to play in it’s important to rotate and that’s why the manager did it. He cares about the players.

“Now we don’t have as many competitions to go for, that’s why you’re seeing virtually the same players and the same system from game to game.”

Jamie Carragher concurs with the view of his defensive colleague.

“The first three years the manager has been here we have been to three finals so hopefully there will be another one this season in Moscow,” said the centre-back.

“He gets a lot of criticism for it but you have to look at his record, not just here at Valencia too, it does prove successful.

“The manager takes a lot of criticism but over the last few weeks we haven’t been changing too much as there hasn’t been as many games.

“But with these five games coming up, plus the international game, I’m sure there might be a few changes.

“At this time of the season there are maybe a few tired legs and things just need freshening up every now and again.”

Rafael Benitez May Be Forced To Rotate For Liverpool's Crucial Matches

Liverpool’s recent unbeaten run may have coincided with Rafael Benítez breaking from his infamous rotation policy, but Jamie Carragher believes that the manager will revert to his tried and trusted methods during a gruelling three-week period that could make or break the team’s season.

Since their humiliating exit at the hands of Barnsley in the FA Cup fifth round last month, Liverpool have won their past seven matches in all competitions, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and regaining fourth place in the Barclays Premier League in the process.

Benítez has made 16 changes to his line-ups during that time at an average of a little less than 2.29 changes per match, but with Manchester United to play at Old Trafford on Sunday in the first of five mouthwatering fixtures over a 17-day period — not to mention next week’s international schedule — Carragher is adamant that the Spaniard will soon be ringing the changes once again.

“The manager takes a lot of criticism [for his rotation policy], but over the last few weeks we haven’t been changing too much as there hasn’t been as many games,” the defender said. “But with these five games coming up, plus the international games, I’m sure there might be a few changes. At this time of the season there are maybe a few tired legs and things just need freshening up every now and again.”

Benítez will lose many of his senior squad to international duty after the match against United, with the Liverpool manager particularly irked that Javier Mascherano, the midfield player, must travel to Cairo for Argentina’s friendly against Egypt on Wednesday, four days before a Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield that is likely to have a huge bearing on the fight for fourth place in the Premier League.

Liverpool will then face Arsenal three times in seven days, with their league meeting at the Emirates Stadium on April 5 sandwiched between their two-leg Champions League quarter-final, and John Arne Riise is adamant that the club can maintain their fine form.

“These next couple of weeks are going to be unbelievable,” the defender said. “We are playing top games against top teams, but we are looking strong at the moment and so we can’t wait for the matches to come around. There’s still a lot to play for as we look to secure fourth place and keep going in the Champions League. That’s our one chance to win a trophy this season and we want to take it.

“The disappointing thing from our point of view is that we should have been up there fighting for the title. You won’t believe how disappointed we are with some of the points we have thrown away this season, especially at home.

“We’ve closed the gap on the top teams of late, but we still need three teams to mess up if we’re going to get back in the title race. For now, I think we have to look to finish fourth and that’s why the derby next weekend is going to be crucial.”

Riise believes that the form of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, who has 27 goals to his name in his debut season at the club, will be vital. “Gerrard and Torres have a partnership like I’ve never seen before,” Riise said. “The two of them are in unbelievable form at the moment, both looking strong and both scoring goals.

“Torres has needed no time at all [to settle in English football]. United will definitely be worried about us because we’re the form side at the moment.”

Torres is confident that he can maintain a spree in which he has found the net nine times in Liverpool’s past six matches. “I hope to score many more goals for Liverpool this season,” the Spain striker said. “I’ve been having a good year so far and I’m hoping the team can continue our good run of results until the end of the season.”

Lucas Outs Himself As Fan Of Rafa's Rotation Policy

Lucas Leiva has credited Rafa Benitez's much maligned rotation policy with allowing him to get a foothold in the Liverpool squad.

Benitez seems to finally have discovered the virtues of a first-choice lineup, but not before the former Gremio standout established himself as a steady compliment to the likes of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, by impressing in almost all of his 20 appearances so far this season.

"The manager, Rafa Benitez, has a philosophy whereby he likes to rotate, sometimes four players from game to game. And this has worked to my advantage," admitted the 21-year-old, who captained the Brazilian U-20 team before making the graduation to the full Selecao.

"Gerrard is undoubtedly the face of Liverpool Football Club, possibly the face of English football," he added. "But we can play together and have already done so to good effect.

"I must admit I suffered a bit when I first came to England," he added. "But then I realised that there was nothing to be intimidated by, everybody had two legs, we were all equal.

"I managed to get over this when I realized what I had already achieved. I had done big things like being selected for Brazil. Now, I have settled in and everyone has treated me well since I arrived."

Lucas became the first Brazilian to score for Liverpool in January of this year when he struck against Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup.

Dalglish Praises Gerrard And Torres

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has heaped praise on current Anfield stars Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, hailing them amongst the Anfield greats.

The pair are massive hits with the Kop, with Torres taking no time at all to win over fans following his big-money move from Atlético Madrid in the summer.

The Spaniard became the first player since Robbie Fowler to hit 20 league goals in a season for Liverpool, with many of his strikes thanks to great assist play from Gerrard.

"The understanding that has developed between Torres and Steven Gerrard is becoming telepathic," said Dalglish, who was at Liverpool in the glory years and as manager delivered the Reds' last league title.

"There were a couple of exchanges between them against Reading where one didn't even have to look for the other before a pass was played.

"They just seemed to be able to judge where the other wanted the ball played. It's going to be fascinating to watch over the next few seasons as they get better."

Riise Quiet On Toon Talk

Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has refused to comment on speculation linking him with a summer move to Newcastle, according to the player's representative.

The Norwegian international, who is also capable of playing in midfield, has fallen out of favour at Anfield this season with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez preferring the pairing of Fabio Aurelio and Ryan Babel on the Reds' left-hand side.

However, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan is rumoured to be an admirer of Riise, who joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2001 for £4.6million.

Keegan is understood to be keen to bolster his shaky defence in the summer after shipping 57 goals so far this term.

However, Riise's representative - Jan Kvalheim - insists the 27-year-old, who has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa, will not add weight to the speculation.

"This is just speculation and John Arne will not comment on this," Kvalheim told the Dagbladet website.

Xavi And Javier Ready To Lock Down United

Xabi Alonso hailed Rafa Benitez's latest tactical reshuffle and claimed one of its less spectacular spin-offs could prove the key to stifling Manchester United's title charge on Sunday.

Goals have been flowing since Benitez unleashed Steven Gerrard in an attacking role just behind Fernando Torres. This has helped resurgent Liverpool score 15 times in their last five Barclays Premier League games.

But as the title race approaches its most momentous 24 hours so far, with Chelsea facing Arsenal soon after Liverpool go to Old Trafford, Alonso described how his new role alongside Javier Mascherano could be just as influential in maintaining his side's recent revival.

Torres and Gerrard have proved a potent force up front but the way Alonso and Mascherano drop anchor behind them may have just as big a say in the outcome of one of the season's biggest clashes, according to the Spain midfielder.

'I am enjoying the partnership with Javier and feel it is working really well,' he said. 'Javier has so many great qualities that bring so much to the way we play. He holds his position really well, is very strong physically when he is challenging another player and is a great team player.

'It is new for us, playing together like this, but we are managing the situation quite well and building up a good understanding that should get even better as we go along.'

Alonso: Torres Loves The Big Stage

Xabi Alonso believes Fernando Torres can realise his full potential at Liverpool after being stifled by the goldfish bowl at Atletico Madrid.

Torres is enjoying a dream maiden season in the Barclays Premier League following his £20million-plus summer switch from the Spanish capital.

His winner against Reading on Saturday made him the first Reds player to score 20 league goals in a season since Robbie Fowler 12 years previously.

Club and international team-mate Alonso thinks the striker is getting better and better, and doubts whether he could have made such progress had he remained at his boyhood club.

"Fernando has improved,'' Alonso said on liverpoolfc.tv.”He has got rid of the pressure he had at Atletico Madrid.

"He is feeling really comfortable playing with his team-mates at Liverpool and because of this he is getting better and better each day, which is good news for the team.

"He has settled into the Premier League very quickly and that is encouraging because it can be difficult coming into a new league.

"He has shown he is not afraid of the physical contact here, with defenders trying to put him off, and that is really important.''

Reds boss Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool can still have an impact on the Premier League title race - and he is happy with them being forgotten for now.

Benitez's men are eight points behind the pace but still have Manchester United and Arsenal to play before the end of the campaign.

"How near we finish to the top now will be interesting,'' Benitez said.”We have been criticised this season, but let us see where we are in three or four weeks.

"We have important games and if we win them we will be a lot closer. If we can beat Manchester United we will be closer to the top, and that will give us more confidence.

"If we beat Everton after that then we will be closer still. Maybe, maybe we can be closer if we do not talk too much about it.

"Do we have a point to prove? Maybe, but only if we can keep winning three points.

We All Fear Special Fernando Torres, Admits Messi

Barcelona star Lionel Messi admits Liverpool’s Champions League rivals fear the “special” talent of Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard has been a major success since arriving at Anfield from Atletico Madrid in the summer, his weekend winner against Reading taking his season’s tally to 27 goals in 36 games.

Following last week’s draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals, Barcelona and Liverpool cannot meet in the Champions League until the final in Moscow on May 21.

And Messi has pinpointed Torres, who scored the only goal of Liverpool’s triumph at Inter Milan last week, as a major threat.

“Manchester United are very good and Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player who I watch a lot,” said Messi. “The other top English teams – Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool – are capable of success too, because they have special players like Cesc Fabregas, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres.

“The best Premier League clubs also have the experience of doing well in the Champions League.”

Torres has also been backed by compatriot and Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso.

“Fernando has improved,” said the midfielder. “He has got rid of the pressure he had at Atletico Madrid. He is feeling really comfortable playing with his team-mates at Liverpool and because of this he is getting better and better each day, which is good news for the team.

“He has settled into the Premier League very quickly and that is encouraging because it can be difficult coming into a new league.

“He has shown he is not afraid of the physical contact here, with defenders trying to put him off, and that is really important.”

Liverpool take on Arsenal in an all-English quarter-final tie next month, while Barcelona face off against German underdogs Schalke.

Before then, Rafael Benitez’s side have a pair of crucial Premier League outings against local rivals Manchester United and Everton as they strive to ensure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for next season.

The Anfield outfit visit United on Sunday hoping to improve on a record under Benitez of drawing one and losing six of their previous seven league meetings against United. No Liverpool player has scored during those games, but having accrued seven straight victories, Alonso believes Benitez’s side are in good shape to end that duck.

“We are in a good moment, playing well and scoring goals, and now we have to think of the next game against Man United,” said the midfielder.

“It is going to be a big game, playing at Old Trafford, we know their qualities but we are really looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Lucas Leiva has jumped to the defence of Benitez’s rotation policy – and believes it has helped him settle in at Anfield.

The young Brazilian midfielder has enjoyed an encouraging first season since arriving from homeland club Gremio for £6million.

And Lucas said: “I must admit I suffered a bit when I first came to England. But then I realised that there was nothing to be intimidated by, everybody had two legs, we were all equal.

“I managed to get over this when I realised what I had already achieved. I had done big things like being selected for Brazil. Now, I have settled in and everyone has treated me well since I arrived. The manager, Rafa Benitez, has a philosophy whereby he likes to rotate, sometimes four players from game to game. And this has worked to my advantage.”

Liverpool FC Will Determine Outcome Of Premier League Race, Says Rafa Benitez

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool can still have an impact on the Barclays Premier League title race - and he is happy with them being forgotten for now.

Benitez’s men are eight points behind the pace but still have Manchester United and Arsenal to play before the end of the campaign.

“How near we finish to the top now will be interesting,” the Reds boss told liverpoolfc.tv. “We have been criticised this season, but let us see where we are in three or four weeks.

“We have important games and if we win them we will be a lot closer. If we can beat Manchester United we will be closer to the top, and that will give us more confidence.

“If we beat Everton after that then we will be closer still. Maybe, maybe we can be closer if we do not talk too much about it.

“Do we have a point to prove? Maybe, but only if we can keep winning three points.”

Midfielder Xabi Alonso is also confident, particularly with striker Fernando Torres in good form.

“Fernando has improved,” Alonso said. “He has got rid of the pressure he had at Atletico Madrid.

“He is feeling really comfortable playing with his team-mates at Liverpool and because of this he is getting better and better each day, which is good news for the team.

“He has settled into the Premier League very quickly and that is encouraging because it can be difficult coming into a new league.

“He has shown he is not afraid of the physical contact here, with defenders trying to put him off, and that is really important.”

MARK LAWRENSON: Demoralised Arsenal Perfect Foe For Liverpool

AS each game passes, the feeling that Liverpool got a kind Champions League draw just gets stronger.

That’s what Arsenal is at the moment. Talk about there for the taking.

It’s the mentality there. I’m just not sure some of the players have it, certainly not the type you need to win leagues and European Cups.

They have had nothing but problems since the spat between Adebayor and Bendtner in the Carling Cup semi- final with Spurs.

Two players making it so obvious they don’t like each other is exposing inner weakness – and it’s hardly stopped since.

They went to Old Trafford in the FA Cup and didn’t play, then they went to pieces after Eduardo’s injury.

None more so than William Gallas, the captain and man who should have been pulling them up by their bootlaces – not staring down at his own and blubbing uncontrollably.

The feeble draws they have suffered since then proves they haven’t got a string enough mentality.

So you don’t need me to speculate about how a second leg at Anfield on a European Cup night will affect them...

Rafa Benitez Reveals Fears For International Liverpool Stars Ahead Of Derby

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hit out at an international schedule which will see several of his players travelling around the world just days before the Merseyside derby.

A 2-1 victory over Reading at Anfield on Saturday, coupled with Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday has seen Liverpool edge three points ahead of their neighbours in the battle to secure the final Champions League qualification spot.

However, Benitez is seething over the prospect of sweating on the return of many of his star performers barely 48 hours before they lock horns with David Moyes’s side on March 30.

Like many Premier League managers, Benitez is frustrated by having to release his big names for effectively meaningless international friendly fixtures at a crucial stage of the season.

Benitez, who was without Fernando Torres for the trip to Chelsea this season after the striker was injured while playing for Spain, is particularly galled at in-form midfielder Javier Mascherano having to travel to Egypt with Argentina.

The 23-year-old, who completed his £18million move to Anfield earlier this month, has been one of Liverpool’s stellar performers in recent weeks and his combative style seems ideally suited to the upcoming derby tussle which could make or break either of the Mersey clubs’ hopes of sealing a place in European football’s elite club tournament next season.

A sarcastic Benitez said: “I’m really, really happy that Mascherano will go to Egypt to play a friendly – things like that you can’t understand. But the rules are rules, so the players must go.

“It’s the same problem for all the top sides. Normally the best players are in the top sides and they are playing Champions League or for the title. We’ve been talking about this 100 times.

“You can’t speak to the coach. You can say ‘be careful’ but they are thinking about themselves, and it makes it very difficult.”

Including the internationals, Liverpool face six games in 16 games, starting with a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday before the derby a week later and a hat- trick of clashes against Arsenal. Having opened up a three-point advantage over Everton, Liverpool will be eager to maintain the gap this weekend when they face a trip to Old Trafford to face the champions.

Rafael Benitez’s side have not won any of their last seven Premier League meetings against Manchester United, a run which has included six defeats, but Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio is convinced Liverpool can continue their run of seven straight wins by stunning Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges.

He said: “For sure it will be the real test of where we are at the moment.

“It is a really important game for us, and we must gain points.

“We know against top teams anything can happen but we need to be strong enough to go into these games with confidence.

“Or course playing in Old Trafford is really difficult but we have to believe that we can go and win also. And if we keep doing our job as we are, we will be much closer at the end of the season.”

Aurelio added: “When you get good results, the team starts to believe a bit more. We are in the quarter- finals of the Champions League again and it is really important for the confidence.

“But to be in it next season we have to finish fourth so we cannot forget the Premier League. We need to keep working harder in both competitions.”

Aurelio, who netted his first goal for Liverpool against Bolton earlier this month, is delighted that his fellow South American Mascherano also broke his scoring duck against Reading on Saturday.

He said: “Javier has been having a great season, working really well for the team and deserved to have a great moment like the one on Saturday. Everyone was happy for him.”

MARK LAWRENSON: Will The Mersey Derby Be Advantage Liverpool?

It seems at first glance that the pivotal weekend in the Merseyside battle to get into the top four has just passed.

And given what happened, you have to say it’s advantage Liverpool.

They are on a great run while you always had the feeling Everton’s own superb sequence of results would come to an end at some time.

The fact that they were so short of players at Fulham shows how much the season could be catching up with them and also suggests they’re not really getting the luck or run of the ball Liverpool are enjoying at the moment.

If that game at Craven Cottage was six weeks ago, you feel Everton would have won it, even with their awful record there.

Now things aren’t going their way – they’re going Liverpool’s. And yet.

I get the feeling all that could change again and that’s why I think David Moyes is dead right to insist his team can still break into that elite top bracket.

For starters, it can easily all swing back in Everton’s favour this weekend.

Just for a change, they won’t have the pressure of playing catch-up and they can shift it on to Liverpool instead by beating West Ham.

For Liverpool, going to the leaders away from home is always a tough ask, especially given their recent record.

You get the feeling a draw there would be a result they would take now.

But beyond this week comes the indication that Liverpool still have it all to do to keep Everton at bay.

Doing that at Anfield won’t be easy in the derby – but after that comes the massive triple header against Arsenal.

That period will be defining because it’s the time Liverpool really have to deliver results, rather than just breeze through the bunch of undoubtedly easier fixtures they’ve had over the past month.

And at the same time, whatever Liverpool do, Moyes has to stick to his belief that it’s what his side achieves that will determine their campaign.

And that’s why it’s vital he rallies round his troops and reminds them how they got in this situation in the first place.

Moyes can’t change his team at the moment given the injury situation so he has to look at the men he has got and get them up again following a hard week.

And although he knows that seven days don’t decide a season and it’s how he utilises this coming week that will be key to them engineering another resurgence.

This is a rare week in which Everton have no midweek games – the perfect time for a couple of days off.

Get them refreshed, get them rested and, most importantly, wrap them in cotton wool before the injury situation gets worse. It will make all the difference.

Then I reckon they will be ready to go on another run and stay well in contention in that race for fourth place.

Over the past weekend, Liverpool took a significant step towards it – but that doesn’t make next week’s derby any less intriguing.

It’s still set to go to the wire.

Mascherano: Scoring Was So Very Special

Midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted that the delight of scoring his first Liverpool goal sent him ‘crazy’.

The Argentina international had only netted once in his previous 111 senior matches and that came for River Plate in Argentina before he went on to turn out for Corinthians in Brazil and both West Ham and Liverpool in the Premier League.

However, the 23-year-old broke his Anfield duck in spectacular style with a stunning 20-yard effort in front of the Kop against Reading on Saturday.

He said: “It was an incredible moment.

“I had not scored a goal since I was at River Plate, so to score one for Liverpool – and in front of the Kop as well – was really special.

“I cannot really describe the feeling but I know I celebrated like I had gone crazy. Some of the lads in the dressing room said I was like Inzaghi in the Champions League final!

“It just meant so much to me and it was important also for the team because we had just gone a goal behind.”

However, Mascherano has warned Liverpool fans not to expect regular goals from him now that he has registered his first effort.

The £18million signing, is reckoned by manager Rafael Benitez to be the best holding midfielder in the world and the Spaniard insisted that he wants to see the player get into more scoring positions around the edge of the box.

Regarding Benitez’s challenge, Mascherano said: “I think the manager was joking.

“It would be nice to score more goals but I don’t think there are many holding midfielders who score lots of goals.

“In this position you have to play deep and try to keep the balance of the team and that is the most important thing for me.

“I will try to score more goals but I know that I have to do my own job first.”

Benitez is now preparing his side for five crucial games that will define Liverpool’s season.

He said: “We now have a very tough spell. Everyone kept saying that because of that we had to win our three home league games with West Ham, Newcastle and now Reading. We have now done that.

“Now we have really difficult games and we needed these seven wins beforehand.

“Now we have five very hard games, three with Arsenal plus Everton and Manchester United away next week. We will only think of each one as it arrives, you cannot start to worry about what is ahead.”

He added: “The first one is the most important. If we can keep our momentum then it will be easier going into the second one. We must not waste our time thinking too far ahead.

“We started the season playing well, winning a lot of games, scoring plenty of goals and we were unbeaten in the league until December.

“Still we have only lost three league games, our problem has been drawing too many and we are aware of that.

“If we had won just three of those drawn matches things would be very different.”

Liverpool are now eight points behind leaders Manchester United, who they meet on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Benitez said: “How near we finish to the top now will be interesting. We have been criticised this season, but let us see where we are in three or four weeks.

“We have important games and if we win them we will be a lot closer. If we can beat Manchester United we will be closer to the top, and that will give us more confidence.

“If we beat Everton after that then we will be closer still. Maybe, maybe we can be closer if we do not talk too much about it.

“Do we have a point to prove? Maybe, but only if we can keep winning three points.”

Liverpool Fans Form A Club In Their Price Range

Supporters of Premier League giants Liverpool, many of whom are no longer able to afford to watch their heroes, have formed a breakaway club.

AFC Liverpool are the latest 'fans' club to emerge following the successful launches of AFC Wimbledon in 2002 and FC United of Manchester three years later.

AFC Liverpool, however, is distinct from the other two in so far as in Wimbledon's case the supporters were implacably opposed to the relocation of their club, and followers of Manchester United were implacably opposed to the purchase of the club by the Glazer family. In Liverpool's case it is primarily a question of money.

The new club's spokesman Alun Parry explained: "This has nothing to do with the ownership issue, it's about affordability. I've been going to Anfield since the late Seventies when I was six years old. A season ticket in the Kop cost £45 in 1985, today it's £650, which I know is a lot cheaper than some other Premier League clubs, but in inflation terms Eighties prices should equate to £98 today.

"We aren't blaming the club, we realise they have no choice, but the sad fact is that a whole community is being denied the opportunity to grow up in the 'match-going' culture. The average age of a Premier League supporter is now 43. At a recent game I spotted only two children, so kids who can't afford to go are forced to learn what it means to support a club from one source - television."

AFC Liverpool will be run along the same lines as other supporter-owned clubs. Everyone can buy into it and get an equal vote. Like AFC Wimbledon and FC United, the new club will be a non-profit organisation.

Parry said: "Far from wishing to be estranged from the club, we are hoping that Liverpool will look upon us as a little brother."

So far AFC Liverpool have acquired more than 200 members, however up to 1,000 emails have been received supporting the idea.

The club have applied to the Vodkat North West Counties League Division Two to enter a team for the start of the 2008-09 season. Last week AFC Liverpool released an advert seeking a manager for the new non-League club, applications for which will close on March 31. They have also put out a call for players and, according to Parry, there has been a huge response.

"We are planning to launch a youth system with FA qualified coaches which will be of benefit to the community and to further the aims of AFC Liverpool," he said.

There are plenty of non-League clubs in the North West who would dearly love the extra revenue but as Parry explained: "By creating a team with an explicit LFC identity it gives us a club that we can collectively own and have a reason to support.

"If there are any ex-Reds out there who would like to manage us or play for us, we would be delighted."

Beware The Top Striker In Europe, Warns Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes his side’s rivals will feel the force of Europe’s ‘stand-out’ striker Fernando Torres in the five crunch fixtures to be played over the coming month.

In Saturday’s 2-1 comeback victory over Reading at Anfield, Torres became the first Liverpool player to net 20 Premier League goals in a season since Robbie Fowler 12 years ago.

Steve Coppell’s side took a shock fifth minute lead through Marek Matejovsky but the hosts hit back to record a seventh straight win goals from Javier Mascherano, who hit his first strike for the club on 19 minutes, and Torres on 48 minutes.

The victory puts Liverpool in good stead for a crucial period of games over the next four weeks as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday before hosting Everton in the derby a week later and then going on to play a hat-trick of games against Arsenal in the space of seven days with a Premier League meeting sandwiched between the sides’ Champions League quarter-finals clashes.

Carragher believes that Torres can prove to be vital weapon for Liverpool in these games as the striker, who has netted nine times in his last six outings, is now showing his best form after failing to make much of an impact in the corresponding fixtures against the same opposition earlier in the campaign.

He said: “Against Man United we didn’t really make the most of Fernando, he didn’t play against Everton and he came off injured at half-time against Arsenal. He hasn’t really played against them.

“I am sure they all watch Match of the Day and see each week what damage he has been causing and they will be well aware of him.

“Of course, it’s different in a game. He is going to be facing top defenders and they will relish showing what they can do, just as he will relish showing them.

“He’s on fire at the moment. He is the stand-out striker in European football right now and looks like he has got the lot.

“The header he scored today, you probably wouldn’t expect off a pacey striker. But I was stood right behind him and it was some header.

“It has been a long time since Robbie Fowler got 20 league goals and for Fernando to be the first player since then to do it shows he is a special player.”

Carragher acknowledges that the following month could either make or break Liverpool’s season given the importance of the matches and nature of the opposition.

He said: “It can go two ways. If we win the majority of these games we can hopefully go on and have a fantastic season. Or it can go the other way and it is doom and gloom again.

“That’s the stage of the season we are up to. Every game is important for every team, not just us. Sir Alex Ferguson says March and April are the months that prove decisive in terms of what you are going for and I think that’s going to be the case.

“We have Man United, Everton and then Arsenal three times so those five games are absolutely massive.

“I relish these games though. This is what you are in the game for. If you are going to win trophies you have to win big games and beat big games.”

A seventh straight win on Saturday ensured that Liverpool remain in pole position for fourth place but after their impressive 1-0 success in the San Siro four days earlier, Carragher admitted it was a different kind of test for his team.

He said: “We knew it was going to be a tough game. Reading are fighting for their lives and coming off the back of a Champions League game is always tough.

“To go 1-0 down and come back to win 2-1 is a great result really. I know everyone would expect us to win, but we showed a bit of character. We realise we haven’t played great, but the result was the most important thing.”

Rafa Benitez Insists Liverpool Aren’t Depending Too Much On Fernando Torres

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists that his side are not over-reliant on Fernando Torres’s goals after the Spaniard became the first player at the club to net 20 times in a Premier League season since Robbie Fowler in 1995/96.

The 23-year-old’s 48th-minute winner against Reading was his ninth goal in his last six games but Benitez, who is keeping his fingers crossed over the player who overcame a foot injury in the first half, remains confident that he possesses several other attacking threats if anything happened to his record signing.

He said: “We are not too reliant on Torres. People were asking why do you change, why do you rotate? You do it to try to keep the players fresh and clear of injury.

“So now when you have one week or three or four days in this case, you can use the players.

“But you must be thinking about the next games and three games in six days or six games in 16 days, all of them with very high tempo and demanding a lot physically from the players. We need to think about each game.

“We have also Kuyt, Crouch and Voronin, three strikers who can score goals. Today we have Babel, Kuyt, Gerrard and Torres and all of them are offensive, all of them have chances in every game.

“If you don’t have one player, you must use another player, so I think we have enough quality.”

Benitez was delighted that Torres has broken the 20-goal barrier but also paid tribute to his other forwards, Dutch pair Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt, who are operating in wide areas in Liverpool’s current 4-2-3-1 formation.

He said: “It was important for Torres and also for us.

“Everyone was talking about the money we spent, but it’s funny because everyone says ‘fantastic signing’ and then when you don’t spend money on a player and he’s free and it’s not working, they say ‘really bad signing.’

“Why? Because he was free. In this case, he was expensive and now he’s really good. When you have more money, it’s easier to sign better players.

“If Kuyt plays as a striker, he can score goals. It’s the same with Babel. But for the balance of the team, it’s very positive because they are working very hard for the team. That’s the most important thing.”

Following their shock FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Barnsley, Liverpool have recovered to win seven straight games and with five crucial fixtures over the coming month against Manchester United, Everton and Arsenal (three times), Benitez admits that motivating his players is easier when they’re on a run like this.

He said: “The team is playing well. We had two or three games that we drew at home that we could have won.

“There’s just a chance that you don’t score or that they score. If they don’t score in those games, that’s the difference.

“Today if they scored in the end, people would be saying ‘Good game, lots of chances, but ...’ But now because we are winning we have more confidence.

“Thinking about these games, it’s clear that we have a lot of confidence now. The mood in the dressing room is very good and the mentality of the players is very positive.”

Sky Sports Under Fire For "Anti Liverpool FC Bias"

Sky Sports was under fire last night over claims the broadcaster was biased in its commentary of Liverpool's Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

A legion of angry fans have accused top pundit Andy Gray of favouring the Italian champions over the British club with his comments.

Now Reds supporters are threatening a boycott of the broadcasting giant unless ex Everton star Gray is removed from the commentary team for their club's televised games.

The ₤20,0000-a-week Scottish pundit incensed Kop fans by branding the sending off of Inter midfielder Nicolas Burdisso "shocking", claiming Liverpool star Lucas commited the foul.

And he got their backs up further by appearing to sound down when Fernando Torres bagged the goal that killed the tie and sent his team into the last 16. Gray said: "It's game over I guess."

Season ticket holder Carl Rittenburg stormed: "I pay £48 per month so I can watch Liverpool's matches on Sky but I'll stop my subscription if they continue to let Andy Gray commentate.

"The man knows his stuff but he is so anti-Liverpool it's shocking and that was clearly evident during the Inter Milan game when he slated us at every chance.

"Gray seemed really annoyed when the Inter guy was sent off - he did nothing but go on about it all game.

"Yet he was calling for Liverpool players to get booked at the end of the match.

"Even when Torres scored the winner - that saw another British side through to the quarter finals - he sounded disappointed. It was like he wanted the Italians to win.

"We're not asking for bias towards Liverpool - were just asking for a fair commentary.

"But in having Gray to cover our games we're not getting that from Sky.

Kop fan Peter Stenton said: "As viewers we pay Sky for a service and a fair commentary when we watch live football - and in most cases that's we get.

"But it seems every time Andy Gray covers Liverpool games out team is given a verbal demolition."

Rita Walsh, 40, said: "I was so disgusted with the one-sided commentary during the game I wrote a letter to Sky to complain.

"Sky Sports has an obligation to provide fair and accurate coverage but in allowing Andy Gray to commentate on liverpool games it is falling woefully short."

Liverpool fans' revolt against Glasgow-born Gray, 53, has been simmering since he was signed up by Sky in 1990.

One Kopite has even set up a facebook group calling for the former nand Aston Villa striker to be taken off Liverpool games.

Scouser Alex Parkin, 28, said: "I set up the group to get Gray off our games.

"If Sky don't take him off then I'll seriously be thinking about scrapping my subscription in protest."

It's not the first time Liverpool fans have revolted against a broadcaster.

In November last year angry supporters called for a boycott of Eastenders after the show linked the HIllsborough disaster to hooliganism.

Campaigners for the 96 dead fans received an apology from the BBC after a character appeared to blame fans for the tragedy.

Sky Sports refused to comment.

Liverpool FC Stadium: Club Looks For Quick Decision

Liverpool FC’s third stadium design is now being scrutinised by town hall planners.

The proposal, revealed by the Liverpool Daily Post in January, was drawn up by Dallas-based architects HKS after the club’s American owners decided the previous idea was too expensive.

Because of a technicality, the Reds were allowed to submit an amended version of their second planning application, which was approved by councillors late last year.

In theory, it should take council officials less time to assess than an entirely new document, speeding up the planning process.

But no date has yet been set for the planning committee to meet and discuss the proposal for a 60,000-seater stadium at Stanley Park.

Liverpool are confident the scheme will be backed by councillors, as the previous two ideas were both given the green light.

A council spokesman said: “An amended application has been submitted because the decision notice from the previous one had not been formalised.”

Community leaders today called on city bosses to demand Liverpool draw up a full planning application.

Liberal councillor Steve Radford, who has campaigned for years against the principle of letting the club build on Stanley Park, said: “I believe it is unacceptable that this scheme is treated as an amended application.

“I am concerned we will not see the same level of consultation as we did previously.”

But the council today insisted more than 11,500 households would be asked for their views on the stadium proposal over a three-week period.

A spokesman also said objections raised when the previous plan was approved by councillors would be passed onto the planning committee again when it eventually meets.

The new design incorporates the 18,500-capacity stand-alone Kop, which Mr Hicks had insisted was crucial to his plans.

There is also room for extra seats to be added at a later date, although this would need council approval

Rafa Is The Best, Gushes Kuyt

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has hailed Rafael Benitez has the best manager he's ever had and vows to return to the form that saw him touted as a hot prospect when he signed for the Reds.

Since arriving at Anfield the Dutchman had a few problems settling in his first season, not aided by the fact Liverpool, by and large, did not have a good time of it in 2006/07. This was of course despite making the Champions League final, in which Kuyt scored a late consolation goal.

This season began following the death of his father due to cancer, and the hard-working striker has on numerous occasions explained just how much that has affected his game, with his dad being his biggest fan and friend in the footballing world up until his passing.

Mental Problems

Though it can be argued that Kuyt's problems have not been aided by his manager's reluctance to play him in his natural role — and indeed having essentially replaced him with another lead striker in Fernando Torres this summer — the 27-year-old remains optimistic of turning things around for the Reds now he has gotten past the worst of the grieving process.

"You always give your best as a player but sometimes you can have problems mentally," explained the former Feyenoord man.

"It was difficult to concentrate on football after my father died but I feel it is all behind me now. Sometimes things just need time for you to recover.

"People don't know what is happening with players behind the scenes. Everybody knows I have had a hard time privately, and I am just coming out of it."

Stronger

The Dutch international believes he has improved in recent weeks and only seeks to strengthen his resolve as a footballer and as a person when faced with adversity.

"I've played better in the past few games," declared Kuyt. "I have scored a few important goals and I have provided a few assists.

"It was the first time anything like this had happened to me and it has made me only stronger. Now I feel much better than a few months ago, I want to carry on and show I am a good player."

The Best I've Had

Kuyt has been a regular fixture in the Reds' starting line-up during their seven match unbeaten run. Though he has not been playing the role that saw him net an obscene 83 goals in 122 games in his time at Feyenoord, he did score one crucial if not slightly deflected goal at the death against Internazionale in the Champions League.

The striker is now hoping to repay the faith boss Benitez has shown in him by taking his side all the way in the Champions League, as he of course arrived after their 2005 success in Istanbul, only in time for the heartbreak of Athens 2007.

"It would be really special to repay him by winning the Champions League," mused the Dutchman.

"He is a really great manager. In the period when it was hard for me, when I had some problems, he was there for me.

"That he cared what happened to me outside the pitch means a lot. He is the best manager I've had.

"Playing football has been like a medicine for me. When you play great games, such as against Inter Milan in the Champions League, you can devote all your energy to what happens on the pitch.

"Hopefully, I can keep going like this and we can do well in the league and Champions League. We lost the final last year, we definitely want to be there again this time."

While Liverpool are left in the ever-familiar position of chasing club football's ultimate prize as their only chance of silverware this season, Kuyt maintains the importance of a push for fourth place, which of course guarantees qualification to the competition next season.

Their cause was greatly aided when Fernando Torres netted a winner in a nervy performance against Reading this weekend, while such luck deserted cross-town rivals Everton — who lost 1-0 at Fulham — as they are also battling for fourth.

Kuyt is now eyeing Manchester United and a win over Liverpool's historic rivals, given the Reds' distinct lack of luck against the Premier League leaders in recent fixtures.

Several times in the past few seasons the Reds have bested the Red Devils only to come out on the losing side, something Kuyt is eager to change this time around.

"We were a bit unlucky in our recent games against United, so hopefully we will get that luck this time," he said.

"It is unbelievable. We deserved something more from those games.

"I think when you are at Liverpool you want to win every game, and especially against Man United. It is a really big game coming up and we really want to show we can beat them.

"United have a quality team. Only in the past six or seven games have we shown it."