Match Preview: Manchester City vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool face a tough trip to Eastlands on Sunday as the Reds resume Premiership duties with a clash against Manchester City.

The Reds make the short journey to Manchester boasting an unbeaten record in the league but manager Rafael Benitez is aware that the club now thought to be the richest in the world following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group will provide a stern test.

However, Benitez believes that getting back-to-back victories and building momentum is more important than winning a solitary game at the likes of City in order to have a genuine crack at the Premiership title.

"If you want to be a contender in the league, you have to be consistent - you have to win games in a row," he said.

"I'm not sure whether this is the type of game we need to win if we want to win the league.

"People were saying that about the Stoke game, saying 'you need to win this game, you need to win this game'.

"But we beat United and Everton either side of it. Of course, you need to win every game you can because the competition at the top of the Premier League this season is going to be really difficult.

"You can't guarantee that winning a game like City away will make a massive difference at the end of the season."

The Reds could consider themselves unfortunate to have come away from the City of Manchester Stadium with only a point last December and it's a result that still irritates Benitez.

He says: "It was clear last season that we were in a good moment but it finished 0-0 even though we had a lot of chances. It is important to do the right things this year.

"I remember the game really well. It was a good game and we played really well but could not score.

"We had chances in the first half and at the start of the second half Torres had two chances and there was one at the end, so I was really disappointed that we could not score because we deserved to win.

"At the time we were in a good moment. We had a lot of confidence and the team was playing well so the timing was bad for us.

"It is important to recognise that it is different this time though.

"It is another season with different players so hopefully the outcome will be better for us this time.

"The only similarity is that we are playing well now as we were then so we have to try and make sure that we are ready and that we take our chances if they come."

City are expected to spend heavily in the January transfer window and Benitez believes that Mark Hughes' side can pose a threat to the so called 'big four'.

He said: "They have a good team, with good players and a good manager - so why not? They could be near the top of the table, but Aston Villa have also spent a lot of money and other teams could also be there.

"I think that they will be thinking about improving every weekend. And after they bring new players, it is all about how they are settling and if they can understand each other. Foreign players will always need time, so I think it is not easy to sign top class players and get them to play well from the very first game.

"I think our main thing at the moment is to think about how we can improve our own team this year and for the future too. Every year you hear about Tottenham or Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle or West Ham and Manchester City now, but we have to do our job.

"City's money can obviously help when you're trying to sign the best players. But you need a squad in place too, the balance of which is the key if you want to win trophies.

"Everyone is talking about them, but any questions about whether the money makes it more difficult for them is one for Mark Hughes to answer.

"They were a good team beforehand, they are a good team now and they will be better in the future."

Liverpool's excellent form both domestically and in Europe will give Benitez serious selection headaches over the coming weeks with several high-profile players left warming the substitutes bench recently, but the manager believes that this is a sign of the Reds' progress.

"You know that if you want to win games and try to win trophies that you have a good squad," he said.

"I have said this is the best squad we have had since I came to the club.

"It is not easy for me to pick a team when so many of the players are confident and playing well but it is better to be this way than for your team to pick itself because only some of your players are playing well."

Benitez must decide whether to recall Javier Mascherano into Liverpool's midfield tomorrow or stick with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in the centre.

Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel picked up minor knocks in the Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven in midweek but both are available to play.

Daniel Agger continues to push for a starting berth while Albert Riera could start against the club he spent six months on-loan at in 2006.

City are sweating on the fitness of centre-back Richard Dunne after he missed Thursday's Uefa Cup victory over Omonia Nicosia with a hamstring problem. Tal Ben Haim will deputise if needed.

Martin Petrov is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up while the most expensive player in British football history, Robinho, will start.


PROBABLE TEAM LINE-UPS:

Manchester City from: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Ben Haim, Garrido, Ball, Elano, Kompany, Ireland, Hamann, Fernandes, Petrov, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Jo, Schmeichel, Evans, Sturridge, Glauber, Etuhu.

Liverpool from: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Dossena, Babel, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Riera, Torres, Kuyt, Keane, Lucas, Cavalieri.

City The Acid Test Of Ability To Sustain Title Quest

How apt that Steven Gerrard’s 100th goal for the club would be a screamer at the Kop end?

After bringing hope in the late 90s, then being key in delivering a glut of trophies in the noughties, Gerrard has been undoubtedly the shining light at Anfield over the last decade, and now possibly of all time.

But as things stand in 2008, the fact is that he is finally with a bunch of players who can also conjure up moments of magic.

In Fernando Torres, Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel and Albert Riera, Liverpool possess an attacking pool that finally looks like they could smash the London-Manchester league dominance.

The season so far has been impressive, and the strength in depth really is coming to the fore. Inevitably the media are picking up on this as testified by the daily rumours on Daniel Agger.

This is obviously a problem with big squads but I hope that Agger bides his time and when he does get his chance, he takes it, his ability to link defence with midfield can be a pleasure to watch.

The Champions League is as ever a big lure for fans but the league remains our first love and going top last Saturday, albeit for a few hours, felt so good.

The Stoke result still niggles but the professional way that Everton were dispatched took everyone’s minds of it.

Torres showed that he is a class act once again, and you wouldn’t swap this guy for anyone in the world.

For Torres also read, Gerrard, Carragher and Mascherano and you can start to see that this team is becoming a force.

The clash at Eastlands will however be a real acid test. Man City and their attacking abilities will represent one the biggest challenges thus far for our rearguard. But at the other end of the pitch I hope that Robbie Keane can now bag his first Premier League goal.

With the ever-improving Riera facing his former side, it’s time for Liverpool to get ruthless if they really are serious about bringing number 19 back home.

Rafa: Riera Just Revving Up

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says that he is pleased with what summer signing Albert Riera has managed to produce thus far, but insists that there is much more still to come from the former Espanyol ace.

Riera arrived at Anfield just prior to the close of the transfer window, and he has wasted little time settling into the Premier League.

The Spanish winger was highly impressive on debut against Manchester United, his touchline play during the 2-1 victory instantly demonstrating what the Reds have lacked on the left flank in recent years.

"It's too early to judge Albert properly," said Benitez on the club's official website. "He's been playing well and the team has been playing well also, but I think that he will improve.

"Players need time to settle down, but because he knows the Premier League it has made it easier for him. But we'll be expecting more from him."

Many were skeptical of the 26-year-old's quality given his failed stint at Manchester City, but tomorrow's match against his former side could be a perfect opportunity for him to prove that he has blossomed into a top player.

Alonso Admits Summer Sorrow

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted that the treatment he received from the club over the summer still leaves a sour taste.

The Spain international looked set to leave Anfield with Rafa Benitez apparently happy to part with his services to raise funds for the proposed signing of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Alonso came close to joining Juventus, while Arsenal were also credited with an interest in his services, but he remained on Merseyside as Villa rejected all advances from the Reds for England international Barry.

The gifted midfielder never wanted to move away from Merseyside and is happy to have remained part of Benitez's first-team plans.

Alonso told the Daily Express: "I prefer not to think too much about how I was treated. It was a new situation for me, something I had never experienced before.

"It is a fact that any player can be really happy where he is but, if the club don't want him, he has to accept it. There is not much you can do.

"It is not always easy to detach yourself from things like that, but I accept it is part of football and the main thing is it was all resolved and I am now playing regularly.

"I was really pleased that I was able to continue my Liverpool career."

Liverpool have made an impressive unbeaten start to the season and Alonso believes they have the potential to challenge for honours at home and abroad.

He added: "With the team we have got and the spirit of the fans, it could be the right time to win things.

"But I prefer not to say it very loudly. We have to be cautious about making any predictions at this stage of the season. We know there is pressure because we haven't won anything for two years - but we impose that pressure on ourselves.

"We are responsible for the successes and failures of this club and we are more than happy to take that responsibility."

Kuyt Happy To Play Team Game

For Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt, goal scoring has become a hit-and-miss situation - hit in the Champions League, miss in the Premier League.

The Dutchman finds himself in the remarkable position of failing to score in the top flight in 26 appearances dating back to Liverpool's 3-0 win at Newcastle last November.

But in Europe, it is a totally different story. His opener in the 3-1 group-stage victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday was his 10th in his last 16 Champions League ties.

Kuyt has scored 15 in 72 league games for Liverpool, and 12 in 31 cup ties.

The 28-year-old finds those figures hard to explain, but insists he does not care who scores for Liverpool as long as they win and he has been able to contribute to the team effort.

Boss Rafael Benitez consistently says the same, highlighting Kuyt's amazing work rate, which suggests the likeable Holland international will be in the thick of the action on Sunday at Eastlands against Manchester City.

It has not helped Kuyt's strike rate that he has been converted virtually to a right-sided midfielder by Benitez.

But the former Feyenoord forward said: "I scored again in Europe in midweek, and it does not matter what competition it is as far as I am concerned. That was my 10th in 16 European matches, but they are just goals to me.

"We have started well this season, we are in the top two in the Premier League and have six points in the Champions League. That is the most important thing.

"Winning games is the only thing that matters, not who scores them. But I have confidence that I will score more goals in the Premier League.

"For me, if I get an assist rather than a goal, it does not matter too much. It is still a goal."

Kuyt has slotted into his wide role with an uncomplaining attitude, saying: "I like it there. It allows me to make goals and to score them too.

"It is more important for me to play as part of the team. It does not matter what position that is, as a striker or on the right.

"If Rafa asked me to play full-back that would not be a problem, it is his decision. But I'm not sure how well I would do there, though!

"But I would do whatever he asks because you are a professional and all you can do is get on with it."

His hard-working style means Benitez uses that attribute in a role that sometimes sees Kuyt playing outside the box. He continued: "My goals target has changed a little because you do not get as many chances playing in the role I have now.

"You have other jobs to do when you are out on the right, goals are not the main target for me this season, it is honours that I want."

And he has no intention of leaving, despite transfer window speculation of interest from Hamburg. Benitez said of that: "Maybe in 10 years."

Kuyt added: "When you play for Liverpool it is impossible to find a better club anywhere in the world."

Which brings Kuyt onto Manchester City, and some wild, initial, suggestions from their new Arab owners that the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard were on their wish-list.

Kuyt commented on that: "I don't think any players from Liverpool would want to join Manchester City because Liverpool is a much bigger club. It won't be easy for City if they try to sign really big players.

"It's possible, but if you want the ones who are already playing for the big clubs, that's the difficult thing."

Alonso Keeping Quiet On Title Talk

Xabi Alonso is refusing to get carried away by Liverpool's impressive start to the season and says he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Rafa Benitez's men have yet to taste defeat this season and could go top of the league with victory at Manchester City on Sunday should other results go their way.

Liverpool cruised to a 3-1 midweek victory over PSV in the Champions League at Anfield, while they have also beaten Manchester United and Everton in recent weeks.

And although Alonso reckons the Reds can launch a title challenge, he is remaining cautious ahead of the clash against Mark Hughes' City side.

"With the team we have got and the spirit of the fans, it could be the right time to win things," he told the Daily Express.

"But I prefer not to say it very loudly. We have to be cautious about making any predictions at this stage of the season. We know there is pressure because we haven't won anything for two years - but we impose that pressure on ourselves.

"We are responsible for the successes and failures of this club and we are more than happy to take that responsibility."

U18s Rally To Claim Fifth Straight Win

Liverpool under-18s fought back from two goals down to snatch a deserved 4-2 victory in a pulsating clash with Wolves at the Academy.

The Reds had gone into the match hoping to extend their winning streak to five matches but that looked like being an almost impossible target when the visitors raced into a 2-0 lead after just 16 minutes.

However, Hughie McAuley's men rallied and they were level by the half hour mark courtesy of goals from Lauri Dalla Valle and Astrit Ajdarevic.

The Reds then looked the more likely side to win it throughout a tense second period and they eventually got the goal they deserved seven minutes from time courtesy of substitute James Ellison's wonderful 25 yard drive.

Marvin Pourie then rubbed salt in the away side's wounds with a stoppage time fourth.

It was a devastating blow for Wolves who made a bright start to the proceedings and could have taken the lead as early as the first minute when James Davis fired a warning shot from 20 yards just over Martin Hansen's crossbar.

It served as a taster for what was to follow for much of the first-half as the Reds struggled to come to terms with the away side's counter-attacking style.

The home side were lacking their usual rhythm and they had barely had time to settle into the contest when they found themselves behind after just four minutes.

Wolves were awarded a corner on the right hand side and when the Liverpool defence failed to pick up Jamie Reckford on the edge of the penalty area, the defender duly punished them by nodding the ball into the six yard box for Michael Wardle to drill the ball through Hansen's legs.

It was a shock to the system for the hosts who had gone into the clash in buoyant mood on the back of series of impressive performances. But in the early stages they were always second best and it came as no surprise when the away side doubled their advantage on 16 minutes when Sam Winnall smashed a superb 25 yarder beyond the despairing dive of Hansen.

At this point it looked like the visitors would run away with it and had Kyle Bennett steered his effort two inches lower he would have been celebrating their third on 22 minutes.

However, the winger was instead left to curse a miss of the season contender after Hansen's inability to deal with a corner from the right saw him crash the ball off the crossbar from all of two yards.

It was the let off that seemed to spark Liverpool into life and two minutes later they were back in it courtesy of another Lauri Dalla Valle strike.

The 17-year-old signed pro forms with the club last week and marked the occasion in style with another fine finish from just inside the area.

It was a goal that changed the entire complexion of the game and the hosts inevitably poured forward before drawing level on the half hour mark.

A Wolves corner was flicked into the path of Tom Ince, who quickly found Dalla Valle on the left as Liverpool looked to play the visitors at their own game with a swift counter-attack.

The Finnish striker moved purposefully towards goal before cutting inside and teeing up Astrit Ajdarevic who thundered home a trademark effort to cap a remarkable six minute turnaround and send Liverpool in level at the break.

Both sides made an attempt to tighten up at the back following the interval and it wasn't until the 55th minute that the first real chance of any note fell Liverpool's way, but David Amoo's powerful cross-shot flew inches wide of the far post.

Substitute James Ellison then had a deflected header tipped over the bar by Richard Woolley, before finally getting the better of the Wolves stopper with a sensational strike that flew into the top corner on 83 minutes.

Wolves tried to respond but in doing so left space at the back and Pourie pounced in injury-time to make sure of the three points.

Liverpool under 18s: Hansen, Scott, Buchtmann, Metcalf, Kennedy, Ajdarevic, Amoo, Roberts (O'Connor 79), Dalla Valle, Pourie, Ince (Ellison 65). Unused subs: Duyan.

Gerrard Will Never Leave Liverpool, Says Benitez

Rafael Benitez has told Steven Gerrard he can score 20 goals a season for the next five years to double his current century of goals for Liverpool.

The Anfield boss, who has ruled out any thought from Manchester City that Gerrard would ever consider moving there despite their new-found wealth, has big plans himself for his skipper's future.

Gerrard scored his 100th for the club in Wednesday's Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

And he will lead unbeaten Liverpool tomorrow against the club now dubbed the richest in the world since their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, whose new owners claim they want to sign the 28 year-old.

And Benitez says: 'Steven is young still, he has to score maybe 20 goals a season for five years, but he can do it.

'If he has no injuries he can do it. He is more mature now, he knows what to do on the pitch, he can score at that level.

'He is enjoying his football now at his age. The quality that he had is really improving.

'I rate Gerrard amongst the very best offensive midfielder in the world, maybe there are only four or five players in his role in the world who are as good.

'The key is that he wants to stay here, that is the most important thing. It is not a question of money.

'He has a commitment with the club and the fans, and as a local lad he would prefer to stay here.

'This is his club. He is a key player for us and he is happy here. We are improving every year and he knows that we can win trophies. That is the most important thing.

'You never know about other players, they are professionals and this is football. But Gerrard is playing well and if we are improving he will be very, very happy here.'

Liverpool have Javier Mascherano back in contention to start, having been rested against PSV.

Keane Says Leaving Spurs Was Right Decision

Liverpool striker Robbie Keane says he was correct in leaving the lily whites to join the Reds this summer.

Robbie Keane who so often found the net for Tottenham Hotspur joined Liverpool in a £20million over the summer but only opened his Red account in 'Pool's midweek Champions League clash over PSV.

The Republic of Ireland international claims he was right in leaving Spurs to further his career and challenge for top honours. While Tottenham are languishing at the foot of the table with only two points, Liverpool are flourishing near the head; are undefeated; and have already enjoyed derby day and Manchester United victories.

Keane told the club's official website: "I knew I was making the right move, I always knew it was right for me. This is why I came to Liverpool... to challenge for the big honours."

"Since I've come here everyone at the whole club has been great to me. The fans have been fantastic and hopefully I've paid them back a little bit now," he said reflecting on his first goal.

"It's nice to get the first one out of the way because it stops people talking about it. That's been the annoying thing because as a player I don't worry about it."

"I know I'll score goals and I don't get myself down about it when it doesn't happen. But now I'm getting more confident every game and I know more goals will come."

Rafa To Kill Off Rotation Policy

Rafa Benitez has conceded that his rotation policy may have been detrimental to Liverpool's past title chances and admits that he will now keep a spine of a team together.

In seasons gone by Rafa Benitez has been criticised for his rotation policy as his constant tinkering has long been believed to be responsible for Liverpool's erratic form.

Decisions to drop key personnel such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres proved costly as the Reds dropped points in games they should have won.

Liverpool are enjoying an unbeaten start this season and Benitez has conceded that if he wants that to continue then he will need to ax his policy of rotation in favour of keeping a team spine together.

"We have the experience of last season... I won’t make many changes. If some players are on fire, maybe it is a good moment to keep them playing," he is quoted by KopTV as saying.

"Normally we try to check how the players are physically, mentally and also how the team is tactically – and then we decide whether we will change more or less players," he continued.

"But now we are in a good position so I do not think that I will change too many. When some players are playing well, but are tired, you say ‘okay maybe we will have to keep them in.’ But then you play them, they are tired and you have to change them in a game!"

"You never know. If you win, you can say ‘okay fantastic decision,’ but I don’t think I will change too many players."

"When we were analysing things this week we knew we had four days between the Everton match and this one and four days between this match and the Manchester City game. Three days is not enough, four days is better."

Kuyt Unworried About Barren Prem Run

Dirk Kuyt says as long as Liverpool are winning then his own goal-scoring record is erroneous.

Dutchman Dirk Kuyt has developed a habit of scoring goals in Europe, but struggles to find the net in the Premier League, while kitting out in the famous Liverpool red.

The forward added to his Champions League haul on Wednesday night with one of Liverpool's three goals against PSV Eindhoven.

Kuyt though insists that as long as Liverpool are winning his own ability to score goals is irrelevant, and told the club's official website:

"A lot of people talk about scoring goals in the Champions League or Premier League, but for me it's just about winning the games. We have made a really good start to the season here at Liverpool. We're joint top of the league and have six points in the Champions League. This is the most important thing.

"We can talk every week about goals but the most important thing is winning games. I know I'll score goals in the Premier League but to me, whether or not I get an assist or a goal, it doesn't matter that much. I just want to win games."

"It's always special to play and score against a side from your own country. I think PSV are the best side in Holland and have been for a few years," he added.

"I had a bit of luck after the corner but sometimes you need that to score a goal... I don't think we played our best game but we were in control for 90 minutes. PSV aren't the same side they were a few years ago but they are still a decent team."

"Tonight we passed the ball very well and deserved to win the game and it's quite different from last year. That is what we wanted, that is what we talked about," he continued.

Regarding team-mate Robbie Keane opening his Liverpool account, Kuyt said: "It was great to see Robbie get his first goal and see how happy he was. He deserved it. He has played really well in these last few games for Liverpool and I am sure he will score a lot more for us."

Mascherano Ready For Robinho War

Liverpool's gritty Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano is relishing the prospect of another battle with Manchester City's Brazilian trickster Robinho.

Javier Mascherano claims that he knows all about Manchester City forward Robinho as the pair faced each other numerous times while excelling through the youth ranks for their respective nations: Argentina; and Brazil.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has said that Mascherano was rested in the midweek Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven so that he would be fresh for the side's City of Manchester Stadium visit, and Mascherano said he is relishing the opportunity to come up against his old foe.

"I have played against him many times," Mascherano explained to Liverpoolfc.tv. "I know him and he's a fantastic player with a lot of quality. Obviously the Premier League is the most difficult league, so maybe he'll find it tough."

"Having said this, he's already played some good games there," he continued. "We know they have a good team and they're stronger than last year, obviously. They have a good manager and are improving a little bit more than before.

"I remember all our games at Man City have been very difficult. We need to be very careful but of course we need to win if we want to stay at the top of the table."

"If you want to fight for the Premier League you can't lose many points. We know it'll be difficult to win there but I am confident we have the players to win," he concluded.

Confidence High At Anfield, Claims Rafa

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has claimed that because of their recent form, confidence his sky high in Anfield, and consequently the Reds fear no one in the world.

For the first time in Rafa Benitez's tenure, Liverpool overcame Manchester United. Couple that victory with the Spaniard's seventh derby day victory over Everton and 'Pool have capped an impressive start to the new Premier League campaign.

Liverpool are currently heading the league - together with Chelsea - and have translated their domestic form onto the European stage.

As a consequence of their fine form, Benitez has declared that his side are oozing with confidence and hailed his potential world beating side.

"When you are winning big games in succession, when you are playing well, the confidence grows – especially when those games you have won include victories against Manchester United and Everton," Benitez told the club's official website.

"The confidence is high and we aim to keep it that way. The wins over United and Everton have shown the team that they can beat anyone."

"Last season people were saying we could not beat the top three, but we deserved to beat United and it was the same against Everton. Those wins show how much we have improved," he said.

Madrid Confirm Agger Interest

Real Madrid have revealed that they will attempt to sign Daniel Agger from Liverpool during the January transfer window.

Reports have emerged over the last few days that los Merengues are looking to increase the depth of their defence as they seek to retain their La Liga title and reclaim their Champions League crown.

On the surface, the Bernabeu has no dearth of options at the back; Fabio Cannavaro, Christoph Metzelder, Ezequiel Garay, Sergio Ramos and Pepe are all highly regarded defenders.

But Metzelder has struggled to settle in Madrid, Pepe has suffered series of injuries and Ramos is preferred at right-back. Combine that with Cannavaro's advancing years and Garay's relative lack of experience, and the need for reinforcement becomes apparent.

Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker was mentioned as a potential target in the Spanish press this week, but Agger is the clear favourite to fill the void in Bernd Schuster's squad.

The Danish international is one of the most promising defenders in Europe, and yet he has struggled to get on the pitch this season with Liverpool.

After making his mark during the previous campaign, the 23-year-old missed almost the entire 2007-08 season due to a metatarsal problem. He has since returned to fitness but has failed to dislodge Martin Skrtel, the Slovakian star who has become a Kop favourite since arriving from Zenit St. Petersburg in January.

Rumours have arisen of an ever-widening rift between Agger and Rafael Benitez, although the manager has fervently denied such claims and insisted that the club are hoping to extend the player's contract.

The Merseyside giants will have to act fast, however, as los Blancos confirmed yesterday that their sights have been set on the former Brondby man for quite some time.

Real vice-president Jose Angel Sanchez said in The Sun: “Agger’s a player we have been looking at for a long time and it’s likely we will bid for him in January.

“He’s a world-class player and would fit into our system without a doubt. We need a defender and a striker — and Agger tops our list.”

It turns out that Madrid had initially planned to purchase Agger during the summer, along with Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, the tedious saga surrounding Ronaldo and the complicated nature of Robinho's deadline-day departure for Manchester City meant no deal was reached with either of England's North-West giants.

“We already had plans about buying Agger this summer, along with some other players,” Sanchez continued.

“But the Robinho situation took so much attention and demanded so many resources from the club that we had to drop the plans for putting in a bid for him and the others we had in mind.”

Liverpool will be highly reluctant to sell given Sami Hyypia, the ageing Finn who was omitted from the Champions League roster, is realistically their only remaining option in central defence.

Rafa Agger-ieved At Real Rumours

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger will not be joining Real Madrid according to his manager Rafa Benitez.

Real Madrid made their interest in the player known overnight as they seek defensive cover for Pepe and the departing Fabio Cannavaro.

The Spanish champions earmarked Daniel Agger as their ideal candidate and declared their intention to sign the player in the January transfer window through vice-president Jose Angel Sanchez.

However, their attempts to secure the signature of the Danish international have met a strong rebuttal from Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Although Agger is currently out of favour at Anfield, Benitez insisted that the 22 year-old would be moving nowhere, and that his future lay at Liverpool.

Agger has recently threatened to invoke a 'Webster Clause' - whereby he would be entitled to buy his own way out of his Liverpool deal, which is due to expire in 2010.

However, since the threat, Benitez has made the right noises about a new contract and first team football.

To Liverpool's official website, Benitez declared today: "The situation is very simple, Daniel Agger is our player and he is not for sale.
"His future is at Anfield and nowhere else. He knows my ideas because we have talked with him and he has a long future with us.

"We do not want to lose our concentration just before we play Manchester City by talking about other things but it is important that people know that Agger is not for sale."

Liverpool To Face January Fight With Man City To Keep Hold Of Torres?

Liverpool could face a fight to hold on to Spanish International Fernando Torres in the January transfer window, with reports that Manchester City sent a fax on the final day of the summer transfer window enquiring about the Spaniard, according to The Telegraph.

Since the takeover at the Eastlands Stadium by the ADUG, City have been linked with a host of Europe’s top stars, with Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal and Argentine striker Sergio Aguero amongst the names along with Torres.

It is highly unlikely that the fax received any attention whatsoever when it arrived at Anfield, with Reds boss Rafa Benitez in no way ready to sell the forward, who only joined the Merseyside club from Atletico Madrid last summer.

However, with Liverpool’s American co-owners having to renegotiate their loan structure in January, which is reportedly going to cause some financial concern. Liverpool might not be able to resist the sort of figure that the new regime at City could offer for their top-scorer in the Premier League last season.

Javier Mascherano Tells Manchester City: You Can't Buy Instant Success

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has told ambitious Manchester City it will take them longer to be Barclays Premier League title contenders than they think.

The Eastlands club are awash with money following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, and the club’s new owners quickly made noises about signing top stars and challenging for a Champions League spot and even the Premier League crown.

But as the midfielder prepares to compete against a familiar South American face in City’s £32.5million signing Robinho, the Argentinian suggests that Sunday’s opponents are still short of being genuine contenders.

Mascherano said: “We know they have a good team and they are stronger than last season, obviously.

“They have a good manager and are improving a little bit more than before.

“They are looking to be in the top four and if they have the chance to fight for the title they will go for it.

“But we know how difficult it is in the Premier League, so maybe they will need a little bit more time to fight for titles.”

Mascherano’s colleague Dirk Kuyt has already dismissed fanciful claims from Eastlands that they can compete to sign players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

A deadline-day bid for the Spaniard was ignored by Liverpool, and Kuyt said: “Of course it is possible to sign big players, but nobody at Liverpool would want to join City because we are a bigger club.

“If they want big players already at big clubs, they will find that the difficult thing.”

Mascherano’s initial aim will be to stop Robinho in his tracks. He reveals he has played against the Brazilian many times, the pair having grown up together in South American football.

Mascherano, like Robinho now 24, said: “I have played against him many times. I know him and he is a fantastic player with a lot of quality.

“But obviously the Premier League is the most difficult league, so maybe he will find it tough. Having said that, he has already played some good games here.”

Benitez Urges Liverpool To Go On Winning Run Even As Man City Boss Hughes Installs The Reds As Contenders

While manager Rafa Benitez has urged Liverpool to prove their Premiership title credentials with a victory on Sunday at Manchester City, his counterpart Mark Hughes has already installed the Reds as the contenders for this season’s league glory.

The Reds have made a strong start to the campaign and in their first six games have taken 14 points to be tied with leaders Chelsea. The Merseysiders however, come across a City side with big attacking threat in the form of Brazil star Robinho and Co at the weekend; and Benitez wants his side to keep their form going and improve upon last season’s draw in the corresponding fixture.

"If you want to be a contender in the league, you have to be consistent – you have to win games in a row," Benitez, whose side has also won both their group games in the Champions League, told a pre-match press conference.

"It was clear last season that we were in a good moment but it finished 0-0 even though we had a lot of chances. It is important to do the right things this year."

Hughes - Reds Are Contenders

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes Liverpool are serious challengers for this year's Premier League title.

Despite being one of the biggest names in English football, the Reds have often flattered to deceive in league competition and fallen short when it matters.

Hughes believes Liverpool have something about them this season and that after 18 years of hurt their time might have come to reclaim the crown of English champions.

However, Hughes believes his impressive City side have enough quality and guile to upset the Reds' quest when they meet this Sunday.

"Liverpool have been a top four side for a number of years now. They have a huge history of winning trophies," said Hughes.

"I sense that this season they will have a real go at trying to win the Premier League.

"Liverpool have had a great start. They look confident, strong and assured. They will run the top teams very close.

"It is a big test for us as they are playing exceptionally well at the moment.

"Hopefully we will be in a position to cause them problems as we have some good players in key areas of the park."

Benitez Warns Man City About Perils Of New Wealth

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez warned Manchester City ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting that its newfound wealth will be exploited by clubs only willing to sell their players at excessive prices.

Man City's new Abu Dhabi owners are planning to splurge on players in January to turn the long underachieving club into a global force. They began their mission last month with the surprise capture of Brazil forward Robinho.

By contrast, Benitez operates within the constraints of budget set by owners who have piled debt on to Liverpool.

While Benitez has clashed with his American co-owners over their lack of support in the transfer market, he said being a shrewd operator can deliver the goods.

"When you don't have money you know you have to analyze everything in the market and say this player is cheap and good,'' Benitez said.”People think when you have money it is easier to buy better players, but the market is smaller.

"You don't have too many top-class players, and it's more difficult because everyone knows that you have money so will ask for more.''

Benitez doesn't see Robinho alone transforming City after signing from Real Madrid for a British record 32.5 million pounds (US$58.5 million; £40 million).

"Players need time. It is not easy to sign top-class players from all around the world and expect them to start playing very well from the first game,'' the Spaniard said. "It is more difficult than that.''

That has been evident on the pitch after less than two weeks of UAE ownership.

Mark Hughes' side has been eliminated from the League Cup by lowly opposition, lost at Wigan in the Premier League, and qualified for the UEFA Cup group stage with an unconvincing win over Omonia Nicosia.

"I do not know when they can become genuine title contenders,'' Benitez said.”They are a good team with good players and a good manager - so why not? They can be top of the table, but there are other teams that have spent big money like Aston Villa.

"Other teams are trying to do the same. But you must realize how hard the Premier League is to win.''

Liverpool has been trying to win a 19th English league title since 1990 without success, although the Reds are only currently being kept off the top by Chelsea on goal difference after their best start to a domestic campaign in 12 years.

Key to that have been Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, who notched up his 100th Liverpool goal in Wednesday's Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven.

Man City want them both, but Benitez can't see Gerrard ever leaving.

"Gerrard is playing well and if we are improving he will be very, very happy here,'' Benitez said.”The key is that he wants to stay here, that is the most important thing. It is not a question of money.

"He has a commitment with the club and the fans, and as a local lad he would prefer to stay here.''

Aldridge Raises Liverpool Concern

John Aldridge fears for Liverpool's future if the club's American owners fail to resolve their financial issues.

George Gillett and Tom Hicks have come under fire from Liverpool fans worried over transfer spending and their treatment of manager Rafael Benitez.

Plans for a new stadium have been beset by delays and Aldridge is concerned by the direction the club is heading.

"The club's not really getting run at at the moment; it's getting neglected," the former Reds striker told BBC Sport.

"Whilst the Americans have their problems, the club is getting deeper and deeper into trouble, especially with the new stadium and everything else."

Liverpool are second in the Premier League going into Sunday's match at big-spending Manchester City, but Aldridge is worried about matters elsewhere.

The proposed new stadium adjacent to the club's current home has had two re-designs and the loans the pair took out to buy the club have had to be refinanced.

"On the pitch (Liverpool) are not doing too badly, they're holding their own, but the stadium is nowhere near to what it should be at this time," he said.

"But that is just part of what's happened unfortunately.

"Liverpool Football Club never do their business in public, but over the last 12 months or so it has become publicised.

"The Americans have done a lot of homework, but they obviously don't know the true history and how the club goes about itself."

Liverpool supporters have become increasingly frustrated at the way the club is being run and before the recent 2-1 victory at home to Manchester United, the Spirit of Shankly group organised a march in protest against Hicks and Gillett.

Since taking over there have been cracks in their relationship with Benitez and in the summer the Spaniard was frustrated at the board for not sanctioning an £18m move for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

However, despite missing out on Barry, the Liverpool boss is believed to have spent about £40m in the summer, including the capture of Robbie Keane from Tottenham for £20.3m.

The Americans also oversaw the club record signing of Fernando Torres the previous summer and in February they sanctioned a permanent deal for midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is thought to have cost the club about £18m.

Matters came to a head at the beginning of 2008 when Hicks revealed he had spoken with former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann about the possibility of taking over at Anfield.

Gillett has also spoken about how the relationship between himself and the Texan had become "unworkable", before saying in June that communication had "substantially improved".

However, despite their off-field problems, Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League after six games and sit level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table.

Sunday's trip to Eastlands provides a contrast to the situation at Anfield after Man City's recent takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.

Backed by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Royal Family in Abu Dhabi, City appear to have bountiful resources in their pursuit of success and Aldridge is fearful at the effect that could have on Liverpool's future.

"All of a sudden they (Manchester City) have got this sugar daddy who is going to make them into a force," he said.

"We've hung on to third or fourth spot in the last few years, and done well in Europe, but that's a must now because Man City are going to come into the fold.

"If we get pushed out of that top four, all of a sudden the stadium problems escalate and the board problems escalate.

"We could be in a bit of the mess. We're in a bit of a mess at the moment, on the pitch we're OK, but you can see it getting worse."

Aldridge is keen for the club to come under new ownership and has given his backing to an initiative set-up by lifelong Liverpool fan Rogan Taylor, which would see the club owned by its fans.

Share Liverpool FC aims to get 100,000 supporters to pledge £5,000 each so they could launch a takeover and former Republic of Ireland international Aldridge, who has been appointed to the board of the scheme, believes the idea is not as far-fetched as it may appear.

"Unfortunately there are a lot of pessimists who don't think we've got a cat in hell's chance of doing it, but we're all very positive," said the 50-year-old.

"The people Rogan's got involved are very clever, astute businessmen and they could run Liverpool Football club now.

"The problem is we need to get the money in place ASAP to give ourselves a chance.

"We might not be able to go in 100%, but in the next year or so we could get a percentage of the club.

"That would put us in a good position to go forward and the people who are looking at us and might not be too sure could jump on the bandwagon."

Match Report: LiverpooL 3 - 1 PSV Eindhoven

Steven Gerrard grabbed his 100th Liverpool goal to leave his side with their Champions League destiny in their own hands after a convincing Group D victory at Anfield.

Back-to-back games with Atletico Madrid now follow, and after the Spanish side's win over Marseille, those matches will almost certainly decide who wins the group.

Liverpool have won their first two group matches for the first time, and cruised to victory.

Robbie Keane scored his first goal for the club after 11 blank games since his £20million move from Tottenham, and Gerrard smashed home the third to grab his century of Liverpool goals.

And Dirk Kuyt got in on the act with his 10th goal in 16 Champions League games for the club.

But frankly, Liverpool never got out of second gear against the outclassed Dutch champions.

Benitez recalled Fabio Aurelio to left-back in place of Andrea Dossena, the only change from the side that won the Merseyside derby at Everton on Saturday.

It meant Javier Mascherano was left on the bench - despite recovering from a calf injury - for the manager's 250th game in control at Anfield.

PSV made three changes from side that beat Eredivisie bottom club Volendam at the weekend, with striker Danny Koevermans sacrificed for extra defensive strength.

Nordin Amrabat, Jason Culina and Otman Bakkal came into a side that included former Liverpool defender Jan Kromkamp.

With their side previously unbeaten this term, it was no surprise that there was an air of expectation around Anfield, and after four minutes the Kop got the start they wanted.

Gerrard's first corner, from the right, was met by a Fernando Torres first-time shot. He was criminally unmarked with Jeremie Brechet hopelessly adrift of his prey.

Somehow Andreas Isaksson blocked the Spaniard's effort, only for Dirk Kuyt to ram home the rebound from 10 yards.

Xabi Alonso tried another of his trademark 60-yard efforts, with Isaksson having to back-track to catch the ball, before Keane had a good penalty shout turned down when he was caught by Carlos Salcido.

Kuyt tested Isaksson again, this time with a 20-yard effort on the turn that the former Manchester City goalkeeper held low to his left.

Torres then headed wide from an Aurelio corner, before setting up Keane for his first Liverpool goal.

It came after 34 minutes when Kuyt's hard work sent Torres away down the right. When the low cross arrived in the box, it was met by Keane first-time, his shot speeding into the far bottom corner of the net.

Anfield erupted, Keane having finally netted on his 11th appearance for the club. His joy was obvious as he was mobbed by his colleagues.

PSV needed to do better after the break to rescue some pride. They brought on young defender Erik Peters for Jeremie Brechet, and at last started to come forward with some conviction.

Bakkal saw a 25-yard shot fizz just wide, before Salcido's tackle on Torres sent the Spaniard spinning to the turf, and a hush fell over the stadium until he struggled painfully to his feet.

Amrabat, who had battled away bravely on his own in attack, then unleashed a fierce 20-yard effort which thudded just wide.

Torres should have ended the debate after 65 minutes when Kromkamp's wayward pass put him clear - but his flick past Isaksson drifted inches wide of the far post.

The game was seemingly meandering to an inevitable conclusion, with Yossi Benayoun now on for Riera.

Gerrard was the next to try his luck, lifting a shot over from just outside the box, before Lucas replaced Keane.

Dirk Marcellis was booked for a foul on Torres, and that paved the way for Gerrard to grab his 100th goal for Liverpool after 75 minutes, smashing a fierce 25-yarder past Isaksson, to the acclaim of the Kop.

But PSV hit back three minutes later, when substitute Balazs Dzsudzsak crossed from the right.

The ball cleared Jamie Carragher to allow Koevermans to get to it ahead of Skrtel, and he headed past Jose Reina from 10 yards.

Ryan Babel replaced Gerrard with nine minutes to go - and the Reds comfortably saw out the closing stages of the match.

Unfashionable Dirk Kuyt Winning Over His Liverpool Critics

David Moores has probably been too busy beating himself up over his decision to sell his beloved Liverpool to a couple of cowboys to remember some of the better things he did for the club during his 16-year stay as chairman.

Moores is known to be deeply upset by the manner in which Liverpool’s name has been dragged through the mud under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr, but while the danger is that he will be remembered — however harshly — as the man who sold a great institution, offering to dig his hands deep into his pockets to fund the £9 million signing of Dirk Kuyt was one of his more sensible decisions.

It has not always seemed that way. Kuyt is about as unfashionable as a player at a top-four club could be, the one who is easy to malign or target when things are not going well, the one whose name children will usually decide against having printed on the back of their replica shirts when it is far more glamorous — and acceptable in the eyes of schoolfriends — to plump for Torres or Gerrard.

But where once the gushing assessment of Kuyt’s qualities that Rafael Benítez delivered during the build-up to last night’s Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven would once have invited scepticism, the Dutchman is winning round his critics. There is still some doubt as to whether Benítez signed Kuyt from Feyenoord principally as a goalscorer or simply a stopgap as he waited for someone better to come along.

Having scored 116 goals in the four seasons before his move to Liverpool, Kuyt had pedigree as a striker, although if PSV are anything to go by, maybe we should no longer read too much into success in the Eredivisie in the Netherlands. Instead, Kuyt’s reincarnation as a right winger has owed everything to a remarkable work ethic and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good of the team.

Rumours abound that Kuyt may leave Merseyside soon, with Hamburg one of the clubs eager to secure his services, but his loss to Liverpool would be more keenly felt than many might believe. He will never dazzle on the right flank as Cristiano Ronaldo does for Manchester United, but there are few more consistent performers in Benítez’s team than the 28-year-old and while the goals may be harder to come by now than they were in the Netherlands, he retains an ability to score at important junctures, as he did against Standard Liège in qualifying for the Champions League group phase and again last night.

Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard stole the headlines but Kuyt, understated as he is, would probably not have it any other way.

Stevie, Robbie And Rafa On Landmark Goals

Liverpool obtained six points from six in the Champions League with an impressive 3-1 over PSV at Anfield. Robbie Keane scored his first goal for the club while Steven Gerrard scored his 100th on a landmark night for the Reds.

Steven Gerrard finally broke his 99 duck for Liverpool after failing to score in his last two outings. To his brace in Marseille, he added another strike tonight - a stunning 74mph effort from 25 yards into the Kop.

The Liverpool captain was quick to shrug off the significance of his ton-goal and instead paid tribute to his colleagues and declare his happiness with the result. While thanking the team's supporters, he eyed more major silverware for the Reds.

He told Sky Sports: "It's fantastic for me but we came to win the game and to get in the driving seat in the group.

"It's always a fantastic feeling scoring in front of the Kop and it's nice to say 'thank you' for their support over the years."

"If you win matches and play well your belief grows and we are very confident we can win. There's a good bond off the pitch and we're all in it together.

"But we've won nothing. It's a good start but it's important to put silverware on table this year - we've gone two years without."

Robbie Keane went 10 games without a goal for Liverpool, but got off the mark tonight with a half-volley that had him spinning cartwheels. He is pleased to have scored, but is not overly concerned with its significance, and hopes it is the first of many.

He said: "It's great. I've got a monkey off my back, it's been a few games. It's always nice to get the first goal but I wasn't too worried about it, it was just people talking. I hope I score a lot more for this club."

Steven Gerrard Tells Liverpool: Now Let's Get Silverware

Steven Gerrard scored his 100th goal for Liverpool in tonight’s 3-1 Champions League romp against PSV Eindhoven and then demanded his team back up their fine start to the season with silverware.

Gerrard blasted in a 25-yard free-kick to reach his landmark and claim the Reds’ third, after strikes from Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Keane - his first for the club - put them in control. Danny Koevermans struck a late consolation for the beleaguered visitors.

Liverpool now have a perfect six points in Group D and have made their best start to a Premier League season - but Gerrard shrugged off talk of his personal achievements to call for his team-mates to continue their rampant form.

“It’s fantastic for me but we came to win the game and to get in the driving seat in the group,” he told Sky Sports.

“It’s always a fantastic feeling scoring in front of the Kop and it’s nice to say ’thank you’ for their support over the years.”

The Reds skipper added: “If you win matches and play well your belief grows and we are very confident we can win. There’s a good bond off the pitch and we’re all in it together.

“But we’ve won nothing. It’s a good start but it’s important to put silverware on table this year - we’ve gone two years without.”

Keane was delighted to score his first goal for the Reds in his 11th match, but insisted he had not been overly concerned by his drought.

“It’s great. I’ve got a monkey off my back, it’s been a few games,” the striker told Sky Sports.

“It’s always nice to get the first goal but I wasn’t too worried about it, it was just people talking.

“I hope I score a lot more for this club.”

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was thrilled to see Gerrard reach his century of goals and then insisted the 28-year-old could conceivably double his tally.

“Going forward he is one of the best midfielders in the world,” he said.

“Today, (he got his) 100th goal, he is still young and can maybe score 200.”

Benitez: Reds Nearly There

Rafael Benitez believes if Liverpool win in his home city of Madrid in their next Champions League group match on October 22 they will have one foot in the knockout stage.

The Liverpool manager thinks one more point after that will see them qualify from Group D after watching his side secure a convincing 3-1 victory over out-classed Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven at Anfield Wednesday night.

The Spaniard said: "We have four games left in the group now, and we know from experience that you must fight to the bitter end. But I believe that 10 points will now be enough to see us into the next stage. We will try to win our next match away to Atletico Madrid, and then maybe just one more point will do."

Benitez hailed Liverpool's best-ever start to a group stage campaign. Coming after the opening win in Marseille last month, this is the first time Liverpool have taken a six-point maximum from their opening two matches at this stage.

With Atletico Madrid's win against Marseille, Liverpool and the Spanish club are now in a very strong position at the head of the group to both reach the knockout stage.

Benitez saw Robbie Keane score his first goal for the club, and skipper Steven Gerrard his 100th, after Dirk Kuyt had opened the scoring, before substitute Danny Koevermans grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.

Benitez said: "It was almost the perfect night. It was a really good game for us with lots of positive things, a solid performance with balance and quality.

"Now we must keep on winning. This is a very good start for us, different maybe from last season when we did not start our group matches that well.

"I was pleased for Robbie Keane. Now he has got his first European goal for us, I hope he will now score his first Premier League goal. I know Robbie will score a lot more goals for us in the future, so this was just the first step for him.

"I was pleased also for Steven Gerrard. For a midfielder to score 100 goals is very impressive. He is amongst the very best offensive midfield players anywhere."

Former 'Pool Defender Claims Reds Can Go All The Way

Dutch defender Jan Kromkamp has confirmed his belief that former club Liverpool have the necessary credentials to re-claim the Champions League at the end of the season.

Dutch full back Jan Kromkamp kitted out for Liverpool in 2006 under Rafa Benitez but failed to establish himself in the first team and moved onto PSV Eindhoven whom the Reds hosted in the group stage of the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Kromkamp maintains that he always believed that his former club could win any competition they entered, and that the Champions League might once again be theirs this season.

"They certainly have the quality. In fact, even when I was at Liverpool I believed they were capable of winning anything they took part in," Kromkamp is quoted by the BBC as saying.

"Having watched them a few times on TV this season, I can see their confidence is high and they are certainly able to win both the major tournaments."

"They have quality and are very strong. It is hard to find a weakness because they have been a big club in Europe for several years now. We know they have a strong defence and are difficult to break down, but we will try," the 28-year old added.

"I believe Steven Gerrard is one of the best players in the world and Liverpool have strength in every position. This is going to be a difficult game for us."

Redknapp Rubbishes Pennant Talk

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has rubbished speculation he is considering a January move for Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant.

The former Birmingham star has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since arriving in a £6.7million deal in 2006 and he has fallen out of favor this season.

Pennant made a late substitute appearance in last weekend's Merseyside derby victory over Everton, but prior to that his only outing this term was in the Carling Cup against Crewe earlier in September.

A lack of first-team football has seen Pennant linked with pastures new and Portsmouth have been rumoured to be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old.

But Redknapp insists that he has not yet considered transfer targets, telling The News: "I like Pennant. He's a good player, a great crosser of the ball and he's definitely got quality.

"But I can't say I have thought about signing him. In fact, I have not thought about anybody really, to be honest.

"The transfer window has just closed and the next one isn't open until January, other signings are not really in my thoughts this early.

"As far as I'm concerned, I have got my squad here, players I'm happy with.

"I just need to get on with it now. It's like any transfer, I'll see how we are going closer to the time and if we need something.

"You never know, you may get an injury in a certain position, something might need freshening up.

"I've got to see if everything is going okay. If everybody is doing well it's not a problem and I won't need to bring in anyone at all.

"But at the moment I'm not even thinking about that."

Liverpool Players Make Rotation A Thing Of The Past For Rafa Benitez

RAFA BENITEZ today admitted it is becoming increasingly difficult to rotate his side – because so many of his star players are “on fire”.

The Reds boss is keen to maintain Liverpool’s flying start to the season and believes the momentum they are picking up can be kept going in both Premier League and Champions League, starting with last night’s showdown with PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

This time last season the Reds boss made wholesale changes to his starting line-up for the first home game of the Champions League group stages – and suffered a damaging defeat by Marseille which left his side playing catch-up to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Last night Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven came to Anfield having already lost their opening match heavily at home to Atletico Madrid.

But Benitez intends to send out his big guns and try to wrap up the group quickly.

“We have the experience of last season,” he admitted “I won’t make many changes. If some players are on fire, maybe it is a good moment to keep them playing.

“Normally we try to check how the players are physically, mentally and also how the team is tactically – and then we decide whether we will change more or less players.

“But now we are in a good position so I do not think that I will change too many.”

Benitez has picked the same starting eleven for Liverpool’s last two league games against Stoke and Everton and his policy of sticking with a side that is performing well has even left the likes of Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel regularly kicking their heels on the subs bench.

The return of Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun from injury adds to the Liverpool manager’s selection headache as he now has a full squad to pick from. But Benitez insists that if he does make changes it won’t be many.

He added: “When some players are playing well, but are tired, you say ‘okay maybe we will have to keep them in.’ But then you play them, they are tired and you have to change them in a game!

“You never know. If you win, you can say ‘okay fantastic decision,’ but I don’t think I will change too many players.

“When we were analysing things this week we knew we had four days between the Everton match and this one and four days between this match and the Manchester City game. Three days is not enough, four days is better.”

Agger, Babel and Mascherano are pushing hardest for a recall along with Brazilian Fabio Aurelio, who is challenging Andrea Dossena for the left back spot.

Benitez added: will tell whoever he selects tonight that it is vitally important that they are focused 100%.

“Every match is important, but now, when you are playing well and people are really happy, it’s more important to concentrate and be focused.

“It’s totally different to the other times we have played them. It will be more or less the same style of football with players of pace and quality and ability, but it will be different because they have a new manager and different players.” “PSV will be more dangerous because they have lost their opening game. They are a good counter-attacking team. They have a new manager and different players.

Afellay Doubtful For Liverpool

Dutch champions PSV will probably be without their highly rated playmaker Ibrahim Afellay for the Champions League match against Liverpool.

Dutch giants PSV lost their first Champions League match 3-0 against Atletico Madrid and need a good result in the away match against Liverpool. However, they will most likely be missing key man Ibrahim Afellay.

The talented playmaker sustained a toe injury in a training session last week and the small injury is causing him bigger trouble than expected. He has already missed the Eredivisie match against Volendam and he’s also a doubt for the game in Liverpool.

“I really hope to be fully match fit for Wednesday,” said Afellay at the weekend. “However, I have to be realistic and it looks like I’m not going to make it in time.”

The 22-year-old midfielder is a product of the PSV youth academy and has developed into an indispensable player for the Eindhoven side in the past two years.

The league match against Volendam made it clear that the Dutch giants really need Afellay’s creativity on the pitch in order to create something and it would be a huge disappointment for manager Stevens if he can’t use his star player.

Torres Pays Tribute To Kuyt And Keane’s Contributions

DERBY match-winner Fernando Torres has hailed unsung heroes Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt for providing him with the chances to defeat Everton at Goodison Park.

The Spanish striker, who netted 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, took his tally to three for the new campaign thanks to his brace on Saturday and was only denied the first Merseyside hat-trick for 26 years by what seemed to be a fussy Mike Riley call when Kuyt was adjudged to have committed a foul.

But while the Dutchman, who was Liverpool’s two-goal hero in last season’s Goodison derby, has not netted in the Premier League for 10 months and Torres’s £20million strike partner Robbie Keane has failed to register in 14 games including friendlies since arriving at Anfield, Torres insists their efforts are crucial when it comes to his own chances.

Both Kuyt and Keane were part of the moves for each of Liverpool’s goals against their neighbours and the Spaniard is delighted with their contribution.

He said: “It is very simple – without Robbie and Dirk, the goals I scored would not have been created.

“They were involved in both goals and it is because they give everything for the team that I was able to score them.

“If you look at my first goal, the ball that Robbie crossed in was perfect and so was the run by Dirk which took the Everton defenders away and gave me a clear chance.

“It is always nice to score, but without my team mates it would not have been possible.”

Keane is currently enduring his longest barren streak since the start of a campaign with 10 competitive outings without a goal.

However, Torres is happy with the Irish international’s progress.

He said: “It is not always easy to form a new partnership but we are working hard in training all the time and it was good to see that work pay off on Saturday.

“Robbie was very important for our victory and I am sure that very soon it will be him who is getting the goals because he is a great player.

“Once he gets his first goal even more will follow because sometimes you just need to relieve the pressure with one goal.

I have not been scoring for six games, which is too long for a striker. But when I got one on Saturday the other one followed almost straight away and that is often the way it happens.”

MARK LAWRENSON: Signs That This Could Be Benitez’s Year

WHISPER it softly, but Liverpool are showing signs of putting together a genuine title challenge.

And it may be that manager Rafael Benitez is prepared to gamble more on Premier League success this year than in the past.

He is putting out his most attacking teams since arriving perhaps in the realisation that it is no use drawing games if you want to finish as champions.

Last season Liverpool drew 13 matches compared with just seven by table-topping Manchester United, who lost one game more. But turning a couple of those draws into wins – even at the risk of losing the odd game more – would make all the difference.

There is still a worry teams like United and Chelsea have more potential match-winners, which is why Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres may need to be wrapped in cotton wool. But if they stay injury free, Liverpool are in as good a position as they have been for some time.

Playing Xabi Alonso at Goodison Park was not a negative move. He is not a holding midfielder.

He does a different kind of job and has a good passing game. Steven Gerrard was disciplined against Everton and in Torres, Kuyt, Keane, Babel and Riera, Benitez has a many attacking options.

In the past Benitez has always played that extra defensive player, but that is not the case this season.

The trick will be settling on a wide player and giving them a run of games.

Results breed confidence, there is good competition for places at Anfield and Liverpool will be looking to keep the momentum going.

Benitez has had the chance over the past two seasons to bring in the kind of players he wants, get rid of those he doesn’t and has had enough money to build a team capable of challenging for the title. For many people, this is his year.

Liverpool Double Boost As Mascherano & Benayoun Fit For PSV Eindhoven Clash

Liverpool have received a double boost on fitness front as Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun are passed fit for tomorrow night's Champions League group clash against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.

The midfield duo had missed Saturday's victory against Everton at the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. However, Mascherano and Benayoun have recovered from calf and ankle knocks respectively, said Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

"Both players trained this morning and are fit," said Benitez. "We will have another training session in the morning but at the moment we have a fully fit squad."

The Reds had won their opening game in Marseille with a brace from captain Steven Gerrard, who is one goal short of reaching a century of goals.

Real Madrid Eye January Move For Liverpool's Agger

La Liga Champions Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Danish International Daniel Agger from Liverpool in the January transfer window, according to Spanish paper Sport.

23-year-old Agger joined the Reds in 2006 from Brondby and his present deal with Rafa Benitez’s side runs out in 2010, with it understood that the defender is growing frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunities at the Premiership club.

Benitez has chosen to play Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel ahead of the Dane this season in the Premier League, with reports of the defender’s unrest at Anfield alerting Los Merengues coach Bernd Schuster, who is seeking a new centre-half for the Bernabeu.

However, Benitez is keen to keep Agger at the Merseyside club, with the Spaniard claiming recently that he was ready to offer the defender a new deal at Liverpool, but might be tempted to sell Agger to Real if he can make a decent profit on the £5.8million the Reds paid Brondby.

Agger Denies Rafa Rift

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has moved to quell speculation that he and his manager Rafa Benitez have fallen-out.

Agger has struggled to break back into the Liverpool first-team after nearly a year out through a metatarsal problem.

During his absence, Rafa Benitez signed Martin Skrtel as a replacement and the form of the Slovakian has seen Agger relegated to the bench this season, unable to force his way into the team.

Agger has started only two matches for Liverpool this season, once in the Champions League qualifying round against Standard Liege and another appearance in the Carling Cup versus Crewe.

Benitez was reportedly unhappy with Liverpool's performance in the Standard Liege game, but Agger has denied that a row broke out between he and his manager.

He told TV3 in his native Denmark: "Of course there are things that Benitez was not satisfied with after Liege.

"We didn't play a good match, but it is a big lie to say we had an argument. I certainly hope it is only football reasons why I am not playing.

"I have no problem in this club. He has just said that the team is playing very well, and that is why I am not playing."

Agger also denied that he is looking to exit the Anfield club, and stated that he is prepared to work hard to return to the first team.

He continued: "I want to stay here and fight for my place in the squad.

"I'm not satisfied with the fact that I'm not playing but I have to cope and accept it.

"I'm happy at Liverpool."

Liverpool's Benitez Guards Against PSV Complacency

Rafa Benitez finds himself in an unusual position - guarding against complacency ahead of Liverpool's home game against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Liverpool's best start to a domestic season since 1996 has raised expectations that the 19th English league title is finally in sight after falling short for 19 years.

And as Benitez prepares for his 250th match in charge of Liverpool, for once he doesn't need the Champions League as a convenient distraction from domestic struggles with his players beginning brightly in both competitions.

The Reds are only being kept off the top of Group D by Chelsea on goal difference after opening with a 2-1 win at Marseille.

"When you are playing well, winning games and everyone is talking about how good you are, it's important to calm down,'' Benitez said Tuesday. "It is dangerous when you hear people talking well about your team that we always keep them concentrating on the future.

"But it is better to manage expectations now than be bottom of the table and trying to motivate players.''

Benitez is even moving away from his favored rotation policy.

"If the players are fit and on fire, maybe it's a good moment to keep them (in the team),'' Benitez said.”But (they) have plenty of room for improvement physically.''

Fernando Torres ended a six-game goal drought to score twice as Liverpool beat city rival Everton 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday. Benitez wants to maintain the momentum to prevent a repeat of last year's stuttering Champions League start, which forced Liverpool to win its last three group matches to advance to the knockout phase.

"We remember the experience of last season and after three games we had just one point,'' Benitez said.”Now we have three points, so we are in a much better position and we would be like be after two more games almost qualified.''

PSV lost 3-0 at home to Atletico Madrid in the opening round, but Benitez is still wary of the threat PSV will pose.

"They are dangerous because they have good players on the counterattack and players with ability,'' he said.

Liverpool dominated PSV in the 2006-07 campaign, picking up three victories and a draw against the Dutch club en route to a defeat to AC Milan in the final.

But Netherlands winger Dirk Kuyt, who arrived at Anfield from Feyenoord in 2006, said the current PSV side presents a big change from the one that conceded six goals without reply in those four previous encounters.

"They are very different from the last time we played against them,'' he said. "(Heurelho) Gomes, the goalkeeper, is now at Spurs; Phillip Cocu has retired; and a lot of other players have also gone to other clubs. They are a totally different side, but they are still the best in Holland.

"They have won the league six times in a row, I think, so they're a very good team and we have to be ready.''

PSV coach Huub Stevens is pessimistic about his side's chances at Anfield after falling to Atletico.

"It was really disappointing to start the campaign with such a heavy home defeat,'' Stevens said.”We know we just have to learn from what happened, because going to Liverpool will be even more difficult. But we have only played one match, there are still five to go so we can turn this round.''

Mascherano Wary Of PSV Threat As He Targets Champions League Glory

Javier Mascherano aims to emulate his friend Carlos Tevez and win the Champions League.

Mascherano, 24, admits that he was delighted for his fellow Argentina international when he claimed a winner's medal in last season's final for Manchester United.

The midfielder was perhaps oblivious to the fact that he was probably the only person of a Liverpool persuasion who felt that way watching the final in Moscow last May, when the Red Devils beat Chelsea on penalties.

But having arrived in England alongside his friend Tevez at West Ham, he can probably be forgiven for such sentiment.

Mascherano said: 'I have a good relationship with Carlos. He is playing for Manchester United and me for Liverpool, but it does not matter because we are friends.

'I am happy for him that he has done well, that he has won the Champions League.

'When we play against each other, of course, I want to win, to beat him. But he is my friend and I am happy for him when he is successful.

'He had the chance to win the Champions League, and when he was in Argentina he won the Libertadores Cup. So he has many winners’ medals now.

'But we need to separate things. On one side there is football where we are rivals, but on the other in our private lives we are friends.

'I have a good friendship with him and his family, football will not change that.

'I spoke to Carlos after the Champions League final and I told him I was happy for him, but now I want to win it like him.'

Mascherano has recovered from a calf injury to be in Liverpool's squad to face PSV Eindhoven tomorrow in their second Champions League Group D match, having won their first at Marseille.

Liverpool, still unbeaten this season and with only two defeats in their last 29 games in all competitions, have hit the sort of form that gives their fans belief that the Barclays Premier League title can be claimed.

Mascherano said: 'I am fit, I can play if the manager wants. I have had a short rest with the injury, which coming after the Olympics and my busy schedule was good. Now I feel ready to play.

'Now we want to fight for every competition, we want to compete for the league and in Europe, so we must maintain this level.

'There will be many difficult games but we must make sure that we keep playing the way we are.

'I want to win everything, and I know the Champions League and the Premier League together are difficult. But let us see where we are at the end.

'As long as we keep going, keep doing the right things, we will see where that takes us.'

Mascherano warned his team-mates, still buoyant from Saturday's derby victory over Everton, that they cannot ease off against their Dutch opponents tomorrow night.

He added: 'But we must not lose our concentration. PSV have lost their first game in this group, so they will be dangerous. They will want to surprise us so we must not allow our level to drop.

'We are stronger than last season, we have more and more options. We have players who can perform just as well in several positions, so that is good for the manager and the team.

'We have more mental strength than last season, and we are able to recover from poor results much better. We have reached a certain level now and the aim is to keep it going all season.

'We have improved and we can fight for the title and Champions League.'

Liverpool Move Wasn't A Mistake For Me, Says Atletico Striker Florent

Atletico Madrid forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle insists it was not a mistake to join Liverpool as a youngster as it has now led to him becoming one of the top performers in the Primera Liga.

Sinama-Pongolle arrived on Merseyside from Le Havre at the age of 17 billed as one of the hottest young prospects in French football.

The move was criticised by many in France who felt he was too young to move abroad - a view which appeared to be vindicated when he found playing time hard to come by.

Following the departure of French coach Gerard Houllier in 2004, Sinama-Pongolle was pushed even further out of the frame, leading to his move to Recreativo Huelva in 2006.

But despite the lack of first-team football he managed during five years in England, the 24-year-old maintains going abroad early on in his career was definitely the right move.

'When I left Liverpool to sign for Huelva I took a risk,' Sinama-Pongolle told France Football.

'Nobody came to me, looked me in the eye and said they believed in me. Anyone who had would have been the king of hypocrites.

'I even get the impression people think I'm still that 17-year-old kid, educated at Le Havre, who made a mistake by joining Liverpool. That was seven years ago and wasn't a mistake.

'I am La Liga's second top goalscorer behind (Valencia's) David Villa. People are speaking about me every day.'

Despite his good start to his Atletico career, with four goals in five games so far in La Liga, Sinama-Pongolle knows he still has a fight on his hands to keep his place.

However, he believes his time at Liverpool has again made him ready for the challenge.

'I've been in the world of football for 16 years and this situation is not the first time that this has happened to me,' he told his club's website, www.clubatleticodemadrid.com.

'When I arrived at Liverpool, Michael Owen was there, the biggest player at the club back then, and so was Milan Baros.

'I landed there and I also had to fight for a spot, but that's something that doesn't scare me, as we footballers are very privileged.

'Everything that I experienced back then made me grow both as a footballer and as a person.'

Afellay To Be Unleashed Onto Liverpool

One of the hottest European prospects is to be unleashed onto Liverpool when they play PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League clash on Wednesday.

The player in question is Ibrahim Afellay, a Dutchman of Moroccan descent who has been with the Dutch champions for the past five seasons.

The young attacking midfielder is considered to be one of the finest of his generation and has already received praise from some of the most well respected people in the game.

Arsenal have been known admirers of the 22-year-old for the last couple of years, and PSV claim that the Gunners sent a scout to watch Afellay play 15 times last season.

Ronald Koeman, the former Dutch centre back, commented, “Ibrahim has certain things in his style that can be compared to Johan Cruyff's game.

“He can speed up with the ball, he can whizz past players as if they are puppets. He has qualities as an attacker which we hardly see these days in football.”

Manchester City were close to signing him on transfer deadline day, but the young Dutchman preferred to stay at PSV as he did not want to rush into a move abroad.

He has a £12m buy-out clause in his contract, and City have said they are willing to out bid anyone to secure his signature.

The first to spot Afellay’s talents outside Holland was Arsene Wenger, who was more than impressed with the impact Afellay made when coming on against Arsenal as a substitute 17 months ago.

The Arsenal boss has been an admirer ever since, and has been monitoring the 22-year-old’s situation carefully.

Liverpool will face a tough test when they come up against him on Wednesday, and it will be up to the player to see if he can triumph over the likes of Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.

Liverpool Boss Benitez: Torres Can Only Get Better

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has told the rest of the Premier League that Spanish International striker Fernando Torres will only get better for the Merseyside club.

Benitez has revealed that the 24-year-old is yet to reach full fitness after a summer which saw the former Atletico Madrid forward win EURO 2008 with Spain, but return to Anfield with a slight hamstring problem.

However, despite Benitez’s claims that Torres is not at his peak, the Spaniard still struck twice to sink Everton in the derby at Goodison Park on Saturday, with the Reds boss insisting there is more to come from Torres, when he reaches full fitness.

“Torres knows he can improve a lot. The main thing for me is his mentality is really good,” Benitez said.

“He is trying to improve especially in the areas where he has to improve - at this moment in time physically. You need time but he is working so hard and he will be better.

“There were three players coming back from the Olympic Games and the Spanish players coming back from the European Championships.

“It was important for some of them to rest or to train properly. Torres was injured and that was another problem.

“I think he is more or less the same as last season. The only thing he is missing now is his physical condition. He will get better and better and he will be stronger for sure. I think he is a nice boy and a good professional. He knows he can improve. I think he is very humble.”

Gerrard Keen To Keep Liverpool's Feet On The Ground As Torres Shines For Reds

Steven Gerrard has warned his Liverpool team-mates not to get carried away with their strong start to the season.

Liverpool are undefeated in the Premier League and in second place after winning 2-0 at Everton, their best start in 12 years.

But with the Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven coming up on Wednesday, Gerrard said: 'It’s important to be humble and to keep out feet on the ground.

'We set a standard [at Everton] but we need to match it week in, week out.'

Fernando Torres double proved the difference at Goodison Park and Gerrard was delighted to see the Spaniard back to his best.

He said: 'You can’t keep strikers with his talent down for long because they aren’t going to go long without a goal. It was only a matter of time.

Robbie Keane Ready For Lift Off With Liverpool FC

DELIGHTED Steven Gerrard believes Robbie Keane’s Liverpool career is poised for lift-off after the striker helped secure derby victory on Saturday.

Two goals from Fernando Torres inside three second-half minutes gave the Anfield outfit a 2-0 win at Goodison in the 208th meeting between the Merseyside rivals.

Keane was instrumental in both goals, providing a perfect cross for Torres’s opener and then heavily involved in the build-up to the Spaniard’s second.

The Republic of Ireland international is still awaiting his first goal for Rafael Benitez’s side since his near £20m transfer from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

But skipper Gerrard revealed the praise that Keane received in the dressing room for his efforts in ensuring Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season.

“I know that Nando was class and showed how deadly he can be, but I still believe that Robbie Keane was an equally genuine contender for the man of the match award,” said Gerrard.

“He was outstanding, he did everything you could ask of him. He was a matchwinner as much as Torres, because they couldn't cope with his passing and movement.

“It was a terrific performance and it showed why the manager invested so much money in him. I went to Robbie afterwards and I told him that.

“We got in the dressing room and I sat by him, and I just said: ‘you were magnificent’, because he deserves that praise for such a great, unselfish performance.

“It is all you can ask from a player that he gives everything for the team, and wins the game for you.

“For all of our team, Robbie is doing his job perfectly, and we'll settle for that every time.”

Of Keane’s goal drought, Gerrard added: “Look, it is everyone else talking about Robbie's need to score, not us.

“That doesn't matter in the slightest for us, because he has been a match winner without scoring. His passes for the two goals were from the top drawer, they were exactly what we are looking for from him.

“We know there will still be talk about goals until he gets his first, but believe me, a goal is just around the corner for him.

“And when it comes, the first one will be the most important, because you just know he'll go on a run and get a whole load of goals.

“The lad is quality, you can see that, and you can see how intelligent a footballer he is.

“When he scores, it will just be the start, but I think it's pretty clear he is doing his job already.”

Benitez Admits Babel Frustration

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits that he is growing frustrated with the erratic form of Ryan Babel.

On his day Ryan Babel can be a match-winner. His super sub role in the Champions League quarter final against Liverpool sealed the Reds' passage to the next round as he won a penalty and scored a goal.

However, Rafa Benitez believes Babel to be a starter and not simply a substitute but his consistency would have to be improved if he wants to secure a regular starting role.

Benitez is quoted by the Malaysian Insider as saying: "Our view of Ryan is a player who starts games and has an impact from the beginning, not just as a sub."

"But first of all he has to improve tactically and we are working with him on that. He is the kind of player who can change games and he has done that when coming from the bench," Benitez added.

Now we want him to start games and change them."

Agger's Anfield Agony

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has reportedly delayed discussions over a new contract, casting further doubt over his future.

According to News of the World, Agger will not enter negotiations to extend his current deal until manager Rafael Benitez assures him that he has a first-team future at Anfield.

The Danish defender has found himself on the fringes this season after missing almost all of the 2007-08 campaign with a metatarsal problem that threatened to derail his hugely promising career.

The former Brondby star has had his starting spot usurped by Martin Skrtel, the Slovakian centre-back who arrived in January and has quickly earned fan-favourite status with his uncompromising performances beside Jamie Carragher.

Benitez is unwilling to break up a defensive pairing which has conceded just two goals in six Premier League games, meaning Agger has been reduced to a benchwarming role.

The Spanish tactician is desperate to keep hold of the 23-year-old, who is expected to feature heavily in the Champions League given Sami Hyypia was controversially left off Liverpool's roster for the competition.

But it is reported that Agger - who was rumoured to be battling a drinking problem while sidelined last season - is growing ever more restless and could seek a move as early as January.

Gerrard Urges Liverpool To Match The Standard Week In Week Out As Reds Focus On PSV & Man City

Following a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Everton in Saturday’s Merseyside derby, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is looking for repeat performance as the Reds aim to build onto their strong start to the season.

Rafa Benitez’s side outclassed the Toffees, who are yet to pick up a league point at Goodison Park this season, and now focus on Wednesday's Champions League group clash with PSV Eindhoven before meeting Manchester City in the Premiership at the weekend.

And England midfielder Gerrard believes that the Reds, who have made their best start in 12 years as they are second in league table equal on points with Chelsea with 14 points in six games and unbeaten, need to keep their feet on the ground and set out to match the standard they set at Everton.

"It's important to be humble and not get carried away by the performance," said Gerrard adding: "But we set a standard (at Everton) we need to match week in week out."

Revealing relief at victory over local rivals Everton, the satisfied 28-year-old said: "As a local lad these are the most difficult games to prepare for. The nerves start the week before and you can't wait for the game to come about, so the fear of losing these games takes up a lot of energy beforehand."

"I think the derby performance has set the standard now. We've got a big game on Wednesday and then another important game against Manchester City, (and) if we can continue that level then we will certainly be there or thereabouts come the end of the season," he added.