Rafael Benítez's Belief In Champions League 'Guarantee' Grows

Rafael Benítez praised his Liverpool side for delivering a "massive" performance against Everton at Anfield today. The hosts won a tetchy and often violent Merseyside derby 1-0 having had to play for the majority of the encounter with 10 men after their Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos was sent off on 34 minutes for a two-footed lunge on Marouane Fellaini.

The victory, secured through Dirk Kuyt's 55th minute header, was Liverpool's fifth in seven league games and saw them climb into fourth place, at least briefly. But for Benítez, it was the nature of how his men triumphed in the 213th meeting between these sides that stood out the most, fuelling him as it did with further belief in his "guarantee" that the club will end the season in one of the Champions League qualifying places.

"To win in the derby is always important but to do it with 10 players is more important," said the Spaniard. "I am pleased for all the players and for all the fans. Everyone worked so hard.

"It's a long race [for fourth place] but if we keep working hard and sticking together like we did today then I feel even more sure that we can do it."

Benítez refused to comment on referee Martin Atkinson's decision to dismiss Kyrgiakos, although the way he reacted to the decision at the time indicated that he felt it was harsh.

Kyrgiakos charged into Fellaini with both feet off the ground and while he did get the ball, he also got the man with Fellaini having to be carried off the pitch and eventually replaced by Mikel Arteta. An x-ray carried out on the Belgian's ankle has revealed no serious damage caused by the tackle and he should be fit enough to feature in the visit of Chelsea on Wednesday.

In all, there was seven bookings with two shown to Steven Pienaar to take the tally of red cards handed out in this fixture since the formation to the Premier League to 19 – more than any other.

David Moyes, the Everton manager, felt both dismissals were correct and instead reserved his angst for his side's failure to capitalise on their one-man advantage.

"We kept the ball well but didn't create enough chances with the extra man," he said. "Saying that, we did not deserve to lose as Liverpool didn't create many chances either."

That was not an assessment shared by Benítez, whose side next faces Arsenal on Wednesday. "From the beginning we were doing well and we definitely deserved to win," he said. "We must now keep winning games."

Moyes Wanted Derby Point

Everton manager David Moyes felt his side deserved to take something from the 213th Merseyside derby with Liverpool at Anfield.

The Reds took all three points in a fiery encounter as Dirk Kuyt nodded home early in the second half from Steven Gerrard's precise corner.

Rafa Benitez's men played the vast majority of the match with only 10 men after defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos saw red following an X-rated challenge with Marouane Fellaini.

The Toffees midfielder escaped punishment - strangely as he went into the tackle over the top of the ball - but could not continue as he limped out of the action.

Steven Pienaar, who earlier escaped with only a booking following a nasty foul on Javier Mascherano, did not make it to the final whistle either following a second booking in the closing seconds for jumping into Steven Gerrard.

Moyes felt both red cards were fully justified and bemoaned his side's lack of creativity, although felt they were worthy of a point.

He said: "I think there have been lots of derbies very similar; quite feisty and that's why fans like them because they sometimes have a little bit extra in them.

"The first sending-off (Kyrgiakos) was a two-footed tackle, both feet off the ground. Fellaini has been for an X-ray but we think it is clear, which is good news.

"I've no complaints about Steven's sending-off as there was a tackle earlier in the game where he might have been fortunate to stay on.

"I thought we certainly didn't deserve to lose the game. We might not have deserved to win it but we shouldn't have lost it.

"We didn't create enough chances with the extra man but, saying that, Liverpool didn't either and their goal came from one set-piece - which in the past would have been us that might have done that but it was Liverpool on Saturday."

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 0 Everton

Striker Dirk Kuyt's 50th Liverpool goal gave his side a 1-0 victory in a fiery 213th Merseyside derby at Anfield which saw both teams reduced to 10 men.

The Dutchman scored for the fourth time in as many games with a close-range header 10 minutes after half-time.

Liverpool played the last 55 minutes at a numerical disadvantage after Sotirios Kyrgiakos was dismissed for a two-footed challenge on Marouane Fellaini, while Steven Pienaar was shown a second yellow in second-half injury time.

The red cards took the tally to 19 in the last 13 years but referee Martin Atkinson somehow missed Marouane Fellaini's stamp on the Greek defender's right shin in the same incident which led to his red card.

It threatened to overshadow a fiercely-contested encounter until Kuyt struck early in the second half to ensure Everton's winless run at Anfield since 1999 continued.

Liverpool have now gone seven Barclays Premier League matches without defeat, keeping six clean sheets in the process.

By contrast, Everton's nine-match unbeaten run came to an end. The last team to beat them before today had been Liverpool at Goodison in late November and they have now won just two of the last 21 league derbies.

The tone for the match was set in the opening 15 seconds with Jamie Carragher's strong but fair challenge on Pienaar which left the South Africa midfielder rolling on the ground holding his shoulder.

Unfortunately, it was only to get worse in the first half as Atkinson's leniency saw a number of over-the-top tackles escape the required action.

Fellaini, competing for the ball, kicked Kuyt in the face as the Dutchman lay on the ground without censure, while Pienaar was only cautioned for a challenge which started at Javier Mascherano's right knee and worked its way down.

Carragher went into the book for going through the back of Pienaar in retaliation while the other booking of the first half went to Kuyt for tripping Landon Donovan.

In between all the flying tackles there was very little football played in the opening 45 minutes.

Steven Gerrard's inswinging fourth-minute free-kick forced Tim Howard to punch out from under his own crossbar while Daniel Agger, on his first appearance for nearly a month, fired a right-foot shot a couple of yards over from a corner.

David Ngog fired a shot well wide after Maxi Rodriguez and Gerrard had combined while late in the half the Liverpool captain rattled Howard's crossbar with a 25-yard free-kick.

For Everton, Leighton Baines' left-footed free-kick was tipped over by Jose Reina while Tim Cahill directed a free header over from seven yards in added time.

Liverpool began the second half well and Ngog saw an early left-foot shot deflected wide by Sylvain Distin.

And they were rewarded in the 55th minute when Kuyt, despite being clung onto by Phil Neville, nodded in Gerrard's inswinging corner from three yards with Howard left flapping.

Johnny Heitinga's foul on Rodriguez earned him a booking but Gerrard hit the free-kick straight at Howard.

In the 63rd minute Ngog was replaced by Ryan Babel, who was given a rare outing in his preferred position up front.

Everton manager David Moyes sent on Aiyegbeni Yakubu and Victor Anichebe for Saha and Leon Osman in an attempt to find the equaliser.

A scuffle broke out seven minutes from time when Gerrard caught Pienaar after clearing the ball and bizarrely Atkinson, having not blown for a foul, booked the Liverpool captain and then Anichebe for his part in the retaliation.

Liverpool were content to defend their lead and counter-attack when possible but Reina had to be alert to tip behind Yakubu's shot on the turn.

In the fifth minute of added time Pienaar was sent off after jumping into Gerrard as the hosts hung on to maintain their momentum going into an equally-important match at Arsenal on Wednesday.

Liverpool Sense A Brighter Future After Their Steely Derby Win Over Everton

The Merseyside derby continues to bring out the worst in people, but for Liverpool this was ultimately a joyous encounter. The hosts had to play the majority of this tetchy and at times violent game a man down after defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Marouane Fellaini, but that made victory over their local rivals even sweeter, and even more significant.

First, there is the obvious positive; Rafael Benítez's men are now fourth in the table, which after a season littered with disappointments has become the priority for a club that initially had their eyes on the title. They will be shunted out of that place should Tottenham beat Aston Villa later today, but even then it is hard to imagine how anyone who played in red today will go to bed disappointed tonight.

How can they after a victory secured in most unlikely circumstances. Liverpool have struggled to beat sides at Anfield this season when they have had 11 players on the pitch, let alone 10. There has been too many capitulations to remember, although for all Kopites that were there, last month's 2-1 defeat to Reading will live long in the memory for all the wrong reasons. But here, things were so different and a side that has often played with all the backbone of jellyfish suddenly looked like lions.

They did not see the loss of Kyrgiakos for his 34th minute lunge as a handicap but rather as a challenge and rose to it admirably. Liverpool came out for the second half displaying none of the nerves that have characterised most of their displays this campaign and instead pushed Everton further and further back. A goal seemed increasingly likely and arrived on 55 minutes when Dirk Kuyt glanced in Steven Gerrard's in-swinging corner for his 50th goal since arriving on Merseyside in August 2006.

From there the hosts battled resolutely to hold onto the lead, albeit assisted by a particularly lacklustre Everton side who, despite going into his fixture on the back of nine undefeated games, seemed shorn of confidence. Their best effort was a diving header from Tim Cahill just before half-time, which sailed over the bar. The Australian, unmarked in the six yard area, should have scored.

Despite all the howls of fury that emanated from Kop, it should be said that referee Martin Atkinson made the right decision in sending off Kyrgiakos. The Greece international charged into Fellaini recklessly and although he did make contact with the ball, he also took out the Belgian. Fellaini subsequently stamped on Kyrgiakos's leg, but the fact he left the field in agony and had to be replaced by Mikel Arteta was proof enough that he was not the one in the wrong.

This fixture had before today produced 17 red cards since the formation of the Premier League – more than any other – but this was arguably the filthiest of the lot, with crude tackles flying in from almost the first minute. The worst from Everton came from a Steven Pienaar lunge that could easily have broken Javier Mascherano's leg. The South African was booked for the tackle and justice of sorts was done in the closing stages when he received a second yellow card for barging Gerrard.

That was the moment Liverpool supporters knew they had won the 213th Merseyside derby and perhaps the most significant for years. Fourth place is theirs once again – mainly on the back of five wins and two draws from their past seven games – but as importantly, their side is now playing with the passion and resolution that indicates the worst of this truly miserable season may be over.

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez: I 'Cannot Ask For More' From My Players

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has showered his team with praise saying he "cannot ask for more" from his charges following the 1-0 victory at Anfield over their cross-town rivals Everton.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos was sent off for a horrific challenge on Marouane Fellaini in the first-half, with the Belgian lucky not to have seen a red himself for his part in the crunching two-way tackle.

Despite being a man short, the hosts went on the score through a set-play in the second period, when skipper Steven Gerrard sent a precise cross to striker Dirk Kuyt, whose glancing header ensured that the Kopites went home happy.

Now, probably with renewed optimism, the Spanish gaffer has Wednesday's trip to the Emirates on his mind.

"Hopefully we'll have more confidence for the next game against Arsenal, we are doing much better and we won today with 10 players so we cannot ask for more," he said.

"It was an amazing performance from the team.

"It's a massive result for us. I felt the fans were behind the team working so hard and we were defending well and dangerous on the counter-attack.

"The commitment of our players was fantastic so everything was positive."

The former Valencia boss reserved special praise for Kuyt, who has a reputation for scoring in big games and whose header against the Toffees was his 50th goal for the club.

Benitez added: "He is an amazing player who works hard, scores goals, especially against Everton."

Following the victory over Everton, Liverpool have moved into fourth place for the moment. But they could be displaced by Tottenham Hotspur depending on the result at White Hart Lane against Aston Villa.

Liverpool Deserved Victory Over Everton - Dirk Kuyt

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt insists that the Reds deserved the 1-0 victory over their arch-rivals Everton in the 213th Merseyside derby.

The hosts were down to ten men in the first-half after the sending off of Sotirios Kyrgiakos, but a goal from the Dutchman - who has a history of scoring in important games - ensured that the three points went to Rafael Benitez's charges.

"It was a very tough game, especially after the red card," said Kuyt.

"But I think we defended really well today. Great set piece and great corner from Stevie.

"That's what we had to do. When you're down to ten men you don't get many chances so we have to take everything from the set pieces.

"He [Toffees' goalkeeper Tim Howard] pushed me all the time with [Phil] Neville, but when the delivery came I thought I had a small chance and I hit it, so was very happy with it."

The 29-year-old maintained that the team will savour the victory tonight, and start preparations in the morning for the blockbuster encounter against Arsenal on Wednesday.

He added: "We will enjoy today, but from tomorrow we have to focus on Arsenal and hopefully we can have the same result and keep getting the points but I think we had a great effort today and a well-deserved win."

Steven Gerrard: I've Pushed Myself Through Pain Barrier For Liverpool FC

Derby protocol dictates form books should be hitting the pavement throughout Merseyside this morning. Liverpool FC skipper Steven Gerrard, though, would be forgiven for wanting to jettison a record of the entire season so far.

A campaign that started with hopes of another championship challenge has degenerated amid all-too-familiar problems both on and off the field.

For Gerrard, there has been the added frustration of a clutch of niggling injuries that have prevented him from producing his consistent best as Liverpool have stumbled from one setback to another.

However, the fortunes of both player and team may now be on the turn.

Rafael Benitez’s side are enjoying a six-game unbeaten Premier League run, while Gerrard posted a performance in the 2-0 win over Bolton last Saturday that was enough to prompt Trotters midfielder Fabrice Muamba to declare him the toughest opponent in the top flight.

The Anfield skipper has only recently returned from a hamstring problem having been hampered for much of the previous two months by a groin complaint aggravated while on international duty with England in October.

And while confident his fitness problems are now firmly behind him, Gerrard admits his own desperation to help Liverpool through their difficult autumn perhaps clouded his judgement.

“My fitness is very good now,” he says. “I’ve trained well since I came back from the last injury. I was really happy with my performance against Bolton. I feel as though I can still get better, but going into the derby I’m feeling much better.

“It hasn’t been a case of holding back. I’ve never held back. My problem has been that sometimes I’ve been pushed back too early. I’ve sometimes played games where the manager has wanted me to play, or I’ve wanted to come back.

“I’ve played games this season when I’ve not been fit and carrying niggles. All I want to do is get out there. Maybe that’s a fault of my own, not to be strong enough to say I’ve not been ready.

“But it’s been frustrating. If everyone had been flying and all in top form, maybe I wouldn’t have pushed myself so much. But we’ve suffered.

“Sometimes I’ve been asked to go through the pain barrier and maybe have no training. It’s happened to a lot of players, we’ve been unfortunate this season. But it’s meant a lot have had to push themselves, and it’s good to see.”

It’s that attitude that has given Liverpool renewed hope since Christmas despite an injury list that continues to deprive Benitez of the creative flair of Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson.

Albert Riera and Daniel Agger, along with Gerrard, have also spent spells on the sidelines while £20m Alberto Aquilani has had to contend with his own fitness concerns while acclimatising to the English game in an underachieving team.

And Gerrard says: “As a football player, the very least you can show is spirit, character and effort. Form can be temporary, you aren’t always on top form and when you aren’t it is still important to show those qualities. It can help your form come around.

“We’ve been doing that, we’ve all rolled our sleeves up and fought for each other, and in the last six games things have turned around.”

Despite the improvement in results, Liverpool continue to be heavily censured for their style of play, particularly in comparison to their cavalier approach towards the end of last season.

Gerrard, though, has no complaints. “I don’t think the criticism we’ve had has been too harsh,” he says. “We can’t look for excuses. When the team was flying last season, we revelled in the plaudits. But when you are not performing you have to take the criticism on board.

“The good thing is that the players aren’t feeling sorry for themselves. We’ve reacted and are now turning the corner.

“I’ve been very pleased with how the team has responded over the last six games. The least we can do is show good attitude character and spirit.”

While goals have proven hard to come by for Liverpool – just 27 in their last 25 games – at least the defence has rediscovered its mean streak, with five clean sheets in the last six Premier League games.

“For a team to start playing well, the first thing that needs to be sorted is the defence,” says Gerrard. “You can be a bit more adventurous going forward after that.

“The team has been a lot more solid. It’s stopped us being a little bit more ambitious, but I understand where the manager is coming from.

“Those clean sheets can help us get results and build more confidence.”

“We’ve got to try and treat this as just another game,” he says. “But we know that the confidence you can get from winning a Merseyside derby is massive. It can be another sign we are on the right path.

“When we beat Everton at Goodison earlier this season it hurt them very much, and it’s helped them to turn their season around. They’ve gone on a fantastic run and have done really well.

“We know it will be a close game but we believe that our fans can give us an advantage. Our confidence is improving and we’re ready.”

And Gerrard says: “Fourth place is the realistic target given what has happened this season. We have to keep fighting for the top four, it’s important financially and every player wants to be involved in the Champions League.

“We’ll try and bring the Europa League back, it’s the only trophy we can win now. We won’t give up on a higher place in the Premier League but we’ve got to be realistic – we’re aiming for a Champions League place.

“It’ll take more than simple character but the performances of late have shown we have a base in place now. What you’ll hopefully see in the coming weeks in the team playing better football and getting more results.”

Rafa Confident On Jovanovic

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is confident of securing Serbia international striker Milan Jovanovic for next season.

The 28-year-old marksman is out of contract in the summer and early reports suggested The Reds had already secured him on a pre-contract.

However, Benitez has stated Liverpool are yet to agree terms with the Standard Liege ace, although he is hopeful a deal can be reached.

"Nothing is sorted yet, but I'm confident it will be," confirmed Benitez.

Liverpool face stiff competition for his signature after Standard confirmed Juventus and AC Milan are also in the hunt for his signature.

"I wish Jovanovic all the best," confirmed Standard's vice-president Luciano D'Onorfio. "He always did his best for the club.

"AC Milan, Juventus and Liverpool want him. The choice is up to him. I play no role in his decision."

Liverpool FC Museum Is Now Poetry In Motion

The Anfield stadium and museum tours are now poetry in motion.

Thanks to input from Liverpool fan and award winning poet and writer Dave Kirby, the tours have just got better.

Kirby has worked closely with the club to write new scripts that now capture the Reds’ rich history and heritage better than ever.

Kirby said: “We wanted to bring the stadium tours to life. They’re now more like a performance, a little bit of live theatre with mini-monologues running through them.”

With new areas including the Legends Lounge, director's box and media room, supporters can now take a true behind the scenes look.

John Aldridge: We Want Liverpool FC Out Of The Red

There has been a real concern about Liverpool’s finances for a long time but it has got to the stage now where the vast majority of supporters have discovered how bad our finances are.

People can see how deep the debt is and we are not interested in smokescreens; it doesn’t take a genius to work out that Liverpool are on the verge of real trouble.

You could see that in the last transfer window; the pursuit of Kenwyne Jones was a smokescreen; we didn’t have the money to buy him outright and there was never any chance of him coming on loan.

We sold two players in Andriy Voronin and Andrea Dossena for good money but it wasn’t reinvested and everyone knows where the cash from those deals will have gone.

There was talk of Milan Jovanovic signing his pre-contract earlier this week but don’t for a moment think that is going to be a significant outlay; he’d be a free transfer, not the type that balances the books.

Though it is encouraging to hear that moves are afoot to shrink the debt, it is still not an ideal situation even though it could eventually lead to the club being sold.

And the sooner that happens, the better for everyone. Tom Hicks and George Gillett have to go and that feeling is shared by a lot of the former players who I talk to.

I obviously can’t speak for all of them but my own view is that something desperately needs to change, as we can’t continue like this.

All the former players want is what is best for the club and in this instance, it is for Liverpool to be free of debt and able to challenge for the best trophies on a sound financial footing.

I have no preference for the identity of a prospective buyer, all I want is for the Reds to be out of this – as does everyone else.

Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Everton

Liverpool will play host to Everton this weekend in the 213th edition of one of football's great fixtures: the Merseyside derby.

Unlike last season, when the Reds were right in the hunt for a maiden Premier League title and the Blues were knocking on the door of the top four, this time around the Scouse rivals are both looking to make up ground after a fairly dismal first half of the 2009-10 campaign.

Liverpool's win over Bolton Wanderers last weekend stretched their unbeaten run to six games, and yet they still find themselves a point outside the Champions League places.

Everton sit some way back in ninth place but their recent form is even more impressive than that of their neighbours, as they have not lost in the league since November.

It just so happens that Rafael Benitez's men were the last team to take all three points off the Toffees in top-flight play, with goals from Dirk Kuyt and Javier Mascherano giving the 18-time English champions a 2-0 win at Goodison Park.

The odds are stacked firmly against David Moyes' mob returning the favour this Saturday, as they have not won a league game at Anfield since 1999.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Jan 30: Liverpool 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Jan 26: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Liverpool

Jan 20: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Jan 16: Stoke City 1-1 Liverpool

Jan 13: Liverpool 1-2 Reading (FA Cup)

Everton

Jan 30: Wigan Athletic 0-1 Everton

Jan 27: Everton 2-0 Sunderland

Jan 23: Everton 1-2 Birmingham City (FA Cup)

Jan 16: Everton 2-0 Manchester City

Jan 9: Arsenal 2-2 Everton

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard is back in action for the Reds, but both Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun - who continues to be linked with a move to Russia - remain sidelined.

Danish defender Daniel Agger has returned to training and could make the matchday squad, while full-backs Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio are still out of commission.

Last starting XI (vs. Bolton Wanderers): Reina, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Insua, Mascherano, Aquilani, Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera, Ngog.

Everton

Nigerian pair Joseph Yobo and Yakubu are back from the African Cup of Nations, with both having a chance to make the starting XI - particularly the latter, after Louis Saha limped off at Wigan.

Jack Rodwell and long-term absentee Mikel Arteta are also pushing to prove their fitness.

Last starting XI (vs. Wigan Athletic): Howard, Neville, Senderos, Heitinga, Baines, Osman, Fellaini, Cahill, Pienaar, Donovan, Saha.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Steven Gerrard

The skipper looked something like his usual self last weekend, mixing deft link-up play with barnstorming attacks despite the close attentions of Fabrice 'The Monster' Muamba. What better way to confirm a return to form and fitness than with a match-winning display against your oldest foes?

Everton - Tim Cahill

The little Aussie battler is another who has drawn some stinging criticism this season, but it's only taken a couple of trademark headers to hush up the naysayers. Undoubtedly one of the Premier League's very best goalscoring midfielders, Cahill will be aiming to make it three strikes in as many games this Saturday.

Mersey Derby Can Turn Liverpool FC's Season Around - Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez today claimed a win in the 213th Merseyside derby could be the result that totally transforms his increasingly confident Liverpool team.

Unbeaten in their last six Premier League games, the Reds will jump back into the Champions League positions – for a couple of hours at least – if they beat Everton at Anfield today.

That, of course, will be easier said than done, as the Blues come into the lunchtime showdown on the back of a nine-match unbeaten sequence and have a number of key players in top form.

Benitez, though, has the suspicion Liverpool are not far from clicking and saw signs in last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Bolton which gave him reason for encouragement.

“We want to make sure we get back into the top four and this is the first opportunity to try and do that,” said Benitez, who will have Fabio Aurelio back in his squad.

“Our aim is to keep the players playing with more confidence. After Everton, we have Arsenal and that will be another big challenge. But it will be much easier if we have got the right result against Everton and another three points.”

But with tests at Arsenal and Manchester City to follow, this, undoubtedly, is Liverpool’s most demanding schedule of the campaign and that is why Benitez has challenged his players to make a statement.

“I’ve spoken with the players and we have been analysing what we have (in terms of games) until the end of the season and this is the most crucial phase,” he added.

“To get a win against Everton and to see the team continue their unbeaten run would give everyone big hope for the rest of the season.”

Though he has not always seen eye-to-eye with David Moyes, Benitez is respectful of the way Everton’s manager has transformed his team.

He expects them to be an even more difficult proposition to the side that went head-to-head with Liverpool at Goodison Park on November 29.

“It is always special for everyone here in the city and both teams are coming into the game on the back of good runs,” he said. “When you play against your nearest rival, it is always important you win but it is all the more vital, as we are in a position where we cannot lose points.

“But you have to remember that Everton want to be challenging for a European place too; it will be a very exciting game and it is massive for everyone involved.

“The derby is special because, when you have a week like this it is all everyone talks about. We need to make sure we are talking about it in the week after, too.”

Carragher: Everton Is The Best Competition

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool will never be found wanting when it comes to mixing it with local rivals Everton.

The Anfield defender admits he gets wound up ahead of facing his boyhood idols more than any other match.

And with in-form Everton threatening Liverpool’s challenge to get back into the top four, today’s game at Anfield is one Carragher is desperate to win.

He said: “My feelings haven’t changed one bit. There is always that little bit of extra anxiety, which comes from the fear of losing."

“You talk about results being more important than performances but ideally you want to put the two together. When you think over the last decade, we’ve probably had our best-ever run of results against Everton."

“Normally in the past whenever Everton have beaten Liverpool, the accusation was that they wanted it a little bit more."

"So I’m glad in the last decade we have turned that around.”

Most people thought Liverpool were lucky to win 2-0 at Goodison Park in November.But Carragher added: “I don’t think we played particularly well and Everton had a decent game, to be fair.

“But we still managed to go to Goodison, one of the toughest places in the country, not play well and win 2-0.”

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has an unbeaten home record against Everton since taking charge in the summer of 2004.

And he said: “Every game for us now is important but because this is the first one it is the most important. When you’re not in a very good position, you know that every game will be crucial.”

Skrtel: Pain Means Nothing

Martin Skrtel is relishing the prospect of doing battle with a rejuvenated Everton when English football's fiercest local rivalry resumes on Saturday.

The Slovakian expects to wake up with a few bruises on Sunday morning - but insists it won't matter if Liverpool claim a crucial three points.

"It will be a very difficult game," Skrtel told Liverpoolfc.tv. "Every player has to make special preparations for this game. It'll be a fight and it will be fiery from the first minute to the last.

"Of course it's normal to come off the pitch after a derby with a few knocks. But against Everton you forget any pain, any bruises or any knocks. Every player tries to do his best for their team.

"It's a big derby, a game against Everton. It's a special game for everyone in this city, so everyone is desperate to play.

"The rivalry between Liverpool and Everton supporters is very big, and you feel it in the days before."

Skrtel believes the in-form Tim Cahill represents a major threat for Everton ahead of the lunchtime kick off.

"He's a good player," said the 25-year-old. "Last time I played against him he scored. He's very dangerous, especially from set pieces in our box. But our defence is now working very well. We can keep focused on him.

"He's not the tallest but he can break into the right places in the box. That's why he's dangerous - because he's in the right place at the right time."

One man who could be key in defending set pieces is Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Skrtel is in no doubt the Greek international is ready for his first taste of derby action.

"Sotirios has done very well, especially against teams like Stoke, Wolves and Bolton," said the No.37. "They play direct football and he's been one of our best players on the pitch.

"He's a defender's defender. He likes to play hard football - he likes to tackle and head the ball.

"He's a nice guy too. You can speak with him about anything you want or joke with him."

Meanwhile, Skrtel remains confident he can win major honours with Liverpool despite 2009-10 not going as planned.

"We showed our quality in finishing second last year with a club record points in the Premier League," he said. "This season we've been a bit unlucky. I know this team has quality. I hope and I believe we will show this quality in the future."

Liverpool Midfielder Alberto Aquilani Can Handle Everton Derby - Steven Gerrard

Liverpool's talismanic leader Steven Gerrard, 29, believes playmaking midfielder Alberto Aquilani, 25, bought from AS Roma last summer and now embarking on a sustained run in the first team following an ankle lay-off, will have no problems during derby day, given his experience of big games in Serie A.

Rafael Benitez's side face local rivals Everton on Saturday lunch-time, the 213th time the city's flagship sides have come together, and Gerrard believes there is no greater game in which Aquilani can score his first Liverpool goal.

"Whether he starts or plays as a sub, Alberto knows what derbies are all about," Gerrard explained to the club's official website. "I'm sure he will handle the occasion no problem.

"He will also get help from myself and Jamie [Carragher] to let him know what this game is about in the dressing room. Merseyside derbies are very quick and frantic in the first 15-20 minutes and the tempo and intensity is very high.

"It will be a great game for him to notch his first goal, too. He is improving the more he is playing and training.

"There were always going to be high expectations because of his big price tag. It takes time to get used to the speed and pace of the English game when you come from abroad, but he certainly has the talent."

Liverpool Striker Dirk Kuyt Admits To Feeling Under Pressure To Perform

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt admits that he feels under pressure to carry his side’s fortunes in the absence of his injured team-mates.

The Anfield club have been without key men Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson for large parts of their troubled campaign, and as one of the senior players, the onus has been on Kuyt to perform in their absence.

"Of course you feel a responsibility," he told a press conference ahead of Saturday’s derby against rivals Everton.

"Everyone in the team feels a responsibility and it is very hard when you are missing your best players. We have missed Torres for a while, Stevie [Gerrard] couldn't play every game and Glen Johnson has a bad injury, it makes it very difficult.

"Any other team, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, would struggle as well, but you can't think about this.

"You have to try to do it with the players who are fit at the moment.

"What we have done really well is keep working hard. We have been a bit unlucky with a couple of injuries, but the players are coming back and we are getting stronger and stronger. Once they are back we will all learn that it makes us stronger.

"Things are definitely changing, but we can't relax. We have to look forward and get the goals in."

Liverpool enter Saturday’s game on a six-match unbeaten run - both in the league and against their Merseyside rivals.

Should Kuyt score it would be his 50th for the Anfield club, and Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee admitted he would welcome any goal which secures victory for the Reds.

"It would be nice for him to score in the derby and get his 50, but it would be nice for anyone to score," he said.

"It's good for us that we have got goals going in from different areas. We are without Fernando, which has been well documented, but the lads are working hard and we have got players like Dirk who can score."

Milan Jovanovic Seeking Reassurances About Rafael Benitez's Future Before Committing To Liverpool

The uncertainty surrounding Rafael Benitez's future at Liverpool has put the signing of highly-rated Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic in jeopardy.

Jovanovic was widely reported to have signed a pre-contract agreement for a three-year deal with the Reds, to begin when his Liege contract expires in June.

But the player's agent, Zoran Stojadinovic, denied those claims, stating that his client was still weighing up his options.

And a Serbian football source told Goal.com UK that the 28-year-old is reluctant to commit to the Reds at this point, until assurances have been made over Benitez's future at the club, and is considering his options - with Italian side Fiorentina and Spanish giants Valencia also in the running.

The source said: "Jovanovic didn't sign any kind of preliminary contract with

Liverpool, and Fiorentina and Valencia are both interested."

"The problem is that Benitez has not had good results at the club this season, and maybe he will not be the manager at the end of the season - when Jovanovic would have to move to Anfield."

Benitez's own future is in considerable doubt - despite the Spaniard's pledge to honour the remainder of his five-year contract at Anfield. Financial restrictions and internal politics have repeatedly undermined Benitez's position at the club, and there is a growing feeling that the former Valencia manager may seek pastures new at the end of this season.

Only last week the Reds boss spoke of being "proud" to be linked with Italian giants Juventus, who are expected to make an approach for the 49-year-old this summer.

Benitez has been tracking Jovanovic for over three months and sees the powerful striker - who has scored nine times in 23 caps for his country - as an ideal addition to his squad.

Jovanovic is expected to lead the line for Serbia at the World Cup this summer, and has a record of 68 goals in 140 games for Belgian champions Liege.

Liverpool FC Set For Cash Boost As Hicks Considers Stars Sale

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is considering selling his NHL ice hockey franchise the Dallas Stars.

According to a report on ESPN, Hicks' holding company, the Hicks Sports Group, confirmed that Galatioto Sports Partners have been tasked with sourcing potential investors or outright buyers for the Stars.

In October, Hicks sealed a deal worth some US$500 million that saw him sell off his Texas Rangers MLB franchise.

Dallas Stars president Jeff Cogen said: "While a sale is not a certainty it is a possibility and Mr Hicks has received numerous inquiries about the team."

Liverpool's financial woes have been well-documented this season. Yet, it is still unclear what any potential Stars sale would mean for the Anfield club.

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow recently conceded, however, that the club needed to reduce its debt from £237 million to £137 million by July, when its current refinancing deal comes up for renewal.

Liverpool had planned to issue new shares, diluting the ownership of American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Should Hicks receive a substantial cash boost from a sale in America, however, he may have the wherewithal to strengthen his position at Liverpool.

Liverpool's quest for commercial success has been complicated by the club's early exit from the Uefa Champions League this season, and would be made even more difficult if the team fail to qualify for the lucrative competition next year.

In his time at the club, Purslow has alread secured several lucrative commercial deals, including a club record shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered.

Ex-Gunner: Liverpool Are 'A Million Miles' From Progressing

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is lucky to still be in a job at Anfield following his side’s traumatic Premier League form and early cup exits, but believes that the top job at Juventus, with whom the Spaniard has been linked, would represent a step down in his career.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Merseyside derby, the player-turned-pundit made clear that Liverpool’s form had left a lot to be desired this term event though they were still in the race for fourth position.

“I think Rafa Benitez is lucky to still be the manager of Liverpool Football Club.

“It’s all about progressing and this year they've been a million miles off it.

Pinpointing the opportunity to work in Italy, the ex-Gunner made clear that life in Serie A was not what it used to be:

“He's been linked with the Juventus job, but that would be a step down in my eyes. The Premier League is the ultimate, then you go Spanish, then Italian after that.

“You've only got to look at the Champions League over the last few years to see Serie A is a million miles off England and Spain.

“Juventus is a great club, don't get me wrong, but there's only a couple of teams who can win that league, three at the most. I think that would be a bad move for Rafa, but I suppose it's up to him.”

Liverpool host Everton this Saturday at lunch-time in a match which could be integral to the club’s chances of playing Champions League football next season.

Rafael Benítez Bullish About Liverpool's Prospects In The Second Half Of The Season

Rafael Benítez insists Liverpool can rediscover the fearsome form they showed in the second half of last season as they bid to see off Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa to claim the coveted fourth Champions League slot.

Benitez’s side have enjoyed a run of six Premier League games undefeated since their loss to Portsmouth before Christmas, beating Harry Redknapp’s and Martin O’Neill’s teams in the process, but confidence at Anfield remains fragile after a disastrous autumn.

But despite looking a shadow of the side which ran Manchester United close to the title last season and produced a series of stunning displays to sweep the champions, Villa and Real Madrid aside, Benítez is adamant no major surgery is required for Liverpool to reach that level again.

“I think we can do it if we fix two or three things,” said the Spaniard. “We have some clean sheets and we are moving in the right direction. Last season, we did not do anything especially different. It was just that the team was doing well and had some confidence.

“If you analyse the team we have been playing, we know that we were doing well in defence but we have not been good enough in attack.

"If you analyse the team, you can understand why. Some of the players in attack were coming back from injury, like Steven Gerrard and Albert Riera, while it was Maxi Rodriguez’s first game.

“Gerrard is available, but he is not ready. He has to improve his match fitness. If Gerrard is fitter I am sure he will play better and this will make a massive difference for us in attack.”

Liverpool Winger Albert Riera Relishing Derby With Everton

Liverpool winger Albert Riera, 27, is looking forward to the Merseyside derby with Everton on Saturday.

The Spaniard, signed by Rafael Benitez on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2008 for an £8 million fee, has featured in derbies against David Moyes' side before, but has revealed his excitement ahead of this weekend's showdown - an excitement sparked during the build-up by fans in the streets pressing for a win.

Riera, who is friends with the Toffees' midfield playmaker Mikel Arteta, will temporarily sideline that friendship with his compatriot.

He said to the club's official website: "For me Mikel has been their most important player for a long time and as my friend it's good to see him back.

"He needs time to get back to his best because he had a bad knee injury. We speak a lot and I have been talking with him this week about Saturday's game."

The winger began the derby earlier in the season from the bench, making a cameo appearance, but recalls the tie vividly.

"I remember the first goal from Mascherano, which touched a defender on the way into the net. After that it was close, but Dirk scored and we deserved to win after our second-half performance."

He continued: "You can feel how special this is for the supporters. When you are out on the streets and even in the supermarket people come up to you excited and talking about the game.

"I like the atmosphere of a derby," Riera said. "It's different to games I have played in before and we know our fans can help us win this game.

"The thing that makes this game different to other ones is the intensity of it and the atmosphere is special."

Benitez Offers Babel Backing

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes Ryan Babel can shine at Anfield now the transfer window is closed.

Babel's future at Liverpool was the subject of intense speculation during the January transfer window with Birmingham having a couple of bids rejected for the Dutchman.

Benitez believes Babel's form was affected by the speculation and he now feels the former Ajax man can show his true ability for the rest of the campaign.

"If we play without the speculation surrounding Ryan Babel then I am sure it will be easier for him to focus and for me to play him," explained Benitez.

"So I think we will be better in attack and the team will be better."

Benitez also revealed that Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson are not expected to return to action until March at the earliest.

"Glen is still progressing," added Benitez. "It's looking like he will be back in another three or four weeks. When he was first ruled out, it looked like he would be out for two months and it has been a month so far.

"Fernando is progressing too. Hopefully he will be back in the same time, while Yossi [Benayoun] could return in two weeks."

Riera: Torres And Reina Are Staying At Liverpool For Long Term

Liverpool winger Albert Riera has claimed that he and fellow Spaniards Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina are committed to Anfield for the long term.

Given Liverpool's problems this season and the constant speculation over manager Rafa Benitez, there has been speculation that there would be a mass exodus from Anfield should the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Talking about the club's Spanish contingent, Riera has emphatically dismissed the rumours of discontent.

He said, "It isn't in the character of any of us to turn our backs and run somewhere else when times are tough.

"All of us would like to look back on our Liverpool career and say it was a success. It is clear how happy Pepe and Fernando are at the club and I have no doubt they will both be here for a very long time no matter what happens.

"They have both said to me that they want to make history with Liverpool and I share that ambition"

Talking about his own desire to stay, Riera added, "For me, if the club offered a five, six or seven year contract right now, I'd sign it with my eyes closed. Where else is there to go? Being anywhere else would be a step down. I have everything I need in Liverpool."

Jovanovic Has Signed Nothing

The agent of Milan Jovanovic claims his client is not on the verge of signing a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool.

Reports earlier in the week had suggested that the Serbian playmaker was close to committing his future to the Reds and was expected to form part of Rafa Benitez's squad in 2010/11.

However, it has now emerged that such a deal has not been put in place, with the Standard Liege forward yet to decide where his next move will take him.

Jovanovic has plenty of avenues to explore, with numerous clubs monitoring his situation.

Liverpool had hoped to beat the rush for his signature by reaching an agreement in January, but could be about to see those efforts come to nothing.

"There are many possibilities," Jovanovic's agent Zoran Stojadinovic told Superdeporte.

"The situation will be resolved soon, but he has not signed for any club as yet."

Milan Jovanovic In Advanced Talks With Valencia, Not Liverpool

Liverpool are not close to signing Standard Liege's Serbian hotshot Milan Jovanovic, and the striker - his agent, Zoran Stojadinovic states - is instead in advanced talks with Spanish side Valencia about a transfer to the Mestalla.

The 28-year-old is fast approaching the expiration of his current contract at Liege, and a multitude of sides are interested in capitalising on the player's situation.

Stojadinovic, who stated that he has been in "very advanced" talks with Valencia, also added to Superdeporte that: "There are many possibilities.

"The situation will be resolved soon, but he has not signed for any club as yet.

"There is plenty of interest from Spain, but there are also a number of clubs from across Europe that remain keen."

Twente Sign Nikolai Mihaylov From Liverpool

According to a report in Voetbal International, Eredivisie joint leaders Twente have completed the transfer of Bulgarian goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov from Liverpool on a free transfer.

The young shot stopper is currently owned by the Premier League outfit, but Mihaylov never made in into the first team at Liverpool. He had already been farmed out on loan to Twente for the past three seasons.

Mihaylov's Liverpool contract was due to expire at the end of the season and the glovesman has now made his stay in Enschede a permanent one by signing a contract until the summer of 2012.

Current first choice goalie Sander Boschker is widely expected to retire in the near future and Twente coach Steve McClaren sees Mihaylov as the perfect long-term replacement for Boschker. The shot stopper has made seven Eredivisie appearances for Twente so far.

Liverpool FC Hillsborough Tragedy Inquiry Panel Starts task of looking for truth

The Hillsborough inquiry panel was today starting the painstaking task of sifting through nearly two million official papers relating to the tragedy.

Headed by Bishop James Jones the panel is expected to spend up to two years overseeing the public disclosure of secret documents.

Their first priority will be to inform the families of the 96 victims of their contents.

Bishop James said: "I’m pleased that today the Hillsborough Independent Panel can start with the challenge we face. Today is first and foremost about listening, listening to the voices of those affected by the tragedy."

The panel is made up of information expert Christine Gifford; TV producer Katy Jones; ex-Northern Ireland deputy chief constable Paul Leighton; criminologist Professor Phil Scraton; ex-associate Department of Health medical director Dr Bill Kirkup; archivist Sarah Tyacke and broadcaster Peter Sissons.

Hillsborough Family Support Group chair Margaret Aspinall said: "We welcome the panel."