Benitez' Crystal Ball Foretells Gerrard Century At Goodison

Fate has no meaning in Rafael Benítez's managerial lexicon but he is prepared to make an exception in the case of Steven Gerrard's 100th goal for Liverpool. Only an errant decision denied the Liverpool captain his milestone against Stoke City at Anfield last weekend. That the opportunity now arises at Goodison Park, a ground where Gerrard has been baited mercilessly in recent years, has caused even Liverpool's arch-pragmatist to believe the outcome may be scripted.

"Maybe his goal against Stoke was disallowed because destiny has been reserved for him to score his 100th goal against Everton," said Benítez, who takes an unbeaten record across Stanley Park this lunchtime. "Gerrard can score in any game, he's always a threat even when he's not playing well, but I am sure what happened against Stoke will only motivate him more to score against Everton. Especially in a derby, it would be fantastic for him to get that goal and I believe he can."

The Liverpool manager controversially substituted the man from Huyton during last season's tempestuous Goodison derby for displaying "too much passion" and believes the England midfielder has learned from the experience.

"Gerrard is more mature now and understands he can play with passion but have control of the situation too," insisted Benítez. "At that point [in last year's derby]we needed to keep possession against 10 men, we needed to keep control. And it was Lucas [Leiva] - who came on and was calmer and more relaxed - who was able to create our winner. That was an important decision for the team, something I had to do. Maybe this time it will be Steven who wins the game for us."

Liverpool, if they win, will equal their best six-game start to a Premier League season and Benítez added: "This kind of game, against a rival in a derby, is always a test but if we can win the confidence will be really, really high in the team."

Everton's David Moyes Ready For 'Aggressive' Liverpool

Neighbours at War, aka the 208th Merseyside Derby, will be as “hotly contested as ever’’, in the opinion of the Everton manager, David Moyes.

Even without the heavy hand of history and jabbing elbow of local rivalry, this game means so much to Moyes and his players, to Rafael Benitez and his men in Liverpool red. Everton crave a victory to lift spirits after a disappointing start to the season. Expensive newcomers such as Marouane Fellaini, Moyes’ £12.5 million midfielder, are desperate to prove they can cope in the heat of Premier League battle.

Liverpool want to show the tigerish football that accounted for Manchester United, not the toothlessness that resulted in two points being dropped to Stoke City. Steven Gerrard chases his 100th goal for Liverpool. Pride, points and landmarks are at stake.

A paradox surrounds a feisty lunchtime at Goodison. The authorities are keen to keep football free of malice in the challenge and in the chant, yet everyone is aware that the visceral nature of derbies makes the Premier League a compelling spectacle, captivating millions around the world. Carnage appeals.

But a balance must be struck: passion without the excess. Some of the derby tackles have been horrendous, with Gerrard guilty of a couple of X-rated lunges on Evertonians down the years. “The reason why the derby games attract people is the intensity,’’ observed Moyes, speaking at Everton’s Finch Farm training base.

“You hope to get a good football game but you know you’ll get a tough encounter. You hope you get a good referee but you hope the players know the boundaries. Referees can be too trigger-happy but I hope the referee [Mike Riley] will have a good game and the players make it easy for him.

“Liverpool are a really strong, tough team. They can be as physical as anybody. They showed that against Manchester United [on Sept 13]. Sir Alex Ferguson mentioned that. In the last couple of derbies they’ve been more aggressive than we have. But Goodison’s a tough place to come into and tough to get out of.’’

And noisy. Some of the chanting has been sickening in recent years, particularly songs about Gerrard’s wife by some Evertonians, while a few Liverpool fans insulted Joleon Lescott. “There is a limit to what your chanting should be,’’ said Moyes. “I hope both sets of supporters will behave.’’

The match lasts 90 minutes, the ramifications much longer. “The seriousness of this game goes beyond football, it goes into people’s livelihoods,’’ said Moyes’ attacking midfielder, Tim Cahill. “I lived in Liverpool for four years, so I understand what it’s like to walk down the street to get a carton of milk after a derby.’’

The Australian has since moved out of town. “Liverpool’s a beautiful city with beautiful people but I needed to be able to switch off and go down the park with my kids without having to listen to an adverse comment. I can relax now, without worrying about people saying I’m crap.’’

Comments still arise after derbies. “I get loads of banter, especially from the Liverpool fans, but it’s a compliment when you get a bit of bitterness because it shows you’re a threat and I’ve had a habit of scoring against Liverpool a few times,’’ Cahill added. “It’s all about passion.

“Players like Alan Stubbs, Duncan Ferguson and Tony Hibbert, players who really know what it is like to be a Blue, really helped me understand when I first came to the club. Now I’m passing that on to Fellaini, Segundo Castillo and Louis Saha. They’ve had derby matches before, but this is a whole different experience.’’

Derbies demand physical and mental strength and Cahill, hailed as a “special player’’ by Moyes, has been working on both qualities. “I’ve been doing yoga for about three months and Pilates for 18 months,’’ added Cahill, who stressed the importance of the input of Willie Donnachie’s son, Danny, the club’s performance and well-being coach. “We have a regime at Everton now where Danny works with us individually on matters on and off the pitch. A big part of football nowadays is the mental aspect.

“We play best when we believe we are invincible, no matter who is in their team. Obviously, Gerrard is one of the best midfielders in the world and he does make that team tick. We need to overcome that in 90 minutes, give that bit extra and give something special to our fans.’’

Moyes talked of “owing the fans’’ a victory following a lacklustre few weeks. “I’d be lying if I said we were bubbling,’’ said the Everton manager, who would love to have had the finances to sign more individuals of Fellaini’s worth. “We are probably in need of buying three or four players of that value – not one. There’s a massive difference of spending power between us and Liverpool.’’

The one signing Goodison truly yearns for, Moyes’ inking his name on a new contract, will not take place on the pitch before kick-off, as rumoured. Passions are stoked up enough already.

Carragher Braces Himself For The Goodison Blues After Liverpool Star Criticises Everton In Book

Jamie Carragher is preparing himself for a hotter reception than ever at Goodison Park today after lavishing praise on David Moyes but pouring scorn on Everton's supporters and hierarchy.

The long-serving Liverpool defender joined in the debate over Moyes' uncertain future by hailing him as Everton's best manager for 20 years and describing the 'People's Club' tag he came up with as a 'stroke of genius'.

In his newly-published autobiography Carra, though, he risks an angry backlash at today's lunchtime kick-off by blaming Everton fans for mounting hostility between the rival factions and deriding the Goodison board as 'small-minded' over their spat with Rafa Benitez last season.

An undertone of spite has crept into the derby day atmosphere and Carragher was adamant about Everton's culpability as he explained his admiration for Moyes but contempt for some sections of the club he once idolised.

'Moyes is the person I have respected most at Everton,' he said. 'Without doubt, he is their best manager in 20 years, and the quip about Everton being the People's Club, on the day he took over, was genius. It wound up Liverpudlians but got Evertonians on his side, so fair play. Brilliant stuff.

'That's what it is all about in this city. If you can make your own fans proud of you and get your rivals' backs up at the same time, it's a classic double whammy.

'But when Rafa went for a bit of revenge and called them a small club, after they came to Anfield for a draw, how did they react? They put a statement on their official website, having a go back. How small-time can you get? It was embarrassing. At board level, you should show some dignity and rise above the banter.

'There is an exaggerated perception of how well Liverpool and Everton fans used to get on 20 years ago but, equally, I have noticed a much meaner atmosphere at more recent derbies.

'As someone who has been a Blue and a Red, I feel qualified to say where it all went wrong and I feel the responsibility lies mainly with the way Everton fans reacted to their barren spell. That, plus their treatment of Liverpool players who are my friends as well as teammates.

'It has added a sinister element to the traditional rivalry and led to a complete transformation in my loyalties, to the extent that I now hate losing to Everton more than any other side in the world.

'Hate would be too strong to describe my feelings towards them, but I do hate what their fans sing about Steven Gerrard and his family at every derby. It is personal, vindictive and disgusting and would be unacceptable in any form of life, let alone football.

'All players face flak from opposition fans, but when people start telling lies and repeat them in despicable chants, I am appalled.

'It has become a lot worse over the years and is a big reason why my relationship with Everton has turned sour. When you see your best mates being attacked unjustly, there is no way back.'

Everton's players are also taken to task by Carragher, who added: 'There have been times when I have made a point of biting my lip after a derby to show some respect. 'Our 3-0 defeat at Goodison was a classic example. I had a nightmare and was nowhere near 100 per cent, but when I was quizzed straight after the game, I just said we were beaten fair and square.

'Too often, the same courtesy isn't shown to us by Everton. We always knew Alan Stubbs would have a good cry about something, especially if we had won but, to be fair, he's as Blue as they come. He liked playing to the gallery and we always had a giggle at his expense in the dressing room.

'There are times, though, when I feel they have zero respect for us. While we tiptoe round, making sure we don't cause a furore, many of their former and present players seem to feel they are free to slag us off. It has become a small but annoying sub-plot of every derby.

'A Goodison persecution complex has developed and it's not just the players. There are plenty at Everton who have done their club no favours when talking about Liverpool and you really would expect their hierarchy to be more considered and careful with their remarks.'

Carragher's growing antipathy towards his Mersey rivals is a far cry from his schoolboy days, when he even turned up for five-a-sides at Liverpool's School of Excellence wearing an Everton kit.

'I was only 11, but everyone called me Sharpy because they all knew Graeme Sharp was my hero,' he said. 'I was the biggest Blue in Bootle and no one cheered louder when Michael Thomas scored that last-minute goal at Anfield to make Arsenal champions instead. There was a big "Thank you, Arsenal" scrawled on the wall of a nearby pub and I laughed my head off. 'It's not true I've got an Everton tattoo on my arm, but I was Everton-mad growing up. How times have changed. In my mind, the club I loved in the 80s and the team I see now are poles apart.'

A Flying Winger Is Still A Necessity For Liverpool

Former Tottenham’s crafty forward Robbie Keane look to set be Liverpool’s most significant transfers this summer, but in my opinion it is a another flying winger that would benefit the team most.

With youngster Ryan Babel already making an impressively vibrant impact last season on the left-hand side of midfield, I believe a similar type of player on the right-hand side would be extremely helpful to the side’s stuttering attacking play.

Only the surging forward runs of inspirational captain Steven Gerrard and the clinical finishing of Spaniard Fernando Torres sparked our offensive play last season as well as the Dutchman, and if the club want the challenge for major honours this time around then more contributions will be needed.

Put Torres to one side and Liverpool’s other strikers simply didn’t score enough goals. Andriy Voronin turned out to be one of the worst signings I have ever seen by Liverpool, Peter Crouch didn’t play often enough to put a string of good performances together and Dirk Kuyt was mainly deployed as a right-midfielder and in a position completely different to his preferred role.

Crouch has since been sold to Portsmouth for a hefty fee, but Voronin and Kuyt remain. The arrival of Keane should be a huge boost to this department though, and a forward partnership with Torres could flourish into one of the most potent strike forces in the Premier League.

With Robbie Keane partnering Fernando Torres most of the time, Kuyt can surely not be thrown into the right-midfield berth once again. When the Dutch forward plays there, it limits the team’s attacking options hugely because he is not a winger who can take full-backs on or swing in a beautifully delivered cross.

Jermaine Pennant is more this type, but injuries, bad performances and off the field matters mean that he has slipped down the pecking order somewhat. If there were two Ryan Babel’s then Liverpool would sign them both – one for each wing. But there isn’t, so Benitez and the board must go looking for a similar player who can create opportunities for themselves and teammates with the same ease that Babel did on many occasions last season.

Without this needed signing taking place, I cannot see Liverpool winning the Premier League title at all. There will still be a lot of doubt if we do capture a quality player of this specific role, but at least it will give the fans more hope.

Signing a stable central-midfielder like Gareth Barry is alright, but for Liverpool a quality new addition is not really needed in that area of the pitch, as they already have Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Lucas. The right-wing position actually has a massive void in it, crying out for someone to come and fill it.

All title challenging clubs have two flying wingers who can take people on and whip balls into the box. Manchester United have Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as the support cast of Nani. Chelsea have Joe Cole and Florent Malouda, as well as Salomon Kalou. A proper right-winger is a necessity for Liverpool. They must act now.

Babel And Riera Key For Liverpool

Following Albert Riera’s timely arrival at Liverpool on the last day of the transfer window, Rafa Benitez finally has two good wide players to deploy in his line-up who he can trust to produce excellent performances consistently.

Ryan Babel can be played on either flank, but now that the left-footed Riera has turned up he should be placed on the right-hand side of Liverpool’s previously rigid midfield. Babel has already shown how effective he can be when taking defenders on, like when he won the infamous penalty at Anfield against Arsenal in the Champions League last year, and when whipping in dangerous balls, like against Standard Liege when he crossed for Dirk Kuyt to net the winner late on only a few weeks ago.

Babel was used as a substitute on most occasions by Benitez in the winger’s first Premier League campaign, but this season should offer a more prominent role in the side for the Dutch youngster. Whenever he comes off the bench he brings a burst of energy and a creative option who can produce something from nothing. Along with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Babel is the key for Liverpool capable of unlocking opposition defences with one moment of magic. That is why he must start most games this season.
But whilst Babel was Benitez’s only reliable wide player last year, the Spanish manager now has a fellow countryman in his squad to ply his trade on the other flank. Albert Riera may not have been explosive in his loan period at Manchester City a few years ago, but he has improved during his time playing in La Liga for Espanyol. He played in a UEFA Cup final, and Liverpool obviously see him as the hidden talent they have needed on the left of midfield to push for the title.

The club have struggled for quality in that position for a number of years now, with players like Bolo Zenden and Harry Kewell either proving not good enough or picking up too many injuries to play for such a top side. But Riera should be different. Liverpool supporters cannot have put together a full mental image of how good a player he really is after such a short time at Anfield, but if you were to judge his opening few performances then the picture would be a reasonably good one.

He has already demonstrated that he can take full-backs on and whip brilliant crosses into the penalty area, something that Liverpool have lacked consistently in the left-midfield position for so long. And Riera should improve in the coming weeks as well, as he gets to know his team-mates better and settles into the fast-paced nature of the Premier League with greater comfort.

So with two excellent wide players now in his ranks, Benitez must not waste the opportunity to stretch teams to the limit. Other players at Liverpool will benefit from Babel and Riera’s width as well, meaning there will be more problems for opponents. Torres will have more space to drift into and sprint at, and Gerrard will get more opportunities to drive through the middle and create chances. They will both receive better service into the box too; such is the crossing ability of the pair of wingers.

The reason to why Liverpool often struggle to break down stubborn opponents, like Stoke City last Saturday, is that the team is set-up so narrowly and rigidly by Benitez. Teams that visit Anfield can come and just play the same way; packing the centre of the pitch and leaving Liverpool’s golden talents no room to operate. Liverpool did still create some good chances against Stoke, and had a goal wrongly ruled out, but unless Benitez’s side score quite early the game can become difficult for Liverpool. If they do score early though, the other team has to come out and play more attacking football, leaving Gerrard and co. more opportunities to flourish.

Liverpool could not break down Birmingham and Wigan’s defences last season at Anfield in similar contests to the Stoke fixture, and that ultimately cost them four points that could have propelled them into a position to attack Manchester United and Chelsea. And now that Liverpool have let their old habits return to fruition again this time around, there must still be serious doubts over their title credentials. If any more slip-ups of the sort occur again, any hopes of league glory will be over.

But if Riera and Babel play when available, these catastrophic results should not materialise. The middle of the park will not be so cramped, meaning there will be more space. More space means a greater chance of Gerrard, Torres and Keane getting chances to pull the trigger or create goalscoring opportunities for others using their class.

When in tight European matches against the continent’s elite then playing compact is absolutely fine, as Benitez well knows, but against Stoke City points cannot be afforded to be dropped. Wingers are the answer to Liverpool’s Anfield frustrations.

Kuyt Relishing Mersey Battle

Liverpool's Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt is eager to forget about the disappointing Stoke draw by beating neighbours Everton this weekend.

Dirk Kuyt is the only player to have ever scored two penalties in the same Merseyside derby game and is looking forward to another battle when the two neighbours face each other this weekend.

Kuyt says the team was disappointed to have dropped points to Premier League new boys Stoke City but insists the best way to get over it is to beat Everton.

"It was frustrating against Stoke but we have to look forward," Kuyt told the club's official website. "In a season you will have games like that. It was a good performance, we just forgot to score goals and on another day it could have been three or four nil. It just didn't happen for us."

"You can always look back at games but I think it's better to instead look forward to our next match at Everton. If we win on Saturday we'll have made a really good start to the season. We'd have beaten Manchester United and enjoyed other good results home and away. A lot of positive things have happened so far this season so there's nothing gained by being negative."

"We wanted a good start to the season and so far we've had one. Now we have to keep going and keep winning games," he added.

Regarding the brace he recorded over Everton in the corresponding fixture last season he said: "That was a real highlight of my career so far. I had never taken two penalties in a game before, and certainly not in a big derby with one of them being in the last minute to win the game."

"You can look back now and talk about how important that moment was and how much pressure was on me, but at the time all I was focusing on was scoring the goal. It was an unbelievable game and for me to score the two goals was really special," he continued.

"These games are always different but I think the important thing is to enjoy them. You sometimes don't get too many opportunities in your career to play in these kind of matches so you should make the most of them.

"It's a really important game for us and we know what it means for the fans. We had two good results against Everton last season so hopefully we can do the same again," he concluded.

Great Dane Tips Gerrard For Derby Glory

Liverpool legend Jan Molby believes Steven Gerrard will lead his side to victory in Saturday's Merseyside derby.

And the former Danish international also tipped new-boy Robbie Keane to break his drought by finding the net at Goodison Park.

"Steven is always our key man," Molby told the club's official website.

"Last season Steven got substituted at Goodison which surprised many people so maybe for this game he will want to do something special. It would be nice for him to get his 100th goal for Liverpool in the derby.

"I also think Robbie Keane will be relishing the derby. Newspaper columns have been full with stories about his lack of goals so far, but if he starts on Saturday then what a great game to get your first goal in!

"I'm sure he will find the net sooner rather than later and Saturday would be perfect. Once he gets his first then he will get plenty of goals."

The Reds triumphed in the corresponding fixture last season, coming from behind to snatch a controversial 2-1 win. Dirk Kuyt scored both goals from the penalty spot, while at the other end Jamie Carragher was lucky not to concede a pair of spot-kicks in the dying minutes.

Everton will be eager to reverse the result this time around, and Molby is wary of the attacking talents at David Moyes' disposal.

"We will have to defend well and we know they have got excellent players going forward," the former Ajax midfielder said.

"(Mikel) Arteta is getting back to his best and (Tim) Cahill is scoring goals. Yakubu can be a handful and they have (Louis) Saha who is also a threat.

"Everton's problem this season and it has been a massive one, is their defending so hopefully we can take advantage of that."

Rafael Benitez's men come into the clash on the back of some scrappy performances, having drawn against Stoke City last weekend before edging past Crewe Alexandra in the Carling Cup midweek.

Star striker Fernando Torres is yet to reach full fitness or form after a hamstring injury, and Molby admitted Liverpool's forwards would have to be extra sharp against the Toffees.

He added: "We haven't found our scoring boots so far this season but I think Liverpool will shade this game and win 2-1."

Cavalieri Eager For Action

Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri is keen to make his mark on the first team following his competitive debut against Crewe Alexandra in midweek.

Cavalieri made his senior bow as the Reds scraped a 2-1 victory over the Alex in their Carling Cup third-round tie on Tuesday.

And after getting his first little taste of first-team football, the Brazilian shot-stopper is hungry for more.

"I am happy that I played my part and helped Liverpool to leave the field with the victory," he told the club's official website.

"I always respect and accept any decision of the coach, but I will be always ready to perform when the chance emerges."

Cavalieri was drafted in from Palmeiras during the summer to act as cover for first-choice 'keeper Jose 'Pepe' Reina.

The Spaniard will be hard to displace, having claimed his third consecutive Golden Glove award last season for keeping the most clean sheets in the Premier League.

"I have an excellent relationship with Pepe Reina," Cavalieri continued.

"He has been one of the people who helped me the most since I arrived at the club."

The 25-year-old impressed during pre-season, featuring regularly as manager Rafael Benitez blooded his summer signings.

And while Cavalieri enjoyed his friendly run-outs, he admitted the experience of a competitive game is far more intense.

The Sao Paulo native added: "Even though I had already played some games, the anxiety playing in an official match is even bigger."

But with Benitez certain to field a tried-and-trusted team against Everton on Saturday, Cavalieri will have to wait patiently for his next chance to impress.

Reina: Derby Win Will Erase Failure

Pepe Reina knows Liverpool cannot afford many more league "failures" like Saturday's draw with Stoke if they are to challenge for the title.

The Reds were being touted as real contenders for glory after their 2-1 home victory over Manchester United, but they followed that with a 0-0 home draw against newly-promoted Stoke.

Next up for Rafa Benitez's men is the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

And Spanish goalkeeper Reina knows they must bounce back from the disappointment of their stalemate with the Potters, where Steven Gerrard had an early free-kick ruled out.

He told the Daily Star: "The Stoke game was a mistake. The 0-0 was unjust but now our heads are with the Everton game. In the dressing room we are calm. We can't afford to play with nerves.

"The Premier League still has a long way to go but our mission is to avoid too many failures in the beginning. If we want the title it is impossible to miss points at Anfield.

"We know we have had some problems scoring goals in the Premier League in a few matches. But we have to believe in ourselves.

"We are in no way inferior to Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United in the way we play, but we have to keep doing the good things that we can."

Reina believes that victory over Everton would silence the doubters who do not feel Liverpool can maintain a title challenge, but has warned they must not get sucked into the heated derby atmosphere.

He added: "This derby means so much to me and the other players.

"I have been living in Liverpool for some years now and I understand how the supporters feel. But we need to win not only to beat our rivals, but also to prove that getting to the top was no accident.

"We know that Everton will give 100 per cent and will be highly motivated, especially at home. This is a big danger for us because we will need to try and control the situation from the first minute to win.

"On Saturday we will need to forget it is Everton we are playing. If we play at our best we will win."

Arbeloa Expects Derby Reaction

Alvaro Arbeloa insists Liverpool will not buckle under the weight of their 'favourites' tag against Everton in the Merseyside derby.

The Reds make the short trip to Goodison Park on Saturday to take on their arch rivals.

And Arbeloa is confident he and his team-mates can get their Premier League title challenge back on track with three points.

Liverpool were frustrated by Stoke in a 0-0 draw at Anfield last weekend and Spanish defender Arbeloa expects an improved performance as a signal of intent this time out.

"Our objective is to win (against Everton) and make up for the points we dropped against Stoke," Arbeloa said in The Sun.

"That game was incredible as we had so many chances and could not take them. It does not worry us Everton consider us favourites.

"We have experience in the team and know how to handle these derbies.

"Our challenge is to win all the competitions, especially the league."

Liverpool v Everton Derby Bigger Than Arsenal v Tottenham: Former Spurs Ace Keane

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Robbie Keane believes Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton is bigger than north-London clashes between Spurs and Arsenal.

Keane, who joined Liverpool in the summer from Spurs, is hoping to play against the Toffees as Rafa Benitez’s side head to Goodison Park for their first derby of the season.

Republic of Ireland international, Keane is yet to open his scoring account for the Reds, and is gearing up to make a big impression in the derby game tomorrow which marks the 208th Merseyside derby.

The 28-year-old, who cost the Reds £20million in the summer, is quoted in the Mail Online as saying: “I think every player wants to be involved in big games and they don't come any bigger than Everton against Liverpool.

“Playing against Everton is something that I'm really looking forward to. As a player you always want to play in games like this and I've been involved in a few derbies in my time.

“The north London derby with Arsenal while I was with Tottenham was fantastic and I'm sure this will be no different - and even better.

“It's the first one of the season so I think everyone is looking forward to it - especially me.

Beating Everton Will Prove Liverpool's Title Credentials, Says Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool can prove their title credentials by winning tomorrow's Merseyside derby.

The Spain midfielder and his team-mates are desperate to bounce back after being held 0-0 at home by Stoke.

But Alonso believes victory at Everton will show they are ready to compete with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"We want to show how much we want to win the title this season with another victory," said Alonso.

"That is so important for us, to bring the title back to Anfield.

"I've played in many derbies during my time at Liverpool and I know how special it is because of the atmosphere and the victory lasts a long time for supporters.

"After the draw with Stoke, to go and win at Everton would be sensational. Every win is worth three points but winning a derby tastes even sweeter."

Alonso is well aware of the threat posed by his friend and compatriot Mikel Arteta. "We know he's a key man for Everton and we must stop him," he said.

Steven Gerrard Looks To Break 20-Goal Barrier Again

STEVEN GERRARD insists that Rafael Benitez has made him a better player during his reign at Liverpool – and the Anfield captain has also praised Fernando Torres for helping boost him as an attacking force.

Gerrard’s ability to operate in several different midfield positions to good effect has prompted manager Benitez to deploy him in varying roles during the past five seasons.

And with Javier Mascherano expected to return for the Merseyside derby tomorrow after being rested for last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Stoke, the skipper’s duties are likely to alter again.

However, Gerrard accepts that each match must be approached individually when it comes to his licence to roam.

He said: “There are some games when I have to change my style of play. If it is a big game, for example, I realise that I can’t just be bombing into the box all the time.

“There are times when I have to be a bit more disciplined. We’ll have to wait and see where I’ll play for the majority of the season.

“But I know I can fit into a number of positions and do a job for the team.”

Benitez infamously substituted his captain in last season’s Goodison derby for being “too passionate” but Gerrard appreciates the Spaniard’s candid assessments of his performances.

He said: “I’d prefer to have a manager like Rafa who will tell me where I’m going wrong and where I need to readjust slightly.

“I feel since he’s come in here my game has come on in leaps and bounds – he’s certainly improved me as a player.

“Okay, he has played me in different positions. But I feel a lot more comfortable now in that I can play almost anywhere on the pitch.

“Rafa has taken my game to the next level. He’s the kind of manager who doesn’t let anything go.

“I have played for managers who perhaps won’t pull you on the things you’re doing wrong. That’s not going to get you anywhere, is it?”

Gerrard is looking to break the 20-goal barrier again this season as the Liverpool captain closes in on his 100th strike for the club.

And he reckons the role tucked in just behind Torres, where he enjoyed so much success last season, holds the key to him completing his century. However, while Torres has yet to recapture his prolific form of last season – he netted 33 times in his debut campaign in England – Gerrard insists that the Spaniard remains a major factor when it comes to his own goalscoring.

He said: “Fernando has certainly helped me – not just in terms of my goals but the whole team in general. I think moving further forward also helped my goal tally, playing just in behind Torres.

“He was running riot, causing defenders all sorts of problems. While they were worrying about him, I was sneaking in and nicking a few goals. I enjoyed playing in that role.

“The manager knows if there are ever any injuries or he simply wants to stick me up there again, I can play that role.”

Liverpool To Make January Move For Brazilian Prodigy Aislan?

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is considering another move for Brazilian central-defender Aislan of Sao Paulo, after missing out on the talented defender during the summer, according to reports.

20-year-old Aislan has been at the Tricolor Paulista since 2003 and despite only making a handful of senior appearances for the Brazilian club, he already has a release clause of £10.5million in his contract at the Morumbi.

The Reds made an initial approach to bring Aislan to the Premier League during the summer, but this failed to materialise due to the window closing before a deal could be struck to bring the defender to Anfield, according to Aislan’s agent Paolino Oscar.

“They had revealed interest in the past one or two months, when the window was open,” Oscar told UOL Esporte.

“Now, I find that it was more difficult because everything is closed in Europe.”

However, Oscar also revealed that Aislan would not hand in a transfer request and that any move for the defender would have to come from the Merseyside club, with it then up to Sao Paulo to decide if they want to sell one of the brightest talents at the club.

“It is in Sao Paulo’s hands and it is they who decide. If Aislan is told to leave, very well. If not, that is good also.

“I have respect for Sao Paulo and I do not do blackmail, therefore it is the club who must make the primary move."

Should Aislan join the Premiership side in the January transfer window, he would join countrymen Lucas Leiva, Fabio Aurelio and Diego Cavalieri at Anfield.

Liverpool FC Veteran Hyypia’s Wembley Ambition

SAMI HYYPIA has revealed a burning desire to appear at Wembley before the end of his Liverpool career.

The Finland international defender skippered Rafael Benitez’s side as they saw off Crewe Alexandra 2-1 on Wednesday to move into the last 16 of the Carling Cup.

Hyypia, who at 34 is now in his 10th season at Anfield, has reached the final of the competition three times with the club, winning the trophy in 2001 and 2003 and a beaten finalist in 2005.

All three games were held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, along with Hyypia’s two FA Cup final appearances in 2001 and 2006.

And Hyypia said: “I have not played at Wembley so for me personally, to go there and get a game would be great.

“Crewe made it difficult but that’s what you are always going to get against a lower division side – they fight until the end and that’s what happened.

“Maybe we could have played a bit better in the second half but it was a tough match and in the end we have to be happy to go through.”

Hyypia added: “It was a good battle and I’m happy because maybe the League Cup is a competition in which I will play, so I’m very happy we got through to the next round and hopefully it will mean another game for me.”

Tuesday was only Hyypia’s second start of the season, with Liverpool boss Benitez electing to give an opportunity to a host of the club’s players who have so far this season found themselves on the fringes of the Anfield squad.

Jermaine Pennant made his first appearance of the campaign having falling down the pecking order at Anfield.

The 25-year-old came close to a move to Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day earlier this month, and yesterday admitted his frustration at being forced out of the first-team picture.

“It is very frustrating to know that you’ve been a playing such big part of the team and all of a sudden you are in the shadows but that’s the manager’s choice and you just have to get on with it,” said Pennant. “There's no point complaining.

“If you get your chance you have to make the most of it and when teams come to Anfield it’s their cup final so it can be difficult.

“We have got a lot of strength in the squad, which is why it is so hard to get in the team, so I’ll keep plugging away and see what happens.”

Pennant added: “It was nice to play a game – whether it’s the Carling Cup or any game it’s good to get a run out I and enjoyed every minute of it.

“It gives another us chance to play another game and if the draw is good we can go further in the competition.”

Meanwhile, former Liverpool youth-team defender Danny O’Donnell lined up for Crewe on Tuesday night and was ecstatic to finally get to play in a “serious” fixture at Anfield.

The 22-year-old never made a competitive first-team appearance for the Reds and moved to Gresty Road initially on loan in August 2006 before the move was made permanent four months later.

“It was an awesome night – from the final whistle and having ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ sung by a packed Kop, to the way we played was a brilliant experience for everyone," O’Donnell said.

He added: “It was nice for me to come back and see some old faces and I thought I did quite well, especially when you see the calibre of players we were up against.

“I must admit the heart raced a bit when I saw (Fernando) Torres coming on and then Robbie Keane. They are top-quality players and to play against them is something I will never forget.”

Liverpool Flop Jermaine Pennant Vows To Rescue Anfield Career

Jermaine Pennant is hoping his first taste of action this season can resurrect his Anfield career.

The Liverpool winger has been cold-shouldered by boss Rafa Benitez since he refused a move during the summer.

But he was finally given a first-team outing in Tuesday's 2-1 Carling Cup win over Crewe and turned in an impressive performance.

"From my own point of view it was just nice to get 90 minutes under my belt," said Pennant. "It doesn't matter whether it's the Carling Cup or another competition to me, it's good to get a run out and I enjoyed every minute of it.

"When you're at a club like Liverpool you are going to have to fight for your place so I'll keep plugging away."

Liverpool To Line Up Move For Tottenham Defender Gareth Bale

Tottenham defender Gareth Bale will be top of Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's wish list when the January transfer window opens, according to the Sun.

Spurs have endured a terrible start to the season and currently sit rock bottom on two points from their opening five matches.

Having already lost Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane over the summer, Spurs coach Juande Ramos will be loathe to lose another of his key players.

However, Benitez is ready to test the water with an initial £15 million bid for a player whom former Wales coach Mark Hughes rates as having the best left foot in football.

It is thought Benitez is lining up Bale as a replacement for Spaniard Fabio Aurelio.

Aaron Lennon is another Tottenham player being linked with a move to Anfield, as Benitez looks for symmetry on the flanks.

With deadline-day acquisition Albert Riera providing previously absent width on the left wing, the Liverpool manager is now lining up a wide man for the right and sees Lennon as the most viable option.

The 21-year-old has found himself warming the bench recently, following David Bentley's £15m move to White Hart Lane, and it is believed a bid in the region of £8m will be enough to land the England international.

Meanwhile, Benitez is currently preparing his side for the Merseyside derby this Saturday, and goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes it is a must-win game if Liverpool are to be seen as genuine title contenders.

He said: "This derby means so much to me and the other players.

"I have been living in Liverpool for some years now and I understand how the supporters feel. But we need to win not only to beat our rivals, but also to prove that getting to the top was no accident."

Skrtel Loving Life At Liverpool

Tough-tackling Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel says that he already feels perfectly at home in Merseyside despite barely being at the club for eight months.

A long-term injury to Daniel Agger convinced Rafael Benitez to sign Skrtel from Zenit St Petersburg as cover in January and since then the Slovakian has managed to exceed expectations by striking up an excellent partnership with Jamie Carragher in the heart of the Liverpool defence.

Skrtel, who has been warmly embraced by the club's fans, told Liverpool FC's official magazine: "I picked things up relatively quickly when I came into the team in January, but you don't have the chance to train intensively during that part of the season.

"We were playing most midweeks as well as most weekends so you cannot do much on the training pitch except recover, keep yourself fit and focus on your next opponent.

"But this summer I feel I have settled more into the team, he added.

"Having a pre-season alongside my team-mates has been an enormous help. If I have started the season well then this is probably the main reason for it.

"Now I can say that on the pitch I am one of the lads."

"I am happy at Liverpool, I feel like I belong here. I feel that I have improved a lot since I came here and I will continue to grow as the season progresses."

Steve Cooper Leaves Wrexham For Liverpool FC Academy

HIGHLY-rated Wrexham head of youth development Steve Cooper has accepted an offer to join Liverpool.

Cooper has been involved at Wrexham for 12 years, starting as a player, before moving into the coaching set-up and eventually taking the position as head of youth development.

And because of his work with the Dragons, he has been offered a role within Liverpool’s schoolboy development set up.

But Cooper admits it was a tough decision to leave Wrexham after being at the club for so long.

“I have had to think long and hard about the move, but it was just something I couldn’t refuse,” he said.

“The hardest part of leaving was telling the young players we have at the club.

“I have grown up with them and you develop a bond with them, which is very hard to break.

“Wrexham is a very big part of my life I live in the town and will continue to do so. My kids were born here, so this is a big step for me.

“It’s an exciting offer from Liverpool, but also a doubled edged sword in that I will be leaving a club which I feel very much part of.”

Match Report: LiverpooL 2 - 1 Crewe

Liverpool's players responded to manager Rafael Benitez's pre-match challenge to earn themselves a place in his plans for Saturday's Merseyside derby with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Crewe in the third round of the Carling Cup.

Jermaine Pennant was a constant menace on the right flank while Lucas and Daniel Agger produced assured performances to give the Spaniard a selection poser for the game against Everton.

Agger gave Liverpool a 15th-minute lead from a free-kick before Michael O'Connor's equaliser 10 minutes later.

Pennant supplied Liverpool's second goal with a dangerous cross which was headed home by Lucas in the 58th minute but really the margin of the victory should have been greater.

While strengthening the Reds first team for a Barclays Premier League title challenge has been Benitez's priority he is attempting to build a squad to challenge on several fronts.

The manager included only one English player - Pennant - in his starting line-up as he handed debuts to Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri and Swiss defender Philipp Degen.

Sami Hyypia, named as captain, and Agger were recalled in central defence while there were places for Lucas, Emiliano Insua and Damien Plessis while Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and David Ngog carried the attacking threat.

Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland included former Liverpool youth team defender Danny O'Donnell alongside captain Julien Baudet at the back.

Degen and Pennant linked up well down the right flank in the eighth minute to create Liverpool's first chance.

Breaking from a Crewe free-kick, Pennant slipped a clever ball to Degen on the overlap and he whipped a low cross into the penalty area but neither Ngog nor Babel were able to get a touch.

Pennant continued to provide the home side's best outlet and Crewe defender Billy Jones was lucky to escape a booking after a late challenge on the winger in the 12th minute.

Liverpool's pressure eventually paid off three minutes later after Ngog was fouled on the edge of the penalty area by O'Connor.

Denmark defender Agger took the resulting free-kick and smashed a powerful low effort past goalkeeper Steve Collis.

Crewe equalised in the 25th minute after Byron Moore's shot was deflected by Agger for a corner.

Jones crossed and Calvin Zola's header was parried by Cavalieri but O'Connor made amends for his earlier foul when he slammed home from close range.

The Railwaymen began to settle but it was Liverpool who created the next opportunity in the 41st minute.

Hyypia was picked out on the penalty spot by a Pennant corner but Collis blocked his shot and Plessis could only fire the loose ball into the crowd.

Babel went close moments after the interval when his shot from the left edge of the penalty area was deflected and wrong-footed Collis but looped on to the roof of the net.

Liverpool restored their lead in the 58th minute after good work down the right flank by the impressive Pennant.

The lively winger delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Brazil midfielder Lucas timed his run superbly to direct a header past Collis.

Benitez surprisingly introduced Fernando Torres and the Spain international was immediately involved.

Pennant delivered another ball into the penalty area in the 82nd minute and Torres' header was tipped past the post by Collis.

The Crewe goalkeeper saved again from the Spaniard two minutes later after Torres had broke clear of the Crewe defence.

Liverpool were given a few late scares as Crewe pressed for an equaliser but held on to secure their place in the next round.