Afellay To Be Unleashed Onto Liverpool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool Boss Benitez: Torres Can Only Get Better

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robbie Keane Ready For Lift Off With Liverpool FC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benitez Admits Babel Frustration

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agger's Anfield Agony

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fernado Torres Makes Premier League Title His Top Target

Liverpool have managed their best start to a league campaign for 11 years - and Fernando Torres has only just got his act together.

Captain Steven Gerrard believes the Spaniard is back to his “deadly” best after Liverpool “made a statement of intent” in the title race with their Merseyside derby victory.

The 2-0 win over a worried Everton side means Liverpool remain unbeaten this term, with their neighbours struggling to recapture anything approaching last term’s form.

Torres has spent the opening weeks of the campaign shaking off the effects of a summer which saw him win the European Championship with Spain.

He has shown little of the form that produced 33 goals last season, and even in his two-goal display against Everton he was nowhere near his peak.

But now the striker believes he is about to launch into overdrive as Liverpool go after the Barclays Premier League title.

Torres said: “It has been a difficult start for me this season after a busy summer. But now I have got myself back into form with these two, I hope to go on a run like last season and maybe get more than the 33 I managed then.

“We know if we can stay near the top of the table in January or February we can win the title.

“We must stay in the first three or four, and if we can keep winning in the Champions League we can have a fantastic season.

“I have been working very hard and knew the goals would come.”

Such has been the pain of the ongoing 18-year wait for another title Liverpool triumph, it is inevitable that excitement soars as soon as they start showing signs of a genuine challenge.

Gerrard is doing his best to calm the growing expectation, and said: “It is important to be humble now and not get carried away.

“We have got a big game on Wednesday in Europe and then another vital match against Manchester City on Sunday. It is important no-one gets carried away.

“There’s a long way to go and we realise how tough it is going to be to still be in the hunt come the end of the campaign, so we need to keep going, but we have set a standard that we need to match week-in, week-out.”

Gerrard wants to see Liverpool perform on a regular basis to the level that saw them out-play Everton.

He said: “The victory was probably our best performance of the season.

“We had been winning games but stumbling along, but this has set the standard now and if we can continue that level then we will certainly be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

“We controlled the game all the way through. It was a statement of our intentions.

“We were together, played some terrific football and the performance showed how frustrated we were not to take maximum points from Stoke the previous weekend.”

Gerrard underlined the fact that Torres has finally found something like the form of last season, even if it took a booking and an exchange with referee Mike Riley over his treatment from defenders and officials alike before he sparked into action.

The Spaniard had managed only one goal previously this term.

Gerrard said: “It was only a matter of time.

“You cannot keep strikers with his talent down for long because they are not going to go long without a goal. It was going to happen.

“He was a bit frustrated, but then Robbie Keane has put one on a plate for him and the second one was typical Torres.

“He made a lot of space for himself in the box and the finish was deadly.”

Gerrard is still searching for his 100th goal for the club, but he said: “It will come, I’m confident of that. The most important thing was the win and it was all about the team.

“As a local lad these are the most difficult games to prepare for. The nerves start and you can’t wait for the game to come about, so the fear of losing these games takes up a lot of energy beforehand.”

Match Report: Everton 0 - 2 LiverpooL

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres shrugged off his Euro 2008 hangover to score twice to beat 10-man Everton in the 208th Merseyside derby.

The Spain international had managed just one goal all season before this match.

He got himself booked at Goodison Park, argued with referee Mike Riley about the heavy-handed treatment he was getting from Everton's defenders and then hit back where it hurts.

Torres volleyed home his first after 59 minutes and cracked in the second three minutes later.

Everton have still to win at home this season and had Tim Cahill sent-off with 10 minutes to go to cap a miserable day for David Moyes' side.

The hosts had full-back Tony Hibbert back for the first time this season after a knee ligament operation in the summer, while midfielder Mikel Arteta had recovered from a virus to play.

Liverpool were without Javier Mascherano, with a calf problem, and fielded the side that drew 0-0 with Stoke last weekend.

An interested observer in the directors' box was Standard Liege boss Laszlo Boloni, who was preparing for this week's UEFA Cup tie but also watching former player Marouane Fellaini in his first derby.

The midfielder probably won his move to Goodison Park after two excellent performances against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Fellaini was first into referee Mike Riley's book after just nine minutes for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Everton should have been ahead after 14 minutes when Cahill failed to make a decent connection to Arteta's corner from just six yards.

With Ayegbeni Yakubu up front and Arteta and Cahill attacking from deep it meant Liverpool had the majority of possession as Everton sat back and tried to hit them on the break.

It almost succeeded after 26 minutes when Joleon Lescott's cross was dropped by Jose Reina under minimal pressure from Fellaini, who spun to strike a fierce shot that Jamie Carragher somehow blocked on the line.

But referee Riley had spotted an infringement and awarded a free-kick.

Xabi Alonso was booked for blocking an Arteta run on the right before Robbie Keane almost created a scoring opportunity for Dirk Kuyt, arriving late in the box.

Yakubu was booked three minutes into the second half for diving in the box having pushed the ball past Martin Skrtel before plunging to the floor.

Two minutes later Riley booked Torres, who had questioned the referee's decisions throughout the first half, for a foul on Lescott.

But the Spaniard finally channelled his annoyance into the game and saw a 20-yard strike go just wide before Gerrard was much closer from slightly further out.

Albert Riera should have done better when presented with a shooting chance by Keane but when Torres was denied a clear opportunity, having shrugged off Phil Jagielka, Riley was again on his case, awarding a fortunate free-kick to the hosts.

But after 59 minutes Torres got his own back. Arbeloa robbed Arteta far too easily on the touchline and quick passing involving Riera and Alonso released Keane on the left.

The Irishman's cross to the far post was met beautifully on the volley by Torres to beat Tim Howard.

Three minutes later Torres was celebrating again. Liverpool surged forward again and when Jagielka's tackle 10 yards out stopped Keane in his tracks, the ball fell for Torres to smash into the top corner.

Torres scored again seconds later but the effort was ruled out by referee Riley.

Arbeloa was booked after 85 minutes for a retaliatory kick at Cahill after a tussle between the pair before Yakubu missed an open goal as Leon Osman's cross flashed in front of him.

Five minutes later Cahill was sent off. Referee Riley showed him a red card for a late challenge on Alonso.

It was the eighth red card in the last eight derbies, and the 17th in 33 Premier League clashes between the clubs.

Substitute Louis Saha fired a 25-yard shot just wide in the dying minutes but that was the closest Everton came all time.

Rafa Hails Attacking Duo

Liverpool gaffer Rafa Benitez has heaped praised on his dynamic attacking duo of Torres and Keane following their impressive 0-2 win at Everton.

Both Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane went into the game at Goodison Park under heavy pressure and criticism for their lack of goals in recent outings.

But the Spanish international ended his six-game drought by netting both goals while Keane had a part to play in his strike partner’s brace.

“It was a good performance by the team and Fernando played really well,” Benitez told the club’s official website.

“Clearly, we have players who can change games like Fernando with his goals and this gives the team confidence.

“It makes it easier for us to play well and keep the ball and Torres is always a threat for defenders,” Rafa added.

“Robbie was also doing a good job for the team and he played a part in both our goals.”

Gerrard: Win Key To Title Tilt

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool must reproduce their derby display on a weekly basis if they are to be crowned Barclays Premier League champions.

The inspirational midfielder admits his side have failed to hit top gear in the opening weeks of the 2008-09 campaign but feels the second-half performance in the 2-0 victory at Goodison Park has seen them edge closer to their best form.

"So far it's probably our best performance," Gerrard told reporters at Goodison Park.

"We were winning games but stumbling early on in the season, but I think the derby performance has set the standard now and if we can continue that level then we will certainly be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

"I think we controlled the game all the way through, though obviously there were bits of pressure from Everton. They are a good side here and they've got good support behind them but it was a statement of our intentions.

"We were together, played some terrific football and the performance showed how frustrated we were not to take maximum points from Stoke."

The Reds eased to a comfortable win in the 208th Merseyside derby following Fernando Torres' sublime second-half brace.

The Spaniard's double blast saw him notch his first goals since the opening day of the season success at Sunderland and Gerrard claims it was inevitable the striker would recapture his form sooner rather than later.

"It was only a matter of time," he said.

"You can't keep strikers with his talent down for long because they aren't going to go long without a goal. It was only a matter of time. He was a bit frustrated first-half, but then Keane's put one on a plate for him and the second one was typical Torres.

"He made a lot of space for himself in the box and the finish was deadly."

Ahead of the match Gerrard had been tipped to notch his 100th goal for the club and although he went close on a number of occasions, he was happy to sacrifice his own hopes of personal glory for the good of the team.

"The manager wanted a disciplined performance from me," he said. "When we play a 4-4-2 he wants me to pick the right time to go forward and I'm really happy with how I performed on the day.

"The 100th goal will come. I'm confident of that. I had a couple of half chances today. The keeper's made a couple of good saves but I'll keep going. The most important thing, as I said before the game, was the win and it was all about the team."

"As a local lad these are the most difficult games to prepare for. The nerves start the week before and you can't wait for the game to come about, so the fear of losing these games takes up a lot of energy beforehand. So I'm pleased we've won it and delighted with the lads' performance.

"It obviously settles you down to get the opening goal because these games are so frantic. You've got to earn the right to play and win the battle first.

"I thought we matched them physically and outplayed them and we knew the goal would come, with the quality we've got and the six front players we have in the side we knew it was only a matter of time before the goal came."

Three points at Goodison Park coupled with Arsenal's shock defeat at home to Hull City means Liverpool are now second in the table, just behind Chelsea on goal difference.

It is the Reds' best start to a league campaign since 1996-97 but the skipper is refusing to look too far beyond their next match against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"It's important to be humble now and not get carried away by the performance," he added.

"We've got a big game on Wednesday and then another important game against Manchester City. We've got to take each game as it comes and it's important no one gets carried away.

"There's a long way to go and we realise how tough it's going to be to still be in the hat come the end of the Premier League, so we need to keep going. But I think we set a standard today that we need to match week in week out."

Can Liverpool Finally Mount A Title Challenge?

Victory at Goodison Park in the Mersey derby means Liverpool are enjoying their finest start to the Premier League season since Rafa Benítez took over.

They're unbeaten, have won against their two biggest rivals, and are right in the mix at the top of the table – all without playing particularly well so far.

Their second-half performance, however, hinted at better things to come: Fernando Torres looked the player of last season for the first time this campaign, while Robbie Keane's promptings led to both goals.

Can Liverpool do what has been beyond them for the best part of two decades, and sustain a proper title challenge – especially if Keane starts scoring soon?

As for Everton, they've now lost their first three home league games of the season, and are in dire danger of being knocked out of the Uefa Cup by Standard Liege next week.

Is David Moyes simply suffering from lack of money, or is there something more fundamental wrong with the club – whose form alternates wildly, season by season?

Torres Double Overshadowed by Mike Riley

Fernando Torres two goals in three minutes is the difference as Liverpool take the short trip to Goodison Park and come out 2-0 victors that was marred by the horrific refereeing of Mike Riley. I am going to say it like I see it here, Mike Riley has officially ended the FA’s respect campaign over the last two weeks. Last week, Soccernet picked up 40 fouls Riley called between Chelsea and Manchester United. Today, Soccernet picked up 43 and the Guardian showed 39. Fact remains, the majority of fouls Riley has called over the last two weeks have not only been severely questionable at best, but have tested the patience of even the most patient people.

To make matter worse this week unlike last week, as far as I’m concerned, Tim Cahill was unjustly sent off ten minutes from the ninety. Yes the tackle was nasty, but it was just as bad as Arbeloa’s tackle four minute earlier. No one from Liverpool expected red, no one in the EPL Talk Chat expected red, and I’m convinced the only one who was convinced it was red is Mike Riley.

This is the second high profile match Riley has refereed in six days. As far as I’m concerned he’s made some serious errors in judgment that have to be taken into account. From the farcical ending to last week’s Chelsea/Manchester United fixture to Cahill’s sending off, Riley has made big mistakes that seem to be forgiven by the FA. Yes refereeing is a tough job and they deserve respect, but when a referee continues to make mistakes to the magnitude Riley has of late, it’s very hard to give Riley any at all.

As to the match itself, Riley’s whistle made sure there was no flow to the match. Liverpool though dominated from the kickoff. Everton only had about ten minutes where they were on the ascendancy, even then they were unable to test Jose Reina. Liverpool in the first half were unable to break Everton down in the final third. Everton’s back four and midfield were being way too forgiving and pretty much allowing Liverpool all the space they wanted when they were pushing forward.

Both Liverpool goals boil down too two fatal flaws. The first being losing possession in the midfield and the second being defenders abandoning their space giving Torres all the space in the world to do his job. On the first goal, Alonso gets the ball in the midfield and it’s Joleon Lescott abandoning his space trailing Kuyt’s run near post. How no one else was marking Torres I haven’t a clue. Torres with that much space and time one on one with any keeper in the world is rarely going to miss. On the second goal, it was Torres himself who starts the play in the midfield after Everton fail to possess a throw in. The final blow was when Joseph Yobo went in trying to clear a tackle when the ball fell perfectly to Torres. With Howard off his line, the finish was automatic.

Robbie Keane is starting to mold into the team, but Rafa has to let him be what he is, a forward. Playing on the wing has done him no favors, and it was only when he was able to get more central was when he was his most dangerous. Everton need to figure out a way to win at home. It would also help to get chances that challenge a keeper. Yakubu up front by himself is not going to work and hopefully once Louis Saha is fully fit, David Moyes will revert to a 4-4-2. Everton’s back line is also becoming a massive liability. It hasn’t helped Moyes that he is just now getting a chance to mold this squad.

A few other observations
1) As much as I slagged Riley off at the beginning of this piece, I have to give him all the credit for rightfully booking Yakubu to start the second half for diving. There was at least 2 feet of space between him and Jamie Carragher.
2) Marouane Fellaini just looks out of place. Unfortunately because of his price, expect him to continue to start.
3) Liverpool’s defense is reminding me of Manchester United’s form last season.

Article written by Jonathan Starling.

Torres Relieved To Have Found Scoring Boots

Speaking after his two goals sunk ten-man Everton Liverpool's Spanish striker Fernando Torres claimed it is a relief to have broken his duct by seeing off the Blue threat with a well-taken brace.

Liverpool head coach Rafa Benitez fielded £45million worth of talent in his two available striking positions and thus far this season neither had scored in the Premier League. Fernando Torres, who bucked that trend on Saturday, is relieved that he has opened his season's account, but states the team's position at the top of the table is more important.

Torres looked out of sorts in the first half, but grew in confidence in the second and returned to the Torres of old as he terrorised the Everton backline with his clever running and exquisite finishing.

After the match he told Sky Sports: "It is a relief to start scoring again after six games. This game is very important for the fans and now we are top of the table and we are happy for that."

"I want to keep going now and score in the Champions League and maybe improve on the goals from last season."

"To win the premier league we need to stay on top so the win was good for that," he said. "If in January we are still top and in the Champions League then we will be in a great position to push on [in the latter stages of the season."

Rafa Benitez, who masterminded the win, added: "We were in control, well organised, and knew what to do."

"We had the same ideas in the second half as we did in the first. It was important for Torres - and us - for him to score two goals in a derby."

History Is On Liverpool's Side

Liverpool can all but end PSV's Champions League interests with a victory that would put them on the brink of qualification for the next round.

The Dutch side arrive at Anfield on Tuesday for the second round of matches in Group D already smarting after being comprehensively beaten 3-0 in their opening home match with Atletico Madrid.

At the same time, Liverpool were winning 2-1 in Marseille, thanks to a Steven Gerrard double, to give themselves a flying start to the group matches.

And for PSV and their coach Huub Stevens, history is certainly not on their side.

Stevens admits his side have to learn fast from the disastrous defeat by Fernando Torres' former Madrid pals.

He said: "It was really disappointing to start the campaign with such a heavy home defeat.

"We know we just have to learn from what happened, because going to Liverpool will be even more difficult.

"But we have only played one match, there are still five to go so we can turn this round."

He added: "We can learn a lot. Madrid struck against us at the right moments, and we must not let Liverpool do the same to us."

However, PSV's record against Liverpool hardly gives a reason to be confident.

The two clubs had never met until the 2006-07 campaign, when they faced each other four times.

In the group stage, they played out a goalless draw in Eindhoven before Liverpool won the return match 2-0 through goals from Gerrard and Peter Crouch to secure first place in the section.

Rafael Benitez's team then earned a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory in the quarter-finals. Gerrard, John Arne Riise and Crouch all found the net in a 3-0 first-leg triumph in the Netherlands before Crouch struck the only goal of the return.

On a personal note, Stevens has never won a match in England, be it on the field or in the dugout.

As a player with PSV, he tasted defeat in UEFA Cup games at Wolves (1980/81), Nottingham Forest (1983/84) and Manchester United (1984/85).

As a coach, Stevens' Schalke side lost 3-2 at Arsenal in the 2001/02 Champions League group stage, with a subsequent 3-1 home win against the Gunners not enough to save them from elimination.

The next year he did enjoy some success with Hertha Berlin against Fulham in the UEFA Cup third round, holding out for a goalless draw in London following a 2-1 home victory.

If the tie goes to form and history, Liverpool will have six points by the end of the week, while Atletico Madrid must be confident of also beating Marseille at home.

That would leave the two group favourites six points ahead of PSV and Marseille with four games left each. If Liverpool then win their two final home games, qualification will be virtually assured.

Benitez maintains the crunch will come when Liverpool go to Madrid on October 22, saying: "If we can win our first two games and then not lose in Madrid, qualification will be within our grasp."

PSV keeper Andreas Isaksson may have his own personal fears over Tuesday's clash. The last time he faced Torres was when the Spaniard scored in a 2-1 win against Sweden in a Euro 2008 group match.

Isaksson's last match in England was Manchester City's 8-1 mauling at Middlesbrough on the final day of last season, with the keeper soon to be sold to PSV for £800,000.

Tough Test For Holders As Spurs Face Liverpool In Carling Cup

Carling Cup holders Tottenham face a tough task in the fourth round of the competition after being pitted against seven-time winners Liverpool in one of three all-Premier League ties.

Spurs, who defeated Chelsea to lift the trophy last season, took a break from their league troubles to dump Newcastle out in the previous round and must beat top-flight opposition again if they are to progress.

Liverpool travel to White Hart Lane as the most successful side in League Cup history, last winning the competition in 2005.

Arsenal's much-vaunted youngsters, who demolished Sheffield United 6-0 last time out, will get another chance to impress, this time against Premier League opponents Wigan at the Emirates.

Sunderland and Blackburn, managed by former Manchester United stars Roy Keane and Paul Ince respectively, will also face each other at the Stadium of Light, while United themselves host QPR.

Carling Cup 4th Round draw: Sunderland v Blackburn; Arsenal v Wigan; Chelsea v Burnley; Swansea v Watford; Man Utd v QPR; Stoke v Rotherham; Brighton/Derby v Leeds; Tottenham v Liverpool

Ties to be played during the week commencing the 10th November.

Pourie Sinks Railwaymen

Marvin Pourie scored twice as Liverpool Under-18s continued their good form with a 3-1 win at Crewe Alexandra.

It's now five wins out of six for Hughie McAuley's side and the Reds have scored 15 goals in the process.

Thomas Ince was also in good form on the left wing and was an inspiration on the day for Liverpool.

"We were poor in the first half and Crewe went 1-0 up," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We didn't pass the ball well and lost too much possession. We created some good chances through Pourie, David Amoo and Adam Pepper but didn't score.

"We sorted one or two things out at the break and we were a lot better in the second half. We had a better tempo to our game and Ince in particular did well.

"Ince got our equaliser from a James Ellison cross and Marvin then scored two goals. He scored a penalty after he was brought down and then added another one with a good finish into the top corner of the net."

Liverpool Under-18s team: Dean Bouzanis, Jack Metcalf, Christopher Buchtmann (Michael Scott 70), Andre Wisdom, Joe Kennedy, Michael Roberts (Astrit Adjarevic 60), Adam Pepper, Marvin Pourie (Alex Cooper 80), James Ellison, Thomas Ince. Sub unused: Hakan Duyan.

Match Preview: Everton vs. Liverpool

Both Merseyside clubs enter this early season derby looking for redemption after dropping points against newly-promoted opposition last week. Not that extra motivation would ever be needed in what is traditionally one of the most hotly contested matches in the Premier League season. Everton are yet to score points at home and would love nothing more than chalking up their first of the season against their old enemy. Liverpool on the other hand are unbeaten so far this season, although last week’s failure to find the almost constantly bombarded Stoke goal probably felt as bad as defeat for most fans. Rafael Benitez was unflustered when quizzed on his sides benevolence towards new boys Stoke. The Liverpool gaffer maintained that "at the end of the day you know that football can be like that.” He added, "these things can happen, so the key is to keep attacking and to keep creating chances - then you will score.”

This fixture represents one of the most volatile clashes of the season. Although largely friendly off the field, with many families in Liverpool divided by the colours of their team, expect no such affability on the field. Twenty-five red cards have been shown in all previous fixtures and both skippers, Phil Neville and Steven Gerrard have seen red twice. Skipper Neville has rallied his troops this week, claiming that this provides a great opportunity to signal they can raise their game at home. The history books suggest that Saturday’s referee, Mike Riley, is likely to have his hands full. Last season’s corresponding fixture ended controversially when Mark Clattenburg turned down a seemingly stone-wall penalty that would have allowed Everton the opportunity to equalise late on.

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is optimistic about Liverpool’s start to the season. He believes though that beating Everton is key in following up the victory over their other biggest rivals Manchester United. Kuyt played a crucial role, scoring a brace in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory last term and his manager has backed him to play another big role this time round. David Moyes has singled out other players as key though, he fears that Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are the key influences. He also is wary of what he labels as Liverpool’s ‘physical approach’ that served them well against United two weeks ago.

FORM GUIDE


Everton

24 Sept v Blackburn (A) LOST 1-0

21 Sept v Hull (A) DREW 2-2

18 Sept v Standard Liege (H) DREW 2-2

18 Sept v Standard Liege (H) DREW 2-2

14 Sept v Stoke (A) WON 3-2

30 Aug v Portsmouth (H) LOST 3-0

Liverpool


23 Sept v Crewe (H) WON 2-1

20 Sept v Stoke (H) DREW 0-0
16 Sept v Marseille (A) WON 2-1
13 Sept v Manchester United (H) WON 2-1

31 Aug v Aston Villa (A) DREW 0-0


TEAM NEWS

Everton

A massive boost for Everton is the likely return of playmaker Mikel Arteta. Stephen Pienaar and Andy Van Der Meyde remain absent whilst Victor Anichebe is likely to join them on the sidelines with a foot injury. The recently impressive Louis Saha may be given the chance to make an emphatic home debut by being handed a starting berth if his manager David Moyes decides to provide Yakubu with a striking partner. Tony Hibbert, although now in training, is unlikely to figure.

Possible Starting XI: Howard - Lescott, Jagielka, Yobo, Neville - Osman, Cahill, Castillo, Fellaini Arteta - Yakubu

Liverpool

Doubts linger over Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun, who are likely to be subjected to late fitness tests. The uncertainty over who partners Jamie Carragher at centre-half could be over after Dan Agger scored mid-week. Fabio Aurelio’s return will be touch and go though Philip Degen will be out for three weeks after cracking a rib against Crew midweek.

Possible Starting XI: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher , Agger, Dossena – Riera/Babel, Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard – Keane, Torres.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Everton

Maurouane Fellaine, if selected, will have played against Liverpool in Europe and the league for different clubs in the same season. He will be one to watch but eyes will also be on the returning Mikel Arteta. Yakubu up top will pose a real danger and it will also be interesting to watch Louis Saha if he gets a chance, either starting or from the bench.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s Robbie Keane has scored more Premier League goals against Everton under David Moyes than any other player. He has scored six times against Everton in the league. As thus, I will persist in tipping him to shine, despite struggling to find the net since his arrival at the club. As ever, Fernando Torres will be an ever-present threat up front and the passionate club talisman Steven Gerrard will always be a danger, especially in such a high-tempo fixture.

Rafa Delighted With Defensive Headache

Rafael Benitez has admitted the form of his four centre backs has given him a selection headache ahead of this weekend's derby at Goodison.

Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel have been the first choice pairing at the heart of the Reds defence in the Premier League this season, but Daniel Agger and Sami Hyypia both staked their claims for a place in the starting eleven with impressive displays against Crewe in midweek.

Agger opened the scoring against the League One outfit with a brilliant free kick - but Benitez insists he wasn't surprised to see his young Danish defender rise to the challenge of trying to force his way back into the first team picture.

"Daniel is a fantastic professional and so it's no surprise that he played so well," said the boss. "People may have watched the game and been surprised, but I wasn't. I see him every day in training and he's always the same, working hard and looking to improve.

"We knew he would react well and that is what happened. I also thought Sami played well on the night. We have four good centre backs and I am really pleased with all of them."

While Jamie Carragher's regular starting role for the Reds this season hasn't come as any surprise, the form of Slovakian star Skrtel in fending off competition for his place from Agger and Hyypia has been a source of delight for his manager.

"We had different options when we were looking for central defenders and Martin was one of those," said Benitez.

"We watched him for a long time before we signed him - and when Zenit played Everton I was surprised everybody was talking about Arshavin and not talking about Martin. We were monitoring him then and I am pleased he has been such a good addition to our squad.

"Some foreign players take a while to adapt to English football but with defenders it can sometimes be easier. He is aggressive and quick so he has settled in well."

Rafa Aiming For Goodison Glory

Rafa Benitez heads into today’s 208th Merseyside derby declaring that his team must win it for the fans.

Liverpool did the double over Everton last season and today's clash at Goodison Park will be the ninth time the Liverpool manager has experienced the unique derby atmosphere.

The Reds boss admits that he enjoys taking on David Moyes' side - but only when his team wins.

"I have very good memories of the derby," says Benitez.

"It is really important for the fans when you beat your rival in the derby, so I was really pleased last season.

"We won with a penalty in the last minute when we played them away last time, so we were happy.

"This one is more difficult because of the rivalry between the fans, but at the end of the day we are talking about just three points. The only difference is that during the week you can see that the fans are really happy you have won."

The Liverpool manager has emerged victorious in six out of the eight derbies he has resided over since coming to Anfield four years ago, and Benitez added he is hungry for more victories.

"If we win, then I will enjoy it very much. But it is a very very difficult game," said Benitez.

"Yesterday I was out walking with my wife and some fans were telling me: 'Come on you have to win.'

"And then an old woman who is a Liverpool fan came up to me and said the same thing. Two minutes later an Evertonian even came up to me and shook my hand. He said: 'I am an Evertonian, but I will shake hands with you.'

"You can see that the passion is always there and the atmosphere has been good this week - it is very positive."

Liverpool's last League game saw them draw 0-0 with Stoke City at Anfield, but Benitez isn't concerned about his side failing to find the net and knows they can bounce back against their old rivals.

"At the end of the day you know that football can be like that," said Benitez. "These things can happen, so the key is to keep attacking and to keep creating chances - then you will score.

"I have some experience of this. When I was at Valencia we once had 41 attempts against Celtic and we won 1-0 with a free kick."

Despite seeing one seemingly valid strike ruled out for offside against Stoke City last week, Benitez has also backed his captain Steven Gerrard to complete his club century against Everton today.

"I think it was a pity last week, but maybe it will happen on Saturday - that will be really important for him and for us," added Benitez.

"I think it will be especially important for him if it happens in the derby."