LiverpooL Are Tracking Bilbao Ace

Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle are reported to be battling it out for Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta.

Reports in Spain claim the Premier League trios are keeping tabs on the highly-rated centre-back.

All three clubs are believed to have watched the 22-year-old this season as they consider making a move for his signature in the summer.

Amorebieta, who has a contract with Bilbao until 2011, says he is flattered by the interest but insists he is no rush to leave San Mames.

"I'm very happy here and also that people are noticing me," said Amorebieta.

"It's nice to know people are interested in you."

Fans Are Now The Last Consideration

It must have been a busy time for the RSPCA last week. All those camels with broken backs, courtesy of the barrel-load of straws dropped on them by Richard Scudamore, the Premier League chief executive.

Ever since the creation of the Premier League, we’ve been waiting for the ‘big one’, the final assault on our game which will push the fans over the edge, and put all that’s gone before it into context as merely the preamble to the megalomaniac global expansion plans of our leading clubs.

The end of Saturday afternoon as the focal point of our week; soaring ticket prices; ever-changing football shirts with prices kept artificially high; average football players earning more in a week than most people do in a year.

All these things have served to drive a wedge between the average fan and their football club, weakening the bonds which define football as our national game, and alienating a whole generation of supporters – the average age of a Premier League fan last year was 43.

Not content with this, Scudamore now unveils the ultimate estrangement: taking a game away from us altogether, to be played on the other side of the world, accessible to us only through the omnipresent television cameras. This breathtaking audacity is justified not by the language of sport, but by the language of business: global markets, competitive positions and exporting English football.

Scudamore has attempted to explain this naked pursuit of financial gain through altruistic ambition: the additional money is needed to invest in the development of young English footballers, and to help the game at grass-roots level.

This of course has been the experience to date every time the TV deals have increased in size; there’s a positive bow wave of young English talent coming through now, displacing average African, Eastern European and, yes, Spanish players isn’t there?

Yet the most incredulous illustration of Scudamore’s gall is to be found in the sophistry he employs to defend the fatal damage to the fairness of the competition by the introduction of an additional game determined by lottery.

According to Scudamore, “every team will have an equal chance of being treated unfairly” under this system. Older readers will remember Stanley Unwin making a living out of such gobbledegook. What’s more, apparently “nobody ever said the league was supposed to be entirely fair”.

This truly appalling view of competition, tantamount to rigging the fixture list, surely calls into question Scudamore’s suitability to be chief executive of even the most brutal Sunday League, never mind our most feted.

Of course, where there’s hubris about, Professor Wenger is never far away. He’s declared his ‘in principle’ support for the idea, on the basis that “90% of (fans) who love the club never have access to the games”.

Yes Arsene, these are probably the people of Islington who can’t afford the ticket prices at the Emirates. And the real fans who deserve your consideration are not the hordes in Hong Kong or wherever who buy a shirt and would attend a novelty match in their own back yard; but those who traipse round the country every weekend in all weathers, at inconvenient times determined by the TV companies, spending sizeable proportions of their income supporting the team they grew up with.

In short, the 800 or so Havant & Waterlooville fans who turn up for the average home game, not the other 5,200 who made the trip to Anfield.

The depressing reality is that this abomination will happen, and will expand until the rest of the world realises there’s a reason why even people from Middlesbrough don’t turn out to watch Middlesbrough play. Sydney? There’ll be no-one watching in Kirkby.

Liverpool Linked With Nigerian Star, More DIC Takeover Claims, & Bizarre Torres Exit Stories

Liverpool are being linked with a summer swoop for Nigerian striker Osaze Odemwingie.

The forward has impressed many in the recent African Cup of Nations in Ghana,

According to reports on Brilafm.net, the Locomotiv Moscow striker could be making an £8 million pound move from Russia to Liverpool in the summer.

The site even goes so far as to claim scout Marc Guinness has been tasked with monitoring the player.

Andriy Voronin is the player tipped to leave if Odemwingie comes in.

Meanwhile, John Arne Riise is being linked with a £6million move to Aston Villa.

Riise, who is having an indifferent season, is one of a number of players being tipped to leave in the summer.

The rumour mill has been alive with claims Xabi Alonso will return to Spain while it is also suggested Premier League and Spanish big guns may bid up to £40million for Fernando Torres if Liverpool don’t qualify for the Champions League.

Other, perhaps slightly less random rumours, include Sami Hyppia to Celtic, Harry Kewell to a MLS side and Peter Crouch to Portsmouth.

In addition, Tom Hicks insists he isn’t selling, but that hasn’t stopped the rumours linking Dubai’s DIC with a fresh takeover.

Reports now say DIC are believed to be targetting George Gillett's 50% stake in the club and once they secure a deal will then turn their attentions to the remaining shares held by fellow American Hicks.

The reports also suggest the deal would spell the end for Rafa Benitez. The story began life yesterday in The Sun, whose sister paper, The News of the World, was described as “one of the two newspapers everyone on Merseyside knows you can’t trust” after it attempted to strike up a fresh feud between Benitez and the owners.

Sources are quoted as saying: "The Dubai investors are not convinced Benitez is the right man for Liverpool.

"They have been far from impressed by his very public rows with the current owners and even less impressed with the way Liverpool are struggling for consistency in the Premier League. Like all foreign owners, they crave Champions League football, for financial and emotional reasons.

“If Liverpool failed to qualify for next season's tournament, they would regard it as catastrophic."

Mascherano Desperate For Silverware

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is determined to taste success this season after double disappointment last year.

The Argentina international suffered an unwanted double last season, losing in both the Champions League final and Copa America final within the space of a couple of months.

Mascherano is keen to make up for those disappointments, and is hoping to help Liverpool to success in the FA Cup and Champions League this term.

"When you lose any final, it's painful," Mascherano said.

"But suffering defeat in such a massive game as the Champions League or Copa America last year was really hard to take.

"Even when I was back in South America I always watched the European Cup games and loved it.

"It's the most important title you can win in club football and we were so close to doing it.

"This time, winning one would be really nice.

"Hopefully, it will happen this season in the Champions League or FA Cup because I don't want another silver medal - I prefer gold!

"I just love playing in these big cup games with Liverpool. I went from not playing at West Ham to being involved in some huge occasions.

"It doesn't get any better than this. Hopefully, there are a few more great days and nights around the corner."

Mascherano is currently on loan at Anfield, but a permanent deal is in the pipeline at Anfield.

The all-action midfielder is hoping the move can be finalised as soon as possible so that he can concentrate on his game.

"The sooner things get sorted out with Liverpool the better," added Mascherano.

"I want to be settled and kill myself on the pitch so the team wins lots of games."

DIC Agree Liverpool Deal - Reports

DIC are reportedly on the verge of completing their takeover of Liverpool.

According to The Daily Mirror, the Dubai International Capital group - the investment arm of the Dubai government - have reached an 'outline agreement' with current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to buy the club for around £460million.

The Mirror claims that 'sources in New York' have confirmed that a deal is in place, and could be completed by the middle of March.

DIC failed in their initial bid to buy Liverpool when Hicks and Gillett took over in 2007, but are now prepared to effectively double the Americans' money for the club.

Hicks and Gillett recently completed a £350million refinancing deal on the money they borrowed to buy the club, which left Liverpool saddled with around £105million of debt.

While Rafa Benitez has, to put it mildly, had his disagreements with Hicks and Gillett, the takeover might not be the best news for him after all.

Reports earlier this week suggested that DIC were not convinced that Benitez was the right man to take Liverpool forward, having been less than impressed with his public rows with the current owners.

Rafa Handed Quadruple Fitness Boost

Rafa Benitez has been handed a quadruple fitness boost ahead of the forthcoming Cup double-header – but has yet to decide whether to risk his returning stars in the first clash against Barnsley on Saturday.

Fernando Torres was involved in part of yesterday's training session alongside fellow absentees Sami Hyypia, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio.

All four could be available for the FA Cup fifth round, but with Inter Milan arriving at Anfield just three days later, Benitez has some tricky decisions ahead.

"I need to consider both games but I know it's important to progress in the FA Cup, so I will try to use a strong team," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Sami Hyypia is improving. He did the warm up and could be available, but we will have to analyse the situation. Torres also did the warm up, as well as Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa, and they are really close.

"Now it is about whether we will take the risk or not.

"For Inter, Torres will be okay. We will have to check before Barnsley."

Liverpool Manager Mulling Legal Action

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez could be about to take legal action against a British newspaper for reporting that he blamed the club's owners for its failure to challenge for the Premier League title.

Sunday paper The News Of The World reported last week that Benitez blamed the efforts of Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. to speak to Juergen Klinsmann about becoming the club's new coach for Liverpool's poor performances.

But Benitez denies the accusation and the paper's apparent assertion that he had spoken with its reporter before it ran the story on Feb. 10 under the headline "It's Your Fault: Rafa In New Blast At Owners."

The Spanish coach has appointed lawyer Richard Green, who on Wednesday sent a letter to the paper and its reporter to inform them of the intended proceedings.

Benitez said that the paper misrepresented an interview he did the previous day with Spanish daily El Mundo.

Benitez said the question from El Mundo, translated into English, was: "The owners were lacking faith in your work a couple of months ago when the team was six points behind the leaders with a game in hand. Has this issue influenced the progress of the team?"

His reply was allegedly: "As a coach, you could say yes. It would be the perfect excuse, but I don't want to use it."

Benitez had already spoken about his anger toward the paper and the story before Sunday's 0-0 league draw at Chelsea, which left his club 19 points behind leader Arsenal.

"Everybody in Liverpool knows that there are two newspapers that you cannot trust," Benitez said. "This is one of them.

"He (the reporter) talks of it being an exclusive, but the journalist is lying. I was talking with the Spanish press. He was manipulating everything."

Liverpool's Guthrie Wants Bolton Stay

Liverpool-owned midfielder Danny Guthrie has indicated that he would welcome the chance to extend his on-loan stay at Bolton beyond the end of the season.

20-year-old Guthrie was snapped up by Liverpool after being released by Manchester United and impressed with his performances for the club's Academy side.

His opportunities for the Liverpool first team, however, have been few and far between.

After a moderate start to his spell at The Reebok, the youngster has settled well and admits that the chance of playing in high profile games like Thursday's Uefa Cup tie with Athletico Madrid has persuaded him that a permanent move to Gary Megson's club may be in his best interests.

"A lot can happen between now and the end of the season, but I could see myself staying here," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"However, it's up to people above me to decide what happens.

"I'm sure Liverpool have been monitoring my progress but I haven't spoken to anyone.

"In terms of me staying, it is what the two clubs want to do and then it comes down to me.

"I came to Bolton to play regularly but it's a bonus to play against the likes of Athletico Madrid," stated Guthrie.

He added that he had settled well in his new surroundings and was enjoying getting first team football.

"I'm loving it now. When I first came I wasn't getting too much of a look-in. But I'm involved on a regular basis now."

Bolton play Athletico Madrid in the Uefa Cup on Thursday at the Reebok Stadium.

Torres Could Be Back By This Weekend

Fernando Torres' recovery from injury is going according to schedule meaning that there is a good chance that he will be ready in time to face Barnsley in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.

The Spanish super striker strained his hamstring while on international duty last Wednesday and was a big miss during Liverpool's scoreless stalemate away to Chelsea yesterday.

Although the prognosis from the Anfield medical department predicted that he would only be out of action for between 7-10 days, the confirmation that he is mending well will come as a big relief to Reds' fans around the world, in light of the massively important Champions League second-round encounter with Italian champions Inter coming up on February 19.

"Maybe he can be available for the weekend against Barnsley. We have time," said Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez.

"The physios are working with him. He could be okay."

Torres, 23, has quickly established himself as Liverpool's most important striker since his high-profile move from Atletico Madrid this summer, having already bagged 18 goals just over halfway through his debut season.

Reds Told To Lose Draw Habit

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has warned his team-mates they will miss out on next season's Champions League if they do not quickly shake off a costly habit of drawing matches they should win.

A goalless stalemate at Chelsea on Sunday was the Reds' 11th draw of the season.

And while Gerrard took encouragement from aspects of his side's performance, the reality was that Manchester City, Aston Villa and Everton all won at the weekend, thereby gaining ground in the battle for fourth spot.

"Our form has been very inconsistent of late, but the performance against Chelsea was very pleasing and something that we can now build on," Gerrard told the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"A lack of consistency has been our problem this season, along with drawing games that we should have won. Coming to Stamford Bridge and getting a point is acceptable, but to draw certain games like we have at home this season, like against Aston Villa and Wigan, they are the most frustrating things."

Liverpool have not won away at Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal since Rafael Benitez took over as manager at Anfield in 2004, and that record added to the disappointment with Sunday's result.

"When you control games like that away from home, it's disappointing not to take maximum points," Gerrard added. "It would be a waste if we don't kick on from this and keep on drawing games that we should be winning.

"But not many teams go to Chelsea and get a point, so it's a positive result to build on."

Gerrard Ready To Sscrap For Another Crack At Europe's Big Guns

Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool are in the midst of a dogfight to claim a Champions League spot despite an excellent display to gain a draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Reds are now three points behind fourth-placed Everton, albeit with a game in hand, following the Toffees' victory over Reading. With Aston Villa and Man City also claiming three points at the weekend, there appears to be four genuine contenders vying for entry into European football's top competition.

Gerrard knows he and his team-mates must now perform like they did against Chelsea week in, week out in order to thwart one of the new pretenders breaking up the so-called big four.

"We've now got to focus on fighting for this fourth place and we realise it's going to be difficult." said the skipper.

"There are a lot of teams around us in good form and playing well, so it's important we don't let our standards drop – otherwise we won't get fourth."

While recognising the challenge ahead, Gerrard believes Liverpool supporters can take great heart from the commitment present throughout the team on Sunday.

He explained: "I think this is the benchmark for us now in terms of the character we showed.

"Certain players who've had a bit of criticism of late played very well and it was a good team performance against a side that have been playing very well lately. There are a lot of positives.

"All round you can't fault any player. I said in an interview a couple of days ago that you need every player to perform when you come to places like Stamford Bridge, and I think we got that.

"I've been here before and we've been dominated for large periods of the game, but I think we controlled the majority of the match and it felt out there like we could have maybe snatched it.

"It's definitely an improvement on how we've been playing of late. Defensively we looked more solid and we were the better side over the 90 minutes. If anyone was going to win it, I thought it was going to be us."

Liverpool's trip to Stamford Bridge will be followed later in the season by visits to Old Trafford and the Emirates, grounds where, of late, few points have been obtained.

Gerrard added: "When we do go to those places we've got to perform like we did here, and maybe an extra five or 10 per cent can see us snatch a win.

"I just thought we lacked a tiny bit of cutting edge in the final third, but I can't fault many other things. I thought it was a good team performance."

Reina Looks Forward To Next 50 Clean Sheets With Reds

Pepe Reina has set his sights on another 50 shut-outs in goal for Liverpool after breaking Ray Clemence's record.

The Spanish goalkeeper recently achieved 50 clean sheets in the shortest time in the club's history — and believes the record is a team effort.

"It's nice to reach these kind of numbers – I am very proud," said Reina. "But, as I've said many times, it's not just down to me.

"The whole of the team defends and the back four have been in good form in the three years I've been here.

"Now I look forward to another 50."

Reina kept the 51st clean sheet of his Liverpool career against Chelsea on Sunday.

He said: "We played really well and created some chances, and a draw is always a good result at Stamford Bridge. It's always difficult to beat them down there – I think it's been four years since anyone did that.

"It's a difficult stadium against a really top side, so we have to be really happy about the score and some of the things we did during the game.

"We have to keep playing like this, with a solid defence and creating chances in attack."

Lucas: I Rejected Inter For Liverpool

Lucas Leiva has revealed ahead of next week’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan that he rejected a move to the Italian champions in order to sign for Liverpool.

The 21-year-old joined The Reds from Gremio last summer for €12m but Inter were also in the running to sign him.

"I was in a fortunate position at Gremio because I had achieved some success and I was made a lot of very interesting offers - offers which would have made a lot of money,” Lucas told Liverpool’s official magazine.

"Some of them were in Spain and it's true I had an enquiry from Inter Milan too.

"I could have gone to Spain or Italy and it would have been more like I am used to. But I want to make the most of my career and I want to challenge myself.

"They were all famous clubs but the Liverpool option stood out from the first moment I heard of their interest. Inter and Liverpool meet at Anfield a week today in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie.

Lucas has stressed thought that he made the right decision in rejecting the Nerazzurri, and believes Liverpool can beat them.

"I have friends from the international team at Inter; Cesar and Maicon are great players and I will enjoy playing against them,” he continued.

"But I would much rather play for Liverpool than Inter. That was my decision then and it would be the same if I had to make it again.

"I think we have the tools to beat Inter, but it will be an exciting game and my first time - hopefully - playing at the San Siro."

Figo Likely To Miss Liverpool Match

Inter boss Roberto Mancini believes that is unlikely that Luis Figo will be ready to play against Liverpool next week.

The Nerazzurri travel to Anfield a week today in one of three mouth-watering Champions League ties involving Italian teams.

Inter have injury problems going into the game as Dejan Stankovic, Maicon, Hernan Crespo and Santiago Solari are all struggling, while Luis Figo is only just returning to fitness after suffering a broken leg in November.

"I left out three or four important players [against Catania on Sunday],” said Mancini.

"I hope to recover those players that are injured although I'm not sure Luis Figo will be able to play against Liverpool."

Mancini is under no illusions that his team is in for a very difficult game against the 2005 Champions League winners.

"Liverpool is a very tough team to play against," he said. "They are difficult opponents, that don't give you many spaces.

"Liverpool have proved to be in good form."

These two European giants have only met once competitively in the past and that was in the semi-final of the European Cup back in 1964/1965.

In a classic tie, Liverpool won the first leg 3-1 at Anfield, only to lose 3-0 in the return leg at San Siro and exit the competition 4-3 on aggregate.

The match in Italy was a controversial affair as Liverpool players believe that Joaquin Peiró’s goal for Inter should have been disallowed after he stole a bounced ball from Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence.

Campo - Reds Saved Torres

Bolton's Ivan Campo believes Atletico Madrid were in danger of damaging Fernando Torres.

Torres has been in outstanding form since last summer's £26.5million move to Liverpool, scoring 18 goals so far this season.

Campo believes Atletico relied to heavily on Torres, and in turn, too much pressure was heaped on the 23-year-old.

But the Bolton midfielder feels that Torres' switch to Anfield will assist him in becoming a much better player.

He told AS: "Nobody shared the role of leader with him at Atletico, the pressure of such an important club. Such a young person is not ready to take so much pressure.

"In England he has calm, confidence and a team which plays for him. At Atletico they wanted him to do so many things that they could have damaged him.

"Having to give so much really takes it out of you."

Campo also believes that there is more respect for players in English football, compared to Spain.

"For a player in England respect is the most important thing. People always demand you play well, but they do so respectfully," he continued.

"What I've experienced here in England does not happen in Spain. There is no respect at a personal nor professional level."

Rafa Rues Missed Chances

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was 'disappointed' not to claim victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The encounter ended in a 0-0 stalemate, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances throughout the 90 minutes.

The Reds just edged the game in terms of opportunities, and Benitez feels his side were unfortunate not to come away with three points.

"Yes [we could have won this game]. We controlled the first half and had chances. We are disappointed, but it is not easy to get a point here," he told Sky Sports 1.

"They didn't have too many chances. I think we defended really well."

Benitez's side currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, but have a game in hand over the sides vying for fourth place.

And the Spaniard insists his men are taking things one game at a time, rather than focusing on claiming fourth spot.

"We have one game in hand so we need to get three points in the next game and try to be in the fourth position. Then we will try to progress," Benitez added.

Torres On The Comeback Trail

Top scorer Fernando Torres is set to return to action with Liverpool in next Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Barnsley.

The Spaniard missed Sunday's 0-0 draw at Chelsea after sustaining a hamstring injury on international duty last week.

However, Reds boss Rafael Benitez revealed the 23-year-old's injury is not too severe and hinted he could be back for next week's Anfield tie.

'Maybe Fernando will be available for the weekend against Barnsley,' Benitez admitted. 'We will have to see.

'We have time now and the physios are working really hard with him. He is very optimistic so I think he could be available for the weekend.'

Even if Torres misses the game with the Tykes, it now seems more than likely he will be fit for the Champions League last-16 first leg tie with Inter Milan at Anfield the following Tuesday.

We Could Have Secured A Win, Insists Peter Crouch

Peter Crouch admits Liverpool missed a chance to gain only their second victory in 23 visits to Stamford Bridge yesterday.

Rafael Benitez’s side produced a gritty performance to gain a goalless draw at championship-chasing Chelsea.

The visitors were the better side, particularly during the first half in which Crouch had a clutch of chances to score Liverpool’s first goal at the stadium under Benitez.

And the striker said: “A couple of half-chances came my way, and maybe the one on my left foot could have been better. If I hit the target then I think it would have gone in.

“It was a good battle out there, we matched them and in the end we were the better side.

“We are still a way behind at the top, but we proved today that we’ll keep going until the end.”

Jamie Carragher was an impressive performer at the heart of a Liverpool defence that kept a second successive clean sheet.

But the centre-back was also disappointed to have not come away with all three points.

“It was very tight,” he said. “We’ve had a few nil-nils here in the past because both teams have good defences and so it proved again.

“We shaded the game and maybe could have nicked it, so I’m a little disappointed because we had a couple of chances.

“Realistically we’re out of the title race now. Arsenal and Manchester United have set the pace and we now have to show respect to Aston Villa and Manchester City because we are in a right battle to get fourth place with them.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Avram Grant wrote off Liverpool’s title hopes after watching his side stutter to a goalless draw.

Grant believes that Liverpool’s Premier League hopes are now in tatters and said: “I think after this game it will be very difficult for them to fight for the title. They are too many points from the first team.”

Grant was adamant that referee Mike Riley made a mistake when he failed to award Chelsea a penalty for Javier Mascherano’s challenge on Joe Cole in the first-half.

But Michael Ballack’s glaring miss 10 minutes from time also played a part in Chelsea’s inability to end the stalemate.

He said: “We are not happy. We want to win every game but especially at home. If we don’t win we are disappointed.

“You could say it is a missed opportunity, but it is not easy to play against Liverpool. They are a very tactical team. They don’t give you much space to play. In the first half we didn’t play quickly so it was much easier for them.

“We were better in the second-half but we missed a big chance at the end. It was a penalty when I saw it at the time and now I’ve seen it on TV, it was a 100% penalty.

“He is a good referee but he has made a mistake. It has happened.”

Chelsea 0 - 0 LiverpooL

Chelsea failed to turn up the heat on Premier League title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal as they stumbled to a goalless draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues had been boosted by Manchester United's defeat at the hands of Manchester City earlier in the day and although the draw enabled them to increase their unbeaten home league sequence to 76 games, the Londoners may yet come to rue their inability to put Liverpool's season to the sword.

A disappointing game, littered with sloppy passing and dominated at either end by uncompromising defences, provided for a forgettable stalemate.

Avram Grant's side had been lifted by the return of midfielder Frank Lampard but his contribution was to end in the second half with the England international clearly not fully match-fit.

Chelsea's early fire soon burnt itself out and it was Liverpool who began to dominate proceedings.

Yet their final ball into the danger area left a lot to be desired with England's Steven Gerrard the main culprit.

But a cross from Steve Finnan in the 14th minute did allow the giant frame of Peter Crouch to head wide of the target from six yards.

It was the gangly Crouch who should have put the visitors in front in the 17th minute when he combined cleverly with Ryan Babel before driving a low left-foot drive wide of Petr Cech's upright.

Two minutes later a run down the right flank by the energetic Gerrard saw his cross find Crouch unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box. But the England striker could not direct his free header wide of Cech.

Chelsea thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the 26th minute when Joe Cole was up-ended in the area but referee Mike Riley waved away their appeals.

A cross from Liverpool's Gerrard in the 33rd minute was only half-cleared by Ricardo Carvalho and Chelsea were lucky to see a follow-up shot from Lucas deflected to safety.

The visitors were now enjoying a greater share of possession but were finding it difficult to engineer a clear-cut scoring opportunity.

Crouch was a continual threat in the air and he should have at least hit the target when he got on the end of a cross from Dirk Kuyt in the 37th minute.

The move was again sparked by a pass from Gerrard who was now beginning to stamp his authority on the midfield.

Chelsea were still a threat on the break though and Nicolas Anelka won a corner when a speculative 20-yard effort was deflected wide by John Arne Riise.

Five minutes before the interval Babel became the second player to enter Riley's notebook when he committed the same handball offence that had brought Juliano Belletti his yellow card earlier in the half.

A free-kick from Belletti seconds before the interval almost brought Chelsea the reward of a goal but Riise managed to head the behind for a corner.

Chelsea were much better after the restart and Claude Makelele, not known for his goalscoring prowess, was predictably well off-target with a long-range effort in the 50th minute.

His passing is far superior and moments later the Frenchman sent fellow countryman Anelka clear on the Chelsea left. But the former Anfield favourite's low cross eluded everyone in the penalty area.

Chelsea were finding it difficult to break down a Liverpool defence that steadfastly refused to buckle and it required more than the energetic enthusiasm of the lone Anelka to unlock the Reds.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was concerned that momentum of the game was swinging into Chelsea's favour and his frustration was compounded by a booking for Riise who wrestled Lampard to the ground in the 62nd minute.

It was clear Anelka required some help if Chelsea were to break the deadlock and Grant, in keeping with his penchant for attacking football, opted to introduce Florent Malouda into the fray in place of Shaun Wright-Phillips two minutes later.

A mistake by Gerrard, who was caught in possession by Makelele, almost allowed Cole to punish the Reds but his cross was headed away for a corner by Finnan.

Moments later it was the visitors who caused problems for the home side but a quick break ended with Crouch's inability to finish off a cross from Babel.

Michael Ballack almost snatched a late winner 10 minutes from the end but his volley fell just inches wide of Jose Reina's left-hand upright.

Chelsea will welcome back Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou in time for their next outing against Huddersfield in the FA Cup and given the lack of a cutting edge against Liverpool, the end of the African Nations Cup could not have come a moment sooner.

Match Prediction: Chelsea vs. LiverpooL

If you take Liverpool's recent away form and Chelsea's recent home record you get a gulf not dissimiliar to the one in the Manchester derby. Yet Manchester United are 1/3 and Chelsea are even money.

Chelsea have won their last five games at home, and they remain unbeaten at Stamford Bridge longer than I can remember. Liverpool haven't won any of their last four games away from Anfield.

It's not as if they haven't had the opportunities either. Their games have come against Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Luton and West Ham. They were well-fancied at the prices to win all of those games.

Rafael Benitez's team have also lost their last four games at Stamford Bridge - including a 2-0 reverse in the Carling Cup as recently as December.

Chelsea have shown remarkable qualities to shrug off the loss of Jose Mourinho and the decimation of their squad through injury, suspension and the African Nations.

The signing of Nicolas Anelka is a major boost to Avram Grant's team and he got his first Premier League goal for them in the 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.

The 13/8 Paddy Power offer about Anelka scoring anytime makes some appeal but not as much as the even money about Chelsea winning their sixth home game on the trot.

Verdict: Chelsea 2 Liverpool 0