Kenny Dalglish To Work Hard To Repair Damage Of West Ham Defeat

Kenny Dalglish returned to the training ground with Liverpool today on a mission to carry out the “repairs” needed in the wake of his side’s defeat at West Ham.

The preparations will start for Sunday’s crunch clash with Premier League leaders Manchester United at Anfield.

Top of the list will be subjecting his players to a re-run of their miserable performance against the Hammers in a bid to iron out the errors which proved so costly.

No midweek game at least gives the manager the benefit of a full week at Melwood to prepare the Reds for the showdown with United.

“We will sit down and the players can go through the game,” Dalglish said.

“We will have a look and make sure we learn from the mistakes that were made.

“We will look to see where we went wrong and try to repair it.

“The pleasing thing was that the fitness and desire to get back in the game was still there. In the last 20 minutes we played well.

“Collectively we will move forward but we won’t dismiss it. We will get back in and see where we are on Tuesday. A week’s training will do us no harm at all.”

Dalglish will hope for positive news on the injury front. Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger both missed last weekend, while Martin Kelly and Raul Meireles limped off at Upton Park.

Liverpool And Arsenal Remain In Hunt To Sign Gervinho

Liverpool and Arsenal have been boosted in the race to sign Ivorian striker Gervinho.

The 23-year-old Lille hitman has been on the radar of a number of Barclays Premier League clubs in recent seasons, with former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson thought to be keen on the player back in the summer.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also expressed an interest in the past, with scouts from north London sent to watch the player at the Stade Lille-Metropole on a number of occasions.

It's Liverpool who has most recently been linked with the player though, with IM Scouting reporting that an offer was made at the end of December in an effort to bring the player to Anfield.

"I do not know what will happen at the end of the season, but it is normal that I want to improve and grow as a player," Gervinho told French radio station RMC.

"But now my goal is to fight for Lille to help us qualify for next season's Champions League."

With under 18 months left on the player's contract, talkSPORT reports that Les Douges will do business for a fee in the region of €12m.

This is a similar fee to the one reportedly put on the table by Liverpool back at the end of 2010, although at the time the Ligue 1 outfit were reportedly holding out for €15 million.

It's unknown if Arsenal are in the market for a striker, although injuries at the earlier part of the season exposed a threadbare strike-force at the Emirates.

Robin Van Persie has returned to form, but injury still plagues the Gunners' hitman and Wenger is thought to be unsure over his other Arsenal options.

Both clubs could go head-to head in their efforts to bring the player to England, and it remains unclear as to whether Liverpool or Arsenal appeals most to the player.

Liverpool Locked In Three-Way Battle For Left-Sided Samba Star

Real Madrid and Juventus will face further competition from another European heavyweight in the form of Liverpool in their pursuit for summer additions to their respective squads.

Brazilian international Michel Bastos is the latest player in a long list of targets to be linked with a move to Anfield as the successor to Liverpool’s problem position at left-back.

The 27-year-old Lyon star can operate anywhere down the left hand flank, either as a defender or a midfielder – both of which are positions that Kenny Dalglish is looking to strengthen in the summer.

Liverpool Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli may favour a move for Bastos as a ‘safer’ option, as he knows the player well from his time spent in France.

The former Lille man has impressed following his €18million move to Lyon in 2009 and is seen as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Paul Konchesky who has been exiled to Championship side Nottingham Forest no sooner after he moved to Anfield just over six month’s ago.

Glenn Johnson has been temporarily deployed as a makeshift left-back with academy graduate Martin Kelly impressing in the right-back berth, but a long-term signing has been made a priority when the transfer window reopens in June.

Manchester United had also expressed an interest in Bastos although they appear to be out of the running after Patrice Evra committed his future to Old Trafford last week when he signed a three-year contract extension.

That news means Madrid - who were one of the clubs keen on luring Evra away from the Barclays Premier League may turn their attention back to Bastos if they fail in a bid to sign Benfica defender Fabio Coentrao, who has also been monitored by Liverpool in recent months.

Shane Long Emerges As Surprise Summer Target

Liverpool are being linked with a shock summer move for Reading striker Shane Long.

The Irish international forward has been in fine form for the Championship outfit this season, and Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is thought to have targeted the player as a potential summer addition.

Long, who scored the winner against Liverpool in Reading's 2-1 FA Cup victory at Anfield last season, has 14 goals to his name this term and is the leading score at the Madejski Stadium for Brian McDermott's outfit.

Joe.ie reports that the player is desperate to ply his trade in the Barclays Premier League, although with Reading only six points outside the play-off places that dream could be realized in Berkshire.

Liverpool spent big on strikers in January, with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez brought into Merseyside to nulify the exit of Spaniard Fernando Torres.

Dalglish has hinted at strengthening in a number of positions in the summer too, and despite the double striker addition it appears another forward could be on the radar for Liverpool.

A left back is thought to be the club's main priority though, and the Liverpool squad is set for a major revamp in the summer.

Oscar Wendt 'Top Target' for Liverpool Left Back Role

With Paul Konchesky, Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio all seeming unlikely to fill the first-team role in the future and Glen Johnson playing out of position, Liverpool's need to bring in a left back in the summer is no secret.

Emilio Izaguirre and a host of others have been floated as possible options, but now, reports in the Swedish press have revealed that FC Copenhagen's Oscar Wendt is the "top target" for the position, according to talkSPORT.

The 25-year-old Swedish international would come at a great price, as he is available for a free transfer this summer, though his strong performances for club and country have also brought about the interest of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Liverpool scout Jakob Friis-Hansen has apparently evaluated Wendt and has confirmed interest, reports Sport.co.uk.

Liverpool Line Up Move To Sign Barcelona Youngster On Loan

Liverpool are lining up a move to sign Barcelona youngster Bojan Krkic on a season long loan next term with a view to making such a move permanent on the completion of the initial temporary deal. The Nou Camp side is reticent to sell the talented attacker but is also aware that the Spanish international is growing increasingly disenchanted by his lack of first team football.

Anfield Director of Football Damien Comolli, who helped bring Giovani to Tottenham from Barcelona during his spell at White Hart Lane, is a big fan of the 20 year old starlet who has become something of a cult hero at the Catalan giants and believes he can convince Pep Guardiola to allow the loan move to become a reality.

Bojan is now in his fourth season in the Barca first team set up and is arguably no nearer securing a regular first team spot with the likes of David Villa and the up and coming wide man Pedro forcing themselves ahead of him in the pecking order. The recent arrival of Dutch international Ibrahim Afellay has further restricted his playing time and things look likely to come to a head in the summer.

Though Bojan is tied down to a long term contract it is thought that loaning the pint sized striker, who also plays effectively out wide, is an idea that Barcelona are willing to entertain as it would in many ways kills two birds with one stone. More playing time will help appease a player who clearly wants to make it at the La Liga champions whilst also helping to hone his skills with competitive football.

Liverpool could well do with more attacking options as apart from new signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll the Merseyside club’s fire-power is seemingly non-existent. Whilst Dirk Kuyt can pitch in with important goals he is by no means prolific and the likes of David N’Gog, Milan Jovanovic and Joe Cole have alls failed to shine at the club.

John Aldridge: Martin Kelly Will Be A Big Loss For Liverpool FC

It was sad to see Martin Kelly limping off at Upton Park.

I really feel for the young defender because he’s been playing so well.

I’m a big fan of Kelly – what you see is what you get with him. He’s a 100 per center and it was typical that he pulled his hamstring going full pelt down the wing.

Kelly has been linked with an England call-up and it was no surprise to see Fabio Capello at Anfield last week to watch him.

Anyone who is keeping England’s regular right-back out of that position for his club has to be worth a look.

Capello has talked about how he’s building for the future and I’m sure Kelly is going to be a part of that.

I’ve got no doubt he’s got the quality to make the step up to international football.

My only worry is that he’s had a few of these injuries. I just hope he can get over them because he’s an exciting talent.

Christian Poulsen Keen To Remain At Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen has revealed he has every intention of remaining at the Merseyside club.

The former Sevilla and Juventus player has failed to make an impact at the Reds, and has been linked with a move to Danish side Copenhagen at season's end.

"At the end of the season, I will evaluate what to do about my future," the 31-year-old told The Daily Star. "There are many factors to take into consideration.

"I am happy here, as is my family. I have the full support of the side."

The Denmark international has played 12 matches for the English side this campaign, but has struggled to find a starting XI spot since Kenny Dalglish took over the club from Roy Hodgson.

Poulsen joined the team from the Bianconeri for £4.5 million. Liverpool currently sit in sixth position on 39 points.

Liverpool FC Reserves Go Top After Pacheco And Suso Get On The Scoresheet

Spanish duo Suso and Dani Pacheco fired Liverpool Reserves to the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North table after a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.

John McMahon’s side leapfrogged Sunderland after goals in each half from the Spanish forwards.

Liverpool dominated for much of the first half but couldn’t find a way through in the early stages, despite Tom Ince and Steve Irwin both going close.

But on 25 minutes Liverpool took the lead. Jay Spearing and Ince sent Gerardo Bruna down the right-hand side of the area and he then played it inside for Suso to poke a low shot past Blackburn keeper Jake Kean.

Blackburn tried to hit back but Liverpool were unlucky not to add to their goal when Nikola Saric sent Ince through but he was denied by brilliant recovering tackle from Jackson Ramm.

Emmanuel Mendy blocked well from a Tom Hitchcock effort and Zak Aley went close with a header from a corner.

Liverpool gave a debut to Conor Thomas, the England youth international on loan from Coventry, as he replaced Spearing with 20 minutes left.

Then with seven minutes Pacheco sealed the points when he found space in the area before firing an excellent left-footed strike beyond the helpless Kean in the Blackburn goal.

Ince had three chances in the last few minutes to make the scoreline more emphatic, but on each occasion he was stopped by keeper Kean.

But in the end the two goals were enough to seal victory.

Match Report: West Ham United 3 - 1 Liverpool

West Ham produced arguably their best display of the season to haul themselves back off the bottom of the Premier League and all but end Liverpool's faint Champions League hopes.

Goals from Scott Parker, Demba Ba - rapidly developing into one of the signings of the January transfer window - and Carlton Cole secured a 3-1 win at Upton Park and kept the pressure on the Hammers' relegation rivals.

Glen Johnson pulled one back for Liverpool but their late rally was in vain as their revival under Kenny Dalglish suffered its first major setback.

The defeat left the Reds eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham having played a game more, while Avram Grant was able to celebrate a result that moved the Hammers level on points with fourth-bottom Wolves.

The hosts certainly did not lack for confidence in the opening moments, Thomas Hitzlsperger - making his Premier League debut for the club - unleashing an outrageous 40-yard volley that flew into the arms of Jose Reina.

A minute later, Raul Meireles looped a header wide from the fit-again Steven Gerrard's pinpoint 50-yard ball before Martin Skrtel was booked for tripping Frederic Piquionne in full flight.

Meireles also fired straight at Robert Green, Gary O'Neil's shot hit a Liverpool defender and Glen Johnson saw a header from a corner blocked before the game settled down.

A Hitzlsperger rocket was again too close to Reina before Parker showed the kind of precision his team-mate had been lacking to give West Ham a 22nd-minute lead.

He and Hitzlsperger played a neat one-two on the edge of the box and Parker floated a delightful finish right into the far corner with the outside of his foot.

Dirk Kuyt hit the side netting from 20 yards following a lightning Liverpool break when team-mates were arguably better placed.

The recalled Piquionne then sent a wicked ball across the six-yard box, which just evaded Ba.

Liverpool struggled to respond, Luis Suarez repeatedly coming off second best in his personal battle with the impressive James Tomkins.

Right-back Martin Kelly's low drive was too close to Green as the interval approached, while Mark Noble curled a free-kick wide at the other end.

Liverpool suffered another blow when Kelly pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Joe Cole, Dalglish switching his formation from 5-3-2 to 4-4-2.

That was not the end of their woes, with the unmarked Ba powering home a header on the stroke of half-time from O'Neil's cross.

Liverpool began the second half on top but nevertheless made a quick change when David Ngog came on for Meireles.

With Wolves having won 4-0 yesterday, West Ham needed another goal to climb out of the drop zone and Ba almost provided it when he drilled inches wide from 25 yards.

Tomkins, Piquionne and Ba were all close to connecting with a corner as the home side hit back.

But they had Green to thank for preserving their two-goal lead when Suarez finally beat Tomkins with a quick turn and unleashed a rising drive which the goalkeeper tipped behind.

Piquionne missed a glorious chance to kill the game when he glanced Noble's corner wide midway through the half but West Ham's commitment was summed up when Parker threw himself in front of a goalbound Gerrard shot.

Gerrard was making his presence felt and Green tipped a dipping volley over the bar from the England star.

Reina had to be equally alert to beat Ba to the ball from a Hammers break but he almost produced an absolute howler when he spilt Piquionne's shot goalwards before recovering.

It was all Liverpool at this stage and Grant responded by withdrawing Piquionne for Jonathan Spector after Cole had mishit a volley for the visitors.

But the Reds' pressure paid off six minutes from time when Suarez crossed for Johnson to tap into an unguarded net.

West Ham ran down the clock by bringing on Cole for Ba - although time-wasting was the last thing on the substitute's mind as he left Skrtel in a heap and drilled home at Reina's near post in stoppage-time.

There was still time for Suarez to test Green again but the points had already been lost.

Kenny Dalglish Wants Team To Learn From Mistakes

Disappointed Kenny Dalglish has urged Liverpool to learn from their mistakes after their eight-match unbeaten run was brought to a shuddering halt.

First-half goals from Scott Parker and Demba Ba sent West Ham United on their way a convincing 3-1 victory at Upton Park yesterday.

Glen Johnson's 84th-minute strike – his second goal of the season against his former club – did threaten a comeback until Carlton Cole's injury-time clincher.

And Dalglish has warned his players there can be no repeat of the failings that gave Liverpool too large a task to overcome after the interval.

“The last 20 or 25 minutes we started to play a wee bit like we can,” said the Anfield manager.

“We got the goal near the end and we thought we might steal a point, but then Carlton scored. There were a couple of shouts for a penalty, things that are outside our control that you can’t manage, but we’ll try and correct the mistakes we made today.

“I don’t know if it was an aftermath to Thursday night, but we just didn’t seem as good as we have been.

“We still had a few opportunities up and around their box. Obviously we’re disappointed at losing, but it was the way we played as well. Don’t take any credit from West Ham, though.”

Injuries to Martin Kelly and Raul Meireles added to the gloom for Dalglish, although the Liverpool manager was pleased to see Steven Gerrard return from a three-match absence and Johnson recover from an Achilles problem.

The game came too soon for Andy Carroll, with Dalglish refusing to rush the £35million into his debut having been sidelined since December by a thigh complaint.

“We’re analyzing Andy every day,” said the Scot. “He’s better than bang on schedule. We never pencilled in a date when he’d play.

“If he’s okay, then as soon as he is he’ll be involved.

“We just have to wait and see. There’s been nothing that’s happened since he came in that’s had an adverse effect on his progress.

“We never had him in mind for this game.”

Remarkably, yesterday's defeat was only Liverpool's sixth in their last 47 meetings with West Ham.

Kelly Hoping For Speedy Recovery

Martin Kelly is hoping a scan on his injured hamstring will give him positive news as he looks to continue his excellent form under Kenny Dalglish.

The England U21 international was forced off the field in the first half during Sunday's 3-1 defeat at West Ham United after he pulled up while mounting an attack down the right wing.

"I knew straight away I had injured my hamstring," Kelly told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I took Scott Parker on down the right and when I took my last touch I felt a pull in my hamstring and there was no way I could carry on.

"I will have the scan and hopefully it won't be too bad.

"I'm usually a quick healer and we have good medical staff at the club so hopefully I will be back soon."

While the defeat at Upton Park ended Liverpool's excellent recent run, which had seen Kenny Dalglish's side go eight games unbeaten, Kelly insists the squad are determined to make an instant response and show their true colours in next Sunday's Anfield showdown with arch rivals Manchester United.

He added: "We were all disappointed with the result and our performance on Sunday and we've got to put this behind us and look forward to the big game against Manchester United at Anfield.

"It's at home, we will have our fans behind us and hopefully we can give them the result we all want."

Meireles Shining Bright Under King Kenny

Liverpool ace Raul Meireles has revealed how the arrival of Kenny Dalglish has brought the best out of him.

The Portuguese international, a contender for the ESPN PFA Fans' Player of the Month in February, signed for Liverpool under former manager Roy Hodgson, but believes the change at the top has worked in his favour.

A lack of backing from the now West Brom boss is highlighted as a reason for his slow start to life at Anfield, but the 27-year-old has become influential in a more advanced position for the Merseysiders.

"It is certain that under Dalglish I get more chances than I did in Hodgson's time," Meireles told the People.

"The system we play now is different. We play more in attack, which helps me. I don't know why, but perhaps Hodgson didn't think too well of me. But I am the same now as I was then."

Signed from Porto, Meireles spoke of the relationship 'King Kenny' has with the players, and how his style of training is also benefiting the players at Liverpool despite the defeat to West Ham yesterday.

"Kenny Dalglish is closer to the players and he also speaks to them a lot more in training. The relationship between the players and coach is more direct. Hodgson is a veteran coach, an old-school gentleman, and was respectful towards the players. But the injuries and bad start to the season damaged our work with him."

The £11.5 million acquisition is now an integral part of the Liverpool line-up, and his five goals in eight appearances suggests Dalglish really has made all the difference.

Charlie Adam To Turn Down Spurs For Liverpool Move

The Blackpool captain Charlie Adam was chased by the Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish for some time during January transfer window, but Ian Holloway was not impressed by the amount of money on offer and simply refused to allow him to move to Anfield.

Then the Spurs boss Harry Redknapp made an attempt to take Adam to White Hart Lane in the final hours, but yet again the paperwork was delayed enough by Blackpool to prevent any move happening before the final deadline.

Both teams are expected to return with new offers in the summer, especially as Harry Redknapp surprisingly named Adam in his top three players this year in the PFA awards, but according to today’s People, Adam will refuse a move to North London in favour of Liverpool as he is desperate to sign for the club he supported as a boy, and to work under Kenny Dalglish.

Adam is presently suffering from a mystery injury, but if he recovers well, it is nearly certain that Liverpool will return with a new bid for him in the summer, but they will have to match whatever Tottenham offer before Holloway will let him leave Blackpool.

Liverpool Target Opens Door For Big-Money Move

Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Young has reiterated his desire to wait until the end of the season before deciding whether he will commit his future to the Midlands club.

The announcement comes amidst heavy media speculation that Young is a transfer target for Liverpool, with Kenny Dalglish keen to bring the England international winger to Anfield reports the Metro.

Young’s current contract expires in the summer of 2012, and Villa chiefs will be keen to extend his deal after recent stunning performances has raised his profile even further.

If however he decides his long-term future lies away from Villa Park then boss Gerard Houllier may be forced to sell Young in the summer, or risk losing their prized asset for nothing in just sixteen months time.

"I have always said I will leave talks until the end of the season and that's how it is," Young explained in an interview with The Sun.

His reluctance to commit his future has alerted Liverpool who are keen to further strengthen their attacking options with a particular focus on recruiting a winger.

Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli has given the green light on a summer approach for Young, who has delivered some scintillating performances in the Barclays Premier League this season.

He scored twice in Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers, helping to extend Villa’s recent return to form, but Young is said to doubt his current club’s long-term ambition and capabilities reports SkySports.com.

A move to Liverpool could be favourable with Anfield owners NESV making a statement of intent in the recent January transfer window when they spent in excess of £50m for the capture of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in a bid to return the Reds to their former glories.

Long-term Liverpool Target Back On Anfield Radar

Want-away winger Sylvain Marveaux could still complete a move to Liverpool after Rennes chiefs admitted he would never again play for the Ligue 1 club.

The 24-year-old Frenchman emerged as an Anfield target in the January transfer window after the arrival of Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli.

Comolli was thought to be keen on using his contacts in France to persuade the player that Liverpool was the place to be, and Marveaux was reportedly in the Director’s box at Anfield for Liverpool’s home defeat against Wolves back in November.

Searching for a move away from France, Marveaux was left out-in-the-cold at Route de Lorient, rarely featuring for Les Rouges et Noirs this season.

And having now been ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a groin injury, Rennes General Manager Pierre Dreossi admitted, “We will never see Sylvain Marveaux in the jersey of Rennes again.”

The former France Under-21 international has spent his entire career to date at Rennes, but with his contract set to expire in the summer Liverpool now look to be the favourites to land the player’s signature.

According to skysports.com, Marveaux’s representatives have already entered discussions with a number of potential suitors.

Should Marveaux make the switch to Anfield, he is likely to provide Liverpool with an exciting attacking option – possessing bags of creative ability as well as an eye for goal.

Newcastle United had also expressed an interest in the former France U-21 international, with Alan Pardew looking to use some of the money generated from the sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool to considerably improve his current wage.

But that offer looks to have been placed on hold with Marveaux now likely to be heading to Anfield in time for next season.

Arsenal Planning £20 Million Move For Liverpool's Pepe Reina

Arsenal is plotting a £20 million bid to bring in Pepe Reina from Liverpool, according to the Daily Star.

The Gunners have struggled in the goalkeeper position since Jens Lehmann left the club at the end of the 2007-08 season, with 20-year-old Wojciech Szczesny now the first-choice shot-stopper.

With Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski having both failed to impress at the Emirates, it has been reported that the north London outfit are willing to break the bank for a world class goalkeeper.

It is thought that Reina is high on Arsene Wenger's wish-list and with the Reds' European aspirations having taken a blow with Birmingham's qualification for the Europa League as a result of their win at Wembley, Arsenal are reportedly ready to swoop.

Reina is said to have been offered a new £110,000-a-week deal to stay at Anfield but the Spaniard has made clear in recent weeks that he does not want to wait to play in the Champions League.

Manchester United have also been heavily linked with the former Villarreal man, who has become one of Liverpool's most consistent performers despite their erratic league form this season.

LFC Youngster Joins Hull On Loan

19-year-old Liverpool attacker David Amoo has joined Hull City on loan until the end of the season.

The deal is still subject to Football League clearance, but is expected to go through later today.

Amoo recently spent some time on loan at MK Dons, making three appearances, but now joins Championship side Hull in their quest for promotion.

Hull are currently ninth in the league, five points off the play-offs.

Amoo made his debut for Liverpool’s first team in the Europa League qualifier against Rabotnicki last summer.

Premier League Preview: West Ham United vs Liverpool

West Ham will continue their increasingly anxious fight against Premier League relegation when they host a Liverpool side which could feature Steven Gerrard.

Avram Grant's side have spent almost the entire season in the drop zone, but are still only eight points adrift of 10th-placed Stoke.

The fact that safety has remained tantalisingly within reach therefore provides reason for West Ham to be optimistic, but also frustrated that they have been unable to find any form of consistency.

Liverpool's season has been equally confusing as in the first half of the campaign they produced dreadfully uninspiring form for Roy Hodgson, but they have now gone eight games in all competitions without defeat under Kenny Dalglish.

That form has propelled the Anfield club into the top six and they are just eight points adrift of Tottenham, who sit in fourth place and crucially occupy the last UEFA Champions League position.

Liverpool, who defeated Sparta Prague on Thursday night to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, have refused to get carried away by talk of the top four, but there cause could be boosted by the return of captain Gerrard from his groin injury.

Injury news

The England international has missed the last three games and watched the win over Sparta from the stands, but is expected to feature at Upton Park.

There is less positive injury news for West Ham as they will again be without Matthew Upson due to an Achilles injury.

On-loan striker Robbie Keane, who spent an unhappy 18 months with Liverpool earlier in his career, will not face his former club as he remains absent with a calf strain.

German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is expected to make his Premier League debut for West Ham after overcoming injury to feature in Monday's FA Cup demolition of Burnley.

Liverpool will check on Martin Kelly and Daniel Agger, who were both forced off against Sparta, and Glen Johnson (Achilles).

Fabio Aurelio (adductor) is out and Andy Carroll (thigh) is still unlikely to make his debut, but Luis Suarez returns after being ineligible for the recent European games.

Possible starting XIs:

West Ham: Green, Reid, Tomkins, Jacobsen, Bridge, Sears, Parker, Noble, Hitzlsperger, Cole, Ba.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel ,Carragher, Kelly, Lucas, Gerrard, Maxi, Meireles, Kuyt, Suarez.

Kuyt Relishes Luis Partnership

Dirk Kuyt believes he can strike up a formidable partnership with new signing Luis Suarez because they speak the same language - that being Dutch.

The 30-year-old feels the capture of the Uruguayan is the key to reigniting Liverpool's stuttering season.

Having played for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, Kuyt says he and former Ajax striker Suarez can create a deadly double Dutch partnership because they are on the same wavelength.

"Sometimes it is helpful to speak in the same language because defenders can't understand what you are saying," the Dutchman told the Daily Mirror.

"I know I can help him. He speaks Dutch after his time in Holland, and that is good in terms of partnership.

"He played for the rival Ajax but every week I watch the Dutch league and I know how well he has been playing. The time we played together, I thought it went well and it will only get better.

"I was excited when he signed and the first thing I told the lads and everyone around the club was that we had signed a top, top player."

Kuyt is in no doubt that the Reds have pulled off one of the signings of the season having paid £23 million for the 24-year-old's services.

And in turn he believes Suarez has joined one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

"I phoned him just before the deal was completed and told him he was signing for a big club," Kuyt said.

"And I am sure it is just a matter of time before we get back in the Champions League."