Liverpool Can Still Enjoy Success This Season, According To The Bookies

After a very bright start to the season for Liverpool which saw them made favourites from the chasing pack to finish in the top four things seem to have gone a little wrong with draws taking over from wins as Liverpool’s most common result at Anfield and the bookies now think that Liverpool could struggle to break into the top four this season.

After a few games this season Liverpool were the overwhelming favourites for a top finish and could be backed at 4/7, which was much shorter than the 5/4 that was available at the start of the season. Going into this international break Liverpool have managed to win just one of their last four league matches and with Arsenal, Spurs and even Sunderland still in great form it is no surprise that the bookies have had to push out Liverpool’s top four odds, they can now be backed at 2/1 to finish in the top four and that means the bookies think Liverpool are going to finish sixth this season, although it will only take a couple of good results to see Liverpool’s odds shorten again.

Liverpool were just 14/1 to win the Premiership at the start of the season and most Liverpool fans knew that this season was going to be far too early in the rebuilding process for a legitimate title challenge, it is therefore no surprise that Liverpool have now drifted out to a more realistic 66/1 for Premiership success this season. Whatever happens this season a top six finish does look pretty much guaranteed with the bookies offering just 1/14 for that.

Liverpool fans will be not only hoping for a successful season for the team but also for the manager and players as individuals. Kenny Dalglish could be a contender for manager of the season if he oversees Liverpool’s return to the Champions League, he is rated at 14/1 to pick up that award. As far as player awards go, you can already bet on the PFA Player Of The Year Award and Liverpool’s most likely winner is Luis Suarez, he is the fifth favourite for the award at 16/1.

Even if Liverpool don’t make it back into the Champions League this season there is still a decent chance of silverware with Liverpool going strong in the Carling Cup. Liverpool are in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup and can be backed at 7/1 to win the competition which is a bit shorter than they are to win the FA Cup, which is yet to start properly, Liverpool are 10/1 to win that tournament.

Damiao Could Remain

Brazilian sensation Leandro Damiao has revealed that he could follow Neymar's lead by opting to remain in South America.

Earlier this week Neymar, who had looked set to move to Spain next year, signed a new long-term contract with Santos.

Despite signing a new deal in the summer, Damiao was being strongly with a New Year move to Tottenham - whilst Liverpool, AC Milan and Ukrainian giants Dnipro and Dinamo Kyiv were also being linked.

Damiao has had a sensational season so far in Brazil with Internacional scoring 17 goals in just 13 starts.

And Damiao's agent Vinicius Prates, who works for 9ine, has revealed that their client is looking to stay.

"In 9ine's strategy, the best outcome is for Damiao to continue in Brazilian football, as our economy is strong and he could become the face of a large national brand for two or three years," agent Vinicius Prates told Zero Hora.

"Damiao's sale is not assured. It would be not be too daring to say he will stay in Inter.

"I have already been contacted by all the biggest clubs in Europe but, with the link to 9ine, the chances have grown. Neymar's situation, however, is difficult to compare with Damiao and Inter."

Inter vice-president Luis Anapio Gomes confirmed that Inter would look to offer Damiao a suitable deal, even if they cannot afford to match what Santos are paying Neymar.

"It is true that we cannot compare the economic situation at Santos with what we have here, but we will do everything we can to keep [Damiao]. But I still cannot guarantee he will stay," the director revealed.

"We cannot sell some players in order to keep others. We will not have a mass sale, but if there is interest everyone is negotiable. It is undeniable that Damiao and Oscar are the two most important names we need to keep hold of."

Arsenal & Liverpool Alerted As Wigan Star Stalls On New Contract

Arsenal and Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on Hugo Rodallega's situation at Wigan with the centre-forward stalling on a new contract.

The Colombian international was linked with moves to both Arsenal and Liverpool over the summer, but no official offer was made.

Despite failing to land a move to a bigger club during the off-season, Rodallega remains on both sides' radars along with Everton and Juventus.

And a move away from the DW Stadium appears increasingly as the 26-year-old is yet to agree new terms with his current contract due to expire next summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Wigan are well aware of the interest in their star striker and have told him to resolve his future before the January transfer window opens.

The Latics must decide whether to cash in on Rodallega in the new year or risk losing him for free at the end of the season.

Rodallega is valued at £15m by Wigan, but they are likely to entertain offers of around £10m due to his contract situation.

Carroll Not Worth Anywhere Near £35million - Llambias

Newcastle's managing director Derek Llambias has allegedly launched a stunning rant against former managers Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer and said that Andy Carroll was not worth the £35 million that Liverpool paid for him.

A report in the Sunday Mirror claims that Llambias was caught on tape slamming the Newcastle legends to Toon fans in a bar and former Magpies striker Carroll bore the brunt of the foul-mouthed abuse.

"I have to admit that £30m for Andy Carroll is a lot of money," Lambias reportedly said, before responding when one supporter asked him "Is he worth £30m?": "No - he's worth f*** all."

With Chelsea closing a deal worth £50 million for Fernando Torres on January's deadline day, Liverpool was under pressure to bring in a new striker and Llambias claimed that they could push for the entire Carroll fee up front.

Llambias explained: "It is about control. We had the control. We knew the Torres deal was there. We drew that f****** deal, perhaps the ultimate. So £30m? F*** off! Don't waste my time and I slammed the phone down.

"£35m? Everybody including Pardew [manager Alan Pardew] all agreed. But the £35m they wanted to pay over four years. It was rubbish. Mike (Ashley) said - and he is a brave boy Mike I promise you - get all the £35m up front. We got it all up front and then they never paid us on time and we charged them 12 grand f****** interest."

Llambias then turned his attention to one of Newcastle's most celebrated icons, former manager Kevin Keegan, and claimed that he was only brought back to the club for a second spell in 2008 to appease potential Arab owners who were trying to buy the club.

"Kevin Keegan can't take pressure. His f****** head is all over the place," said Llambias. "Mike (Ashley) was selling to the Arabs and they wanted Kevin Keegan. The Arabs wanted him, the fans wanted him - perfect!"

Another Geordie legend then got both barrels as Llambias admitted that the appointment of Alan Shearer in April was not right, saying: "Shearer was my choice and I have to hold up my hands - the wrong choice... he gave all the responsibility to (assistant Iain) Dowie. Rubbish!"

The most recent Newcastle boss to be sacked, Chris Hughton, was also the subject of the tirade as a fan asked why he was dismissed a year ago.

Llambias responded: "He would never have taken us where we want to be. That's my decision by the way. Chris can't make decisions. If I am asking about a player, Ben Arfa? He says 'I'm not sure, blah blah'. With Chris, he couldn't cope with where we are mentally. We are aggressive. You need to be aggressive. I don't want a manager below me who can't argue."

Xabi: I Learnt From Carra, Stevie, Didi & Sami

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has told how he feels the Spanish national side benefited from players moving to play in the Premier League, including himself.

Alonso moved to Anfield in 2004 and spent five years at the club under Rafa Benitez. He is still held in high regard by Liverpool supporters and always speaks affectionately of his time at the club, where he won the Champions League in 2005.

The influential midfielder, now at Real Madrid, told The Guardian how he feels he learned from experienced players in Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Dietmar Hamann and Sami Hyypia;

“I listened and learnt from people like [Jamie] Carragher, Stevie [Gerrard], Didi Hamann and Sami Hyypia and definitely improved.”

Holloway Gives Shelvey New Role

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway believes a new role behind the strikers is bringing out the best of loanee Jonjo Shelvey.

The Liverpool midfielder is on loan with the Seasiders until the end of December and has so far netted five goals in seven games.

This included a hat-trick against Leeds United while playing in a more advanced role.

Holloway said: "I played Jonjo in a slightly different role in the Leeds and Millwall games. I talked to him about movement because I feel he is very good at that.

"He has obviously got a lot of talent and he is playing well at the moment. He just needs to keep it going every week because that's what top players do."

The England U21 international is enjoying the freedom that Holloway has granted him as he continues to gain first-team experience in the Championship.

Shelvey said: "I'm now playing in a role that I've played for England a few times and it suits me.

"You just roam about the pitch, try to get on the ball and make things happen.

"With my forward running, I think I can break and score goals. I proved that at Leeds, setting up the first goal and scoring a few as well. I like the position the manager has put me in.

"You always want more goals but I am happy with five in seven. I'm pleased with the way I've played in most games, but there have been a few when I've not been at the races.

"But against Leeds and Bristol City (Shelvey's debut) and in the second half of the Burnley game I think I've done well, so I'm generally very happy."

Sama: We Spur Each Other On

Stephen Sama is hopeful his partnership with Andre Wisdom will drive the duo towards their goal of making an impact on Liverpool's long-term future.

The Germany U19 international believes the pair are developing a strong understanding at reserve team level and admits they push each other to keep improving on a daily basis.

Sama told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Andre is a very funny guy. We spend a lot of time together. When I first arrived I found it hard to understand him because my English wasn't so great.

"But he has helped me so much and now we are working well together throughout each game we play at the heart of the defence. I think we have a good partnership and hopefully we can keep progressing to give the club options as centre backs in the future.

"I've been to Melwood and seen how the first-team train a few times now. You try to pick up as much as you possibly can from those guys because they are at the level we are all hoping to reach.

"I make sure I work each day so that I can one day have the chance to return there and show the boss I can be good for Liverpool."

Reds Make NextGen Progress

Liverpool has qualified for the NextGen Series knockout stage following Sporting Lisbon's win in Molde on Saturday night.

The Portuguese outfit claimed a thrilling 4-3 success in Norway to ensure they will finish as Group 2 winners having amassed an impressve 13 points so far.

The result also means Liverpool's seven point haul is enough to clinch the runners-up spot, with (Wolfsburg 6 points) and Molde (four points) having completed all of their matches.

Rodolfo Borrell's charges will now travel to Lisbon for the final contest of the group on Wednesday night.

U18s Academy Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 2 Bolton

Liverpool under-18s suffered a disappointing defeat to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon in a game they largely dominated.

Bolton came into the game having only won once this season but showed no signs of nerves as they came close after only one minute when centre back Threlkeld got free in the box only to head straight at Jamie Stephens.

There was an open feel about the game as Liverpool settled into their experimental formation and there were chances at both ends as Moli and McLaughlin went close for Liverpool whilst sixteen year old Zach Clough took advantage of hesitant defending by Joe Rafferty to for Stephens into another good save.

From there however, Liverpool gained control of the game with Peterson stinging goalkeeper Lewis Fielding’s fingers from 20 yards and Sumner forcing an even better stop from the Bolton ‘keeper a couple of minutes later. Another threat was stand in left back Jack Dunn who tried in vain all afternoon to find a way past the resolute Fielding.

Late on in the first half, Dave Moli went through and 1v1 hit the post but was ruled offside. At half time Mike Marsh made some more changes, bringing on Michael Wilson for the injured Matty Regan and new American signing Marc Pelosi also came on replacing the out of form Yalany Baio.

Unfortunately for Liverpool it was Michael Wilson who was immediately involved as he brought down Chris Lester who looked to have gotten around him. Lester took the penalty himself and scored it. 1-0 – Chris Lester.

Shortly afterwards there was controversy, as Liverpool lined up a free kick a Bolton player hit the deck in an incident the cameras did not pick up. The referee did not see the incident but the Bolton players reacted angrily towards Jack Dunn and after talking to his linesman the referee returned to issue a straight red card to winger Kris Peterson. Whether the linesman actually saw the incident though is debatable as he did not originally raise his flag to bring it to the referee’s attention.

Despite the disadvantage the Red’s were still on top of the game and continued to push with Lussey, Gainford and Moli all going close in a goalmouth scramble. Against the run of play Bolton extended the lead, the ever dangerous Caton finally escaped McLaughlin’s attentions and fired in at the near post after it appeared Jamie Stephens got a little bit confused regarding his positioning.

Just one minute later Dave Moli got his reward for hard work from the front as he touched it round Fielding and placed it into the empty goal. So a disappointing defeat for the young Reds but one that was thoroughly undeserved. A little bit more invention and control in possession and these silly defeats will be comfortable victories.

Bellamy: Reds Will Get Stronger

Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy admits Liverpool have "slipped up" of late, but expects them to get "stronger and stronger" as the season progresses.

Three successive home draws, including being held by Norwich and Swansea, have seen Kenny Dalglish's side drop off the pace at the top of the Premier League table.

But Wales striker Bellamy insists there are no real issues at the club - and nothing to worry about.

"We have slipped up a little bit in recent weeks, and this is no disrespect to Swansea, but if we have an ambition to finish in the top four, we have to win those types of games," he told the Daily Mirror.

"But we do have the players here to reach the top four and get in the Champions League again. I feel this team will get stronger and stronger as the year goes on.

"Despite the results at home, there is a great atmosphere around the place, it's very relaxed, but always with the view to getting into the Champions League next season.

"I've really enjoyed being back at Liverpool, I've enjoyed working with a quality group of players.

"Training is very intense, but very enjoyable, and there is a feeling we will improve.

"Rafa Benitez's team was very good too and very efficient. But I do feel this team - with Kenny's stamp on it - isn't too far off Rafa's."

Staunton Backs Dalglish Over Liverpool Fixture Pile-Up

Steve Staunton has backed Kenny Dalglish’s criticism of Liverpool’s upcoming schedule.

The Reds face Manchester City in an important Premier League fixture at the end of the month, followed by Chelsea in the League Cup quarter-finals just 48 hours later.

Dalglish claimed on Thursday: “It is disgraceful in this day and age that players are being asked to play a league game and then a quarter-final just 48 hours later.

“The one thing I will say to our fans is to think carefully before buying tickets for the League Cup game.

"We do not want them spending their money and then we decide there is no other option but to use only young players in the tie."

Many believe the Liverpool boss will devalue the League Cup by playing a weakened side but ex-Anfield favourite Staunton has backed his former manager.

“Kenny Dalglish takes every game seriously, even a five-a-side, let alone a Carling Cup quarter-final,” he told Keys and Gray.

“He’s trying to put the point across that it’s a disgrace. It’s the League Cup, why does it have to be 48 hours after an important league game?

“The league is the priority for every team in the country but I’m sure Kenny Dalglish would love to get some silverware and I’m sure he targeted the Carling Cup ,as well as the FA Cup. They [the Football League] could give them an extra day.”

Liverpool Closing In On Basel Youngster Nicholas Hunziker

Liverpool are close to signing Nicholas Hunziker from Basel ahead of some of Europe’s top sides, according to The Mirror.

Hunziker is a 15-year old midfielder and came to the attention of Liverpool after scoring a hat-trick for the Swiss youth side on his debut.

Liverpool scout Frank McParland has been to check on the youngster on numerous occasions and it is thought he has persuaded manager Kenny Dalglish to move for the Basel player before he is snapped up by another club.

Hunziker would be able to move to Anfield for a minimal fee, and the Reds are keen to tie down a deal for the player who has had scouts flocking from all over Europe to check on his talent.

Dalglish has been keen to build a youthful side at Liverpool after bringing through Martin Kelly, John Flanagan and Conor Coady to the first-team, and is now looking around the continent to bring the best talent to the club.

It is thought that Hunziker would jump at the chance to move to Liverpool with the club making progress under the stewardship of club legend Dalglish in his second spell as manager.

Luis Happy After Copying Romario

Luis Suarez declared himself 'very happy' after scoring all four goals in a 4-0 win over Chile to help Uruguay stay top of the South American World Cup qualifying group.

Our No.7 became the first player to fire four in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier since Brazil's Romario in October 2000.

He hit two in three minutes just before the break, including a stunning low drill with his left foot from 25 yards.

Two more followed after half-time before Suarez went home with the match ball.

He then posted on Facebook: "What a great game! Very happy with the win and the four goals.

"This is a very important step for the classification. Thanks to my teammates and everyone for the support they always give me! Hugs to all!"

Suarez scored four goals several times for former club Ajax but had never done so for his country.

Elsewhere, Daniel Agger played 90 minutes as Denmark beat Sweden 2-0, and Dirk Kuyt also went the distance in Holland's goalless draw with Switzerland.

On Thursday Lucas featured as a substitute in Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Gabon.

Jordan Henderson Wants Team GB Olympic Captaincy

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson says he wants to captain Team GB at the Olympic Games after manager Stuart Pearce handed him the armband for the England Under-21s.

Henderson made a big money move from Sunderland to Liverpool during this summer and is so far yet to produce his best form for his new club, but has received a welcome boost from Pearce, who will also manage the British Olympic side.

The 21-year old was made captain of Pearce’s England Under-21 team, leading to suggestions that Henderson could be given the same role at the Olympic Games in 2012.

“I’m happy with the way things have gone,” Henderson said in an article in The Mirror.

“I went to Liverpool and I’m improving, there are great players I can learn from and I love playing for England ­Under-21s.

“I tend not to think about the captaincy too much – I’m still a player for the team and I need to focus on my job – but I try to lead by example.”

Henderson is unlikely to be involved in England’s Euro 2012 campaign and admits he already has one eye on the Olympics next summer.

“Everyone would love to play in the Olympic team.

“Anyone who is picked will be grateful. It should be British players, not just English players, but that’s not up to me.”

Aurelio Eager To Force His Way Into Liverpool FC Team

Fabio Aurelio is on a mission to force his way back into Kenny Dalglish’s plans.

The Brazilian left-back hasn’t featured for Liverpool so far this season due to his injury problems and the excellent form of new recruit Jose Enrique.

Aurelio, who has only made the Reds’ matchday squad on one occasion, was an unused substitute for last month’s Carling Cup tie at Stoke City.

“I feel strong but when you don’t have many minutes on the pitch then match fitness is not the same,” he said.

“I’ve been available more or less since the Man United game. I’ve been training and waiting for the opportunity to have minutes on the pitch.

“When you’re at a big club you have to be ready to take the opportunity.

“It’s in Kenny’s hands whether he decides if he wants to use me or not but my desire is to always be available.”

Injuries have restricted the 32-year-old to 131 appearances since joining Liverpool in 2006 but the defender says his faith has helped keep his spirits up during some dark days.

“It’s not easy to stay positive as I have a history of injuries and lots of problems,” Aurelio added.

“With time you get a bit frustrated as well. Sometimes it puts you down a little bit.

“Being a Christian helps me a lot to go through it and the support of my family has been very important for me.

“Every time I come back I feel like I’m able to do it again, which encourages me to keep fighting and keep looking for what I want, which is to keep playing matches and enjoying football.”

Reds Coach Keen On Kenny

Kevin Keen is relishing his role as Liverpool first-team coach, and explained why he felt a tinge of nerves when coming face-to-face with Kenny Dalglish for the very first time.

The Reds boss' illustrious reputation in world football left the former West Ham United man - who has been working at Anfield for four months now - feeling a little apprehensive, but Keen reveals how he was pleasantly surprised after their initial Melwood meeting.

"It's been brilliant working with Kenny," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "You come in with this idea of Kenny being this hero.

"I grew up in the '70s when Liverpool really, really took on the world and were the best club side in world football. Kenny was the star of that team.

"So you come in with these ideas of him being a superstar, but in fact he's just a gentleman. A really, really good man who desperately wants Liverpool to do well."

Keen says that the fact he, Dalglish, and fellow first-team coach Steve Clarke all share the same philosophies about how football should be played, has made for a harmonious atmosphere around the training ground.

"This is my 10th year coaching, and my philosophy has always been that training has got to be fun and enjoyable," he continued. "I always enjoyed certain types of training more than others, and I think the fun element is a massive part of training every day, week in week out.

"Even though the game has become more professional, everything is on the telly and everything has got to be spot on, I still think the fun and enjoyment element has got to be there. I think Kenny is very important in that role.

"He is a fantastic leader of Liverpool Football Club, a really good manager. All of those little aspects in terms of man-management, making sure you have a little bit of fun when the time is right, Kenny is fantastic at that."

Academy Duo Go Back To School

Two Academy youngsters paid a special visit to Four Oaks Primary School earlier this week to help Liverpool Football Club deliver their 'Truth 4 Youth' message.

Matty McGiveron and Craig Roddan dropped by to host a special assembly at the Liverpool school and deliver anti-racism, anti-bullying and positive community messages to pupils in years 3 to 6.

After an enjoyable sing-a-long with community department manager Bill Bygroves got the afternoon off to a lively start, the children were given a Truth 4 Youth workbook to complete.

McGiveron and Roddan were then interviewed by the Four Oaks year 6 councilors which will feature in the school's newsletter to parents.

"The Truth 4 Youth assemblies hit home key messages that Liverpool Football Club endorses to pupils within our city," said LFC's Kickz officer Forbes Duff.

"All of the issues highlighted in the school assemblies are relevant to young people growing up in today's society and hopefully they will carry these messages throughout the school life and into adulthood.

"The support and encouragement given by Matty and Craig to the pupils was fantastic as they encouraged the pupils to take on board the messages and study hard in school."

Arsenal & Liverpool Expected To Make Offers For Real Madrid Winger

Liverpool, Arsenal and a host of Turkish clubs could be set to battle for the signature of winger Hamit Altintop after reports in Spain claimed Real Madrid are ready to off-load him in a knockdown fee in January.

Real boss Jose Mourinho signed the 28-year-old on a free transfer after his Bayern Munich contract expired and it was thought at the time to be a smart, low-risk move.

However, Altintop has found opportunities limited this season due to the plethora of top-quality midfielders in competition and according to Insidefutbol.com, will be offered the chance to leave in January.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in the Turkey international with Arsene Wenger tempted by the low cost measured against his high level of experience.

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is eager to boost his wide options and is thought to be considering an approach.

Both Premier League clubs will face competition from clubs in Altintop's homeland and the chance to return to Turkey may sway the former Schalke star.

Keita Flattered By Reds Talk

Barcelona star Seydou Keita has told skysports.com that he is flattered by reported interest from Liverpool in him.

The 31-year-old has over three years left on his current deal at Camp Nou, having been handed a contract extension earlier this year.

But reports have claimed that Liverpool, along with Russian giants Anzhi Makhachkala, is keen to land the Mali international.

Keita admitted it was good to hear about interest from Merseyside, but also insisted he was more than happy with life at Barcelona where he has started more than half of their league games this season.

"Liverpool is a great club, it is fantastic to hear that they are interested in me, but you know how I feel about Barcelona," he told skysports.com.

"However we are in football and nothing is an absolute, so let's wait until the end of the season.

"I want to play more games than last season, playing regularly in a winning team is very good for the player, but the Premier League is very attractive and exciting for any player.

"My contract runs until 2014, at the end of the season we will see."

Balague Breaks Silence Over Villa To Liverpool Rumour

Reports linking Liverpool with a shock move for Barcelona striker David Villa have been rubbished by SkySports' Spanish correspondent Guillem Balague, who took to his website to comment on the speculation.

According to Valencia-based paper Superdeporte, the 29-year-old Spaniard is unhappy at the Camp Nou because of the problems he is having playing alongside Lionel Messi.

The newspaper also claimed that Villa's situation was being monitored by Reds boss Kenny Dalglish - who could make a shock move for the Barca star in January.

"It's important we put David Villa's circumstances at Barcelona into context," said Balague. "First of all, yes, I do believe that there is most definitely something to the notion that the footballing relationship between Messi and Villa is not quite as good as it could be.

"Villa hasn't been finding the back of the net as frequently as he has done in recent years. [But] at Barcelona, he is playing a very different role to that of a traditional number nine and he's sharing the attack with the best player in the world."

Liverpool have been linked with a number of Europe's leading lights ever since the takeover of Fenway Sports Group at Anfield - but Balague is adamant that Villa will not be one player who moves to Merseyside.

"The player knows he's at the club where he is most likely to win things and he has no intention of leaving," he concluded. "And even if he did, Villa has never been keen on leaving Spain."

The country's premier radio station Cadena SER has reported that Liverpool made initial contact with Villa's agent in an attempt to establish whether a deal could be brokered, but latest developments now look to have extinguished those claims.