Liverpool F.c.

[scousemouse]

Just not to many Rafa :

RAFA READY TO MAKE CHANGES

Rafael Benitez has hinted he will make changes to the side which comfortably defeated Portsmouth at the weekend for this afternoon's clash with Derby County. With the Reds playing four games in less than two weeks over the holiday period the manager is mindful of the need to keep his players as fresh as possible, but he is confident he has the strength in depth to rotate his side without results suffering.

"The team is playing well but sometimes you can see some players really tire," he said.

"On Saturday Steven Gerrard, after the stomach problems he had, was a little bit tired at the end, and Torres could be more or less the same.

"Sometimes you don't know. Players like Sami Hyypia can be fit in two or three days but maybe they need more. We will check during the week.

"Sami had some problem in his hamstring the other day but we had to protect him and at 34 it's very difficult. We need to think about who will play in these positions. If we need to change players it's not a problem, because you can see the level of Lucas or Xabi Alonso. We can use players with enough quality."

Benitez, meanwhile, is warning his players against complacency today as they face a team who were on the wrong end of a 6-0 defeat at Anfield earlier in the season.

"Everyone is expecting us to beat Derby, but we have had experience of Reading - so we will have a lot of respect for Derby and will try to win this game," he said.

"When you play away against a team which is battling relegation it is always very difficult."

[scousemouse]

Derby v Liverpool

Derby skipper Matt Oakley remains a doubt with the groin strain that forced him out of the draw at Newcastle.

Stephen Bywater picked up a shoulder injury and Darren Moore a back problem in the match at St James' Park but both are expected to face Liverpool.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is likely to make changes with a tough trip to Manchester City looming next Sunday.

Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Fabio Aurelio, Lucas and Jack Hobbs could all be in line for a starting place.

Derby (from): Bywater, Mears, Moore, McEveley, Leacock, Barnes, Edworthy, Oakley, Pearson, Lewis, Fagan, Howard, Miller, Teale, Earnshaw, Feilhaber, Holmes, Price.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hobbs, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kewell, Babel, Lucas, Sissoko, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje.

Derby manager Paul Jewell:

"I am a realist, I know we have got it all to do.

"All I can ask of the players is that they give me everything they have got.

"Day-to-day we are gradually improving and coming around to the way we want to do things because every manager is different and does things differently."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez:

"It is too early to talk about the title or whether we will be in the top four.

"There are a number of sides who are playing well, so you cannot say who are going to be contenders.

"My idea is one game at a time and then see if we are in the top four at the end of the season."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Paul Jewell takes his new charges to the city of his birth looking for a first win as Derby manager, having stopped the rot with a first point in seven outings from Sunday's 2-2 draw at Newcastle.

Liverpool look for the victory to take them back into the top four from their 600th Premier League fixture.

Derby have only ever won one Premier League game on Boxing Day; they defeated Newcastle 1-0 at home in 1997.

Liverpool have lost only two of the 13 Premier League matches played on 26 December, but one of the pair was 1-0, away to Blackburn, last year.

Liverpool are unbeaten in seven Premier League matches against Derby, including wins in the last three with an aggregate of 9-0.

CLUB FORM

DERBY COUNTY

Fixtures

Highest achievable: 20th

Lowest could fall: 20th

1. The only club with one Premier League win (from 18 attempts).

2. Lost more Premier League matches than any other club (13), dropped an unequalled 47 points, and own the worst goal difference in English and Scottish league football of -33.

3. Scored fewer Premier League goals than any other club; eight, at one every 203 minutes (three hours 23 minutes) on average. Also, conceded more than anyone else; 41, at one every 40 minutes.

4. Pressing for a first win in 13 league outings.

5. Picked up three points from a last possible 36, since their only league victory of the season; 1-0, home to Newcastle on 17 September.

6. Failed to score in an unequalled 12 Premier League matches this season; and lost all 13 matches in which their opponents have scored the opening goal.

7. The current total of seven points from 18 games is nine fewer than accrued by this stage in 2001-02, when they were last relegated from the Premier League.

8. Picked up only one win and two draws from their eight home league matches.

9. Not scored at home in four league games or 431 minutes (seven hours 11 minutes) since Kenny Miller's early goal in the 1-1 draw with Bolton on 29 September.

10. Home to Blackburn next Sunday, before the trip to Bolton on 2 January.

LIVERPOOL

Club statsFixtures

Highest achievable: 4th

Lowest could fall: 7th

1. The 4-1 home win over Portsmouth on Saturday followed back-to-back losses in league and cup, and ended a two-game losing streak in the Premier League.

2. Won three of the last five league outings, scoring a total of 11 goals in those three victories.

3. Netted a goal every 49 minutes of Premier League football played; only leaders Arsenal have a better rate at one every 45 minutes.

4. Conceded 11 times in the Premier League; only Manchester United (nine) and Chelsea (10) have shipped fewer.

5. Fallen behind from the outset three times in Premier League games this term; only Manchester United have conceded the opening goal on as few occasions.

6. Been shown 21 cards in Premier League competition this season (all yellows); Everton have also been shown as few as 21 but theirs are comprised of 19 yellow and two red.

7. The third strongest club away from home in the Premier League having accrued 17 points from a possible 24; won five and drawn two on their league travels since losing 0-1 to Fulham in their last away match of last season on 5 May.

8. Lost 3-1 at Reading in their last away league game; not suffered back-to-back away defeats since returning from Portsmouth and Fulham with no points on 28 April and 5 May respectively.

9. Boast the best defensive record away from home in the highest league with just five goals conceded in eight matches.

10. Must visit Manchester City on Sunday, before the home clash with Wigan on 2 January.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

DERBY COUNTY

Kenny MILLER is Derby's joint top scorer with three Premier League goals.

Goalkeeper Stephen BYWATER is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Derby's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

Matt OAKLEY will be making his 250th Premier League appearance (Southampton and Derby).

If on the field from the outset:-

Craig FAGAN will be making his 150th career league start (Bristol City, Colchester, Hull and Derby).

LIVERPOOL

Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with 14 goals, and their leading marksman in the Premier League with eight.

Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.

Suspended:-

Peter CROUCH

HEAD TO HEAD

Liverpool are on course to complete a fourth Premier League double over Derby, having outclassed them with a devastating display of fire-power in the 6-0 thrashing at Anfield in September, a victory that shot the Merseysiders to the top of the table for the first time in five years.

The Reds also did the double when they last met the Rams in 2001-02.

Derby have not enjoyed victory over Liverpool since Jim Smith's side prevailed 3-2 at Pride Park on 13 March 1999 with the aid of a Paulo Wanchope double.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Derby 32 wins, Liverpool 65, Draws 28

Prem: Derby 3 wins, Liverpool 9, Draws 1

at Derby only

League (inc PL): Derby 26 wins, Liverpool 23, Draws 13

Prem: Derby 2 wins, Liverpool 4, Draws 0

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE Liverpool 6-0 Derby County

1 September 2007 - Ref: Alan Wiley

Liverpool scorers: Alonso 27, Babel 45, Torres 56, Alonso 69, Voronin 76, Torres 78

[kopite]

so we go into our last game of this year better off on points than we have in the last four years.

we have also gained more points since jan 1st than any other team every season for the last four years.

doom and gloom? not me. batter the good mancs, and we are looking good imho!!!

[scousemouse]

so we go into our last game of this year better off on points than we have in the last four years.

we have also gained more points since jan 1st than any other team every season for the last four years.

doom and gloom? not me. batter the good mancs, and we are looking good imho!!!

sounds good to me kopite

[mrtoad]

so we go into our last game of this year better off on points than we have in the last four years.

we have also gained more points since jan 1st than any other team every season for the last four years.

doom and gloom? not me. batter the good mancs, and we are looking good imho!!!

sounds good to me kopite

Sounds hopeful

[scousemouse]

so we go into our last game of this year better off on points than we have in the last four years.

we have also gained more points since jan 1st than any other team every season for the last four years.

doom and gloom? not me. batter the good mancs, and we are looking good imho!!!

sounds good to me kopite

Sounds hopeful

better hopeful than not , it is christmas

[scousemouse]

Man City v Liverpool

Manchester City midfield duo Elano and Dietmar Hamann are set to be recalled after being rested for the 2-2 draw against Blackburn.

Fellow midfielder Michael Johnson again misses out because of a groin injury.

Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger (foot) may be rushed back as Sami Hyypia is a doubt with an ankle injury.

If the pair are not fit, youngster Jack Hobbs could play or Alvaro Arbeloa (flu) could be used in central defence. Peter Crouch is suspended.

News conference: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

Man City (from): Hart, Isaksson, Onuoha, Corluka, Sun, Dunne, Richards, Garrido, Ball, Ireland, Hamann, Elano, Fernandes, Geovanni, Petrov, Mpenza, Vassell, Bianchi, Samaras.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hobbs, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Kewell, Voronin, Torres, Kuyt, Lucas, Agger, Itandje.

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson on Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard:

"He is one of the best players you can find. He has everything.

"I am not sure how to stop Steven. We shall have to find a way.

"I know if you give him space and time and the chance to run forward with or without the ball, he is incredible."

<LI>Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:

"Daniel Agger is closer, he has been training this week.

"We will wait to see how Sami is but we can use Jack or we push Agger to play.

"It will be difficult against Manchester City with this problem. They are fighting at the top with us and Sunday's game is very important. We have to plan carefully."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

The club with the joint best home record in the Premier League meets the one with the strongest away form.

Manchester City have had two draws over Christmas and dropped points at Eastlands for the first time this season; Liverpool are looking to extend their 100% holiday programme with a third straight win.

Manchester City have not scored a single goal in four Premier League matches with the Merseysiders.

CLUB FORM

MANCHESTER CITY

Club statsFixtures(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Won 10 Premier League matches so far this season; only Manchester United (14), Arsenal (13) and Chelsea (11) have won more.

2. Lost one of the last eight league outings.

3. Bagged seven points more than their previous best after the first 19 matches of a Premier League season; that being 28 points in 1994-95 when they tailed off badly and finished 17th.

4. Won 13 of 23 league and cup matches under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

5. Won nine and drawn three of the 12 league games in which they have scored first, but won only one of the six in which the opposition has opened the scoring.

6. One of three clubs to have won as many as nine home Premier League matches; the others are Arsenal and Manchester United.

7. Already accounted for Derby, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Sunderland, Reading and Bolton at Eastlands.

8. Blackburn are the only club this season to leave the City of Manchester Stadium with a point, from the 2-2 draw on Thursday night.

9. Gained 21 more points home than away so far this season; the widest such disparity in the Premier League.

10. A trip to Newcastle is scheduled for 2 January.

LIVERPOOL

Club statsFixtures (all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Won 10 Premier League matches so far this season; only Manchester United (14), Arsenal (13) and Chelsea (11) have won more.

2. Won five of the last seven league outings.

3. Conceded 12 times in the Premier League; only Manchester United (nine) have shipped fewer.

4. Fallen behind from the outset three times in Premier League games this term; only Manchester United have conceded the opening goal on as few occasions.

5. Been shown 21 cards in Premier League competition this season (all yellows); Everton have also been shown as few as 21 but theirs are comprised of 19 yellow and two red.

6. Picked up 20 Premier League points on the road; more than any other club.

7. Won two more matches and secured four more points away from home than at Anfield so far this term.

8. Accounted for Aston Villa, Sunderland, Wigan, Everton, Newcastle and Derby on their league travels.

9. Boast the joint best defensive record away from home in the highest league with just six goals conceded in nine matches; identical to West Ham's figures.

10. A home clash with Wigan is lined up for 2 January.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

MANCHESTER CITY

ELANO and Rolando BIANCHI are Manchester City's joint leading scorers with five goals each.

ELANO, BIANCHI and Michael PETROV are the club's joint top Premier League marksmen with four goals a piece.

GEOVANNI has scored the quickest goal of this Premier League season. He netted after 28 seconds of Steve Bruce's first game in charge of Wigan at the JJB Stadium on 1 December.

Darius VASSELL needs a double to total 50 career Premier League goals (Aston Villa and Manchester City).

If selected:-

Dietmar HAMANN will be facing a former club.

LIVERPOOL

Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with 15 goals, and their leading marksman in the Premier League with nine.

Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

Dirk KUYT will be making his 50th Premier League appearance.

Suspended:-

Peter CROUCH (one match)

HEAD TO HEAD

Manchester City have only beaten Liverpool once in a home Premier League game since 1995; that was 1-0 on 9 April 2005 when a Kiki Musampa goal in stoppage time secured the points.

Liverpool have won 50% of their Premier League meetings with Manchester City (10 of 20).

The 2-2 draw Liverpool secured at Maine Road on 5 May 1996 sent Alan Ball's City crashing out of the Premier League.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Man City 37 wins, Liverpool 72, Draws 33

Prem: Man City 3 wins, Liverpool 10, Draws 7

at Man City only

League (inc PL): Man City 24 wins, Liverpool 28, Draws 19

Prem: Man City 2 wins, Liverpool 2, Draws 6

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME Manchester City 0-0 Liverpool

14 April 2007 - Ref: Uriah Rennie

[mrbojangles]

Should be tastey tomorrow guys

[scousemouse]

MAN CITY V LIVERPOOL: STAT ATTACK

Here are all the pre-match stats and facts ahead of our trip to Manchester City on Sunday.

Going into this weekend this fixture was a clash between the team with the best home record in the Premiership (along with Manchester United and Arsenal - 9 wins and one draw from ten games) and the side with the best record on their travels (six wins, two draws and one defeat).

<LI>The meetings have produced something of a goal drought recently with only four goals being scored in the last five league games.

<LI>Last season here the sides played out the first goalless draw in this fixture in Manchester since August 1967.

<LI>This is the Reds fifth visit to the City of Manchester Stadium. They have won one, drawn two and lost one.

<LI>The Reds last win here was in November 2005 when a John Arne Riise goal secured a 1-0 victory.

<LI>Steven Gerrard scored the goal when Liverpool defeated City 1-0 at Anfield last season.

<LI>This fixture has produced six draws in the last 10 league meetings in Manchester.

<LI>Liverpool's biggest league victory at Man City came in April 1982 when they won 5-0.

<LI>Liverpool have won only two of the last 11 visits to City (with three defeats and six draws), but have lost only one of the last seven.

<LI>Liverpool have lost only two of the last 14 league meetings home and away between the two sides.

<LI>The Reds clean sheet here last season was their third in their last 11 visits.

<LI>Since the inception of the Premier League Liverpool have won 10 of the 20 meetings, with City winning three.

<LI>The last Liverpool man to score a hat-trick against City was Michael Owen in September 2002 at Maine Road. That is the only occasion a Reds player has achieved the feat against City in Manchester.

<LI>The Reds have failed to score in only two of their last 14 league visits to City.

<LI>If Liverpool keep a clean sheet it will be the first time they have achieved the feat in three successive seasons at City since 1983.

<LI>Liverpool have won six league games away from home during this campaign (the same as the whole of last season).

<LI>Victory at the City Of Manchester Stadium will mean they have won more points on the road (23-in their 10th game) than they did in all 19 matches last season (22 points).

<LI>A win would give Liverpool their best points per game average in a calendar year since 2001. So far in 2007 they have accumulated 67 points from 35 games.

<LI>Steven Gerrard's late goal at Derby on Boxing Day means that the Reds have now won five points this season by scoring in the last minute. They also turned a draw into a win at Everton and a loss into a draw at home to Tottenham.

<LI>Of their 62 goals this season 22 have been scored in the last 15 minutes.

<LI>To prove the Reds increased sharpness in front of goal this season their 62 goals have come in 29 games. Last season after the same number of games they had found the net 47 times.

[scousemouse]

Should be tastey tomorrow guys

facy tebbing a bottle of bud Mr b

[mrbojangles]

Should be tastey tomorrow guys

facy tebbing a bottle of bud Mr b

go on then

[scousemouse]

Should be tastey tomorrow guys

facy tebbing a bottle of bud Mr b

go on then

I fancy my chances of suppin some bud even more now :

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said he was a Liverpool supporter as a youngster. (Daily Mirror)

[scousemouse]

So with the mancs , chelski and the gooners all dropping points so far in the Christmas period it makes a win in tonight's game a must if we want to get back in the title picture , and I think with a win we will definitely be back in the race.

After nearly messing up at Derby I'm hoping Rafa will be taking no chances and put our strongest team out to face Man city.

City's record at home is impressive to say the least , 9 wins and a draw from 10 games so we will have to be on top form to beat them.

[scousemouse]

THE VIEW FROM CITY

Jonny Dean from www.bluearmy-mcfc.co.uk provides the view from City ahead of Sunday's clash.

His side's unbeaten home record has left him in optimistic mood despite the stature of their opponents.

In fact, Mr Dean is so giddy, he seems to have forgotten the nickname 'God' has already been taken...

How do you feel about this one?

Confident, to be honest. We're flying at home, although the typical City I'm used to would gift this game to you. However, we look a totally different outfit under Svennis and it's fantastic. I'm looking forward to this one. It'll be another sellout, so expect a good atmosphere.

How have you been playing of late?

We've been playing well but not as well as when we first started the season. However, we're still picking up wins and draws and still find ourselves in fifth position. We know if we turn you over, we will be sitting in fourth come the January transfer window. Someone will get a spanking off this team sooner or later. Now, I don't think it'll be on Sunday, but you never know!

Who do we need to worry about?

God. Oh sorry, you may know him as Elano. The guy is absolute class. You may be used to Barnes, Rush, Gerrard, Mascherano, Owen and Camara - but I'm used to watching Whitely, Pollock, Macken and Edghill, so watching someone like Elano is absolute pleasure. He's the best player I've seen at City for a hel_l of a long time, and not only that, he's one of the best players I've seen at CoMS. Period. His passing, vision, goalscoring, touch and skill rivals anyone in the league. I guarantee he would slot into any team in the league. Yes I know, you may think I'm going overboard, but just keep watching. Other than that, you'll know about Richards (the Salmon), and Bianchi is your old-style centre-forward; he's just always there in the right place at the right time.

What are your weaknesses?

Our strength in depth, or our lack of it. In my opinion, our 'keeper is also quite a week point. Sven has chosen Joe Hart to be our number one, and whilst he is a very good 'keeper, and will be England's number one in seven or eight years' time, he shouldn't be our number one at the moment. I'd like Sven to go out and buy someone ASAP. Other than that, we are a little weak on the right wing but, the way we play, that doesn't really affect us. We have pace, quality and skill. Down the left, Petrov will destroy you if you haven't got pace. Maybe you'll need that Arbeloa fella there.

Any of your players need to make New Year's resolutions?

Hamann needs to carry on taking that fountain of youth drink he is so obviously knocking back. Elano could promise to end all the hunger and make world peace. Other than that...nope. I'm happy.

Sven has been linked with quite a lot of our players but if you could buy any three Liverpool boys who would you go for?

Mascherano would be a nice replacement for Hamann. Reina is a good keeper, better than Hart currently. And, I suppose, Torres. With Elano providing the passes, Torres would be lethal.

[kopite]

So with the mancs , chelski and the gooners all dropping points so far in the Christmas period it makes a win in tonight's game a must if we want to get back in the title picture , and I think with a win we will definitely be back in the race.

After nearly messing up at Derby I'm hoping Rafa will be taking no chances and put our strongest team out to face Man city.

City's record at home is impressive to say the least , 9 wins and a draw from 10 games so we will have to be on top form to beat them.

i think tonight will be very difficult. if we dont get 3 points then you can count us out race.

big, big game tonight mate

[scousemouse]

So with the mancs , chelski and the gooners all dropping points so far in the Christmas period it makes a win in tonight's game a must if we want to get back in the title picture , and I think with a win we will definitely be back in the race.

After nearly messing up at Derby I'm hoping Rafa will be taking no chances and put our strongest team out to face Man city.

City's record at home is impressive to say the least , 9 wins and a draw from 10 games so we will have to be on top form to beat them.

i think tonight will be very difficult. if we dont get 3 points then you can count us out race.

big, big game tonight mate

So Rafa has made his usual changes but most importantly he has kept Gerrard and Torres in the starting line up ................. C'MON LIVERPOOL !!!!!!.

[scousemouse]

Well , the game had 0-0 written all over it after the first 10 minutes.

Richard Dunne man of the match.

[scousemouse]

I'm still keepin up the faith

[scousemouse]

MANCHESTER CITY 0-0 LIVERPOOL

Sunday 30 December 2007 16:00 , Barclays Premier League CITY 0-0 REDS: THE REPORT

Liverpool go into the New Year in fourth spot after the final game of 2007 finished goalless at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The Reds knocked and knocked, but a defensive masterclass from Micah Richards and Richard Dunne means they enter the second half of the season 10 points adrift of the top, albeit with a game in hand.

A goalline clearance prevented Dirk Kuyt from netting the winner in the closing moments, but it was perhaps unsurprising that a fixture which has seen just four goals in five games ended 0-0.

No side has come away from Eastlands with three points this season, and while a draw is by no means a bad result, Rafa Benitez is likely to be the more disappointed of the managers - especially considering Christmas slip ups from Arsenal and Man Utd.

Sven commissioned his very own bodyguard for the man he described as 'perfection' - Steven Gerrard. No, not Didi Hamann - The Kaiser never had the legs at 24, never mind 34. Instead, the more mobile Vedran Corluka followed the Liverpool skipper wherever he went, harrying and sliding to thwart his every move.

Gerrard dropped deeper, from where he launched a series of long balls to Harry Kewell, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres. Sometimes it was the offside flag which prevented a breakthrough, occasionally it was a poor first touch. More often, however, it was the excellent Richards and Dunne.

Cagey, yes, but entertaining also. First-half flashpoints came at both ends.

City should have capitalised when Alvaro Arbeloa, standing in for the injured Sami Hyypia at centre-back, hit a poor clearance straight to Stephen Ireland. The youngster scuffed his effort but it very nearly fell to Darius Vassell to open the scoring.

Then Martin Petrov flew down the left, outpacing Steve Finnan. His low cross wasn't far away from the incoming Elano. Call it a lucky escape.

Three times during the opening 45 it took great challenges from Jamie Carragher to thwart Elano and Vassell.

For Liverpool, Kewell looked to have the beating of Chinedum Onuoha down the left, but too often his deliveries were met by no one, Kuyt and Torres arriving too late or deciding not to gamble.

Kuyt eventually took the hint on 30 minutes but then his shot was deflected wide. The resulting corner, initially cleared, fell to Fabio Aurelio, who volleyed goalwards. Close, but no cigar.

Two minutes later the Brazilian tried again. This time it was tipped over by Joe Hart.

Things opened up for Yossi Benayoun when the Israeli wandered in from the right on 43 minutes. Like Aurelio, though, his shot was just the wrong side of the woodwork.

It was going to take something special to break the deadlock.

Torres is something special, no doubt, but two spurned chances inside the first two minutes of the second half indicated it might not be his day.

Benayoun, too, can turn a game, as he nearly did with a finger-breaking hit from 30 yards on 58 minutes, but the chances were coming too infrequently to make an opener inevitable.

City went to 4-5-1 in the face of increasing pressure, shoving Elano out to the right before replacing him with top scorer and t-total Rolando Bianchi. The game tightened up once more.

Gerrard started to push further and further forward but was restricted to a sole long shot as the minutes ticked away.

Both sides were starting to tire, but more notably the hosts, who twice hung on by the skin of their teeth in the last 10, first when Kuyt had a header cleared off the line, then when the impregnable Dunne stopped Benayoun's low shot which seemed bound for the bottom corner.

It just wasn't to be for Liverpool, who go into the New Year knowing they have to close a 10-pont gap on Arsenal if they are to end their 18-year wait for a title.

Stay logged on to Liverpoolfc.tv for highlights of the game.

Teams

Manchester City: Hart, Ball, Dunne ©, Richards, Onuoha, Petrov, Corluka, Hamann, Ireland, Blumer, Vassell. Subs - Bianchi, Fernandez, Gorrido, Isaksson,

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Arbeloa, Carragher, Finnan, Kewell, Gerrard ©, Mascherano, Benayoun, Kuyt, Torres. Subs - Alonso, Babel, Itandje, Riise, Voronin

[scousemouse]

LIVERPOOL

What they need?

A central defender to cover for the injured Daniel Agger.

Possible activity

Manager Rafael Benitez has made clear to Liverpool's owners the importance of spending big in January. His American employers, however, have been less enthusiastic and may not sanction a spending spree.

Benitez may rekindle his interest in AC Milan's Kakha Kaladze but Peter Crouch may seek a regular starting spot elsewhere and Javier Mascherano's permanent move is in limbo.

Who have they been linked with?

Ezequiel Garay, David Villa, Tomas Ujfalusi, Kaladze.

[scousemouse]

PARRY: MONEY IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Rick Parry has not ruled out the possibility of new signings in the January transfer window. The Liverpool chief executive has revealed money will be made available if additions to the squad are deemed necessary.

Parry said: "Money is always available if we need it.

"We're not going to give our plans away, but if we need to do something, we'll do it.

"We spent more money this summer than ever before. The whole business model for the Americans is based on success.

"There is no point investing in a new stadium and having a team that isn't successful – clearly I'm not going to quote figures but there hasn't been any change of budget."

Parry also stressed that he, the club's owners and Rafa Benitez shared the same vision for Liverpool's future.

He added: "Nobody is demanding we win the Premier League this year or any other year.

"But I think the supporters have an expectation that at least we are going to be in contention and there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

"We are still in contention without a doubt. If we can carry form into the New Year there's absolutely no reason why we can't compete.

"That's the goal for all of us. It's the goal for Rafa, for the supporters and it's a goal for the owners. It's absolutely a shared vision.

"We appointed Rafa because we wanted a manager with experience of winning a major championship. That's what we're aiming for.

"The recent meeting was extremely good. It was cordial and it was very, very positive.

"It gave us the chance to make sure everybody understands where everyone else is coming from. Now, we're just focused on the second half of the season."

[scousemouse]

Liverpool fans' player of the season table - competitive games only:

Steven Gerrard - 38 points.

Fernando Torres - 34 points.

Javier Mascherano - 25 points.

Yossi Benayoun - 13 points.

Dirk Kuyt - 10 points.

Harry Kewell - 6 points.

Momo Sissoko - 6 points.

Pepe Reina - 6 points.

Andriy Voronin - 6 points.

Jamie Carragher - 5 points.

Jermaine Pennant - 5 points.

Lucas Leiva - 4 points.

Ryan Babel - 4 points.

Sami Hyypia - 3 points.

Charles Itandje - 3 points.

Nabil El Zhar - 2 points.

Xabi Alonso - 1 point

Fabio Aurelio - 1 point

Steve Finnan - 1 point.

Jack Hobbs - 1 point.

[scousemouse]

CROUCHIE DISHES THE DIRT ON 2007

It's that time of year again when we ask one of Rafa's squad to dish the dirt on his teammates by handing out a few gongs.

Last year Josemi and Craig Bellamy fell victim to Jamie C's Scouse wit, but this time round we've left it to Crouchie to do the honours.

Look away now, Jermaine...

Player of the year 2007?

I've tried to look for someone else but I don't think I can give it to anyone other than Stevie G. Over the course of the year he's been fantastic for Liverpool.

Young player of the year?

It's a difficult one but, if you look at people who've just come into the squad, you have to say Nabil El Zhar and Jack Hobbs. Jack has definitely improved quite a lot as a player. He looks like he could come in for Sami whenever he's needed.

Most improved player – Carra gave this to you last year?

That was nice of Jamie – I don't know if that was because I was terrible the year before, though. Again, I'd say Jack is the most improved. He's come on loads since the first season and is doing really well now.

Unsung hero?

It's got to be Stevie Finnan. He's consistently been one of our best players all year and I think he would have been one of the contenders for player of the year. He's a very underrated defender and a fantastic player to have in the squad.

Goal of the year?

Xabi's against Newcastle from the halfway line last season was good, and Stevie's got a few contenders as well. I'd have to go for Xabi.

Best team performance of the year?

I'd have to say Marseille away from home where we needed to get a victory. It was extremely important. The big win against Derby we played extremely well, and obviously earlier in the year there was Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

Hardest Liverpool player?

Momo likes to put his foot in, even in training. He's a bit of a rash. Stevie and Carra also like to put tackles in – I'd have to give it to Momo, though.

Best trainer?

Pepe is out there for a long time, he trains well. I can't give it to a 'keeper though, it's easy being a 'keeper. I'd probably give it to someone like Stevie G, he's as good in training as he is in a match. The worst? Robbie Fowler would have been a contender, as would Didi Hamann, but to be honest we've got a decent squad of trainers now.

Funniest player in the squad?

I'm not sure about that – there's a few characters and the banter is always good. Jermaine makes a few people laugh – he'd be right up there with Carra and Pepe. Jermaine has a go – he's always loud in the changing rooms and up to a few tricks.

[scousemouse]

So Gerrard was out top premiership scorer for the calendar year , and good look to Reina :

REDS V WIGAN: STAT ATTACK

Here are all the pre-match stats and facts ahead of our home clash with Wigan.

Head to Head: (league only) At Anfield: Liverpool 2 wins, Wigan 0 wins, 0 draws. Overall: Liverpool 5 wins, Wigan 0 wins, 0 draws.

<LI>Earlier this season The Reds won 1-0 at the JJB Stadium. Yossi Benayoun came off the bench to score after 75 minutes. It was his first league goal for the club.

<LI>Dirk Kuyt scored three goals against Wigan last season including both in the 2-0 win here.

<LI>The win guaranteed Liverpool a top four finish in the Premier League.

<LI>Only one player has ever scored a hat-trick for the Reds against Wigan. Steve Staunton scored all three as a second half substitute in a League Cup tie on this ground (with Liverpool the away team!) in 1989.

<LI>Peter Crouch's first goals for Liverpool came against Wigan at Anfield in December 2005 after a wait of 18 games.

<LI>This is the sixth meeting between the teams and Wigan are currently one of only five clubs to play against Liverpool never to score a league goal. The others are Middlesbrough Ironopolis, Darwen, Northampton Town and Carlisle United.

<LI>Liverpool's win at Wigan back in September saw them reach 400 points won away from home in the Premiership.

<LI>Not only did Yossi Benayoun score against Wigan earlier this season for the Reds, he also scored at Wigan in April in a 3-0 West Ham victory.

<LI>The next goal Liverpool score in the league will be the 200th under Rafa Benitez in the Premier League.

<LI>Liverpool have scored in their first game of a calendar year in four of the last seven years. Steven Gerrard has scored in each of them.

<LI>Only twice in the last 17 seasons (including this one) have Liverpool reached New Year's Day having lost only twice in the league. On both occasions (2005-06 and 2007-08) under Rafa Benitez.

<LI>Liverpool currently stand on 37 points at the halfway stage in the league campaign. In each of the last two seasons they have accumulated the same number of points in the last 19 games as the first 19.

<LI>Liverpool's record in the league in the 2007 calendar year was Pld 36 W 19 D 11 L 6 F 61 A 23 Pts 68. Steven Gerrard with 11 scored most Premier League goals for the Reds in 2007 followed by Dirk Kuyt 9, Fernando Torres 9 and Peter Crouch 7.

<LI>If Pepe Reina prevents Wigan from scoring he will reach 50 clean sheets in the league quicker than any other goalkeeper in the club's history. This will be his 88th league appearance for the Reds. The current record is held by Ray Clemence who achieved the feat in 95 games.

[scousemouse]

No surprises here :

PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2007: STEVEN GERRARD

Steven Gerrard has seen off stiff competition from Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano to scoop Fans' Player of the Year for 2007. The skipper received 53 per cent of the vote in an exclusive poll on this website.

Torres came second with 18 per cent despite playing only five months of the year at Anfield. Mascherano was third with eight per cent, with Jamie Carragher fourth and Pepe Reina fifth.

The accolade went to Gerrard after he helped lead the Reds to a second Champions League final in three seasons.

There were also stunning free-kicks against the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle, and moments of magic which dragged Liverpool out of the mire against teams like Villa and Derby.

[scousemouse]

Here was me getting ready to chill out ( after a looooooong day ) to watch the Liverpool match and I've just found out its not on untill 3 in the morning .

An early night ( after me dinner ) \ early rise ( 3 am ) for scousemouse :

Liverpool v Wigan

Anfield

Wednesday, 2 January

Kick-off: 2000 GMT

BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day.

Liverpool have Peter Crouch available after a three-match ban but defender Sami Hyypia is still out, while Daniel Agger is unlikely to be fit.

Alvaro Arbeloa should stand in at centre half, with teenager Jack Hobbs unlikely to be risked.

Emile Heskey could make his eagerly-awaited Wigan comeback after missing the entire festive programme so far with a sprained ankle.

Jason Koumas is also set to be available after a groin problem.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hobbs, Riise, Aurelio, Kewell, Babel, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Crouch, Kuyt, Voronin, Torres, Itandje.

Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Taylor, Boyce, Bramble, Kilbane, Valencia, Brown, Scharner, Landzaat, Koumas, Bent, Heskey, Aghahowa, Granqvist, Olembe, Koumas, Skoko, Cotterill, Hall, Sibierski, Pollitt.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez on Steve Bruce's influence at Wigan:

"He's a manager with experience, who knows you need to work really hard to improve when you are bottom of the table.

"He knows how to get the best from the players, so it will be a very tough game.

"It's a busy period for everyone, we are playing at Anfield and we have confidence in ourselves."

<LI>Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland:

"There's no reason why we can't win.

"People will write us off and say we've no chance, but why not? Bolton beat Manchester United the other week.

"If we go there and hide then we'll get punished. You can't go to grounds like Anfield and sit back. We have to give our all."

<LI>Wigan manager Steve Bruce:

"When you got a place like Anfield, you need to be at your best to get something and it's always a massive occasion for any club to visit there.

"To get something at Anfield would be a great achievement.

"We will go there full of confidence and approach the game in the same way as we would any other."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Liverpool are unbeaten so far from their festive fixtures with seven points out of nine.

Wigan have won two, drawn two and lost two since Steve Bruce took over, but if the side are to give Bruce a belated 47th birthday present of three points, they'll have to become only the second team to win in the league at Anfield this season.

Wigan lost both their previous opening new year fixtures in the Premier League, away to Birmingham and home to Blackburn.

Liverpool hold a perfect Premier League record over Wigan of five wins from five matches with 11 goals scored and none conceded.

CLUB FORM

LIVERPOOL

Club statsFixtures (all statistics are ahead of the current round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Won 10 Premier League matches so far this season; only Manchester United and Arsenal (14 each) and Chelsea (12) have won more.

2. Won five of the last eight league outings.

3. Conceded 12 times in the Premier League; only Manchester United (11) have shipped fewer.

4. Fallen behind from the outset three times in Premier League games this term; only Manchester United have conceded the opening goal on as few occasions.

5. Been shown 22 cards in Premier League competition this season (all yellows); Everton have also been shown as few as 22 but theirs are comprised of 19 yellow and three red.

6. Lost one of 13 home Premier League matches; 0-1 to Manchester United on 16 December.

7. This match precedes the FA Cup third round tie away to Luton, a Premier League match at Middlesbrough and a home league clash with Aston Villa.

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Club statsFixtures (all statistics are ahead of the current round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Won two of the last 17 Premier League matches.

2. Kept one clean sheet in 17 Premier League matches; 1-0, home to Newcastle on Boxing Day.

3. Conceded 10 goals in the last 10 minutes of Premier League matches; only Reading can match that.

4. Accrued 16 points from their first 20 Premier League matches; that compares with 34 in 2005-06 and 22 points in 2006-07, in their only two previous campaigns at this level.

5. All four league victories have been secured at the JJB, against Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Blackburn and Newcastle.

6. Only points on the road have come from 1-1 draws at West Ham and Fulham.

7. Picked up just one win in 14 on their Premier League travels from a status-saving 1-2 victory at Sheffield United on 13 May; lost to Everton, Newcastle, Reading, Manchester United, Birmingham, Tottenham, Arsenal and Bolton away from the JJB this term.

8. The FA Cup third round tie away to Sunderland follows this, before league fixtures away to Derby and home to Everton.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

LIVERPOOL

Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with 15 goals, and their leading marksman in the Premier League with nine.

Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Marcus BENT is Wigan's leading scorer with seven Premier League goals.

Wigan have eight players on their goalscorers list; Bent has over twice as many goals as anyone else.

If selected:-

Emmerson BOYCE will be making his 300th career league appearance (Luton, Crystal Palace and Wigan).

Denny LANDZAAT will be making his 50th Premier League appearance for Wigan.

Emile HESKEY will be facing a former club. The 29 year old England international made 150 league appearances and scored 39 goals for the Reds between March 2000 and May 2004.

Chris KIRLAND will be facing a former club. The 26 year old keeper made 45 appearances (25 in the league) for Liverpool between August 2001 and his move to Wigan in July 2006.

HEAD TO HEAD

Wigan were one of five clubs Liverpool did the double over last season; Liverpool were one of five clubs to do the double over Wigan last season.

Wigan have lost all seven games they've played against Liverpool in the Premier League and League Cup, and have only scored two League Cup goals against them, conceding 19.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Liverpool 5 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0

Prem: Liverpool 5 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0

at Liverpool only

League (inc PL): Liverpool 2 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0

Prem: Liverpool 2 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Liverpool 2-0 Wigan Athletic

21 April 2007 - Ref: Mike Riley

Liverpool scorers: Kuyt 30, 68

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Wigan Athletic 0-1 Liverpool

29 September 2007 - Ref: Mark Clattenburg

Liverpool scorer: Benayoun 75

REFEREE Steve Bennett (Orpington, Kent)

[Jared]

Same old story, looks like will be competing for 4th spot now with Man City, Everton, Villa and Portsmouth. Now were this far behind Rafa will prioritise the Champ League and FA Cup. I think hes going to need a minimum of 4th spot and either the Champ league or FA cup in the trophy cabnet to keep his job this summer.

[scousemouse]

not happy

[scousemouse]

Well , I think we can say goodnight to our title chances for another season .

Looking on the brightside though , were still in the champions league and the F.A cup which kicks off this weekend.

The debate about the league shall be put on hold .

[scousemouse]

Same old story, looks like will be competing for 4th spot now with Man City, Everton, Villa and Portsmouth. Now were this far behind Rafa will prioritise the Champ League and FA Cup. I think hes going to need a minimum of 4th spot and either the Champ league or FA cup in the trophy cabnet to keep his job this summer.

There shall be no competing with that lot , only winning , or drawing , but not losing .