Liverpool F.c.

[scousemouse]

Rafa will be getting some grief for not starting with Torres and rightly so.

Once he came on he was head and shoulders above everyone on the park and if he had started the game I think we would have won , his over head attempt was suberp.

Since Rafa has been in charge we've played Birmingham 5 times in the premiership and won none , looks like we've found the new Wimbledon .

Were going to have to get used to teams coming to Anfield and playing with 10 men behind the ball and when teams do that you have to start with your best possible team to get an early goal so the visiting team have to change their game plan , and 9 times out of 10 we won't get an early goal if we leave our best striker on ther bench.

[scousemouse]

Not a good time for Alonso at the moment , along with being injured and having his first team place coming under increasing pressure it appears he is missing Paco .

Check out the clips of some of his assists and goals for Liverpool and I think we all agree on wishing Xavi a speedy return into the Liverpool midfield .

<H1 align=center>Xabi sad at pal KO</H1>

XABI ALONSO admits the departure of Liverpool No2 Pako Ayesteran is ‘difficult' to take.

Boss Rafa Benitez had a training-ground row with his lieutenant which ended with Ayesteran leaving.

And his exit was a big blow to Alonso, who is a long-term friend.

Alonso said: "I spoke to him when we knew he was not going to continue. It's normal as we were very close.

"It was difficult for all the players, not just me. We have been working so close to him for a long time. It has not been easy.

"The training has changed a little bit because we had been working for him for three seasons and the start of this season.

"It will take a little bit of time to get used to the new situation because we were really close to him at all the training sessions. "Time will tell how it goes for us. We can't look back, we have to carry on our early form"

[scousemouse]

Not a good time for Alonso at the moment , along with being injured and having his first team place coming under increasing pressure it appears he is missing Paco .

Check out the clips of some of his assists and goals for Liverpool and I think we all agree on wishing Xavi a speedy return into the Liverpool midfield .

<H1 align=center>Xabi sad at pal KO</H1>

XABI ALONSO admits the departure of Liverpool No2 Pako Ayesteran is 'difficult' to take.

Boss Rafa Benitez had a training-ground row with his lieutenant which ended with Ayesteran leaving.

And his exit was a big blow to Alonso, who is a long-term friend.

Alonso said: "I spoke to him when we knew he was not going to continue. It's normal as we were very close.

"It was difficult for all the players, not just me. We have been working so close to him for a long time. It has not been easy.

"The training has changed a little bit because we had been working for him for three seasons and the start of this season.

"It will take a little bit of time to get used to the new situation because we were really close to him at all the training sessions. "Time will tell how it goes for us. We can't look back, we have to carry on our early form"

[scousemouse]

[scousemouse]

I've been trying to post that clip of Alonso but it's not working .

Mai pen rai , we all know how good he is .

[Jockstar]

I've been trying to post that clip of Alonso but it's not working .

Mai pen rai , we all know how good he is .

Can you maybe put a link in to the clip?

[scousemouse]

I've been trying to post that clip of Alonso but it's not working .

Mai pen rai , we all know how good he is .

Can you maybe put a link in to the clip?

good thinking batman .

Here's that link to remind us all just how good Alonso is while he's getting fit.

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/2309_exposed.shtml

[Jared]

Anyone know if tonights carling cup match will be on UBC?

[mrbojangles]

Anyone know if tonights carling cup match will be on UBC?

It's the only one being televised in the UK jared, so i'd be surprised if it's not available in Thailand.

[markr]

Went to see the game at reading last night, first time I've seen liverpool play and I must say there away fans did the team proud!

Really nice to hear them singing!

Good result for you boys and some lovely goals from torres.

Mark

[scousemouse]

Went to see the game at reading last night, first time I've seen liverpool play and I must say there away fans did the team proud!

Really nice to hear them singing!

Good result for you boys and some lovely goals from torres.

Mark

You hear the real Liverpool fans singing when were playing away .

[scousemouse]

Do you get it now Rafa ????????????? :

Reading 2-4 Liverpool

Benayoun put Liverpool in front at the MadejskiFernando Torres capped a fine display with a hat-trick as Liverpool dumped Reading out of the Carling Cup.

Yossi Benayoun fired Liverpool ahead, but Bobby Convey volleyed an equaliser from Nicky Shorey's corner.

Torres raced clear to score but again Reading hit back when another Shorey corner was prodded in by John Halls. But Torres made sure of their place in the fourth round when he slammed home from a John Arne Riise square ball and then ran clear before slotting home.

Despite both sides making a host of changes there was no doubting the importance of the game as they combined to produce an entertaining and competitive encounter.

But Torres' all-round contribution and sublime finishing skills proved the difference between the Premier League sides and will have sent out a warning to their domestic rivals.

It was the perfect response after being left on the bench by manager Rafael Benitez against Birmingham at the weekend.

Reading caused problems for Liverpool's backline from the start, with Leroy Lita guilty of missing a glorious early chance when he headed Halls' cross straight at the Reds' debutant keeper Charles Itandje.

Instead it was Benayoun who opened the scoring when he picked up the ball 10 yards outside the area, nutmegged Andre Bikey before crashing his shot past Adam Federici.

Convey capped his recent return from injury with a first goal in over 18 months, meeting Shorey's corner from the right with a volley which found the bottom corner.

Liverpool were unhappy with the goal, with three Reading players standing in offside positions.

But Torres put them back in control after the break when he was sent through on goal by Sebastian Leto and held off Bikey before easily slipping it past Federici.

Torres was giving Bikey a torrid time and should have been rewarded with a penalty when the Reading defender hurled him down in the area.

Reading threatened to make Liverpool pay when another Shorey corner was stabbed home at the second attempt by Halls for his first goal for the club.

But Riise came off the bench to tee-up Torres and he confidently drilled past Federici. The lively Lita had an overhead kick tipped over but it was Torres' day as he was sent clear and he teased Federici before rounding the keeper and tapping in to secure the win and the match ball.

[scousemouse]

Positive ( and a little hopeful ) words from Peter Crouch , plus comments from Torres after his hat-trick against Reading :

Peter Crouch warning for Liverpool hero Fernando Torres

PETER CROUCH has warned his Anfield team-mate Fernando Torres that even his sparkling treble at Reading won’t guarantee him a starting place at Wigan on Saturday.

Crouch has suffered more than most from manager Rafa Benitez’s rotation policy this season and he said: "The manager has made it clear that no matter if you score a hat-trick in one game, if he sees two strikers playing and doing the best job for the next game, then they're going to play.

"That’s the way the manager works and his record hasn't been too bad so I'm sure he'll continue doing the same thing."

Speaking of Torres’ performance at Reading he added: “He was magnificent.

“The thing about Fernando is that he’s a top class player but he works so hard for the team. You can see that.

“The manager obviously likes all the players to work hard and the strikers to track back and he does that extremely well, as well as his more obvious qualities.

“His goals were fantastically taken and it was a superb all round performance.

“He’s a strong lad and he proved that he can certainly cope with the physical side.

“He comes from a different way of playing – Spanish football is different to English football – but he’s an extremely strong, physical player.

“He has pace and attributes to help him cope with that. I’m sure he’s going to be a force this year.

“He speaks a bit of English. He’s not confident enough to do interviews yet, but in the dressing room he’s got a bit about him and it’s always good to see a player trying to adapt and learning the language.

“He’s a good lad and the Spanish lads are helping him settle in.

“I enjoy playing with a player with such blistering pace as Fernando.

“I’ll hold the ball up and get in the box and he can run onto the loose balls and get in behind defences. I certainly think we complement each other.

“Fernando can win things in the air as well, but the fact that he is pacy and reads the flicks helps him get in behind.”

Torres, however, was happy just to savour the fall-out of his first Liverpool hat-trick.

Still taking English lessons, he wrote on his own website: "I am really happy and I hope that there will be plenty more goals to come.

"My aim is to help my team to do well in all competitions. What I achieved against Reading was special, but it was a team effort and the most important thing is that we are now in the next round of the cup.

"At the start of the game I could never have imagined that I would score three goals.

“It was a tough match, with strong marking, but the key to our victory was finding open spaces, and also the quality of the final ball from Leto, Riise and Gerrard.

"If I had to choose a favourite, it would be my second goal of the night. I think that it was the best of the three.

“For my first goal, I managed to get in front of the defender before sliding the ball across the keeper into the far corner.

“Riise picked me out in the box for my second, and the credit for the third goal should go to Gerrard, who put me clean through with only the keeper to beat."

French goalkeeper Charles Itandje, meanwhile, was satisfied with his Liverpool debut, despite conceding two goals.

"Starting with a win is always good for confidence,” he explained. “I don’t ask too many questions of myself. I just enjoy every moment.

"What surprised me most was the aggressiveness of the players in the air. The coach warned me about that.

“We (the goalkeepers) are not protected. It is a man’s game. But that is what I was looking for.

"When you join a new club, you have to show yourself and prove who you are immediately.

And the stand-in keeper added: "Most of all when you arrive from Ligue 1’s 18th placed team and you join Liverpool, where there are international players who have won trophies, it is a challenge."

[scousemouse]

Torres now get's the seal of approval from our captain :

Teams fear destruction by Fernando Torres - Gerrard

STEVEN GERRARD has likened Liverpool’s record signing Fernando Torres to Anfield goalscoring legend Ian Rush – and believes Premier League defenders are scared the Spaniard will “destroy” them.

Torres smashed a second-half hat-trick to send Reading crashing out of the Carling Cup at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday.

The Spain striker had been left out of coach Rafael Benitez’s starting line-up for the previous two Premier League matches against Portsmouth and Birmingham but returned with a vengeance in their 4-2 success over the Royals.

Torres has now scored six goals in as many starts since his £20million arrival from Atletico Madrid in the summer and Gerrard saw glimpses of Liverpool’s all-time top goalscorer in the hard-working Spaniard’s performance.

“He reminds a bit of Ian Rush,” said the Anfield skipper. “I know Ian Rush was a great striker, and I don’t want to put much pressure on Fernando as far as goals are concerned

But Rushy got a lot of credit for working hard for team, tracking back and not giving defenders a minute on the ball, and he’s similar in a lot ways.

“There’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders, and as captain of the team I don’t want to put any more on him. But if we keep on delivering good throughballs and give him good service, he has shown so far that he’s a good finisher. I’m sure he’ll hit his own personal targets.”

Torres suffered a bruising evening up against robust Reading centre-backs Andre Bikey and Michael Duberry.

But while bemoaning the lack of protection offered by referee Martin Atkinson on the evening, Gerrard reckons Torres can expect more of the same treatment from Premier League defenders aware the Spaniard can “destroy” them.

“I was slightly disappointed in the referee,” he added. “I thought he could have been a little bit more protective of Fernando, I counted seven or eight bad challenges from behind and he should have had a penalty as well. It’s a referee’s responsibility to give a striker slightly more protection, but I suppose he’ll get a lot more treatment like that because if defenders don’t get close to him, then he’ll destroy them.

“He didn’t react to what was happening and kept coming back, and I’m sure if you ask the two Reading defenders they’ll say that’s the hardest workout they’ve had this season.

“Away from home he is going to be marked really tight. He’ll receive knocks, kicks and bruises and he’ll have to keep giving as good as he gets like he did on Tuesday night.

“Foreign strikers normally get a bit of stick about when they get kicked they go hiding. But he got murdered all night by their centre-halves and kept going back and going back, and worked so hard for the team.

“I thought he was awesome. He thoroughly deserved his goals, but the most impressive thing for me was his attitude. It’s something he has shown from the first day he arrived here, and that’s what surprised me the most. I knew he was a good striker and

“I knew he was quick, but what I didn’t realise his work-rate and attitude, and his willpower and character are tremendous.”

[kopite]

get in red men. another 3 points. bring on the yids

[scousemouse]

soz i've been away lads , i had to see a man about a dog :

<H1 align=center>KOP CHASE £10m NAS</H1>

<H5 align=left>LIVERPOOL and Arsenal are locked in a £10m battle for French sensation Samir Nasri. </H5><H5 align=left></H5>

The Marseille midfielder, France's Player of the Year last season, has been hailed as ‘the new Zidane'.

SEE NASRI IN ACTION HERE

Liverpool have a good relationship with Marseille, having sold them Djibril Cisse for a cut-price £6m in the summer, and have asked to be the first informed when the La Ligue club decide to cash in.

But Arsene Wenger has a £70m transfer fund to hand and could gazump Rafa Benitez.

Nasri, 20, who has a handful of French caps, might also be swayed by the strong contingent of French youngsters now at the Emirates.

The player has had a virus in the last couple of weeks. But as long as the illness poses no long-term problem, Wenger and Benitez will move in the transfer window. Liverpool have raided Real Madrid to sign 16-year-old Argentine midfield prodigy Gerardo Bruna.

[scousemouse]

We are mean

Cisse is in dreamland

Good luck Yosi !

Gerrard is ready !

Come on Liverpool :

Rafa Benitez: We can do better

RAFA BENITEZ will send out Liverpool’s meanest defensive side for 30 years against Marseille tonight demanding even more improvement.

No Liverpool team since 1977/78 has let in fewer goals in their opening seven games.

The Reds have conceded just three penalty kicks in seven Premier League and three Champions League matches, but Benitez insisted: "We can still improve."

Not happy with only restricting opponents to scoring from the spot, he now wants to eliminate any chances created.

Story continues

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"I think we are defending well, but I also think we can improve. I am sure we can improve," he declared.

"You can analyse some games and ask 'why did we make this mistake or that mistake?' And I say we can improve.

"Consistency in defence and not conceding goals is so important. I think that we can improve a little bit by stopping teams from creating chances."

Former Red Djibril Cisse will return to Anfield tonight keen to puncture that impressive start.

Moved on by Benitez after two mixed seasons at Anfield, the Reds boss said: "It's normal. All players who leave top sides want to play well when they return.

“In this case a striker who can score goals will always be dangerous to us, while Bolo Zenden is a player who knows everything about the game.

"Of course they will know all about us because they worked with us for two or three years. They know almost everything, but we will change players, we will change tactics and maybe we will surprise them."

One player who will be unfamiliar to Cisse and Zenden is Saturday's match-winning hero Yossi Benayoun.

He is set to start tonight in the absence of the suspended Jermaine Pennant, and Benitez paid tribute to the Israeli star.

"In this case we are talking about a player who had fresh legs on Saturday, which is important. But he also has game intelligence and quality.

"Maybe you can change defenders and still keep clean sheets, but if you change players who have quality they can change games and that is my idea when you bring these players in."

Steven Gerrard is also ready to lead the side out, despite being involved in a road traffic accident on Monday.

"Steven Gerrard is okay," added Benitez. "He trained normally this morning and I spoke to him afterwards. I think he is okay."

[scousemouse]

Team news ahead of tonights game , 2-0 to the reds I reckon :

Liverpool v Marseille Champions League, Group A match

Date: Wednesday, 3 October

Kick-off: 1945 BST

Venue: Anfield

Listen: BBC Radio 5live

Updates: BBC Sport website and mobile; Score on BBCi (1930 BST)

Liverpool have Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun competing to replace the suspended Jermaine Pennant.

Pennant was sent off against Porto in Liverpool's opening Champions League game and sits out Marseille's visit.

Benayoun may get the nod after goals against Reading and Wigan, while Steven Gerrard is fit after a car accident.

Marseille could have former Liverpool duo Djibril Cisse and Bolo Zenden in their side, but playmaker Samir Nasri is out with a viral infection.

News conference: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

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

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:

"Steven Gerrard is fine, OK, he has trained normally and I have talked with him.

"He has been to see the lad in hospital, but I do not see any problem for Steven playing after the accident. Everybody understands the situation and what happened.

"He has talked with the family and the boy. He was going very slow and it was an unfortunate accident. He was shaken up, but I have talked to him and he has been training normally.

"I do not expect it to be any sort of problem for him when he plays."

<LI>Marseille's former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse:

"I have so many good memories of my time here. The Champions League final, the Super Cup and FA Cup finals, I feel bonded to this club.

"The win in Istanbul is the highlight. It was such a crazy game and a crazy night. No player could ever forget that and I imagine the fans will always remember it.

"That is what bonds us, the players and the fans who were all there that night. It is something that will stay with me forever."

BIG MATCH STATS

Head-to-heads

These sides have met twice before. Both encounters took place in the fourth round of the 2003-04 Uefa Cup. Olympique Marseille prevailed 3-2 on aggregate and made the final that season.

No players in Olympique's current squad played in either of those matches; Liverpool's Jamie Carragher, John Arne Riise, Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypia were all involved.

European history

Liverpool are making their sixth CL group stage appearance having made their debut in the competition in 2001. They are trying to emulate AC Milan by becoming the second club to win the trophy, having been runners-up in the previous season - 14 years after the Italian club achieved it.

Olympique Marseille have compiled a record of 10 wins, six draws and 10 defeats in 26 CL matches. Their only major European trophy was the Champions League in its inaugural season of 1992-93.

Current European form

Olympique Marseille started their CL campaign by defeating Besiktas 2-0 at home, but the French have not won a CL match on the road since 22 September 1999, when they triumphed at Croatia Zagreb.

Liverpool have won six of their last seven European home matches. They opened challenge in the competition proper for the 2007-08 CL with a 1-1 draw at FC Porto.

Player and disciplinary info

Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool) is suspended following his red card against FC Porto.

Djibril Cisse, who was a Liverpool player between 2004-06, is the leading career CL goal scorer in the Marseilles squad, with four goals.

Other miscellaneous facts

This will be Rafael Benitez' 50th career CL match as a manager. The Liverpool boss becomes the 13th coach to reach this milestone.

Liverpool won 0-1, away to Wigan in the Premier League on Saturday; Olympique Marseille did not play in the French league at the weekend.

In the summer, Marseille sold star player Franck Ribery to German giants Bayern Munich for 25 million euros. It was the biggest transfer last summer in terms of French departures, and German acquisitions.

Definitions of terms used:- Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.

Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.

European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).

Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

[kopite]

the game not on UBC tonight?

[scousemouse]

the game not on UBC tonight?

It was on mate and unrotunatley I stayed up to watch it .

The tinkerman will be getting some stick AGAIN about his rotataion plolicy.

He has made so far this season 62 changes in just 12 matches , now I dont care how big or good your squad is you are not going to create a fluid style of play with all them changes and it is also taking the p#ss .

[Jimjim]

I hope I never have to hear anyone talk about rotation. In the Marseille game, most of the players have all played together a lot now, save Crouch and Torres together, and Leto. All the others have been in the side many many times. Well, Benayoun, no, he's new. But should we not play the new players who have quality? He's shown he can adapt quickly to the side in my opinion.

Anyway, any votes for the best place to watch Liverpool in Bangkok? Last week the Wigan game was not being shown at any nice pub so I stumbled upon it being shown among a small soi of several bargirl bars which I had never seen before.

[scousemouse]

I hope I never have to hear anyone talk about rotation. In the Marseille game, most of the players have all played together a lot now, save Crouch and Torres together, and Leto. All the others have been in the side many many times. Well, Benayoun, no, he's new. But should we not play the new players who have quality? He's shown he can adapt quickly to the side in my opinion.

Anyway, any votes for the best place to watch Liverpool in Bangkok? Last week the Wigan game was not being shown at any nice pub so I stumbled upon it being shown among a small soi of several bargirl bars which I had never seen before.

sawadee cap jimjim , if your looking for a good place to watch Liverpool then you should join us on the Bangkok football beer night ( i make sure the Liverpool game is shown live ).

I think the next one is planned for this sunday when we play the yids.

[scousemouse]

team news ( bbc ) ahead of tonights match :

Liverpool v Tottenham

Anfield

Sunday, 7 October

Kick-off: 1500 BST

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day. Featured game on Sunday's Score and Final Score.

Liverpool will have Jermaine Pennant back in their squad after suspension.

Fabio Aurelio is a doubt but Javier Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt, Alvaro Arbeloa, John Arne Riise, Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin are available to return.

Tottenham's Jermaine Jenas could return from an abdominal strain, while Dimitar Berbatov and Pascal Chimbonda should be back after being rested.

Aaron Lennon has been suffering from swelling on his knee but should be fit, while Teemu Tainio is back after a ban.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Pennant, Gerrard, Sissoko, Mascherano, Babel, Benayoun, Crouch, Voronin, Torres, Kuyt, Leto, Itandje.

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Stalteri, Lee, Bale, Assou-Ekotto, Dawson, Gardner, Kaboul, Huddlestone, Zokora, Jenas, Lennon, Malbranque, Tainio, Boateng, Taarabt, Berbatov, Keane, Defoe, Bent.

<LI>Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:

"I want to see character from the players.

"It is the only way to react after what happened against Marseille. Now I want the side to stop teams even creating chances against us.

"That will boost our confidence. I think we are defending well, but we must improve and I am sure we can."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Liverpool will want to return to winning ways immediately, after their first defeat of the season, home to Marseilles in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Their opponents, third-bottom Tottenham, made progress in Europe, qualifying for the group stages of the Uefa Cup.

The Reds have won four of their seven league games this term; Tottenham have lost four of their eight and made their worst ever start to a Premier League season.

SPORTS EDITORS' BLOG This Sunday's show should be fantastic

Paul Armstrong,

Match of the Day editorRafael Benitez has not named an unchanged starting 11 for Liverpool since 31 October last year (v Bordeaux, CL) and has only done so once in 152 games.

Spurs have failed to win the league match immediately after a midweek Uefa Cup tie on the last three occasions; Liverpool have won only one of the last six Premier League fixtures staged on the weekend after a Champions League clash (v Derby, 1 September).

The Merseysiders have not conceded a goal in five league games or 478 minutes (seven hours 58 minutes) of Premier League football since Frank Lampard netted for Chelsea from the penalty spot at the Bridge on 19 August. They're yet to concede a league goal from open play.

Only one (winning) goal has featured in Liverpool's last three league games; Spurs shared eight goals with Aston Villa on Monday (recovering from 4-1 down).

Liverpool are unbeaten in six Premier League matches against Spurs, and were one of only three clubs to do the double over the Londoners last season.

CLUB FORM

LIVERPOOL

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

1. Lost one of 12 league and cup games this season.

2. Unbeaten in eight in the Premier League; won four and drawn four since losing 1-0, away to Fulham on 5 May.

3. One of two clubs still unbeaten in the Premier League. The other is Arsenal.

4. One of two clubs to have conceded just two Premier League goals so far.

5. The only club yet to allow the opposition to open the scoring in a Premier League match this season.

6. Made their best start to a Premier League season since 2002-03, when they eventually finished fifth.

7. Claimed 14 of the last 21 available points at Anfield.

8. Lost one of the last 38 home league games; 0-1 to Manchester United on 3 March 2007.

9. Lost only one of the last 11 Premier League clashes with London clubs; drawn the last two.

10. The next fixture after the international break is the Merseyside derby, away to Everton.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

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

1. Pressing for a first win in six league outings.

2. Drawn three and lost two in the Premier League since defeating Derby 4-0 at the Lane on 18 August.

3. One of four clubs with just one Premier League victory so far this season. The others are Bolton, Derby and Fulham.

4. Managed just one clean sheet in the league so far this season, and only three shut-outs in 36 Premier League matches.

5. On the longest current run in the Premier League of 36 matches since a goalless draw.

6. Holding the third strongest attack in the Premier League, yet third bottom in the table.

7. Their eight games have yielded 30 goals (14 for, 16 against); at 3.75 goals per game, it's the highest current aggregate in the Premier League.

8. One of eight clubs still searching for a first away win in the Premier League this season.

9. Not won a league game on the road since the 0-2 triumph against Charlton at the Valley on 7 May.

10. Chasing their 75th away win in Premier League history.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

LIVERPOOL

Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with six goals, and top Premier League marksman, with three.

Only Alvaro ARBELOA and Jose REINA have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.

REINA leads the race for the Barclays Golden Glove, with Manchester United's Edwin VAN DER SAR. Both have kept five clean sheets.

If selected:-

Sami HYYPIA will be playing on his 34th birthday.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Robbie KEANE is Tottenham's leading scorer with four goals.

Only goalkeeper Paul ROBINSON has been on the field for every minute of every one of Tottenham's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

Jermain DEFOE will be playing on his 25th birthday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Liverpool have won twice as many Premier League matches against Spurs as they lost (won 14, lost seven)

Tottenham have only won once in this league at Anfield; a 1-2 triumph on 25 August 1993 when Teddy Sheringham scored both their goals - one from the penalty spot. Since then, Tottenham have drawn four and lost nine of 13 visits to Liverpool.

Liverpool inflicted on Tottenham their heaviest ever League defeat, with a 7-0 thrashing at Anfield on 2 September 1978.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Liverpool 60 wins, Spurs 35, Draws 33

Prem: Liverpool 14 wins, Spurs 7, Draws 8

at Liverpool only

League (inc PL): Liverpool 41 wins, Spurs 5, Draws 18

Prem: Liverpool 10 wins, Spurs 1, Draws 4

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME Liverpool 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur

23 September 2006 - Ref: Howard Webb

Liverpool scorers: Gonzalez 63, Kuyt 73, Riise 89

[LeungKen]

and which team do you suppose Tinkerbell might put out tonight scousemouse ?

[scousemouse]

and which team do you suppose Tinkerbell might put out tonight scousemouse ?

I think Rafa picks 11 names out of a hat .

3 Finnan4 Hyypia5 Agger6 Riise7 Kewell8 Gerrard9 Torres10 Voronin11 Benayoun12 Aurelio14 Alonso15 Crouch16 Pennant17 Arbeloa18 Kuyt19 Babel20 Mascherano21 Lucas22 Sissoko23 Carragher25 Reina30 Itandje33 Leto34 Roque35 Putterill38 Lindfield39 Darby40 Martin42 El Zhar44 Threlfall46 Hobbs48 Insua Nemeth

But my starting 11 against the yids would be :

1. Reina

2. Finnan

3. Carraher

4. Agger

5. Riise

6. Mascerano

7. Gerrard

8. Benayoun

9. Babbel

10.Torres

11. Kuyt

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[LeungKen]

I'd back your team to win scousemouse - not sure about Rafa's though. Therefor wouldn't be suprised by a draw tonight

[scousemouse]

I'd back your team to win scousemouse - not sure about Rafa's though. Therefor wouldn't be suprised by a draw tonight

Our form at Anfield is pretty impressive and if Villa can score 4 against the yids in their own back yard then I'm sure we can beat them in our back yard ( I am touching wood as I writing this though ).

[LeungKen]

I'd back your team to win scousemouse - not sure about Rafa's though. Therefor wouldn't be suprised by a draw tonight

Our form at Anfield is pretty impressive and if Villa can score 4 against the yids in their own back yard then I'm sure we can beat them in our back yard ( I am touching wood as I writing this though ).

I'd have that piece of wood that you were touching taken in for testing !

I did try to warn you - and you only just scraped a draw in injury time - Might one assume Rafa could well be in for a bit of stick from the Kop ?

[scousemouse]

I'd back your team to win scousemouse - not sure about Rafa's though. Therefor wouldn't be suprised by a draw tonight

Our form at Anfield is pretty impressive and if Villa can score 4 against the yids in their own back yard then I'm sure we can beat them in our back yard ( I am touching wood as I writing this though ).

I'd have that piece of wood that you were touching taken in for testing !

I did try to warn you - and you only just scraped a draw in injury time - Might one assume Rafa could well be in for a bit of stick from the Kop ?

And a bit of stick from thaivisa

Rafa

At least we manged the draw , the derby against the bluesh#te could decide how our premiership season is going to pan out.

[fennielyn]

And a bit of stick from thaivisa

.

And because I had such high hopes (due to last victory), here's some stick from me too.