Liverpool set to sign Green in £80m swoop!

Will they, won't they? And who is this Green fella that Brendan Rodgers is going to make such a huge

Nicolas Nkoulou. An option for LFC?

bid for? Only the completely clueless would have failed to realise that I'm referring to a quadragenerian

blogger and life-long LFC fan. My good self! "What a load of Bo@@&cks!" I hear you say. However, this isn't so far off from what I'm seeing out there.

Liverpool find themselves sitting six points clear in fourth place on 56 points, with 11 matches to play, and on current form look set to remain there and claim the last remaining spot for a coveted Champions League berth. Alas, the inevitable has happened. As at today, Brendan Rodgers is looking to sign no other than seven or eight players. "Liverpool set to raid Swansea for...", Liverpool set to battle Zenit for...",  "Liverpool to step up chase for...", "Liverpool boss to mark brilliant move for...", "Tough-tackling star linked with big Liverpool Switch". The list goes on and on. 

Thus, I'm beginning to think I'm going to get a call from my agent telling me the Reds are considering a bid. Let's face it, it can't be any more far-fetched than much of the BS that's being printed right now. What I'm wondering is, where do these stories come from? Is it the players' agents? The press, simply bored? Smoke screens to divert attention from genuine targets? What? I doubt many, if any, of these stories come from Rodgers himself, or Liverpool. My personal belief is that many of these rumours are coming from so-called agents. 

Think about this. You're an agent and you have a young player. Decent. Got potential, but he's no Steven Gerrard. He's trying to get a move to Big club. What would increase interest in him more than knowing that Liverpool FC are interested? That's got to be good for the lad hasn't it? To know that Liverpool were interested in him. And, you've gotta be good if Liverpool are interested. I'm almost certain that 99% of these stories have absolutely no foundation! or basis in fact whatsoever. 

Realistically, Liverpool need a centre-half, a left back and a central midfielder. In terms of attacking options I think they're in good shape. Perhaps if one comes up at a good price, then yes, but the squad has enough options there. As it is, every attacking midfielder is on Liverpool's radar, and I'm sure that if you were the proverbial fly on the wall, you'd see a very different list of names to that being banded about. 

If Rodgers is serious about progress, his list should be defender heavy. Should his team succeed in securing entry to the Champion's League, he can't expect the current motley crew he currently calls a defence, to stand up to the attackers of the Real Madrids, Barcelona's and Paris St. Germains of this world. I know the man likes to play attacking football, but if he thinks he's going to get many barnstorming 4-3's when he's in that company, then he's sorely misguided. 

Liverpool have to dig deep financially and get some real quality in the next transfer window. I don't mean the likes of Ashley Williams, but some serious quality like his teammate, Chico Flores, Marseille's Nicolas Nkoulou or even Newcastle's David Stanton. The last one may be a bit of a surprise but he's been outstanding for the Magpies this campaign. It's time Rodgers realized that his current philosophy is far too Evansian to succeed. Liverpool have a tough test against Southampton tomorrow and there's no better time for the LFC defence to step up and really prove themselves. Shape up, or ship out. 

Follow me on Twitter: Mrbengreen 

To celebrate or not to celebrate... This is the question

Then and now. Same old, same old...

Going through the electronic rags last night as you do, I came across Oliver Holt's article in the Mirror in which he supported Jonjo Shelvey's non-celebration against Liverpool calling it a "...throwback to the time, 40 years ago when..."  Likening Shelvey's case to the Denis Law goal for Man City against Man United back in 1974.  I think there is an assumption here that a celebration is some kind of mocking or disrespectful action. If done correctly, this is never the case. Otherwise, it can no longer be called a celebration but an insult - which of course incites anger and resentment. To treat an honest celebration in any other way is both draconian and backward.

Firstly, these two scenario's are very different indeed. Wasn't that goal the goal that pretty much condemned United to relegation that year? I can understand him not celebrating that. I still don't agree but I can appreciate why he chose not to celebrate the goal. Law clearly held United in great esteem and there is no problem with this. Secondly, I don't believe the match between Liverpool and Swansea was as severe as for either team. It's clear Shelvey would have loved to stay at Liverpool and become a part of Brendan Rodgers' revolution. It's also clear that for whatever his issues the Liverpool support, me included, had and still retain a liking for Shelvey. He's a decent player and overall, a good honest lad who always gave of his best for the club and will do so for Swansea. 

This is what the LFC faithful have always asked of their players. But ask yourselves this. Has Shelvey not earned the right to celebrate that goal? It was top drawer stuff and deserving of celebration by both sets of supporters. I didn't like him scoring. Not because I have anything against him more because it was against Liverpool. But, that's just the way it goes - and especially with the team's current defence and Martin Skrtel the reincarnate of Phil Babb! Having said that, I didn't and wouldn't have given him any abuse. Fair play to the boy, and privately he must have been happy that he's shown Rodgers what he let go. That's the second goal he's scored against Liverpool. The last one an equally impressive effort at the Liberty Stadium. 

Holt refers to a "kinship" from this bygone era. Kinship, for me is a relationship. An understanding. A closeness and respect as one would have for a family member or close friend. This surely works both ways? Liverpool, and all fans for that matter should be more accepting of another's achievements. For one that was once your own and most importantly, left with dignity and good intent, it is our duty in kinship is to support him. After all, it's not unheard of for the Kop to applaud opposition goals, and this from players who never played for the club and celebrated keenly. Does it matter then that he played for Liverpool FC?

Aren't Liverpool fans supposed to be known for their knowledge and appreciation of, all things good in football? Does this have to be conditional. Provided Shelvey shows no disrespect in his celebration - index finger on the lips, hand to ear etc - then a joyful celebration should be accepted as his right. Liverpool's supporters did rightly applaud Shelvey's goal but I like to think that had he celebrated as any other player would, then the supporters would and should have reacted in the same way. 

Another point I didn't like about the article is that Holt compared the situation to that of Cristiano Ronaldo when he scored for Real Madrid against Manchester United. Really? Which Cristiano Ronaldo is he talking about? The mercenary who shamelessly courted a move away from the club that brought him to the world stage? Let's face it, he certainly didn't leave so he'd be "guaranteed first team football" which is a claim made on occasion. Probably correct for Shelvey, but a million miles away for Ronaldo. Didier Drogba is also mentioned and this I agree with. He loved Chelsea and Chelsea loved him. I'm sure he could have taken his pick of the giant Spanish sides but stayed put. In any case, if he scores for Galatasaray tonight he should celebrate. Joyfully and respectfully. Chelsea's supporters owe him that. 

A celebration is what it is: An acknowledgement of a happy event. Do this respectfully and this is all anyone can ask. Then it can be enjoyed by all. This is what I call kinship and it shouldn't cause a problem. Anything else is simply concession. After all, as Kool and the Gang said "We're gonna have a good time tonight, let's celebrate, it's alright"!

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Fortunate win keeps Reds in the hunt

A Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde performance this afternoon gave Liverpool another three points to stay in

Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde... You decide.

touch with the Premiership's leading pack. Two goals from each of Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson saw off a spirited Swansea side under the stewardship of their new boss Garry Monk. Whilst Swansea deserve some credit in a thrilling match for the neutrals, Liverpool's defence were akin to a 12th man for Swansea at times. Attacking flair and clinical finishing at one end, and suicidal defending at the other.

If there was any more proof required that Brendan Rodgers needs to beef up his defence in the next transfer window, then this must surely be it. The calamitous displays of Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Kolo Touré make me wonder where the team would be were it not for the current forward line. The words "mediocrity" and "mid-table" come to mind.

Liverpool started brightly enough and were two up after superbly taken goals from Sturridge on three minutes and then Henderson 17 minutes later to put the reds firmly in the driving seat. At this point one would think it should have been game over for Monk's men, but alas, enter the Dr. Jekyll defence. In fairness to Swansea, there were warnings to Liverpool before then with the impressive Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfred Bony, continually being allowed space to run at the home side's defence, without any sign of a challenge until far far too late. Shelvey got the Swans back into the game with a wonderful effort, in every way equal in quality to Henderson's strike a few minutes earlier.

The reaction from the ex-Liverpool midfielder was somewhat muted presumably as a sign of respect to the fans of his old club. Personally, I find this quite lame. If a player scores, especially in the way that Shelvey did, then he has every right to celebrate it in my opinion. Whether it's against his old team or not. Four minutes later the visitors were level due to what can only be described as laughable defending by Liverpool. A clear free kick against Skrtel for needlessly tripping Shelvey with his trailing leg - after a perfectly timed tackle - allowed the game to be brought back to parity. Bony heading in past Simon Mignolet with yet more help from the hapless Skrtel. Much to the annoyance of the home fans. Again, the pendulum swung back when Sturridge bagged his second of the game to restore Liverpool's lead. Again, you'd think Liverpool would get a strangle hold of the game now. Again, this was clearly too much to hope for.

The second half continued in as equally a shambolic manner as the first, as Dr. Jekyll, or Skrtel as he's often called, brought Bony down in the area to prove that you can't continually drag opponents to the ground or take their shirt off and expect to get away with it. Bony stepped up and slotted home to bring the game back to 3-3 with his second of the game. Liverpool were rattled. Not really by Swansea, but by their clear lack of any cohesion. The Mr. Hyde-like midfield and attack worked tirelessly, only for the Dr. Jekyll-like defence to undo the good work.

Rodgers substituted Daniel Agger, who it must be said was not having his happiest of returns to the team, with none other than Kolo Touré. Things could only get worse one thought and the anxiety of the Anfield faithful was felt every time he touched the ball. In fairness to him, he wasn't that bad although he was still bad enough. The introduction of Joe Allen for Raheem Sterling a few minutes earlier gave Liverpool some much needed zip in midfield, and things seemed to take a different slant. The home side started to play as if they actually knew each other and Allen's endeavour down the left was beginning to bear fruit.

Finally with 15 minutes remaining, the very same Joe Allen was involved again as his run down the left and switch to Luis Suarez who's cross saw Henderson pounce on the rebound from his initial shot to restore Liverpool's lead. Gerrard went close late on and hit the post, but other than that, there wasn't much else to shout about. by now Liverpool were looking more assured and saw out the rest of the game in relative ease. Special praise must go to Jon Flanagan who was absolutely immense at right back. He has come on leaps and bounds this season and one has to wonder when Martin Kelly, equally capable will get his chance for a run in the team. Let's face it, he can't do any worse than Glen Johnson, who was "ok" in his first game back but seems to be showing his age from what I can see. Come on Brendan save the club another £12m and give the boy a chance.

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Arsenal v Liverpool - Match preview

Today at 4pm the FA Cup Fifth Round brings Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium to take on an Arsenal side still reeling from their 5-1 pasting at the hands of the visitors a week earlier. Since that result befell Arsene Wenger's team, the ramifications have been quite startling.

The Gooners went on to draw against what has become, a rather average Manchester United side, and then, Wenger found himself embroiled in yet another war of words with his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho who labelled him a "specialist in failure" following another round of mind games initiated by the Alsacian's statement that Chelsea had "...the Premiership title to lose...". Arsenal and indeed Wenger himself will also find it hard to put to one side, the thought that after tomorrow's visit by Liverpool, they travel to Bavaria on Wednesday for their Champions League first leg knockout phase match against Bayern Munich who incidentally, currently lay a healthy 13 points clear atop the German Bundesliga. 

I can't help but feel that all of this plays into Liverpool's hands. One can't deny that Arsenal are in a turbulent period right now. Could this be the start of another infamous implosion brought about by the pressure of looking down at the rest of the Premiership? I don't believe there is as much pressure on Rodgers' charges as there is on Wenger's right now. I wouldn't even consider Liverpool to be favorites for today's match. I'm surprised that someone of Wenger's experience has managed to get himself and his team into this current predicament. Perhaps he's had a chat with an old friend of his, one Sir Alex Ferguson? Rodgers has done well to distance himself from the whole mind games fiasco and this will be of benefit to his team. The less distractions the better, and Wenger has a fair few right now. Mostly of his own making. 

For Liverpool to win, they need to take a different approach to last week. Wenger will be looking to "put things right with Liverpool" as he stated Friday and I think this leaves them only one option, and that's to attack and press the Reds as hard as they can from the off. Liverpool have shown against Everton that they are more than capable of playing a lethal counter attacking game and should be able to cope. That is, if Daniel Agger starts in place of Kolo Touré who's had a woeful time of late. 

The return of Agger to the heart of the defence will bring the much-needed stability and organization that's been missing during his absence. This is a certainty. In the seven games since Agger's injury, Liverpool have shipped nine goals and failed to keep a clean sheet since the 2-0 win against Bournmouth. This compares to conceding six in the last seven games where Agger was involved and the team kept three clean sheets. Bare in mind that four of those goals were against Manchester City and Chelsea, and you can see the difference he makes to the side. This is no coincidence and I don't think Rodgers needs to be reminded of this either. Perhaps he does need reminding that he should concentrate on bolstering the defense during the next transfer window. 

Other than that, I don't see any other changes to the Liverpool side. This game will be as much a mental test for both sides as it will be a physical one. Particularly for Arsenal. Their heads dropped massively against Liverpool last week and they appeared short on confidence against Man Utd during the week. If Liverpool can keep them in check for the first 20 minutes of each half, I don't see Arsenal having the mental resilience to wear the visitors down and, should they succeed to fail - to use a Mourinhoism - then one could even argue that they lost today's game already a week ago. 

We'll know everything by 6pm tonight. Will Brendan's men get rodgered, or will the Gooners be goners? I don't expect a high scoring game but then... Stranger things have happened. 

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Reds win ugly in London - Fulham 2-3 Liverpool

Captain Sensible: Gerrard to the rescue... Again!

Following the demolition of Arsenal over the weekend, one was asking too much for Brendan Rodgers' side to do the same in an away fixture to a team firmly rooted to the foot of the Premiership and fighting for survival. Last night at Craven Cottage proof was given  without doubt that this was indeed an ask too far. 

Liverpool were forced to come from behind twice against a resolute and well-organised Fulham side to take three precious points back to Merseyside. The expression "to win ugly" is very apt to describe the Reds' performance. Dogged, determined, persistent, relentless will also suffice. I felt Brendan Rodgers' side was going to come out on top, but as is customary these days, the defence done it's collective and calamitous best to undo the teams efforts in a difficult enough situation. 

Many will feel sorry for Fulham and that they perhaps deserved something from the game, and I'd be among them. After all is said and done, there's no room for sentiment in the beautiful game. Ultimately, René Meulensteen's men just couldn't contain the relentless attacking play from Liverpool. The result is all that people will remember and this one went in The Reds' favor. This was for me, a pivotal result for Liverpool. 

Their desire to win the game was evident, and the team maintained a healthy mentality and work rate throughout what must be said, was a stern test for them. I honestly couldn't have seen Liverpool winning this match last season. Their focus was both evident and commendable last night. Even when the side went 1-0 down after eight minutes to what I thought was, an avoidable own-goal from Kolo Tourè - who seems to be at the heart of every defensive calamity at the moment - I felt the visitors could come back. I shared the teams resolve.  Something I haven't done in a long while. I'd have probably lost interest and checked the other scores to see how many places we'd be falling!

Liverpool's intensity improved when Steven Gerrard was pushed forward from his new role in front of the defence and started exerting his influence on the game with more attacking intent. It was his long range pass from deep that Daniel Sturridge was able to latch onto, steer past Marten Stekelengurg and restore parity in the match just ahead of the half time whistle. Rodgers had a face like thunder as the teams headed off the pitch and despite the equaliser, the man had every reason to be cross. The teams desire wasn't translating into a coherent display. 

Even after Kieran Richardson had put Fulham ahead again in the 63rd minute - through yet more woeful defensive work, I still felt Liverpool would get something from the game. I'd have settled for a draw in all honesty at that point but I never thought the team would lose. It seemed impossible for the pressure Liverpool were applying not to pay off. Attack after attack was taken to the hosts. Nine minutes later the visitors were back on level terms. Philippe Coutinho rifling a low shot past Stekelenburg's outstretched hand into the corner of the net within 10 minutes of Richardson's effort. 

Liverpool pressed and pressed. Occasionally rattled by the periodic onslaught of lofted balls into their goal area. Finally in the last minute of normal time, the breakthrough came when Sascha Riether needlessly brought Sturridge down in the box. Referee Phil Dowd had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Captain Courageous Gerrard stepped up to put the ball past the home keeper, despite his getting a palm to it. The travelling support went wild. Again during the five minutes of injury time, a Fulham pumped long balls into their opponents box but they were coped with comfortably and hoofed  back to safety in response. There was no room for good looks in this period. The result, an ugly but deserved win to keep the Reds in the chasing pack at the top of the Premiership. 

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Fulham v Liverpool - Preview

The Reds of Liverpool travel down to the Capital

Luis Suarez: A sign of things to come?

tonight to take on rock-bottom Fulham, fresh from the emphatic 5-1 mauling handed out to Arsenal at the weekend. The inevitable title winning talk that followed, continues to be wide of the mark. Needless to say, anything can happen, but suffice to say Liverpool aren't quite Champion material quite yet.

Optimism has be the word for Liverpool fans and Brendan Rodgers' team going in to this match. Confidence is high and the team is playing with the freedom that this brings. Add to that the fact that Liverpool have not scored less than three goals against the bottom sides this season - 14 in total to be precise with only three against - and it would take a brave man to bet against Liverpool tonight. The players deserved the plaudits that came their way over the weekend after a result that few would have predicted. Few other than a friend and fellow Reds supporter who bagged a good few quid with a punt on... Liverpool to win 5-1!

The ease and efficiency with which the team dispatched with their visitors on Saturday left many a gasp but not everyone. When asked during the post-match interview if the plan was to score as many, and as early, as possible, Brendan Rodgers replied "Well we've been doing that all season, really..." and you have to say, he's correct. Against Manchester City and Chelsea however, that came back to haunt them, suffering 2-1 reversals on both occasions. Those two teams remain for me, the contenders for the title, and the only teams who can pose any threat to Liverpool. I wouldn't have counted Arsenal before the weekend and I certainly won't count them now. Despite that I think they'll give Manchester United a beating tonight as a result of Saturday.

Having said that, there are no easy games in the Premier League and Liverpool have been found wanting against the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Swansea City. The only upside there is that they were all drawn and points gained nonetheless. Games they'd probably have lost in recent years. However, the performances against Hull City where the Reds were well and truly done over 3-1 and the feeble 1-0 loss to Southampton are the kinds of matches that simply cement my view that Liverpool are not quite there yet. There is a pattern there. three of the five results I've mentioned were away from home, and this is my only concern going into tonight's match at Craven Cottage.

In terms of the starting eleven, I don't see any change from Saturday's team. Jose Enrique and Lucas Leiva are still not back in training and whilst Daniel Agger is, I suspect tonight's match may be a tad too soon for him. Mamadou Sakho shall remain out for the next month or so. The Liverpool Bench is looking very thin and quite unconvincing at this point and I'm not sure the squad can stand many, if any more, injuries for the time being. The bench on Saturday's consisted of just one defender and this fuels my opinion that Rodgers must strengthen the back line in the next window.

On the balance of things, I think Liverpool should come away with the three points tonight, and with a margin of a couple of goals, despite the apparent inconsistency on their travels. As a tactic, I'm sure the team will attack the Fulham left because at 33, I don't believe John Arne Riise is going to be able to do much with Raheem Sterling. I don't think even Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore can help the cottagers tonight. The Tube strike is off, and the match is on.  My message for the players, as Francis Underwood would say "...Don't disappoint me!"

Follow me on Twitter: @Mrbengreen

Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal - Match Report

I'm da man!!

In the words of an old commentator "It's becoming a rout...!" And so it came to pass. It did today, with Liverpool giving Arsenal a good hiding at Anfield this afternoon. For the first 20 minutes, Brendan Rodgers' men were simply unplayable as they stormed into a 3-0 lead to leave the Gunners shell-shocked.

Two goals from set pieces by Martin Skrtel in the first and tenth minutes put Liverpool on their way, and from then on the writing was on the wall. The Reds pressed and harried the visitors and allowed them no time to settle. It's fair to say for the first half hour, it looked as if Liverpool would score with every attack as the visitors succumbed to wave after wave of attack. On 16 minutes, industrious play by Jordan Henderson winning the ball from Jack Wilshere to find Luis Suarez in space. The latter's low centre was met gratefully at the far post by the irrepressible and unmarked Raheem Sterling who slotted home to deliver a mountain for Arsene Wenger's men to climb if they were to salvage anything from the game.

Four minutes later, eagle-eyed Philippe Coutinho had the vision to slot an absolute slide-rule pass into the stride of Daniel Sturridge who broke from midfield between the two dozing Arsenal centre backs and notched up his 15th Premier League goal of the season. Poor Wojciech Szczesny could only look on as the ball bulged the back of his net for a fourth time. This was surely game over now for Arsenal. Liverpool's energetic tempo in midfield gave the visitors no hope of getting back into the game. Wilshere's frustration was clear to see as he tangled endlessly with Coutinho and the immense Steven Gerrard, excelling in his new role in front of the back four.

At the start of the second half, Arsenal showed some purpose to their game but it was clear to see from their body language that it was going to be a long, long drive back home to North London. Their heads had not only dropped, but squarely dragged on the lush green Anfield turf. It was against another half hearted Arsenal attack that the final nail into their coffin was dealt. Contrary to my assertion in the LFC File preview earlier, Aly Cissokho turned up for this match and was actually, "...all that". His forward clearance found the effervescent Sterling who controlled the ball neatly before stabbing home his second on the rebound from the on-rushing Szczesny - and effectively seal his man-of-the-match performance,. 

It was all over now. The fat lady didn't even have to open her mouth, let alone sing. The Kop cheered Liverpool's each pass as Wenger's men, bereft of ideas, chased the game to no avail. However, a clumsy challenge from captain Gerrard on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain inside the Red's area gave Mikel Arteta the chance to at least, spare Arsenal the ignominy of a complete whitewash. The penalty was greeted with cheers from both supporters. The Liverpool fans in keeping with their reputation for wit and sportsmanship!

So a good afternoon's work for Rodgers' men and a good result to set them up for their stay in London next week with away games at Fulham and, what will surely be a tasty FA Cup Fifth Round tie at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, following this result. The Reds have shown their promise today and I wouldn't even say this was their best performance of the season so far. The drubbings of Tottenham and Everton can't be overlooked either although given Arsenal's place at the top of the league one could argue as such. 

What I'd like to see though, is less of the kind of sloppy play that undone the side against West Bromwich Albion last week. As the teamtalk in Football Manager goes... "Why can't you play like this every week?"

Follow me on Twitter: @ Mrbengreen

Liverpool v Arsenal preview

Got some thinking to do...

In a few minutes from now Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side host Premiership leaders Arsenal at Anfield, and like with every fixture between now and the 11th May, is a must win for the Reds.

It goes without saying that Liverpool have not done well against the teams above them in the league this season having taken a big fat zero points from the possible nine available from Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. Cries of bad luck, poor refereeing aside, the final scoreline speaks for itself, and this is what matters. The biggest issue for Liverpool this season, in my opinion has been their defence. Shocking would not have been an understatement for many an occasion this season and this is something Rodgers must remedy.

I don't believe the inability to capture an obscure Ukrainian attacking midfielder in January to be the failure of Liverpool, but rather the lack of focussing on bringing in a competent defender to shore up the leaky back line. This is absolutely clear and I don't know what team observers are watching if they see missing out on signing Yehven Konoplyanka as the death knell for Liverpool's season. Only Man City have scored more goals than Liverpool so far this term thus the attacking element in the side does not appear to be the burning issue. The fact that they've shipped more goals than the rest of the top five sides is.

The one saving grace for Liverpool is that all the losses against the top teams have come away from home and the chance to play the top three sides in front of their own fans is definitely an advantage. I for one am expecting much more from the Reds at Anfield and let's hope the side give the fans - and themselves for that matter - something to be proud of. I'm not particularly bothered about the performance if I'm honest. The primary aim against the top sides must be to get the result. Point. These are the kind of games that will shape Rodgers fate and determine whether this season is a mere flash in the pan or a genuine 'Phoenix from the ashes' scenario.

Personally, I'd like to see Jon Flanagan and Martin Kelly starting as the full backs to give the team a bit more 'bite'. I don't think Aly Cissokho has been all that from what I've seen of him. There is certainly no room for the kind of mistake that Kolo Touré made to gift West Bromwich Albion an equaliser in the last fixture. For the midfield and attack, business as usual.

A win for Liverpool would give them 50 points and a five point cushion over Everton who have a difficult away trip to a resurgent Tottenham tomorrow - Not to mention three points behind Chelsea and Man City who occupy third and second respectively. Let's hope in a couple of hours we're talking about three points gained instead of two thrown away, or worse still, three given away.

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