Peter Crouch Must Fear International Exile While Fabio Capello Clings On
by John PercyFiled under: Stoke City, Premier League, Football, England Football
Peter Crouch must surely have realised his hopes of ever playing for England again are on the backburner until Fabio Capello's contract expires, after yet another shattering snub.
Crouch will spend this weekend with his feet up after suffering the humiliation of failing to make the final cut for Friday's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier while the likes of Bobby Zamora and Andy Carroll will be travelling on the plane.
The Stoke striker is probably counting down the days until Capello walks away after next year's tournament as the door is surely closed while the Italian is in charge.
Crouch's international exile under Capello shows no signs of coming to an end despite a goalscoring record that puts the current England team to shame.
Twenty-two goals in 42 games is formidable at any level of football, whether it be international football or Sunday mornings on mud-caked bobbly terrains.
But, mystifingly, Crouch has not played for England since the friendly with France last November and suffered the ignominy of being sat in the stands in his blazer for the qualifier with Switzerland in June while Zamora - who is yet to score for England - was on the bench.
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Carroll has hardly been setting the Premier League alight since his move to Liverpool and the only headlines concerning him have centred around alleged off-field nocturnal activities.
For a manager so keen on his players being whiter than white, Carroll continues to be in and around the team while Crouch, as low maintenance, as they come, stays in the wilderness.
Indeed, the only negative headlines that have centred on Crouch in recent times have been whether his glamorous wife Abbey Clancy was mulling over a move to Stoke-on-Trent.
Crouch's record in European football is similarly impressive and after his goal against Besiktas in the Europa League last Thursday, a goal that took his tally to 27 goals in 51 appearances in European competitions, he said: "I am still thinking about England, without a doubt.
"I've never wanted to retire from England or anything like that, I want to play for as long as I can.
"I still believe I've got goals and stuff to offer for England and if selected I'm sure I'll do well. My goalscoring record stands up against anyone and if given the opportunities I believe I'll take them."
Everton 0 Liverpool 2: Andy Carroll Silences Critics at Merseyside Derby
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Everton, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Andy Carroll went some way towards silencing his critics as the £35 million striker's first league goal of the season helped earn Liverpool victory in a controversial and incident-packed Merseyside derby.
Tim Howard looked like being Everton's hero after denying Dirk Kuyt from the penalty spot at the end of the first half.
David Moyes's side were forced to play with 10 men for more than an hour after midfielder Jack Rodwell was harshly sent off midway through the first half for what appeared at worst a yellow card challenge on Luis Suarez.
But Carroll's first goal in 10 league appearances in the 71st minute put Liverpool in control before Suarez made the game safe nine minutes from the end following poor defending by Everton.
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THE GOALS
71mins: That's a quality finish from a player who has found himself under pressure for his lack of goals. Jose Enrique's pull-back from the left is hammered home from 12-yards by Carroll after Kuyt cleverly ducks to get out of the way. (0-1)
82mins: Leighton Baines and Sylvain Distin get themselves in a tangle trying to clear the ball - allowing Suarez to pounce from close range. (0-2)
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
9mins: Suarez is presented with a golden opportunity to net his fourth league goal of the campaign but somehow heads straight at Howard following Kuyt's cross.
10mins: Everton respond immediately through Merseyside derby veteran Tim Cahill, but the Australian's header from Seamus Coleman's pin-point centre is tipped over the bar by Pepe Reina.
11mins: Great foot-work by Distin opens up the Liverpool defence, but the defender's powerful effort flies narrowly over the bar.
22mins: That's embarrassing. Referee Martin Atkinson shows Rodwell a straight red after the young midfielder wins the ball before catching Suarez. A booking, maybe. Not, repeat, not, a red.
43mins: More controversy as the referee points to the penalty spot after Phil Jagielka's challenge on Suarez. This time Everton can have few complaints, but Kuyt's spot-kick is brilliantly kept out by Howard at full-stretch.
45mins: Deep into stoppage time, Charlie Adam's powerful 20-yard effort crashes against the Everton bar.
52mins: Louis Saha comes to Everton's rescue as he clears Carroll's goal-bound header following Adam's corner.
REACTION:
Everton manager Moyes failed to mask his anger when asked about the decision to send Rodwell off:
"I'd have been disappointed if it had even been a free-kick. And if he had been shown a yellow card, I would have asked 'what has he given that for?' I don't know if you can (appeal a red card). I don't really know what the situation is. Jack's a young man making his way in the game. It's a big day for him. Maybe some people thought it could have been a free-kick, but it certainly wasn't any more than that. But we have to move on from it."
On his team's performance:
"At the end of the day it wasn't the referee that lost us the game. It was ourselves because we made a couple of defensive lapses. It was hard enough playing Liverpool 11 against 11. It was a really tough game for us and in the end it became tougher.
"But I thought the players kept at it. We made a couple of defensive lapses which cost us. We were beignning to grow into the game. At 11 versus 11 it wasn't a bad game, and we were doing quite well."
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish refused to get drawn into the debate about Rodwell's sending-off:
"I've not seen the incident and I don't know whether he deserved red or not. After they went down to 10, we were very professional, composed and thorough in what we were trying to do. Sometimes it's difficult to play against 10. You know what you're going to get from Everton. They put in a great of effort to try and keep it at 0-0, and they even tried and win it for themselves.
On the prospect of Steven Gerrard, yet to make a start after injury, being called up by England for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro:
"It's another step forward for Steven - coming on in the derby and getting a few more minutes under his belt. I think Steven put forward his views yesterday (about England) and I don't think there's anything I need to add."
On Carroll's goal and Kuyt's penalty miss:
"What was pleasing was the reaction of Dirk Kuyt after missing the penalty. It didn't seem to affect him which is the sign of a strong character. I think Andy was very unlucky before his goal.
"We said when we signed them (Suarez and Carroll) that is was a great bit of busines for the club and there's no reason for us to change that opinion. We're delighted with them, the big one has worked really hard in training and he's getting his reward on the pitch."
WHAT IT MEANS
Liverpool head into the international break with 13 points from their opening seven games after a fourth win in six league games. Carroll's goal could be the kick-start he so desperately needs, particularly after coming in such an important fixture for Liverpool. Everton have now lost back-to-back league games for the first time in almost two years. They have every right to feel upset about Rodwell's dismissal. But it was not only the referee who was guilty of making a mistake as Everton's defensive failings contributed towards their downfall.
EVERTON 0 LIVERPOOL 2 (Carroll 71, Suarez 82)
PLAYER MARKING:
Everton (4-4-1-1): Howard 7; Hibbert 6 (Vellios 78, 5), Jagielka 6, Distin 6, Baines 6; Coleman 6 (Drenthe 59, 6), Fellaini 6, Rodwell 6, Osman 6 (Neville 69, 5); Cahill 6; Saha 6.
Subs (not used): Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Stracqualursi, Barkley.
Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina 7; Kelly 7, Carragher 7, Skrtel 7, Enrique 7; Kuyt 8, Lucas 7 (Henderson 88), Adam 7 (Gerrard 67, 6), Downing 7 (Bellamy 67, 7); Suarez 7, Carroll 7.
Subs (not used): Doni, Coates, Spearing, Flanagan.
REFEREE: Martin Atkinson
ATTENDANCE: 39,510
NEXT UP:
- Everton v Chelsea (away), Premier League, 15/10, 1730 BST
- Liverpool v Manchester United (home), Premier League, 15/10, 1245 BST
Everton v Liverpool Preview: Kenny Dalglish Plays Down Goodison Return
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Everton, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: GOODISON PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011: KICK-OFF: 1245 BST
The last time Kenny Dalglish stood in the Goodison Park dugout as Liverpool manager, he watched his side throw away the lead four times in an epic FA Cup tie.
Two days later an exhausted and emotional Dalgish confirmed he was stepping down as manager in an announcement which sent shockwaves around the footballing world.
Fast forward 20 years and a rejuvenated and refreshed Dalglish returns to the home of Liverpool's neighbours relishing the opportunity of adding another Merseyside derby success to the many he enjoyed as both player and manager.
Dalglish was reluctant to discuss the extraordinary events of 1991 ahead of this game, the Anfield icon insisting that enough had been said in the past.
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The Liverpool manager is clearly keen to look to the future, not dwell on the past.
His side start three points ahead of Everton, who have played a game less, but Liverpool have lost their last two away games - Tottenham and Stoke - without finding the net.
Everton scored four past Pepe Reina last season as David Moyes's side took four points off Liverpool, who have not defeated the Toffees since Emiliano Insua and David Ngog were in the side in February 2010.
But two of their scorers - Mikel Arteta and Jermaine Beckford - have moved on, and Moyes will be hoping he possesses the ammunition to enable Everton to retain local bragging rights.
Key Match-up: Tim Cahill v Pepe Reina: Everton's Cahill is winning his fitness battle as the Australian looks to feature in his 14th Merseyside derby. The Australian has yet to score in a Toffees shirt this season but has proved a real nuisance to Liverpool's defence over the last seven years after scoring five times against Everton's neighbours. Liverpool keeper Reina goes into the game seeking a first clean sheet in five league games.
Form Guide: With Chelsea next after the international break, Everton need to return to winning ways after last week's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. Liverpool entertain Manchester United after this game. Yet they make the jounrey across Stanley Park looking to avoid a third defeat in four league games.
Odds: Everton 21/10, Liverpool 7/5, Draw 11/5
EVERTON:
Cahill is relishing the opportunity of adding to his impressive goal tally against Liverpool - if he recovers from a shin injury in time.
The long-serving Cahill has scored five times in 13 Merseyside derbies since joining from Millwall seven years ago.
"I think it is one of the biggest (matches) other than playing for your country in a World Cup," said Cahill.
"The derby is magical.
"It is not only the day of the game, it is after, it is before, it is the grudges, the banter. For those 90 minutes the whole of Liverpool stops and you have countries around the world watching.
"Going into the game, whether you are injured or you have little problems whatever, it is forgotten.
"Everything is left on the pitch and for me, coming from Australia, I feel the same sort of attitude.
"I found it hard to get here, I have this opportunity so I just don't want to miss a second on the pitch - I want to try to affect it, hence why I've had so much joy in the derbies.
"For the fans and for me it means everything because it is part of my life now."
Cahill has been receiving treatment for a bruised shin he suffered during Everton's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City last week.
But he remains confident of being available for the derby.
Strategy: Past derbies have been decided by the team which dictates the tempo and controls the midfield. This will be no different. Leon Osman and Phil Neville will be key to a home success as Moyes is again likely to opt for one up front, with Marouane Fellaini playing just behind Cahill.
Injury Update: Providing Cahill is passed fit, Moyes has a near full-strength squad to select from with Victor Anichebe (groin) the only likely absentee.
LIVERPOOL:
Dalglish will not rush influential captain Steven Gerrard back into Merseyside derby action.
Gerrard is desperate to lead out Liverpool at Goodison Park for one of his side's biggest games of the season.
But manager Dalglish has hinted that his captain, who has not started a game since March 6, might have to be patient.
England international Gerrard has made two brief substitute appearances since recovering from a groin problem.
"The game's not the important thing. Steven Gerrard's more important and as I have said before, we'll manage Steven as well as we possibly can," said Dalglish, who has praised the work opposite number Moyes has done at Everton.
"Moyesy's done a fantastic job," added Dalglish. "We have a great deal of respect for him and also for Everton. He's a good lad and we know him well.
"But come Saturday the two of us will be rivals and that's the way it should be. Afterwards we'll have a drink and move on.
"We know Everton are going to stand up and be competitive. We've got to match them."
Strategy: Does Dalglish stick with the side which overcame Wolves last week or does he bring Dirk Kuyt and Gerrard back into the starting line-up? Gerrard's influence cannot be under-estimated in this fixture while Kuyt's work rate is exceptional. Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll all started against Wolves, but none have appeared in a Merseyside derby before.
Andy Carroll Could be Forced to Sit Out Liverpool’s Biggest Games
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
After Luis Suarez had tormented Wolves, Kenny Dalglish was quick to heap praise on the Uruguayan striker - but saved his warmest words for Andy Carroll.
However, there was no comparison between the two strike partners for those watching at Anfield.
To put it simply, Suarez's display highlighted Carroll and his limitations.
Suarez looked alive, was a constant threat and scored a fine individual goal to cap an impressive all-round performance.
By contrast, Carroll laboured, looked sluggish and should have buried a header instead of hitting the post from six yards out.
So the reason behind Dalglish's post-match observation?
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Well, the Liverpool manager clearly feels its Carroll who needs a lift as the most expensive British player ever struggles to live up to that billing.
But with just three goals in his first 16 games, the fact that Dalglish remains prickly when addressing the subject of his £35 million signing tells its own story.
The pressure is on Carroll and, despite the early parallels with Emile Heskey's career at Liverpool, Dalglish is doing his best to protect the big striker.
"Everything except the goal," was Dalglish's analysis of Carroll's performance against Wolves.
"We couldn't have got much more out of the big fella. I thought he was excellent."
Given the merits of Craig Bellamy's performance in the Carling Cup against Brighton last week, the Welshman was unfortunate to be consigned to the substitutes bench as he failed to appear last weekend.
Alongside him was the fit-again Steven Gerrard, set to be a shoo-in once back at full pelt, who replaced a clearly upset Suarez as his tantrum showed when he was hauled off late on.
Instead it was Carroll who played the full 90 minutes, with Dalglish seemingly determined to persist with the former Newcastle frontman until he comes good.
There's no doubting Carroll has been through the mill since his big-money move to Merseyside in January.
An injury ensured a belated debut and he looked to have turned the corner with a fine double against Manchester City at the tail end of last season.
But a summer off, which saw him miss out on the England Under-21 Championship finals, was meant to get him in shape and back to his best for the new term.
Yet having recently been publicly criticised by England manager Fabio Capello for his lifestyle off the pitch, Carroll is struggling to make the headlines for the right reasons now on it.
With games looming against Everton and Manchester United, Dalglish needs to select his best side.
And with Bellamy and Gerrard waiting in the wings and the South American in such form, on this latest evidence Dalglish will have no other choice but to relegate Carroll back to the sidelines.
And no PR spin from King Kenny can continue to mask the blindingly obvious that it's a move, despite talking up his big No 9, that makes more and more sense with every passing game.
Andy Carroll Could be Forced to Sit Out Liverpool’s Biggest Games
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
After Luis Suarez had tormented Wolves, Kenny Dalglish was quick to heap praise on the Uruguayan striker - but saved his warmest words for Andy Carroll.
However, there was no comparison between the two strike partners for those watching at Anfield.
To put it simply, Suarez's display highlighted Carroll and his limitations.
Suarez looked alive, was a constant threat and scored a fine individual goal to cap an impressive all-round performance.
By contrast, Carroll laboured, looked sluggish and should have buried a header instead of hitting the post from six yards out.
So the reason behind Dalglish's post-match observation?
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Well, the Liverpool manager clearly feels its Carroll who needs a lift as the most expensive British player ever struggles to live up to that billing.
But with just three goals in his first 16 games, the fact that Dalglish remains prickly when addressing the subject of his £35 million signing tells its own story.
The pressure is on Carroll and, despite the early parallels with Emile Heskey's career at Liverpool, Dalglish is doing his best to protect the big striker.
"Everything except the goal," was Dalglish's analysis of Carroll's performance against Wolves.
"We couldn't have got much more out of the big fella. I thought he was excellent."
Given the merits of Craig Bellamy's performance in the Carling Cup against Brighton last week, the Welshman was unfortunate to be consigned to the substitutes bench as he failed to appear last weekend.
Alongside him was the fit-again Steven Gerrard, set to be a shoo-in once back at full pelt, who replaced a clearly upset Suarez as his tantrum showed when he was hauled off late on.
Instead it was Carroll who played the full 90 minutes, with Dalglish seemingly determined to persist with the former Newcastle frontman until he comes good.
There's no doubting Carroll has been through the mill since his big-money move to Merseyside in January.
An injury ensured a belated debut and he looked to have turned the corner with a fine double against Manchester City at the tail end of last season.
But a summer off, which saw him miss out on the England Under-21 Championship finals, was meant to get him in shape and back to his best for the new term.
Yet having recently been publicly criticised by England manager Fabio Capello for his lifestyle off the pitch, Carroll is struggling to make the headlines for the right reasons now on it.
With games looming against Everton and Manchester United, Dalglish needs to select his best side.
And with Bellamy and Gerrard waiting in the wings and the South American in such form, on this latest evidence Dalglish will have no other choice but to relegate Carroll back to the sidelines.
And no PR spin from King Kenny can continue to mask the blindingly obvious that it's a move, despite talking up his big No 9, that makes more and more sense with every passing game.
Demba Ba Underlines Newcastle’s Endearing Mix of the Parochial and Cosmopolitan
by Jason MellorFiled under: Manchester United, Premier League, Football
In the space of a little under an hour, with one stand-out display, Demba Ba encapsulated the endearing mix of the cosmopolitan yet strangely parochial that is Newcastle United.
A fairly abject start to life at St James' Park was largely forgotten in the wake of the Senegal forward's hat-trick as Blackburn Rovers were swept aside 3-1 to maintain an impressive unbeaten start for Alan Pardew's side.
Ba's observance of Ramadan, the annual Islamic ritual of fasting during daylight hours for a period of up to 30 days, which this year coincides with the start of the English domestic football season, played a part in his unimpressive form and previous failure to find the net following a summer switch from West Ham.
So far, so cosmopolitan. Newcastle forwards down the years have had many reasons behind their failure to produce the goods. An adherence to Muslim values has not been high on that list.
The fact that it now is reflects Newcastle's small part in the ever-diversifying nature of the Premier League's cast-list. Long may it continue.
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There have been plenty of glib remarks regarding football's standing as a religion on Tyneside, so players who take such store in their faith will find themselves among kindred spirits in this part of the world.
Yet, conversely, while being the ninth player to score a Premier League hat-trick for the club, the 26-year-old was the first from outside the British Isles and Republic of Ireland to achieve the feat.
Think you know your Newcastle trivia? Name the eight other players to have notched a top flight treble for Newcastle since 1993. Answers below. (Peter Lovenkrands' treble in the 3-0 victory over Plymouth in 2010 came in the Championship).
That Ba is the first player from abroad to join the list of hat-tricks is somewhat of a surprise given the rich array of talent from around the globe to have passed through the club in that time.
"Sometimes, fasting doesn't affect you at all," he said. "Other times, you start feeling a bit tired. It's not something that's new to me, I've been doing this for a long time.
"It's something that's very important to me. My faith is where I get my confidence and energy from. I will not quit doing this, because I can't."
Liverpool 2 Wolverhampton 1: Luis Suarez Inspires Reds to Anfield Victory
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Luis Suarez capped a man-of-the-match display with a goal as Liverpool returned to winning ways against Wolves.
Liverpool, after successive league defeats, were coasting after an own goal from Roger Johnson and Suarez handed them a two-goal advantage at the break.
But Wolves were a different side as soon as substitute Steven Fletcher had handed them a 49th-minute lifeline.
Liverpool missed chances to put the game away, but they withstood late pressure to inflict a third successive league defeat on the Black Country outfit.
THE GOALS:
11mins: Charlie Adam's shot is diverted in off Johnson's forehead. (1-0).
38mins: Jose Enrique's pass sees Suarez break the offside trap before turning Christophe Berra inside out and firing home. (2-0).
49mins: Fletcher makes an immediate impact when he turns home Stephen Hunt's cross. (2-1).
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
8mins: Jamie O'Hara fails to connect after Kevin Doyle's pass gives him a shooting chance from 20-yards out.
14mins: Andy Carroll meets Stewart Downing's corner, but can only head straight at Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
30mins: Suarez scuffs Downing's cross wide from eight yards out.
36mins: A well-worked free-kick sees David Edwards' goalbound shot blocked by Lucas.
45mins: Suarez stabs wide from close-range as he continues to cause all kinds of problems.
50mins: Hennessey drops Downing's cross but recovers to block Suarez's rebound.
52mins: Downing's delivery continues to cause problems as Carroll heads against the post.
54mins: A swift counter-attack sees Adam free Downing, only for the England winger to be denied by Hennessey.
69mins: Fletcher outjumps Pepe Reina but his header falls agonisingly wide.
70mins: Lucas is inches off target with a 20-yard shot.
81mins: A fit-again Steven Gerrard makes his first appearance at Anfield this season.
REACTION:
Kenny Dalglish hailed the partnership of Suarez and Carroll after Liverpool's win:
"I don't think they have played too many times together before. It's interesting to see them and they were half decent. Luis has been outstanding since coming to the club. We are fortunate to have him and we look forward to many more years working with him. The same could be said for Andy. He did everything except score a goal. We couldn't get more out of the big fella. I'm happy for him and delighted."
On the performance:
"We have played better and lost in recent weeks, especially at Stoke, but we were good value for the win. I think it was a deserved three points, even though it was difficult at times. They put us under a bit of pressure but we had chances to score more."
On Gerrard's return:
"Seeing Steven back is great news. It's encouraging. He got a great reception from the fans and that's what you expect given what a player he is."
Mick McCarthy bemoaned Wolves' first-half display:
"We started well but we conceded at bad times. I thought Johnson was fouled and he is still getting up and puts in own net for the opener. I was annoyed with that. Then we tried to play offside and it cost us. We had a difficult first half and a really excellent second half."
On his side's progress:
"I'm happy where we are. We have had one poor performance, and that saw us lose against QPR, but I can't fault my players."
WHAT IT MEANS: Liverpool needed this win after recent slip ups. Wolves will feel hard done by in failing to pick up a point for their second-half display, but Liverpool should have been out of sight before the break. With games against Everton and Manchester United looming, this was just what was required at Anfield.
LIVERPOOL 2 (Johnson 11 og, Suarez 38) WOLVERHAMPTON 1 (Fletcher 49)
PLAYER MARKING:
Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina 6; Kelly 6, Carragher 6, Skrtel 7, Enrique 7; Henderson 6 (Kuyt 72, 6), Lucas 6, Adam 7, Downing 8; Suarez 9 (Gerrard 81, 6), Carroll 6.
Subs (not used): Doni, Coates, Spearing, Flanagan, Bellamy.
Wolves (4-5-1): Hennessey 7; Stearman 6 (Doherty 46, 5), Berra 5, Johnson 5, Ward 6; Edwards 6 (Fletcher 46, 7), Henry 6, Hunt 7 (Guedioura 81, 6), O'Hara 7, Jarvis 6; Doyle 5.
Subs not used: de Vries, Elokobi, Hammill, Milijas.
REFEREE: Kevin Friend
ATTENDANCE: 44, 922
NEXT UP:
- Liverpool v Everton (away), Premier League, 01/10, 1245 BST
- Wolves v Newcastle (home), Premier League, 01/10, 1500 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Luis Suarez (Liverpool): Was a threat all game and was too hot to handle for Wolves at times.
Liverpool v Wolverhampton Preview: Steven Gerrard Ready for Anfield Return
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: ANFIELD, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011: KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
It says everything about the misfortune Steven Gerrard has endured this calendar year that the Liverpool captain has only started one Premier League match at Anfield with Luis Suarez.
The club's two most creative talents combined to help shoot down Manchester United 3-1 back in March.
And Kenny Dalglish would love a similar outcome against Wolves as Gerrard prepares to return to the Premier League stage for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson's side were sent packing.
The influential England midfielder is in the frame to make a timely start after emerging unscathed from a 15 minute cameo in the 2-1 Carling Cup victory at Brighton on Wednesday.
Liverpool have managed seven wins in 14 top-flight games in Gerrard's absence.
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But back-to-back defeats to Stoke and Tottenham means the stage is set for Gerrard to ride to his team's rescue as he looks to put a "nightmare" six months behind him after groin surgery.
However, Wolves will be determined to strike gold in front of the Kop for the second successive season.
Mick McCarthy's side sentenced Liverpool to a 1-0 home defeat in the final days of Roy Hodgson's ill-fated reign last December.
Gerrard will not want his homecoming ruined by the Black Country club.
Key Match-up: Pepe Reina v Kevin Doyle: A late consolation from the penalty spot by Ashley Barnes took some of the gloss off the Brighton win. Reina has not managed a clean sheet in his last five outings, a statistic Dalglish is anxious to correct after some unconvincing performances at the back. Doyle missed the corresponding fixture last season, when Stephen Ward's goal earned Wolves a shock win at Anfield. Doyle arrives on Merseyside with just one goal to show for his efforts so far this season.
Form Guide: With league matches against Everton and Manchester United on the horizon, Liverpool need to follow up their Carling Cup success by recording a first league win in three. Depite their crushing 5-0 cup win over Millwall in midweek, Wolves have not scored a Premier League goal in 315 minutes after taking one point from the last nine on offer.
Odds: Liverpool 4/11, Wolverhampton 9/1, Draw 7/2
LIVERPOOL:
Dalglish has told fans not to read anything into Andy Carroll's omission from the side in midweek.
The record £35 million signing was an unused substitute as Craig Bellamy marked his first start since returning to the club with a goal.
Carroll's form and fitness have come under scrutiny since the striker arrived from Newcastle at the end of January.
But Dalglish insists the 22-year-old England international is part of his long term plans.
"Andy is a professional footballer who understands what goes on in football," said the Liverpool manager.
"He worked really hard at Tottenham. It was a bad performance and a bad day for us.
"We don't have a team, we have a squad. There will be times when someone will play and others won't. Sometimes you'll be lucky and sometimes you'll be unlucky.
"But the football club is more important than one individual, including myself. I'm sure the players realise that. Although there will be a disappointment if you aren't playing, I think there's an understanding as well."
Strategy: The inquest into last week's 4-0 White Hart Lane disaster has proved long and painful. Plenty has been said about Dalglish's darkest day since returning to the dug out. While nothing can change the outcome, Liverpool's players have to show they have put that unpleasant experience behind them. An up-beat, high-tempo display has to be the aim. So too a clean sheet. This is as big a game for Jamie Carragher as it is for Gerrard.
Injury Update: Defenders Fabio Aurelio (Achilles) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) have returned to training, but the game has come too soon for either full back to feature. Daniel Agger is also missing with a fractured rib sustained in the defeat at Tottenham.
Stoke v Liverpool Preview: Peter Crouch Has a Point to Prove
by John PercyFiled under: Liverpool, Stoke City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: BRITANNIA STADIUM, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
Two of the biggest, and most successful, spenders in the transfer window will put their unbeaten records on the line in what promises to be an intriguing clash at the Britannia.
Kenny Dalglish and Tony Pulis have forked out nearly £80 million between them this summer and are both on course to build on the impressive progress made by their clubs over the years.
The turnaround masterminded by Dalglish has, of course, been a much quicker fix and Liverpool have certainly come a long way since their last trip to the Potteries.
Last season's 2-0 defeat in the rain was another chastening experience in Roy Hodgson's tortured reign as his side were simply swatted aside by Stoke.
Liverpool will now pose a more potent threat to Stoke's unbeaten record against them in three previous meetings, with Charlie Adam also expected to return from a hip injury.
Peter Crouch was one of the most surprising signings of the summer and he will make his debut here, against one of his many former clubs.
Stoke are finally in danger of being treated with respect but manager Pulis will be desperate to maintain their proud reputation of upsetting the big boys.
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Key Match-Up: Peter Crouch v Jamie Carragher. Both former team-mates with club and country, this will be a bruising battle. Crouch will be desperate to mark his home debut with a goal and his presence will make Stoke an even more abrasive team to play against. Carragher has established an impressive defensive partnership with Daniel Agger and it will be crucial here.
Form Guide: Stoke held Chelsea to a goalless draw in their first home game and have not been beaten by Liverpool in three previous meetings at the Britannia. Liverpool are unbeaten in three league games and impressed on the road in trips to Arsenal and Exeter.
Odds: Stoke 12/5, Liverpool 6/5, Draw 23/10
STOKE
Crouch is on a mission to upset Dalglish and extend Stoke's unbeaten Premier League record against Liverpool.
The England international will make his debut for the Potters against one of his old clubs this weekend following his £10 million move from Spurs.
Crouch spent three years at Anfield and will be unleashed on Saturday determined to maintain Stoke's hoodoo over their opponents.
He said: "I know from being an opposing player that nobody enjoys coming here and playing against Stoke.
"It's always an incredibly hard game to play in, so we have the belief that we can win the game.
"Liverpool have been a lot of changes there, but they have settled in very well and they have started the season extremely well.
"The players all seem to have fitted in to the system Kenny wants to play there and they look very dangerous going forward. But I look around our dressing room and we have some fantastic players in there as well.
"Hopefully I can repay them out on the pitch now with performances, and goals. I will give absolutely everything I have got in every game I play in, that is for sure."
Strategy: Crouch is expected to start against Liverpool and Pulis is expecting an immediate impact. He said: "We are hoping Peter will hit the ground running and do smashing for us. He can't wait for Saturday, especially against one of his old clubs."
The prospect of Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington delivering balls into the box for Crouch and Kenwyne Jones will give most Premier League defences nightmares and Liverpool will have their work cut out. But, as always, Stoke will base their game around a clean sheet and have only conceded two goals in seven games so far this season.
Injury Update: Wilson Palacios has recovered from a a knee injury but will be in the squad. Cameron Jerome will also be among the substitutes after playing only one game this season for former club Birmingham. Rory Delap is expected to return after a hamstring problem, while Jones may start on the bench after only returning from international duty on Friday.
Kenny Dalglish Defends Andy Carroll’s Lifestyle After Capello Critcism
by Chris BreretonFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Kenny Dalglish has done his best to remain under the controversy radar since returning to Anfield in January.
Yet if the criticism of Andy Carroll continues, he may well decide to poke his head above the parapet and go on the offensive.
In March, England manager Fabio Capello accused Carroll of drinking too much and the topic has again been brought up after Capello opted to drop him completely for last Friday's Bulgaria victory before giving him just 60 seconds from the bench against Wales on Tuesday evening.
Capello's decision has reignited the idea that Carroll is too much of a party boy to care about producing his best for England but the strength of Dalglish's defence on Thursday underlines he still has a huge ally at Anfield.
And Capello may well be getting a phone call from Dalglish to ask him to lay off the 22-year-old.
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"I think Andy is very appreciative of advice from anyone who has a good standing in football," Dalglish said at Liverpool's Melwood press briefing.
"I think he appreciates Fabio Capello's advice because he has great respect for Fabio Capello and I think Fabio Capello has great respect for Andy Carroll.
"His fitness would stand up against anybody's.
"I don't think his lifestyle is anything like you want it to be to write a story.
"As we've said before Andy was not properly fit last season because of a knee injury but we have been pleased with his level of fitness this season because he has lost that injury."
It is the second time Dalglish has defended the £35 million striker after Capello's initial complaints earlier this year.
In fairness to the England manager, Carroll has not had the sparkling start to his Liverpool career that his transfer fee demanded.
While fellow January signing Luis Suarez has already cemented himself into the affections of the Kop, Carroll still has work to do to prove he is worth the money and worth the hype.
What Dalglish does not need at the moment is more pressure heaped on the 22-year-old's shoulders and that is what Capello's questioning has done.
So from that angle, Dalglish deserves praise for trying to protect his player - it remains to be seen how many times he will have to do it this season.
Grading the Transfer Window: Newcastle, Norwich, QPR, Stoke, Sunderland
by FanHouse UKFiled under: Newcastle, Stoke City, Sunderland, QPR, Norwich, Premier League, Football, Team Reviews, Transfer News
Continuing our look at the transfer dealing conducted before the August 31st deadline, FanHouse UK picks out the good, the bad and the ugly deals made by newly-promoted Norwich and QPR, Stoke and north-east duo Newcastle and Sunderland.
As ever, it is a mixed bag although Tony Pulis and Neil Warnock seem to have come out of the experience positively ... at least if our experts are to be believed.
In part one, we looked at the dealings of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea. Read it here.
For part two - Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United - click here.
NEWCASTLE
The promised spending spree with the proceeds of Andy Carroll's £35 million move to Liverpool failed to emerge, although that didn't stop Alan Pardew from bringing in several new faces. The pick of the arrivals appears to be Yohan Cabaye, although the Italian Davide Santon is yet to have a chance to show what he can do. The jury remains out on Demba Ba and Sylvain Marveaux. You couldn't help but laugh at a repeat of their classic last-minute bids for at least two 'targets' they had no hope of landing given the ridiculously short time span they gave themselves.
Highlight: France international midfielder Cabaye, a double-winner with Lille last season, could be one the top four rue missing out on.
Lowlight: The departures of Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton.
Grade: C
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NORWICH
Deadline day passed quietly for the Canaries, who merely moved on fringe man Cody McDonald to Coventry, because manager Paul Lambert had been busy getting men in much earlier. The Scot added fresh faces who were keen to prove themselves in the top division - Steve Morison, James Vaughan, Anthony Pilkington, Bradley Johnson, Elliott Bennett and Daniel Ayala - and borrowed Kyle Naughton from Tottenham and Ritchie de Laet from Manchester United for added solidarity to a squad that had journeyed from League One to the Premier League in the space of little more than a year.
Highlight: None of the new men were headline-grabbers, but that was intended.
Lowlight: Ayala getting injured after an unconvincing start.
Grade: C+
QPR
Neil Warnock had a frustrating period after guiding QPR to promotion last season, struggling to get players in of the quality he required. DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd were shrewd moves but everything changed when Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club. Joey Barton arrived from Newcastle, then on a frenzied deadline-day, Anton Ferdinand, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jason Puncheon were added to the squad. Suddenly, there was an expectation of survival this season rather than a relegation. Adel Taarabt was also kept at the club despite interest from Paris St -Germain.
Highlight: Signing Newcastle player-of-the-year Barton.
Lowlight: Everything before Fernandes' takeover.
Grade: B+
STOKE
Tony Pulis, as per usual, kept it late but was emphatically rewarded for his patience with the club record transfer of Spurs striker Peter Crouch. He required similar levels of brinkmanship to land his White Hart Lane team-mate Wilson Palacios, while his pursuit of Cameron Jerome was finally ended after two years. Signing free agents Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson already looks a masterstroke and Stoke's transfer business ensures they are on course to challenge for a top eight place in the Premier League.
Highlight: It has to be Crouch. Many scoffed when it emerged Pulis wanted the England international but his arrival is a sign of how far the Potters have progressed.
Lowlight: Stoke chairman Peter Coates's interview regarding the possibility of signing Carlton Cole wasn't too clever.
Grade: B+
Kenny Dalglish Could Regret Allowing Raul Meireles to Leave Liverpool
by Chris BreretonFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
There is no denying that Raul Meireles's transfer to Chelsea makes reasonable business sense for Liverpool - but how much footballing sense is involved in the decision?
Liverpool bought the 28-year-old last summer and he made 44 appearances before his £12 million departure to Chelsea as the transfer window reached frantic new heights in its closing stages on Wednesday evening.
Just as most print journalists had begun filing their copy for the evening, it was announced by Liverpool that Meireles would be on his way for £500,000 more than the club paid FC Porto for his services last year.
Making a profit on a 28-year-old, however small, is financially astute but why have Liverpool allowed Meireles to go?
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The player has clearly grown less certain of his place at Anfield following the arrival of a clutch of midfielders this summer and submitted a transfer request in order to grease the wheels of the deal. Liverpool, however, now look short of game changers from the bench.
Meireles's impact as a substitute in the two Premier League games he played for Liverpool this year was noticeable and Kenny Dalglish cannot really claim to be overwhelmed by players who can come on and help turn a game in a similar manner as Meireles did against Arsenal a fortnight ago.
And that means Liverpool could rue that decision to let him go when, during a tight, tense goalless encounter later this season, they look to the bench and see only Jay Spearing smiling back at them.
With Joe Cole also leaving Liverpool on deadline day for French champions Lille, it is becoming clear that Dalglish has passed judgement on the squad he inherited and, in some areas, is only interested in using men he has signed himself at Anfield.
In principle there is nothing wrong with that and Dalglish is not the first manager to adopt that policy but to have allowed the Portuguese international to go, especially when he wanted to remain, seems to be shortsighted.
Earlier in the day, Craig Bellamy returned to Anfield on a two-year deal but should a 28-year-old have been allowed to go and a 32-year-old with terrible knee history brought in instead?
Bellamy is a proven goal threat in the Premier League, has clearly been looking to leave Manchester City for some time and as a former Liverpool player he is likely to settle quickly under Dalglish's regime.
But Bellamy has had continued and chronic knee troubles in the past - his medical took three hours to complete as Liverpool expressed concerns about his condition - and there is no denying he will not be able to feature in a large part of Liverpool's season.
Bellamy is expected to be used as back-up to regular striking partners Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll and his Premier League track record suggests he will score goals and cause problems for opposition sides.
Yet after spending so much money in a planned and orchestrated way in the early part of the transfer window, the ad hoc nature of Bellamy's arrival - and Meireles's departure - seems to suggest that Liverpool's transfer structure is not as planned as previously thought.
Liverpool v Bolton Preview: Gary Cahill Plays Despite Bid from Arsenal
by Chris BreretonFiled under: Bolton, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE, ANFIELD SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2011. KICK-OFF 1730 BST
Anfield is the venue for a football match that should promise plenty of goals.
Bolton have scored eight goals in three matches so far this season while the home side have netted six times already and will be looking to add to that in this encounter.
Since Kenny Dalglish returned to Anfield - and Owen Coyle moving to Bolton - the psyche, optimism and confidence of both clubs have been transformed.
Both sides are now committed to attacking, vibrant and joyous looking football and although Liverpool have grander ambitions than the visitors when it comes to qualifying for the Champions League, Bolton still have their eye on a positive season so this should be a fine game.
Key match-up: Luis Suarez v Gary Cahill. Suarez is on fire at the moment and is the heartbeat of the Liverpool side but Cahill is one of the Premier League's finest defenders so expect an almighty tussle.
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Form Guide: Both sides won in the Carling Cup in the week while Liverpool won their last Premier League game against Arsenal last weekend while Bolton lost to Manchester City.
Odds: Liverpool 2/1, Bolton 11/2, draw 7/1
LIVERPOOL:
Dalglish is delighted with the strength in depth of the Liverpool squad this season but remains wary of the threat Bolton possess.
The dour era of Gary Megson is long forgotten at the Reebok Stadium thanks to the way Coyle has transformed their style of play and Dalglish was full of praise for his fellow Scotsman.
He said: "They got a fantastic result in the first game at QPR and were a wee bit unfortunate as they had a good game against Manchester City last weekend.
"They've scored six goals in two games and they don't know when they're beaten. It will be a difficult game, but we know what to expect and it's up to us to overcome it. We're at home, so the onus is on us to take the game to them - and we'll try our best to do that.
"Owen has done a fantastic job everywhere he's been - he did a great job at Burnley as well as Bolton, and a good job in Scotland. He was worthy of a go in the Premier League and he's done well."
On his own squad he added: "We're happy with what we've got. We've been absolutely delighted with - but not surprised by - the way the players have gone about their work in training and in games and we're happy with the way they've started the season."
Strategy: Get the ball to Suarez. The Uruguayan has started this season in fine form and is at the very centre of all of Liverpool's attacking ambition at the moment. Suarez and Andy Carroll need to continue to learn more about each other's game while Charlie Adam, Lucas and Stewart Downing need to continue to provide the possession and chances to make that happen.
Injury update: Steven Gerrard (groin), Glen Johnson (hamstring) and Raul Meireles (collarbone) will all be missing.
BOLTON:
Coyle has dismissed fears that Cahill's mind could be elsewhere at Anfield.
The Bolton manager confirmed the club has rejected a "derisory" bid from Arsenal for the England international.
Arsene Wenger is expected to lodge another offer for £18 million-rated Cahill before next week's transfer deadline.
But Coyle still intends to play Cahill at Anfield after insisting the player is in the right frame of mind - even though the Liverpool match could be his last for Bolton.
"There was a conversation between Phil Gartside (Bolton chairman) and a representative of Arsenal," said Coyle.
"I'm only passing this on as a third party, but the word derisory doesn't even cover it.
"When I make an offer for a player, I'd like to think in the right ball park, but this wasn't even close.
"I spoke to Gary about it before the Macclesfield cup game in midweek, and he knows everything that's going on."
Strategy: Bolton cannot afford to gift Liverpool a 2-0 lead like they did Manchester City last week. Coyle's side eventually went down 3-2 after threatening a comeback, and the Bolton manager could be tempted to name an unchanged side. The question about Cahill's state of mind is significant. Bolton have not kept a clean sheet in the last 14 visits to Anfield and can forget about ending that run if Cahill's mind is elsewhere.
Liverpool v Bolton Preview: Gary Cahill Plays Despite Bid from Arsenal
by Chris BreretonFiled under: Bolton, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE, ANFIELD SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2011. KICK-OFF 1730 BST
Anfield is the venue for a football match that should promise plenty of goals.
Bolton have scored eight goals in three matches so far this season while the home side have netted six times already and will be looking to add to that in this encounter.
Since Kenny Dalglish returned to Anfield - and Owen Coyle moving to Bolton - the psyche, optimism and confidence of both clubs have been transformed.
Both sides are now committed to attacking, vibrant and joyous looking football and although Liverpool have grander ambitions than the visitors when it comes to qualifying for the Champions League, Bolton still have their eye on a positive season so this should be a fine game.
Key match-up: Luis Suarez v Gary Cahill. Suarez is on fire at the moment and is the heartbeat of the Liverpool side but Cahill is one of the Premier League's finest defenders so expect an almighty tussle.
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Form Guide: Both sides won in the Carling Cup in the week while Liverpool won their last Premier League game against Arsenal last weekend while Bolton lost to Manchester City.
Odds: Liverpool 2/1, Bolton 11/2, draw 7/1
LIVERPOOL:
Dalglish is delighted with the strength in depth of the Liverpool squad this season but remains wary of the threat Bolton possess.
The dour era of Gary Megson is long forgotten at the Reebok Stadium thanks to the way Coyle has transformed their style of play and Dalglish was full of praise for his fellow Scotsman.
He said: "They got a fantastic result in the first game at QPR and were a wee bit unfortunate as they had a good game against Manchester City last weekend.
"They've scored six goals in two games and they don't know when they're beaten. It will be a difficult game, but we know what to expect and it's up to us to overcome it. We're at home, so the onus is on us to take the game to them - and we'll try our best to do that.
"Owen has done a fantastic job everywhere he's been - he did a great job at Burnley as well as Bolton, and a good job in Scotland. He was worthy of a go in the Premier League and he's done well."
On his own squad he added: "We're happy with what we've got. We've been absolutely delighted with - but not surprised by - the way the players have gone about their work in training and in games and we're happy with the way they've started the season."
Strategy: Get the ball to Suarez. The Uruguayan has started this season in fine form and is at the very centre of all of Liverpool's attacking ambition at the moment. Suarez and Andy Carroll need to continue to learn more about each other's game while Charlie Adam, Lucas and Stewart Downing need to continue to provide the possession and chances to make that happen.
Injury update: Steven Gerrard (groin), Glen Johnson (hamstring) and Raul Meireles (collarbone) will all be missing.
BOLTON:
Coyle has dismissed fears that Cahill's mind could be elsewhere at Anfield.
The Bolton manager confirmed the club has rejected a "derisory" bid from Arsenal for the England international.
Arsene Wenger is expected to lodge another offer for £18 million-rated Cahill before next week's transfer deadline.
But Coyle still intends to play Cahill at Anfield after insisting the player is in the right frame of mind - even though the Liverpool match could be his last for Bolton.
"There was a conversation between Phil Gartside (Bolton chairman) and a representative of Arsenal," said Coyle.
"I'm only passing this on as a third party, but the word derisory doesn't even cover it.
"When I make an offer for a player, I'd like to think in the right ball park, but this wasn't even close.
"I spoke to Gary about it before the Macclesfield cup game in midweek, and he knows everything that's going on."
Strategy: Bolton cannot afford to gift Liverpool a 2-0 lead like they did Manchester City last week. Coyle's side eventually went down 3-2 after threatening a comeback, and the Bolton manager could be tempted to name an unchanged side. The question about Cahill's state of mind is significant. Bolton have not kept a clean sheet in the last 14 visits to Anfield and can forget about ending that run if Cahill's mind is elsewhere.
Controversial Craig Bellamy Could Be Set for Surprise Return to Liverpool
by John PercyFiled under: Liverpool, Manchester City, Cardiff, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
For a player who has had so many clubs, it is rather apt that the 'Nutter with the Putter' should be returning to the place where he is remembered more for an alleged assault with a golf iron.
Craig Bellamy appears set to return to Liverpool before Wednesday's transfer deadline and Kenny Dalglish is certainly giving the Wales international the rub of the green.
He is persona non grata at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini and last season was operating in the humble environs of Bramall Lane, Deepdale and the Keepmoat Stadium after a loan spell with his beloved Cardiff.
But Dalglish is prepared to offer Bellamy another chance at redemption in the Premier League at the age of 32 and finally end his fractious relationship with Mancini.
He still has a year left on his £95,000 a week contract but City are prepared to agree a settlement and get him off their gargantuan wage bill.
Bellamy will effectively be a free agent and for Liverpool the deal is a no-brainer as they look to gatecrash the Premier League's top four this season.
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It has been a nomadic existence for Bellamy ever since his fall-out with Rafa Benitez four years ago but there is a sense of unfinished business for the striker at Anfield.
He only spent 13 months at Liverpool before his infamous contretemps with John Arne Riise sounded the death knell. But if anyone can get the best out of him at this stage in his career, it is Dalglish.
Bellamy can probably expect limited game time due to the preferred forward partnership of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez but still represents a great option to have on the bench.
He will also need to be managed properly due to his recent knee problems but if Dalglish can get him firing he will surely represent another decent signing in an impressive spending spree this summer.
Liverpool will take him before the deadline if the deal doesn't run into turbulence - or late competition from Harry Redknapp - and Bellamy will undoubtedly have a point to prove.