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.
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.
Tottenham 4 Liverpool 0: Two Red Cards for Visitors and Two Goals for Emmanuel Adebayor
by Mike McGrathFiled under: Liverpool, Tottenham, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Liverpool had two players sent off at White Hart Lane as Tottenham powered to victory following a spectacular early goal from Luka Modric.
Modric's goal came in the sixth minute when the ball for him 25 yards from goal after a long passing move. The midfielder hit his first-time effort into the top corner, with the ball still rising as it hit the net.
It got worse for Liverpool when Charlie Adam received two yellow cards in 16 minutes. The first was for hauling down Modric and the second for a wild tackle on Scott Parker.
Dalglish, who has complained about refereeing decisions this season, was furious with Mike Jones after Luis Suarez had a goal disallowed and was also one of three other first-half bookings.
Martin Skrtel's dismissal came when he picked up a second booking when he went through the back of Gareth Bale on the right flank. Jermain Defoe scored another and Emmanuel Adebayor added two other goals for the hosts.
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THE GOALS
6 mins: Defoe is tackled on the edge of the area and the ball falls 25 yards from goal, with Modric curling into the top corner.
66 mins: Defoe receives the ball 40 yards from goal, spins around his marker and finishes into the near post.
68 mins: Defoe's shot is spilled and Adebayor flicks the ball over the goalkeeper before tapping in.
90 mins: Adebayor found in the penalty area and he sends in half-volley.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
2 mins: Niko Kranjcar plays Adebayor through on goal but the striker's finish is wide of the post.
14 mins: Modric attempts a low placed shot into the corner, but Pepe Reina is down well.
28 mins: Adam is dismissed after a second booking, for a studs-up challenge on Scott Parker.
46 mins: Defoe plants the ball wide after being sent through by Adebayor.
62 mins: Skrtel picks up his second yellow card and has to be ushered off the pitch by the referee.
REACTION
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish blamed his team's poor start as much as he blamed the referee:
"We started the game short of the level we have been recently. They started better than us and obviously Modric scores a great goal and got them in front, Daniel Agger gets injured in the process and it's a great finish. It was the start of our downfall."
On the referee's decisions:
"We will just stick to what we can dictate. We cannot dictate interpretation in any way shape or form. It's better to just leave it. We have a very good record for discipline. That's why it's best unsaid because it takes away from a performance from Tottenham."
On how they will respond to defeat:
"We will look at the video and if there is something wrong we can correct it. You never saw Liverpool players running to the referee to dispute a decision, so there is no discipline problem."
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp felt the first sending off could have worked against his team:
"We started the game well and when the sending off came I didn't want it to happen, we were way on top and I thought it could change the game. It can change attitudes and the crowd can get frustrated.
On Skrtel's dismissal:
"The right-back had problems with Gareth, I have no sympathy, he already had a yellow card and you don't lift a guy up on the halfway line. What's the point in doing that? What's the problem.
On Adam's dismissal:
"I don't know if Charlie Adam had an eye on the ball, I can't see him trying to do him. He's not that kind of lad. He could have hurt Scott Parker badly. He hung a leg out maybe and I would give him the benefit of the doubt."
WHAT IT MEANS
Tottenham have real momentum in their bid to finish in the top four of the Premier League. Liverpool suffer a setback, and they continue to feel aggrieved by refereeing decisions.
TOTTENHAM 4 (Modric 6, Defoe 66, Adebayor 68, 90) LIVERPOOL 0
PLAYER MARKING
Tottenham (4-4-2): Friedel 6; Walker 7, King 8 (Bassong 84), Kaboul 7, Assou-Ekotto 7; Kranjcar 7 (Van der Vaart 46, 7), Parker 7, Modric 9, Bale 8; Defoe 8 (Giovani 84), Adebayor 9.
Subs (not used): Cudicini, Pavlyuchenko, Corluka, Livermore.
Liverpool: (4-1-3-2): Reina 5; Skrtel 5, Agger 6 (Coates 27, 6), Carragher 5, Enrique 6; Lucas 7; Downing 5 (Spearing 70, 6), Henderson 6, Adam 4; Carroll 6, Suarez 6 (Bellamy 70, 6).
Subs (not used): Doni, Maxi, Kuyt, Robinson.
REFEREE: Mike Jones
ATTENDANCE: TBA
NEXT UP:
- Tottenham v Stoke (away), Carling Cup, 20/09, 1945 BST
- Liverpool v Brighton (away), Carling Cup, 21/09. 1945 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Luka Modric (Tottenham): Pulled the strings for Spurs with his all-action display in central midfield, always wanting the ball and using it sensibly. Fantastic strike for the opener.
Tottenham 4 Liverpool 0: Two Red Cards for Visitors and Two Goals for Emmanuel Adebayor
by Mike McGrathFiled under: Liverpool, Tottenham, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Liverpool had two players sent off at White Hart Lane as Tottenham powered to victory following a spectacular early goal from Luka Modric.
Modric's goal came in the sixth minute when the ball for him 25 yards from goal after a long passing move. The midfielder hit his first-time effort into the top corner, with the ball still rising as it hit the net.
It got worse for Liverpool when Charlie Adam received two yellow cards in 16 minutes. The first was for hauling down Modric and the second for a wild tackle on Scott Parker.
Dalglish, who has complained about refereeing decisions this season, was furious with Mike Jones after Luis Suarez had a goal disallowed and was also one of three other first-half bookings.
Martin Skrtel's dismissal came when he picked up a second booking when he went through the back of Gareth Bale on the right flank. Jermain Defoe scored another and Emmanuel Adebayor added two other goals for the hosts.
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THE GOALS
6 mins: Defoe is tackled on the edge of the area and the ball falls 25 yards from goal, with Modric curling into the top corner.
66 mins: Defoe receives the ball 40 yards from goal, spins around his marker and finishes into the near post.
68 mins: Defoe's shot is spilled and Adebayor flicks the ball over the goalkeeper before tapping in.
90 mins: Adebayor found in the penalty area and he sends in half-volley in.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
2 mins: Niko Kranjcar plays Adebayor through on goal but the striker's finish is wide of the post.
14 mins: Modric attempts a low placed shot into the corner, but Pepe Reina is down well.
28 mins: Adam is dismissed after a second booking, for a studs-up challenge on Scott Parker.
46 mins: Defoe plants the ball wide after being sent through by Adebayor.
62 mins: Skrtel picks up his second yellow card and has to be ushered off the pitch by the referee.
TO COME: ALL THE REACTION
WHAT IT MEANS
Tottenham have real momentum in their bid to finish in the top four of the Premier League. Liverpool suffer a setback, and they continue to feel aggrieved by refereeing decisions.
TOTTENHAM 4 (Modric 6, Defoe 66, Adebayor 68, 90) LIVERPOOL 0
PLAYER MARKING
Tottenham (4-4-2): Friedel 6; Walker 7, King 8 (Bassong 84), Kaboul 7, Assou-Ekotto 7; Kranjcar 7 (Van der Vaart 46, 7), Parker 7, Modric 9, Bale 8; Defoe 8 (Giovani 84), Adebayor 9.
Subs (not used): Cudicini, Pavlyuchenko, Corluka, Livermore.
Liverpool: (4-1-3-2): Reina 5; Skrtel 5, Agger 6 (Coates 27, 6), Carragher 5, Enrique 6; Lucas 7; Downing 5 (Spearing 70, 6), Henderson 6, Adam 4; Carroll 6, Suarez 6 (Bellamy 70, 6).
Subs (not used): Doni, Maxi, Kuyt, Robinson.
REFEREE: Mike Jones
ATTENDANCE: TBA
NEXT UP:
- Tottenham v Stoke (away), Carling Cup, 20/09, 1945 BST
- Liverpool v Brighton (away), Carling Cup, 21/09. 1945 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Luka Modric (Tottenham): Pulled the strings for Spurs with his all-action display in central midfield, always wanting the ball and using it sensibly. Fantastic strike for the opener.
Tottenham v Liverpool Preview: Jamie Carragher Receives Dalglish Backing
by Mike McGrathFiled under: Liverpool, Tottenham, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: WHITE HART LANE, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2011. KICK-OFF 1330 BST
Kenny Dalglish has been upset with referees recently so the focus will be on Mike Jones when Liverpool travel to White Hart Lane and face Tottenham.
Dalglish believes decisions have gone against his team this season, and he was particularly angered in Liverpool's last game when Stoke defeated them with a disputed penalty at the Britannia Stadium.
Both Spurs and Liverpool have ambitions of breaking back into the top four of the Premier League and view each other as direct rivals for entry into the Champions League.
Harry Redknapp's Spurs team dropped into the Europa League following their fifth-placed finish last season but their priority is in domestic football.
Redknapp rested all but one of his players for their clash in Greece against PAOK with the meeting with Dalglish's side in mind, as his team look for a fifth straight home win against Liverpool.
Spurs are looking to build on their win over Wolves last weekend, while Liverpool's defeat at Stoke was their first of the season during a promising start to their campaign.
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Key Match-up: Scott Parker v Charlie Adam: Parker has arrived from West Ham and enjoyed a fine debut against Wolves. He has added steel to the midfield. Adam will be head-to-head against Parker in central areas. Spurs almost signed Adam from Blackpool last season but the paperwork was not completed in time.
Form Guide: Spurs have not hit top form yet. They were not helped by their opening game being postponed due to the London riots, then their next two games being against Manchester United and Manchester City. Liverpool have recorded victories against Arsenal and Bolton but also dropped points when they faced Sunderland.
Odds: Tottenham 8/5, Liverpool 7/4, Draw 9/4
TOTTENHAM:
Tottenham manager Redknapp will have Brad Friedel back in goal in place of Carlo Cudicini. Heurelho Gomes has been out of favour and will play in the Carling Cup next week.
"Brad Friedel has been fantastic," said Redknapp. "At the moment, in the Premier League, Brad has the jersey. I think he's been magnificent. I'm lucky. We've got three top goalkeepers here.
"Gomes will get games. I will play him at Stoke in the Carling Cup next Tuesday."
Redknapp also wants to play Ledley King in defence but the Spurs captain will need a late check on his knee before a decision is made.
King has been told by Redknapp he needs to play around 20 games this season to earn a new contract, which the 30-year-old believes it is possible.
"It was a total nightmare last season trying to get the groin right, so I worked hard over the summer and coming into this season, it feels a lot better than it did," King told the London Evening Standard.
"I hope I'm just back to concentrating on looking after the knee now and hopefully nothing else will crop up. If I can just manage the knee, there is no reason I can't play quite regularly."
Strategy: Redknapp will select and attacking line-up with an emphasis on using the pace of Gareth Bale. They play a high-tempo, especially at home.
Injury Update: Rafael van der Vaart could return from a hamstring injury, King will be assessed. William Gallas, Michael Dawson, Sandro and Steven Pienaar are among those ruled out.
LIVERPOOL:
Kenny Dalglish has no intention of dropping Jamie Carragher despite a mixed start to the season by the long-serving defender.
Carragher will move above "Anfield Iron" Tommy Smith into outright sixth place on the club's all-time league appearance list this weekend if he plays his 468th league game.
But there has been speculation about his place in the side after Carragher conceded the penalty which allowed Jonathan Walters to score Stoke's winner last week.
And it was Carragher's mistake that allowed Ivan Klasnic to score Bolton's consolation in the previous game.
"Nobody will get picked for their history," said manager Dalglish. "The people who have been involved with the club for a long time would expect that. They would not want it.
"They have got extremely high standards set for themselves. "If they didn't, they wouldn't be here and wouldn't have had the success they have had.
"Jamie Carragher will do me just fine the way he is.
"I don't know what I can say to you about him because there is nothing that I would like to change about him."
Startegy: All of a sudden the pressure is on to avoid a second straight defeat. Liverpool have lost on their last four league and cup visits to White Hart Lane yet they possess the firepower to overcome the hosts in the shape of Luis Suarez. Dalglish needs to prove that lessons have been learnt from the Stoke defeat. Moaning about the referee's performance will not do.
Injury Update: Steven Gerrard has an outside chance of making the substitutes bench. However, Dalglish is likely to ease the midfielder back from his prolonged groin injury against Brighton in the Carling Cup next week. Martin Kelly is likely to feature as Glen Johnson (hamstring) has not trained.
Return of Steven Gerrard Cannot Come Soon Enough for Liverpool
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Even when Steven Gerrard is not playing, Liverpool still turn to their influential captain to lift fans in times of defeat.
The Stoke setback had been analysed and Kenny Dalglish's claims about contentious refereeing decisions had been debated. All in all, the less said about Liverpool's trip to the Potteries the better.
The agenda had swiftly moved on by Monday and the top item on the club's official website was an interview with Gerrard about the impact made by Luis Suarez.
"Hopefully he will go on here for a long time because he's certainly got a massive part to play at this club in the future - the history is there to be written," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.tv.
But if Liverpool really wanted to lift morale after Stoke then why not simply post a repeat of Gerrard's latest medical bulletin from last Friday?
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The England midfielder returned to full training towards the end of last week and is set to be available for the Merseyside derby at Everton on October 1.
The Stoke result apart, Liverpool have made a solid start to the season with both Lucas and Charlie Adam impressing in Gerrard's absence.
But he will surely make an automatic return to the team regardless of whether Dalglish's side manage to put their first setback of the season behind them and defeat Tottenham and Wolves in the next two games.
Now 31-years-old, Gerrard might be past his peak. Yet despite spending the last six months on the sidelines due to an on-going groin problem, Gerrard nevertheless retains the ability to turn one point into three at a moments notice.
Who misses out when Gerrard finally returns is something Dalglish will have to decide when the time comes. But his decision will not be as painful as the manager is likely to make out.
"Alongside Dirk (Kuyt) of late, they've been like two Duracell bunnies," continued Gerrard about Suarez. "They just don't stop and for defenders that must be a nightmare, knowing when you control the ball those two will be chasing.
"It's fantastic to have him and hopefully he can continue his form until the end of the season. If he does, it will give us a much better chance of getting some silverware."
Stoke 1 Liverpool 0: Jon Walters Condemns Liverpool to First Defeat
by John PercyFiled under: Liverpool, Stoke City, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Kenny Dalglish was condemned to his first defeat of the season after Jon Walters extended Stoke's remarkable hoodoo over Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium.
A 21st minute penalty from Walters was enough for Stoke to preserve their own unbeaten record this season and secure their fourth successive home game against their opponents without defeat.
Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios both made their debuts for Stoke but it was the man whose place looks under jeopardy who delivered the hammer blow to his home town.
Born ten miles away from Anfield in Merseyside, Walters was pulled down in the box by Jamie Carragher and went on to score the spot kick that only served to keep the feel-good factor buzzing around the Potteries.
Liverpool piled on the pressure in the second half in search of an equaliser but Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic performed heroics to deny Jordan Henderson twice and then Charlie Adam.
Referee Mark Clattenburg piled the agony on the visitors when he waved away late penalty claims, even though Matthew Upson appeared to handle Luis Suarez's cross.
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THE GOAL:
21 mins - Walters powers home the penalty after he is brought down in the area by Carragher
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
10 mins - Ryan Shawcross just failed to connect with a Matty Etherington free kick
36 mins - Martin Skrtel blazes well wide of the bar after a neat pull-back from Suarez
42 mins - The excellent Suarez turns Upson in the box and shoots straight at Begovic
62 mins - A stunning hat-trick of saves from Begovic to deny Henderson twice and Adam
70 mins - Stewart Downing heads a Craig Bellamy cross straight at Begovic
REACTION:
Liverpool manager Dalglish admitted he is considering an official complaint to the FA about the standard of refereeing:
"We can only do what we can do ourselves, sometimes other things are taken out of our jurisdiction and if we continue to play like that with the same attitude and commitment we'll be okay this season.
"But if we continually get battered by things that are out of our control then we're not going to have much chance.
"The first four league games have all had contentious decisions in them and every one of them has gone against us. We would like to be respectful towards the referees, I think we have been respectful towards the referees but more importantly than respecting referees and their campaign, they should have respect my football club.
"If I feel they're suffering in any way, shape of form then I think I'll just need to go down the same route as some other people go and see if we can get some benefift from that.
"I'll speak to the owners first and see what they say. The last thing I want to do is for my behaviour to impinge on the club in any way. I'll speak to the owners and seek their advice."
On the performance:
"Did we deserve something? It's a wee bit of an understatement.
"We don't have any complaints with Stoke. They played very hard, defended the goal and defended courageously. I have nothing but appreciation for the way they played the game. I have nothing but compliments for Tony and Stoke.
"We are very disappointed with the result. We're delighted with the effort and commitment of the players and on another day they could have had three or four. I don't think there was anything wrong with the passing. Credit to Stoke, they got the goal and defended heroically. We couldn't have done much more."
Stoke manager Tony Pulis saluted his players after this hard-earned victory:
"I'm pleased as punch, we've got Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United as the three home games and I was disappointed with the way it came out. I was thinking where are the points coming from.
"We also had Norwich away which was always going to be a tough game and a derby at West Brom. For us to get eight points is a very good start."
On the performance:
"I thought we were pretty poor in terms of possession of the ball but top drawer off the ball. The incident after 60 minutes [the Begovic triple save] was what this club is all about. That's the DNA of the club. That won't change. We need to keep that. We need to improve technically."
WHAT IT MEANS:
Liverpool will play far worse this season and win so Dalglish will have no concerns there. But he was clearly irritated by the performance of Clattenburg and feels something must be done before the situation becomes a farce.
Despite spending £20 million this summer Stoke's DNA remains the same and they stretched every sinew to record this victory. With the Europa League group stages starting this week, these are heady times for the Potters.
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.
Liverpool are Right to Reject Chelsea’s Interest in Raul Meireles
by Chris BreretonFiled under: Chelsea, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
Liverpool's decision to turn down Chelsea's offer of £8 million plus Yossi Benayoun for midfielder Raul Meireles seems to indicate the Portuguese is finally the flavour of the month at Anfield.
Meireles's short Liverpool career has been a strange one.
He arrived at the beginning of last season from FC Porto for £11.5 million and played 43 games for the club yet never really seemed to win over a section of the Liverpool hierachy and fanbase.
In fact, Meireles was widely believed to be available for transfer earlier this summer when it seemed obvious that Kenny Dalglish was attempting to rebuild the Liverpool midfield.
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The arrivals of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing appeared to sound the death-knell for Meireles's Liverpool future.
That trio, along with Lucas and Jay Spearing plus the return of Steven Gerrard from injury meant it was hard to see how Meireles would be squeezed into the Liverpool line-up.
However, Liverpool have now rejected Chelsea's approach for Meireles which indicates that his worth is finally being appreciated.
Meireles missed last weekend's win over Bolton due to a collarbone injury but he has played influential cameos in both of the Premier League games he has featured in this season.
He was particularly important against Arsenal when he came off the bench with 19 minutes to go and helped change the game for the visitors.
Meireles has rarely had an off-day in a Liverpool shirt, he has always spoken off his delight at being at Anfield and seems determined to prove he can still be a hit in the Premier League.
And the very fact that Chelsea are interested in the player should be another reason to keep hold of him.
Stamford Bridge manager Andre Villas-Boas briefly got to know Meireles last season before he joined Liverpool and yet despite only having worked with him for a short while, he has seen enough to be convinced he is the player Chelsea require.
Villas-Boas has already shown he has an eye for a player and keeping him out of the clutches of a fellow Premier League rival should be an added incentive for Dalglish to hang on to him.
Of course, Liverpool may well just be playing hardball with Chelsea and may well let him go if they can squeeze another two or three million out of the London club.
But it seems wrong to consider letting such a quality player go.
And especially a quality player who has never agitated for a move or given anything less than 100 per cent.
Scott Parker Deal Will Kick Off Another Dramatic Deadline Day For Harry Redknapp
by John PercyFiled under: Bolton, Liverpool, Tottenham, West Ham, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
How Harry Redknapp manages to pull off so many dramatic late transfers on deadline day with a Sky Sports reporter following him everywhere like an irritating child is quite an achievement.
But all the signs are that Redknapp will be pulling out all the stops again to prove he really is the wheeler-dealer of the Premier League.
Last season it was Rafael van der Vaart and almost Charlie Adam while this time it looks like Scott Parker, Gary Cahill, Lassana Diarra and possibly Craig Bellamy could be the late arrivals at White Hart Lane.
A deal for Parker is virtually assured with the final stages of negotiations between Spurs and West Ham smoothed by the player's decision to submit a transfer request last night. Parker's action means he will not receive any loyalty bonuses from the Hammers, helping bridge the gap in the two club's valuation of the player, with a compromise fee of around £6 million likely to be agreed.
The status of Redknapp's other planned moves is less clearcut.
Redknapp's interest in Cahill has been no secret for quite some time but the £17.5 million release clause in the England defender's contract has always been prohibitive.
Cahill's price tag increased when he made his first appearance for the Three Lions and it has proved too much for Spurs's North London rivals Arsenal to pay.
Spurs are also having problems meeting Bolton chairman Phil Gartside's demands and offered fringe players David Bentley and Sebastian Bassong plus cash to try and take Cahill.
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That potential deal was laughed off by Bolton but Redknapp will not be deterred and confirmed his interest in the centre-half via his favourite medium early on Wednesday.
He said: "I have always been a big admirer of Gary Cahill, so we will have to see what happens.
"We will have to shift one or two out before anything can happen. We will see how the day pans out and I'm sure the chairman will be busy."
Real Madrid midfielder Diarra could finally be signed up on deadline day after a summer-long pursuit, and you cannot discount Bellamy joining either.
Bellamy's move to Liverpool has hit the rocks after Manchester City refused to meet an agreement on the final 12 months of his contract.
But the Wales international would be the perfect fit for Redknapp's enterprising style of play and could be a late surprise deal.
One player Redknapp insists definitely won't be leaving White Hart Lane is Luka Modric, whose move to Chelsea is looking dead and buried.
Team of the Week: Manchester…so Much to Answer for
by Jason MellorFiled under: Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Sunderland, Premier League, Football, Team Of The Week
So, let's have a look, shall we? Contenders for the latest FanHouse Team of the Week.
Hmm, well there's probably room for a couple of Arsenal players in there, right? After all, it's not every week you go to Old Trafford and score twice is it? Hang on a minute. What's that? They conceded HOW many.
Okay, scrub that. It's pretty safe to say the Gunners are gonners on this occasion.
That's especially seeing as their combined merit marks as a team barely scraped past that earned by Wayne Rooney for his stunning hat-trick, which in the process took the England forward, impressive new hairline and all, past 150 goals for Manchester United.
Given City's ruthless demolition of Tottenham at White Hart Lane, we can confidently predict that, as Morrissey almost once said, Manchester has so much to answer for when it comes to providing more than half of this week's outstanding individuals.
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Honourable mentions must go to Leon Best and Franco Di Santo, who each scored twice in victories for Newcastle and Wigan respectively, but joining Rooney up front is Edin Dzeko, the Bosnian finally making up for a slow start at City with a sumptuous display of forward play to help himself to four of City's five against hapless Spurs.
The 6ft 3in forward's first goal was set up by Samir Nasri, who enjoyed a fruitful debut following his £24m move from Arsenal - Arsene Wenger at least given some vicarious satisfaction from seeing one of his 'finds' recognised by us this time, even though we've had to shift him over to central midfield in our line-up, when all his good work came down the left at the weekend. We're sure he won't mind.
Sebastian Coates Deal Imminent as Slick Liverpool Shout to the Top
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
The points were in the bag thanks to goals by Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam, and Liverpool were heading to the top of the Premier League table, albeit for only 20 hours or so.
Suddenly, a stoppage time mistake from Jamie Carragher allowed Ivan Klasnic to grab a Bolton consolation to make it 3-1.
What happened next illustrated the difference between the sloppy Liverpool of a few months ago and the slick, improved Liverpool of now.
Annoyed at failing to follow up his clean sheet at Arsenal with another against Owen Coyle's side, keeper Pepe Reina screamed in frustration and repeatedly kicked his post.
Last season Liverpool raged at losing games to the likes of Blackpool, Wolves, Blackburn and West Ham. Now it is at losing goals.
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That along with an injury to Martin Kelly were the only setbacks on an otherwise upbeat day as Liverpool equalled their best start to a Premier League campaign for 17 years.
Yet Kenny Dalglish's team have even discovered the art of turning a negative into a positive as Kelly's replacement, Skrtel, sealed victory with a powerful header, the third successive game a Liverpool player has climbed off the substitutes bench to score.
Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates, who was at Anfield ahead of a £7 million move from Nacional, must have wondered how he is going to cement a regular starting place.
So too captain Steven Gerrard, who has not played since undergoing groin surgery but is now edging back to fitness.
"We've got more competition for places," said Carragher as he reflected on a victory in which Luis Suarez was again pivotal and Lucas produced another midfield masterclass.
"People are actually saying 'I wonder what the team will be'. If we don't know then the opposition don't either.
"When you look at some of the players that we have brought in, Stewart Downing looks like he's going to be a great addition for us and he's started really well.
"But Suarez is as good as anything in the league. He's what Wayne Rooney is at Manchester United and what Carlos Tevez is at Manchester City.
"Stevie is the player we look to in tough times but he's out, so now we have Luis who can be the one who can maybe get us out of trouble."
Stoke are next up for Dalglish's men. In many respects the result in the Potteries will provide a more accurate account of the team's progress under Dalglish than any league table at the end of August.
Liverpool 3 Bolton 1: Kenny Dalglish’s Reds Top After Easy Win
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Bolton, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Kenny Dalglish's expensively-assembled Liverpool side swept to the top of the Premier League table after an easy win over Bolton.
Jordan Henderson opened the scoring in the 14th minute - his first goal since completing a £16m move from Sunderland in the summer.
And two goals in the space of a minute in the second half by Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam, who also notched his first league goal in Liverpool colours in front of the Kop, sealed the points.
THE GOALS
14mins: Talk about making a statement. Henderson's hefty £16 million price tag has left him open to criticism but he repays a slice of that fee with a superb finish from 16-yards. (1-0)
51mins: Substitute Skrtel, a first-half replacement for the injured Martin Kelly, outjumps Zat Knight to power Adam's corner into the back of the net. (2-0)
52mins: Adam finds the back of the net from 20-yards and beats the diving hands of Jussi Jaaskelainen. Liverpool are home and dry. (3-0)
90mins: Ivan Klasnic reduces the deficit in the dying moments from close range. (3-1)
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
14mins: Jaaskelainen proves he is still one of the best keepers in the top tier with a stunning one-handed save to keep out Stewart Downing's volley following great work by Suarez.
17mins: Bolton's response is both swift and impressive as Martin Petrov's volley tests Pepe Reina in front of the Kop.
23mins: Suarez springs the off-side trap to race clear. Liverpool look certain to go 2-0 ahead but Suarez's chip from the edge of the area lands on the roof of the net.
42mins: Liverpool feel they have been denied after referee Lee Probert fails to punish Gretar Steinsson's handball with a penalty. Replays showed he got it right with the offence inches outside the area.
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REACTION:
Dalglish refused to get carried away with a victory that put his side on top of the table:
"It's early days but it's better than being bottom of the table. It's a well deserved win. I think we were fantastic."
On Henderson's first goal for the club:
"It's always an important statement when you score your first goal at a new club. It will certainly not do him any harm. If anything, it will give him confidence."
On how well his new players have gelled:
"It doesn't surprise me. This club is a friendly place and a fantastic place to play. We've got a really good squad and that's very important."
On the imminent arrival of Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates, who was at Anfield to watch the game:
"When we have something to say then we'll tell everyone at the same time."
Bolton manager Owen Coyle admitted defender Gary Cahill, who is wanted by Arsenal, produced a below-par performance:
"I don't think Gary performed to his maximum. It is only natural that his head could have been turned by the endless transfer speculation, and it has been endless. He's an outstanding player. If Gary goes then I am going to have to replace him."
On his team's performance:
"I thought we started slowly. It was an exquisite finish by Henderson and at that point I thought it might act as a wake up call. From that point on we gave as good as we got but we shot outselves in the foot at the start of the second half. They were two soft goals to concede. Charlie Adam's goal was a comedy of errors as far as we were concerned.
"At that point you could see why Liverpool have spent over £100 million since January. When you come to Anfield you need everyone to be at their best. We'll lick our wounds and get ready to go again."
WHAT IT MEANS:
There are 35 more hurdles to clear, but it is a case of so far so good for Dalglish and Liverpool. Yet there is still much work to be done and Dalglish will not get carried away with his team's position at the summit. Uruguay defender Coates, who watched this game, is expected to complete a £7 million move from Nacional before next week's transfer deadline while Craig Bellamy could also be back at the club by the time Liverpool next play. This was Bolton's second straight league defeat. But unlike last week's battling 3-2 setback against Manchester City, Coyle's side deserved absolutely nothing from what could be Cahill's final game for the club.
LIVERPOOL 3 (Henderson 14, Skrtel 51, Adam 52) BOLTON 1 (Klasnic 90)
PLAYER MARKING:
Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina 7; Kelly 6 (Skrtel 29, ), Carragher 7, Agger 7, Enrique 7; Henderson 9 (Rodriguez 76, 6), Adam 8, Lucas 8, Downing 8; Kuyt 7, Suarez 8 (Carroll 76, 6).
Subs (not used): Doni, Spearing, Shelvey, Robinson.
Bolton (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen 6; Steinsson 6, Cahill 6, Knight 5, Robinson 5; Eagles 6 (Tuncay 56, 5), Muamba 6 (M Davies 25, 6), Reo-Coker 6, Petrov 6; K Davies 6 (Pratley 70, 5), Klasnic 6.
Subs (not used): Bogdan, Blake, Wheater, Riley.
ATTENDANCE: 44,725
REFEREE: Lee Probert
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.