Jamie Carragher Talks up Liverpool’s Title Aspirations
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
The international break is usually a time when most Premier League players not representing their respective countries like to step back from the intense glare of the top-flight spotlight.
Jamie Carragher is clearly one of the exceptions.
Having claimed that England are "cheating" by giving the country's top football job to a foreigner, the long-serving Liverpool defender has now disagreed with Luis Suarez's suggestions that Kenny Dalglish's side are out of the title race.
Carragher's team-mate had claimed Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are "unreachable".
But Carragher is refusing to give up on the one medal which has eluded him throughout his career at Anfield.
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The 33-year-old has helped his club win two FA Cups, two League Cups, one Champions League, one Uefa Cup and one Uefa Super Cup since making his debut in 1997.
But Carragher has yet to win the title. His hopes of ending that sequence already appear difficult seven games into the current campaign.
Liverpool trail United and City, who remain unbeaten, by six points after defeats to Tottenham and Stoke.
Yet with Sir Alex Ferguson's reigning champions arriving at Anfield on October 15, when Steven Gerrard could make his first start for six months after groin surgery, Carragher believes it is far too soon to write off Liverpool's title chances.
After United's visit, Dalglish's side have a run of winnable games against Norwich (home), West Brom (away) and Swansea (home) before a crunch few days which could define their season.
They travel to Chelsea on November 20 before entertaining Roberto Mancini's expensively-assembled City side on November 27.
"The last couple of years we have finished sixth and seventh so for us to get in the top four, we will be pleased with that this season," said Carragher.
"But at Christmas, if we are two or three points behind Manchester United or Manchester City, we are going to say we want to win the league.
"I always change my opinion of what I want us to do depending on where we are in the league.
"At this moment people will probably say we are in the race with Spurs and Arsenal (for fourth) because we are a little bit off Mancheter City and Manchester United.
"But over the next month, if we can catch them up. . .
Liverpool Need Luis Suarez to Cut Theatrics and Concentrate on Goals
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Nine months into his Liverpool career, Luis Suarez has spoken of the immense pride he feels each time he pulls on the club's famous number seven shirt.
"I didn't know the history of my No 7 shirt at Liverpool," said the Uruguay forward. "I picked it because it was one of the few numbers available.
"Now that I know the story I am proud to wear the '7' and I try not feel the burden of its heritage."
No doubt Suarez's words will further cement his already stong relationship with the Kop, but the 24-year-old must eradicate play-acting from his game if he is to be as successful as Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan, both previous owners of Liverpool's legendary number seven shirt.
There is so much to admire about Suarez.
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The vibrant former Ajax player has demonstrated on a weekly basis the art of pulling centre-backs around with his twisting brilliance, instigating the rhythm of Liverpool's attacks.
At times he has been unstoppable, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be wary of the threat that Suarez poses ahead of Manchester United's visit to Anfield on October 15.
Yet Suarez is in danger of undoing all his hard work if he repeats the over-the-top antics he showed on the pitch ahead of Jack Rodwell's early red card, which has since been rescinded, in the Merseyside derby.
Players who roll around and simulate agony when there is little wrong with them are hurting the game
Regular visitors to Anfield will know that Suarez possesses an unquenchable will to win, an ingredient which has endeared him to Liverpool's fans.
"Our supporters are the most intelligent I have come across and, for me, they understand when someone is doing, well," said Dalglish before the Merseyside derby.
"The fans have taken to him because he is genuine, 100 per cent committed. They love players like that."
Indeed they do.
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.
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.
Stoke v Man United Preview: Ferguson Defends Staff After Owen Hargreaves Outburst
by John PercyFiled under: Manchester United, Stoke City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: BRITANNIA STADIUM, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th 2011. KICK-OFF: 1730 BST
While Sir Alex Ferguson has seen bitter rivals including Arsene Wenger and Kenny Dalglish struggle against Stoke, he has found encounters with Tony Pulis a breeze.
Six consecutive Premier League matches against Stoke's renowned party poopers have all ended in United victories and while other managers have emerged from this unforgiving venue with their noses bloodied, Ferguson is yet to see what the fuss is about.
United have not been beaten in any league encounter against the Potters since 1984 and could not be heading into their latest assignment in a better frame of mind.
Unbeaten in all competitions, including a stirring win over Chelsea last weekend and a regulation stroll against deadly enemies Leeds on Tuesday, United's season could receive yet another lift with the return of Rio Ferdinand.
The England international is pencilled in to make only his third appearance of the season here, providing Ferguson with even more options as United buck the trend with an excellent start to the campaign.
Stoke have made progress year on year since returning to the top flight, though, and this meeting surely represents their best chance yet of breaking the run of defeats.
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Key Match-Up: Peter Crouch v Rio Ferdinand. Crouch will be under more pressure to score now after the loss of Kenwyne Jones through injury and will be desperate to record his first goal against such illustrious opponents. Ferdinand will undoubtedly be rusty after such limited opportunities and view coming up against Crouch as an ideal way to bed himself back in.
Form Guide: Stoke's nine-match unbeaten run came to an end at Sunderland last weekend in emphatic fashion but they restored confidence by beating Spurs in the Carling Cup on penalties. United's draw against Benfica is the only blot on their campaign so far, with the other six games ending in victories.
Odds: Stoke 11/2, United 8/15, Draw 3/1
STOKE
Ryan Shawcross is on a mission to upset former club United's 100% start to the Premier League season and finally end Stoke's agonising 27-year wait for a win.
Stoke have lost six consecutive games to Ferguson since promotion to the top flight and not beaten United in the league since 1984.
But Pulis's Potters have only lost once at the Britannia Stadium this year and are determined to bounce back from their thrashing at Sunderland last weekend.
And Shawcross, who spent six years at Old Trafford, is desperate to end Ferguson's hoodoo over his club on Saturday.
He said: "The result and the performance at Sunderland were disappointing, but we move on now and we set our sights on another unbeaten run like the one we have just had.
"It will be hard to start that off against Manchester United because they are a top team, but everyone is beatable, and we know if we have the fans right behind us and we perform in a way we know we can, then we do have a chance.
"Last weekend was probably a bit of a reality check for us to be honest, especially having been on a nine-game unbeaten run to start the new season.
"Good runs have to come to an end, but it was disappointing for it to end in that fashion at Sunderland."
Strategy: Extra time and penalties were the last thing Pulis wanted ahead of this game, especially after fielding such a strong team against Spurs. The preparations and rehabilitation for this match will be meticulous as Pulis bids to keep his players refreshed for such a substantial challenge.
Stoke's record against United in the past could either work as an incentive or a mental hindrance.
Injury Update: Jones is facing three weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury against Spurs. Shawcross will return to the team after he was rested in midweek. Danny Higginbotham (knee), Ricardo Fuller and Mamady Sidibe (both Achilles) are still out.
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.
Kenny Dalglish Can Be Judged Properly After Steven Gerrard Return
by John PercyFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Kenny Dalglish's Champions League aspirations were put into stark perspective last weekend so the return of Steven Gerrard has been eagerly awaited by the Liverpool manager.
After six months of intense frustration, Gerrard finally made a low-key comeback by playing 16 minutes of the Carling Cup tie at Brighton to deliver a much needed boost for Dalglish.
It has been a patient wait for Gerrard too, after a niggling groin injury, and his importance to Liverpool remains as high as ever despite Dalglish's vast transfer outlay since the turn of the year.
As Dalglish pointed out after the victory at the Amex Stadium, Gerrard is still the club's talisman and will be vital as Liverpool bid to unsettle the established order at the top of the Premier League.
Dalglish will have to show similar patience and due diligence now the England international has returned and a start against Wolves on Saturday may come too soon for him but, even still, it is an option he has been waiting for.
Gerrard said: "It is down to the manager now. I have been out for six months so it is about getting training sessions under my belt and match time. Hopefully I will be selected against Wolves."
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Liverpool will know they now present more of a potent threat to the likes of Arsenal and Spurs, who are expected to be the other teams jostling for fourth place.
Gerrard's return will also relieve a little of the pressure on Dalglish, who was the subject of some telling statistics on social networking site Twitter after the win at Brighton.
It was pointed out that Dalglish's record after 31 games was only marginally more impressive than his much maligned predecessor Roy Hodgson, whose tortured reign ended in January.
Both managers had lost nine games in that period, though Dalglish has won 15 compared to Hodgson. Statistics can be shaped in many ways to enhance a case but, even so, these were a surprise.
And it is undoubtedly the absence of Gerrard over the last six months that has affected Dalglish's Second Coming at Anfield.
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 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.