Torres Reveals Rafa's English Rule

Torres and Benitez - Spaniards themselves - communicate in English at all times, as does everyone else in the Liverpool dressing room.

It is most likely a tactic employed not only to help foreigners learn the language, but to also create an environment where nobody feels alienated.

"There are 12 Spanish speakers but we try not to talk in Spanish because if he catches us, Rafa fines us," revealed Torres.

"He always speaks in English to the Spanish, except when there's something you don't understand. At the start it was difficult. But with every day, I'm getting to know the language and the city better."

Torres signed for Liverpool from Atletico Madrid on July 4, 2007 in a deal breaking the £20 million barrier.

Celtic Interested in Hyypia

The 34-year-old Finland international is out of contract at the end of the season and has not been offered a new deal by the Anfield club.

The defender is said to be frustrated by Liverpool's reluctance to give him another year at the club he has served for nine seasons as he was hoping to celebrate a decade in a red shirt in 2008/9.

This is not the first time Hyypia has been the subject of interest from other clubs.

At the start of this season, he admitted that he turned down big money offers from Newcastle and Wigan because he wanted to have one last tilt at winning the Premier League title with Liverpool.

He has since been linked with Kevin Keegan's Newcastle, Fulham and now the Scottish Champions.

Hyypia's chances of starting every game with Liverpool are diminishing, following Rafa Benitez signing of Slovakian international Martin Skrtel for £7 million and the, temporarily postponed, return from injury of Daniel Agger.

It now appears almost certain that the player will move on in the summer and the news of Gordon Strachan has made an enquiry will give him another possible destination when he considers his options.

The Wayward Rafa-lution

Events on the pitch during Monday’s nights Premiership encounter with Aston Villa seemed to take second stage to the vocal demonstrations of support for Rafa Benitez being played out in the stands of Anfield.

This overwhelming showing of unity for the Liverpool manager is a more than commendable act, and one that suggests that the object of the fans' ire lies elsewhere. However, is it entirely fair for the club’s supporters to place the blame for Liverpool’s faltering season squarely at the door of the club’s now despised American owners?

Taking a look at the Premiership table today is less than pleasant reading for those of a red persuasion on Merseyside. The club finds itself fourteen points behind the league’s pacesetters Manchester United and Arsenal, two points behind bitter local rivals Everton, and yet again out of the title race long before the end of the season.

Even analysing the Reds' Champions League campaign, so often the source of Rafa Benitez’s salvation, shows a season in which Liverpool made incredibly hard work of a more than elementary qualifying group, and are now faced with the daunting prospect of facing Italian giants Inter Milan. As such, it is not inconceivable for Benitez’s side to be out of the two competitions he would have most dearly liked to compete for come the beginning of March.

With players of the calibre of Fernando Torres, Andrei Voronin, Ryan Babel, Yossi Bennayoun and Lucas Leiva joining the club during the summer, the reality of Liverpool’s progress in the 2007/08 season comes as a shattering blow to the optimism generated by Hicks and Gillets' £45m spending spree.

One of the major reasons for such stunted progress this season can be clearly linked to Benitez’s warped view of what it takes to win the Premier League. Whilst managers such as Wenger, Ferguson, Mourinho and even Avram Grant have quickly learnt that the Premiership title race now resembles a sprint from start to finish, Benitez’s safety first approach has severely hampered Liverpool’s title aspirations.

Perplexing decisions, such as resting Fernando Torres for the home draw against Birmingham City in September then playing him in the Carling Cup against Reading, have drawn warranted criticism. Furthermore, Benitez’s reluctance to play the exciting Ryan Babel regularly, whilst still selecting a criminally out of form Harry Kewell, have denied his team a much needed source of attacking inspiration.

Benitez’s lack of attacking desire has also denied his team crucial points. Whilst Sir Alex Ferguson has been more than happy to withdraw defensive midfielder Owen Hargreaves as soon as Manchester United have needed a goal, Benitez has been severely reluctant to do the same. For example, as Liverpool pressed Manchester City in the closing stages of their 0-0 draw in December, Javier Mascherano remained on the pitch, talisman Steven Gerrard played a deep lying midfield role, and supplementary striker Peter Crouch didn’t even enter the fray until the last 10 minutes of the game.

Another hallmark of Liverpool’s season has been a failure to push home any advantage over an opponent. Monday night’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa highlighted this, with Liverpool beginning the game well, scoring the opening goal, then sitting back and allowing Martin O’Neill’s side to come in to the match.

Furthermore, Liverpool have yet again failed to compete with their ‘Big Four’ rivals head to head this season. While a terrible refereeing decision cost the Reds victory against Chelsea, Arsenal dominated proceedings during the 1-1 Anfield draw, and the limp home defeat to Manchester United showed a Liverpool side devoid of any attacking gusto. Indeed, only two points from a possible nine at Anfield against such teams has played a major role in Liverpool’s non-existent title challenge.

Another worrying aspect of Liverpool’s season has been the fact that even lowly Sunderland have won more home games (5) this season than Liverpool (4). Such poor home form should be a problem in itself, but when this is compared with their strong home record in previous campaigns a worrying lack of consistency can be seen.

As such it would seem that the un-wavering support of a major portion of the Anfield faithful towards their beleaguered manager would seem almost misguided. Whilst it is impossible to defend the underhand antics of the club’s American owners, it is an obvious fact that such moves would not have occurred if everything was playing out perfectly on the pitch.

If Rafa Benitez is going to quell the doubts emanating from the Anfield boardroom, it is essential that Liverpool are seen to be competing with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United for the Premiership title, instead of merely scrapping for the fourth Champions League qualifying position with Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa. Only then will Benitez be able to rely on the support of Gillett and Hicks in the same way he can rely on those of his loyal supporters.

Lloret: Benitez Won't Quit

Paco Lloret, who is described as Rafael Benitez's biographer and confidant, told the Sunday Mirror that Rafael Benitez is determined to stick it out with Liverpool.

Lloret said, "Rafa loves a challenge. He wanted to be the first Spanish coach to work in the Premier League and he believes absolutely that he will be the first Spanish coach to win it.

"He has more faith in his methods than anyone can realise. He is totally convinced that he can triumph with Liverpool.

"The impression we get in Spain is that the club's owners do not want him to stay.

"But Rafa will not surrender. He's very English like that."

However, Lloret added that there were clear comparisons to be made with Benitez's final season at Valencia, whom he left under a cloud before arriving at Anfield.

"Rafa is very professional, but he does not like anybody interfering with his work," explained Paco.

"He doesn't just want control on the pitch or in training - it is also what hotels the team stays in, what food they eat, what clothes they wear and where they go for their training camps.

"But now the new owners have come in, they have different ideas on how to do things and suddenly there is a distance between the manager and the board.

"It is very similar to what happened at Valencia."

Benitez has said recently that he has no plans to leave, despite a rocky start to life under American owners Gillet and Hicks.

Torres Insists Benitez Will Stay

Rafa Benitez has been involved in a spat about the availability of funds for the January transfer window with the clubs American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, for over a month.

The disagreement intensified last week when the pair admitted they had spoken to Jurgen Klinsmann about taking over as manager of the club.

Torres, who was brought to Anfield by Benitez last summer for £26.5 million, has poured scorn on notion that the Spanish coach will leave Liverpool in the summer.

"I can't see that happening," said the 23-year-old striker. "I don't think English football has lost its patience like it seems. Benitez will not leave and he will not be sacked. It is a lie."

"Benitez is not just another manager," claimed Torres. "He created a team and put his faith in players that owe him a lot."

The Spaniard also revealed how much he is enjoying his time on Merseyside, both on and off the pitch.

"It's different here," smiled Torres. "I can go and have a coffee without any pressure.

"I can go for a walk and not be reminded at every step that I am a footballer. That allows me to be more calm on the pitch and enjoy myself more.

"I can see that I play for a team which is respected by its rivals.

"And it is easy to get along with Gerrard on the pitch. You don't have to do anything strange, wherever you move he gives you the ball. He is fantastic."

Riise Calls For Rafa Respect

Riise was adamant that Benitez's silverware haul not be forgotten amidst a hail of recent controversy...

"He has won the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the Super Cup, and has reached another Champions League final", said an exasperated Riise

"He deserves to be treated with more respect. It's a shame that he has to go through this."

The Norwegian international also said he was fed up with media speculation concerning Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks' and George Gillett's meeting with Jurgen Klinsmann.

According to reports, they offered Klinsmann the manager’s job at Anfield before he decided to join Bayern, where he takes over from Ottmar Hitzfeld, despite protestations from the pair that it was merely a "plan B."

"The most unbelievable things have been written in the press about what is happening behind the scenes at Anfield", continued Riise, one of Liverpool's longest-serving players.

"I don't know if it is all true, even though Hicks has confirmed that they spoke to Klinsmann. But Rafa Benitez is a fantastic manager for the club."

Many observers now believe that Benitez' job at Liverpool has become untenable. Riise, however, believes he and his team-mates can ensure the Spaniard remains at Anfield.

"The only way we can fight for him is to get good results to make sure that he will have the backing of the board", he concluded.

Mourinho Camp Denies Liverpool Link

Rafael Benitez's position as Liverpool manager has been under threat as inconsistent form has seen the Reds fall off the pace in the league and barely scrape through in Europe.

As well as that, Benitez and the American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett had a confrontation about transfer funds to be allocated in the current transfer window.

After Benitez seemingly backed down, the tension lessened, but a run of four consecutive draws has resulted in media speculation surfacing about his possible departure.

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been the main name linked with the job and recent reports have described the deal as good as done. The tactician's assistant Eladio Parames has responded on his behalf, denying the reports and condemning the lack of professionalism in the media in spreading these rumours.

"Some media have consistently linked Jose Mourinho's name with various clubs without, as they are ethically bound to do, trying to determine the truth of these reports," he said.

"It is unacceptable that the unscrupulous press uses the name of Mourinho when they try to create or profit from current controversial situations in different teams as has happened recently."

Juventus Pull Out Of Sissoko Race

Sissoko, who has fallen out of favour with current Liverpool incumbent Rafa Benitez, looked likely to complete his move to the Serie A side after admitting on Thursday that a conclusion to the deal was “very close”, with his manager adding that The Reds were just waiting for the “right club and the right offer” before the 22-year old could leave Anfield.


Even Rafa Benitez admitted that he was trying to find a solution for the Mali international after the 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.


It was widely believed that Juventus’ manager Claudio Ranieri was keen on the athletic midfielder, but it now appears that they have withdrawn their interest and are satisfied with the squad they have available at the club.


Said Cobolli-Gigli: "Juventus will not make any acquisitions in the January transfer market. It's normal to dream of big players but, in order for dreams to come true, we need to wait for the right moment.”


While the Mali international’s ambition to play for the Italian side may have collapsed, he certainly won’t b e short of suitors if he does exit Merseyside, with reported interest from former club Valencia among others.


As for Juventus, the debate is on about Ranieri's continued support for Tiago Mendes, which is supposed to be the reason for the refusal to sign Sissoko.


The player is now being linked with Inter, who are also expected to sign Maniche on Monday.

 

Lucas Settling In Well At Anfield

Lucas Leiva has yet to establish himself as a first team regular at Anfield, but Liverpool fans have largely been impressed by his efforts this season.

The 20-year-old Brazilian has now been on Merseyside for four months, and has explained that now his English is improving Liverpool is finally starting to feel like a home from home.

"It's certainly easier for me to talk to Stevie (Gerrard) and the other lads now," he told LFC magazine. "I think I can get my message across and hopefully my teammates can understand me.

"Obviously that is hugely beneficial when it comes to playing the game and the fact that I can now chat to the lads is really helping me settle in."

The midfielder has yet to net his first Reds goal despite making 14 appearances for the side, although he was robbed of his first strike in the Merseyside derby back in September as his last-minute rocket shot was palmed off the line by Everton midfielder Phil Neville.

Crouch Admiration

But Lucas is convinced the goals will come and admits he looks up to Anfield striker Peter Crouch - in more ways than one! "Peter Crouch is also a great player," said Lucas.

"I remember watching him at the 2006 World Cup and his touch is really good. He is also a nice guy too and really funny. He's always joking about training and making everyone laugh. That's good when you're a new player at the club."

The Robot Returns?

However, Lucas also expressed his annoyance at Crouch's failure to replicate that renowned goal celebration. "I remember seeing his famous robot celebration and thought it was great," laughed the Brazilian. "But he hasn't done it since I have been here. Hopefully I will get to see it soon."

Advocaat Rues Loss Of Škrtel

Martin Škrtel is set to become Liverpool's most expensive defensive signing at a reported £6.5m.

The 23-year-old Slovakia international played in Liverpool this season during the Russian side’s 1-0 defeat in their UEFA Cup match against Everton.

Former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat wasn’t best pleased with the swoop, but understands making the player stay would be unwise when the Premiership is on offer.

"Skrtel's departure is a great loss for our club since Martin is a young and talented player who is capable of growing professionally," Advocaat told Sport Express.

"Speaking about his move to one of the strongest championships in the world, there is no sense in trying to keep Skrtel in St Petersburg."

Liverpool travel to the Riverside to take on Middlesbrough on Saturday, with the Anfield club hoping Škrtel will be with the squad by then. Škrtel himself is hoping for a speedy conclusion.

"I can't say anything definitely now since everything could be decided today or tomorrow," said Škrtel.

Škrtel passed a medical yesterday and is set to join Rafa Benitez’s toiling Reds.

Arbeloa: I Look Up To Finnan

Alvaro Arbeloa moved to Liverpool from Spanish side Deportivo in January last year.

Speaking 12 months into his Anfield career, the defender highlighted just how much he's learned from fellow Reds full-back Steve Finnan.

The Spaniard has become a regular fixture in Liverpool's starting XI, largely because of his versatility.

But while he's happy to fill in at left-back or centre-back for Rafa Benítez' side, he stressed that the right side of defence will always be his preferred option.

Unbelievable

Nonetheless, when you're competing against an experienced professional like Steve Finnan you have to take games as and when you can.


"Finnan is unbelievable," the 24-year-old Arbeloa told LFC Magazine. "He never plays badly. He is a good player who always plays really well. He is a great example for someone like me. I am learning a lot about the game from him.

"Not only is he a fantastic player but I also count him as a good mate," Arbeloa continued. "It is a challenge for me to play on the right side of the defence because Finn is such a good player. Just watching and working with him in training every day can only improve my game in the long run.

"Finn still has some good years left in him," added the Spaniard. "At 24-years-old it is a good opportunity for me to be able to learn from someone like him and who knows what will happen in the future? It would be great if I can stay here for another eight years or so, though.

"It would be nice to have my own position one day," commented Arbeloa when asked if he could make the right-back spot his own. "But if you can play in three or four positions it is better for the team, the boss and for me. Sometimes players get injured or the boss has another idea for a certain game. I can play on the right or the left, but the most important thing is that I play well when or whenever I am in the team."

Liverpool Poised For New Cash Injection

Northern Irishman John Miskelly, a lifelong Liverpool fan, is reported to have held talks concerning a fresh cash injection into the Anfield side.

Miskelly has amassed a vast fortune from his dealings in property and even launched a £250m takeover for Liverpool last year, only to be beaten to the prize by American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

However, neither of the Reds owners have yet succeeded in putting together a £300m refinancing package on the original loan used to buy the club.

The current global credit crunch and the spiralling interest repayments have put plans for a new luxury stadium at Stanley Park very much on hold.

With banks refusing to bail out the American pair, they have turned to alternative sources of investment, which The Mirror claims is Miskelly. It is not yet known exactly what or how much money any deal with the Ulsterman would involve.

Hobbs Hoping For More Starts

The young defender was a regular in the Reds Carling Cup teams until they were knocked out of the competition by Chelsea, and now Hobbs hopes manager Rafael Benitez will not discard him from his future plans for the first-team.

"I think it's been a year of progress for me so far," he said.

"In the summer I wanted to try and force myself into the squad and get some time on the pitch and that's happened.

"The important thing for me is to keep playing well for the reserves and show the manager what I can do. Things are going well with the reserves, we're winning games and are top of the league so that can only help.

"The Carling Cup games were a great experience. To play against Fowler at Anfield was incredible and then to get selected for the away game at Chelsea was a great confidence booster.

"There are world class players all over the place here so I know it's going to be difficult to break into the team but all I can do is keep trying. I work as hard as I can every day in training and look to make progress."

Carragher Snapped Raging At Fans

Jamie Carragher has been accused of threatening to start a fight with a group of provocative Luton Town supporters on Sunday at Kenilworth Road.

The event allegedly occured half an hour after the Reds' FA Cup tie, which resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Reports in The Sun claim that Carragher was baited by a group of about eight Hatters fans wearing black wigs and moustaches like the Scouse characters from the Harry Enfield sketch show.

The newspaper reports that after being subjected to taunts and insults the defender - who captained Liverpool in the absence of Steven Gerrard - climbed the fence of their hospitality box and took exception to their actions.

"Come on - let's have it!" he reportedly threatened before being dragged away by security guards. A grainy photograph appears to show a Reds player climbing into the stand, though nothing else.

24-year-old Michael Sapsford, one of the fans in the box, is quoted in The Sun as saying: "This is a Premiership star behaving like a thug. He couldn't cope with banter in good spirits that hundreds of other players put up with every week."

Sky Sports News, however, are reporting that this 'banter' included Carragher being spat at as he and the rest of his teammates warmed down on the pitch.

Defender Skrtel Passes Anfield Medical

Liverpool appear set to clinch a deal for Zenit St. Petersburg's Martin Skrtel after he completed a medical today.

The Slovakian international will set the Merseysiders back £6.5m, providing American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillet give their seal of approval at a meeting with chief executive Rick Parry today.

Personal terms have already been agreed with the club, and should the deal go through it would make Skrtel the most expensive defender in Liverpool's history.

Centre-Back Hunt

Liverpool have been chasing a new centre-back for some time, and after their pursuit of Gabriel Heinze was knocked back by Manchester United and Gabriel Palletta was sent packing back to Argentina they've clearly had limited options in that position.

Daniel Agger's long-term injury has forced boss Rafael Benítez to rely almost exclusively on Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia this season, but the 6ft 4in Skrtel - tipped as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe - should add extra cover.

Russian Champion

The Slovak has been capped 15 times at international level and recently won the Russian Premier League with Zenit in November this year as the side became only the second non-Moscow club to lift the title in the post-Soviet era.

Juve Set To Launch Mascherano Bid

The 23-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in world football and signed for Liverpool from West Ham in a complicated deal in January 2007.

Mascherano's contract is owned by the international fund of investors, Media Sports Investments (M.S.I), who are demanding €24m for their client to stay at Liverpool permanently.

The Anfield club's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillet are refusing to pay such a sum, thus making it inevitable that Mascherano will leave the club.

Two representatives from Juventus were present at the weekend to watch the Argentine star in action against Manchester City, and they are now set to present an official offer.

The Bianconeri face competition from City themselves, as well as Spanish-giants Barcelona, however both of these sides are said to be unwilling to pay the transfer fee that M.S.I are demanding.

Juventus are well known to be in the market for at least one top-class centre midfielder. While Hamburg’s Rafael Van der Vaart could be the Old Lady’s creative purchase, Mascherano may be the defensive side of the bargain.

Benayoun: I Want FA Cup

Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun was on the losing side against Liverpool when his West Ham side went down on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Now that he’s made the switch to join Rafa Benitez’s stalling Reds revolution, Benayoun can empathise with the underdogs ahead of a third round trip to Luton.
"The FA Cup is very important to the English players but I come from Israel and I can tell you it's very important to me," enthused Benayoun.
"The FA Cup is one of the most important competitions in the world and everyone wants to play in it. I have experience of playing in the FA Cup with West Ham and we had that great game against Liverpool in the final.
"This is something I want to do again, only this time I want to win it."

He knows that Luton, who are in a relegation scrap at the bottom of League One, will be tough to overcome. On the other hand, though, he understands that 5th place Prem giants Liverpool also need the boost.
"Luton won't be an easy game. For them it is their biggest game of the season, and for their players one of the biggest games of their lives.
"Everybody expects us to go there and win easily but they will be giving it 200 per cent and want to prove that they can compete against a team like Liverpool.
"We have to work hard and a good run in the FA Cup can give us a lot of confidence, so hopefully we can do well."

Benitez Confirms Juve Interest In Mascherano

The Argentine’s future in Merseyside is in huge doubt as Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillet are refusing to pay the €24m that Mascherano’s contract owners, M.S.I, are demanding for their player to stay at the club.

This has led to interest from the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona, however the Daily Mirror today reported that Juventus had sent representatives to watch Mascherano in action last weekend, and were now ready to present a transfer offer.

"We know Juventus and other top sides are interested in him, but we have the option," Benitez said.

"Javier is happy here and wants to stay. We will do our best to keep him here."

Juventus are well known to be in the market for a top-class centre midfielder, and have been long-term admirers of Mascherano, having been close to signing him in the past.

Mascherano is not the only Liverpool midfielder of interest to Juve, as unsettled Mali international Momo Sissoko is also hugely admired by Coach Claudio Ranieri.

FA Cup Preview: Luton Town - Liverpool

Cast your minds back two years to 7 January 2006 and you will no doubt remember the classic cup-tie of the third round that year.

In a game that will surely go down as one of the most remarkable in the magical history of the world's oldest cup competition, despite going 1-0 down, Luton hit back to lead the mighty Liverpool 3-1. However a Reds fightback saw them run out 5-3 winners with two memorable goals from Xabi Alonso- one from 40 yards and one from within his own half!

So history repeats itself on Sunday as Luton once again welcome the Merseyside giants to Kenilworth Road with dreams of a big FA Cup giant-killing in the forefront of their minds. Could we be in store for yet another Cup classic?

Welcome Relief

The FA Cup tie against Liverpool will provide Luton manager Kevin Blackwell with a little light relief on Sunday, which on the surface, may seem a rather strange statement.

Blackwell though has far bigger worries than Liverpool on his mind as Luton battle for their future existence. The League 1 club have recently been charged by the FA for making irregular payments, placed into administration, had 10 points deducted as a result, and been put up for sale.

The manager and the players were not paid in November and received only 50% of their December wages. The former Leeds boss faces seeing his best players sold off, while at the same time being unable to sign any replacements due to a transfer embargo placed on the club.

So not the ideal way to prepare for the visit of the five-times Eurpean and six-times FA Cup winners Liverpol.

"I can't even look to the end of the week at the moment, " Blackwell has said. "Something different happens every day and it is never good news - always bad.

"Everybody sees the big clubs and thinks that it is glamorous but right now, I can tell you, there is no glamour at Luton Town. We have all been issued with termination notices. Our jobs will be in place until someone decides that we are no longer required" he explained.

"And there is a real danger that the club might not be in existence in February or March. If we can't get a bidder who will come in and take the club on and take the debts on then there is only one outcome" Blackwell added.

The frustrating thing for the 49 year old boss is that matters on the pitch are actually going well at the present moment. The Hatters were unbeaten over the Christmas period, collecting 10 points from a possible 12. Before the points deduction, Luton had climbed well clear of the relegation zone in League 1 and moved towards the play-off zone.

Earlier in the season the club also enjoyed a fantastic run in the Carling Cup beating both Sunderland and Charlton, before very nearly causing a shock against Everton.

So Liverpool have been warned. Luton Town are are a club in severe financial difficulty, but the FA Cup is renound for throwing up unlikely stories.

Can Rafa Afford To Gamble?

With Liverpool 12 points adrift of Arsenal at the top pf the Premier League, Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Wigan at Anfield appears to have dealt the Red's title ambitions a serious blow. With that the case, Rafa Benitez may have to adjust the way he approaches this game, knowing that any little slip up would only give his detractors more ammunition to use against him.

With the game live on Sky Sports, millions will be tuning in on Sunday to see whether Luton can produce the kind of performance they did back in 2006 and cause a massive Cup upset this time around.

Xabi Alonso, the hero of the 2006 tie, insists that the Reds are foccussed on the third round tie and know they face a tricky game.

"This is the first round of the FA Cup for us and it is a great competition so we are really looking forward to it. But it is a tricky tie and we will have to see what happens" he admitted.

"The thought of getting to Wembley is a motivation for us but there are still a lot of games to play before anyone thinks of that and first we have to concentrate on Luton.

"It's going to be a huge game for Luton and I'm sure they are going to work really hard so it is not going to be easy for us" he aded.

Reds fans will be hoping that it is a positive omen meeting Luton again, and that they can go on to win their seventh FA Cup and their first at the new Wembley.

FORM GUIDE

Luton Town
Match Result Date Championship
Luton - Yeovil 1 - 0 01/01/2008 LEAGUE ONE
Port Vale - Luton 1 - 2 29/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Bristol R - Luton 1 - 1 26/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Luton - Tranmere 1 - 0 22/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Cheltenham - Luton 1 - 0 14/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Luton - Notts Forest 1 - 0 11/12/2007 FA CUP


Liverpool
Match Result Date Championship
Liverpool - Wigan Athletic 1 - 1 02/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City - Liverpool 0 - 0 30/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Derby - Liverpool 1 - 2 26/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Portsmouth 4 - 1 22/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Chelsea - Liverpool 2 - 0 19/12/2007 CARLING CUP
Liverpool - Man Utd. 0 - 1 16/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE


TEAM NEWS

Luton Town

Kevin Blackwell has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the visit of Liverpool. The Luton boss will have Chris Coyne back from suspension, but will have to do without Jaroslaw Fojut, who has returned to Bolton following his loan spell.

Anthony Grant is suspended, but Sam Parkin is pushing for a recall after recovering from injury and Paul Furlong could start after a hamstring problem.

Veteran striker Paul Peschisolido is ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious ankle injury, while veteran midfielder Don Hutchinson would dearly love to get the chance to face his old club. The 35 year old may have to settle for a place on the bench though.

Last Starting XI: Brill, Goodall, Perry, Fojut, Bell, Currie (McVeigh), Edwards, Keane, Spring, Andrew, Talbot (Furlong)

Liverpool

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is expected to shuffle his pack for the trip south after a busy festive programme, although not quite as much as some would have thought. Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Lucas and Andrei Voronin could all be handed places in the starting XI.

Steven Gerrard, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio have all been ruled out of Sunday's match. All three players picked up muscle injuries against Wigan in midweek and are sidelined for the trip to Kenilworth Road.

Last Starting XI: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano (Crouch), Gerrard. Pennant (Kuyt), Kewell (Benayoun), Torres

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luton- David Bell

The highly rated 23-year-old midfielder has been a first-team regular at Kenilworth Road so far, scoring four goals for Kevin Blackwell's side. His performances have been impressive enough to attract the attention of West Bromwich Albion, who are reported to be lining up a bid for the £1 million rated wide man. In Luton's current plight he will be for sale, but a god showing against Liverpool may see a few more suitors knocking on Kevin Blackwell's door.

Liverpool- Yossi Benayoun

With Jermaine Pennant making a return to fitness, Benayoun will want to impress Rafa Benitez in every game he plays in order to maintain his place in the manager's thoughts. The summer signing has impressed during his first six months at Anfield and will surely enjoy the extra time and space he will get against Luton. The Israeli is really determined to reach the final this year to try to make up for the disappointment of losing in the 2006 final at the hands of Liverpool.

PREDICTION

The only good news for Luton I feel is the gate receipts from the game as Liverpool should cruise to a win. This is undoubtedly a banana skin for Liverpool, but the Hatters side are not as strong as the one the Reds faced in 2006, when Luton had the likes of Carlos Edwards, Steve Howard and Rowan Vine in their ranks.

Luton 0-3 Liverpool

Relieved Benitez Dismisses Exit Rumours

Rafael Benitez rubbished suggestions that he expects to be sacked as Liverpool manager in the summer.

Newspaper reports today claimed that Benitez was convinced Liverpool's co-owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, planned to oust him because of their public row over transfer policy, and because they had not backed him or given him enough money to spend in the January transfer market.

However, despite rumours linking Real Madrid with a move for Benitez, the former Valencia manager insists he wants to stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future.

Speaking after the Reds' 1-1 FA Cup third round draw at Luton, Benitez said of the rumour: "That is not true. I love the club, I love the fans. I'm really happy here and I want to stay for a long time."

Asked if he was sure that he would still be manager at Anfield next season, he replied on Sky Sports: "I think so.

"To help the situation we need to keep working hard and keep winning."

Regarding today's match, Benitez admitted to being relieved that the Reds are still in the FA Cup after Luton gave them a real test at Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters earned a deserved replay at Anfield when John Arne Riise put the ball into his own net three minutes after Peter Crouch had scored for Liverpool against the run of play.

Benitez, though, is confident his side can finish the job off in the Anfield replay.

"In the first half we had some chances and they had some chances," said the Spaniard.

"After we scored the goal, we conceded a goal three minutes later.

"I am happy because we will have another game at Anfield. That is positive.

"We are in the Cup and we will continue trying to win. I am confident it will be
different at Anfield."


Blackwell's Pride

Meanwhile, Luton striker Drew Talbot - the man-of-the-match - thought the draw was a "fair result."

Talbot said on Sky Sports 1: "It's Liverpool - they're not up there for no reason but we kept plugging away and I think a draw was a fair result."

Luton created enough chances to beat a much-rotated Liverpool XI that was without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

And Hatters' manager Kevin Blackwell admitted that his team could have won the match.

"Clearly, we could rue the chances we missed," said Blackwell.

But he stressed: "What a fantastic performance by the players. As a manager, I'm very proud of the players today."

The team's replay at Anfield will bring in vital extra revenue to Luton, who were placed in administration in November and need to find a buyer by 17:00 tomorrow or be forced to sell their best players.

After such an impressive, televised performance by his team, Blackwell added: "I'm hopeful that makes us a more attractive proposition.

"Hopefully, after tomorrow one or two things might happen."