Liverpool were left frustrated after they were held to a goalless draw by Stoke City at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Despite dominating possession for the majority of the contest, the Reds were unable to break down a resolute Potters rearguard.
Dirk Kuyt missed the best opportunity to break the deadlock with just over 10 minutes remaining when he headed wide from a good position, meaning the points were to be shared between the two sides.
Kenny Dalglish made five changes to the side that began against Manchester City in midweek, with Jamie Carragher returning to the starting XI to join Sebastian Coates and Martin Skrtel in a three-man central defence.
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Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could return for their Barclays Premier League clash against Liverpool.
The Italian was not risked in the New Year's Day defeat at Sunderland due to a slight ankle problem suffered in training.
With no fresh injury concerns, manager Roberto Mancini has a full-strength squad - aside from the absent Carlos Tevez - and will consider changes for the second of two games in just over two days.
Liverpool frustrated then unbeaten City as they held them to a 1-1 draw at Anfield in November.
Since then Liverpool have had some disappointing results of their own but they impressed in a 3-1 defeat of Newcastle last Friday.
Striker Luis Suarez is expected to return to Liverpool's squad after suspension.
The Uruguay international served a one-match ban for Friday's win over Newcastle but is likely to be back in the starting line-up for the clash against the Barclays Premier League leaders.
Captain Steven Gerrard, a goalscorer against Newcastle, has made two substitute appearances totalling 52 minutes after two months out with an ankle infection and could be in contention to start.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists super-rich City's super-talented squad hold no fears for his side.
The air of invincibility which has enveloped the Premier League leaders for most of the season has evaporated over the festive period.
City have taken just one point from two matches, during which time they have failed to score against West Brom and Sunderland, who inflicted only their second defeat of the campaign at the Stadium of Light yesterday.
They were second best in their encounter at Anfield in late November but escaped with a 1-1 draw and Dalglish draws confidence from all those factors.
With the games coming thick and fast at this busy time of the year Liverpool were next to face a Newcastle side at Anfield who have had a great start to the season, but have started to struggle a bit in recent times. Liverpool went into the match trying to sort out their home form having drawn far too many for Dalglish’s liken. An added interest in this fixture is former Newcastle favourites’ Enrique and Andy Carroll facing their old team.
THE TEAM
Kenny made two changes to the side that drew with Blackburn on Boxing Day, with Bellamy and Spearing coming in for Maxi and the suspended Suarez. So all eyes were on Andy Carroll in the absence of Luis Suarez to find his goal scoring form against his old team. The defence was unchanged leaving Carragher once again on the bench with Adam and Spearing in the middle of midfield and Bellamy on the left and Downing playing once again on the right. Gerrard started on the bench as he looks to get his match fit.
THE MATCH
Liverpool started on the offensive and Adam miscued an early chance in the first couple of minutes. Then Agger made a surging run from defence only to drag his shot five yards wide. Liverpool kept up the pressure and Downing had the next chance with a near post drive but Krul was equal to it.
But Liverpool was stunned in the 25th minute when Taylor sent in a dangerous cross which was flicked on by Cabaye only to be diverted past Reina via Agger’s arm. It was a real shock to the home side who had been on the attack for most of the half.
But Liverpool responded quickly and drew level just 4 minutes later when Bellamy fired in a low drive after good work from Adam. The home side continued to press and Martin Skrtel almost made it two but he headed just wide from a corner.
The second half started with Liverpool struggling to get possession as Newcastle found their passing game. There was a feeling inside Anfield that this could be another one of these games that would end up in a draw. Dalglish brought on Gerrard with half an hour to go and he lifted the whole stadium. Suddenly Gerrard was orchestrating Liverpool. Gerrard sent over a superb cross from the right but Carroll just failed to connect and then Gerrard found Carroll inside the box with a superb pass but the big striker’s control let him down when clean through.
Then in the 67th minute Liverpool were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out, Bellamy’s shot flew past Krul thanks to Carroll making a nuisance of himself in front of Krul, confusing Simpson and Krul. There was relief all around Anfield. But Newcastle almost equalized when Ba got behind the Liverpool defence, but his clipped effort was brilliantly cleared off the goal line by Skrtel who ended up in the net.
Next Gerrard whipped in a dangerous cross which Carroll headed off the crossbar, but Liverpool got their deserved third goal when a good move ended up with Gerrard bursting into the left side of the penalty area before slotting the ball underneath Krul from a tight angle sending the crowd wild in celebration. Liverpool saw out the rest of the match comfortably giving them a much needed home win.
SUMMARY
Great to see Bellamy come back into the side with Carroll up front in the absence of Suarez. I was very worried when we fell behind to a freakish goal as we were struggling to create many chances. Bellamy was superb and took his goals superbly. Jay Spearing was superb and lucky to have both legs intact after being on the end of a horrific tackle. But I felt this is the fewest chances we have created in a match and yet we scored three goals which is very pleasing. But the turning point was the introduction of Gerrard who produced so many quality crosses and passes and what a goal. Great credit to Skrtel who produced an amazing clearance off the line. Great to see us get a much needed win at home.
Man Of The Match – Bellamy – scored 2 goals and was dangerous all night, great energy and pace shown.
Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News
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With Liverpool drawing at Wigan through the week in a match the felt they should have won, it was back to Anfield for two home games in a week. A home banker on most peoples coupons with Blackburn in so much trouble at the wrong end of the table and decimated with injuries for this match not helping their cause. Liverpool looking to improve their home form with five draws at Anfield this season.
THE TEAM
Kenny made one change to the side that drew with Wigan with Andy Carroll replacing Dirk Kuyt. Great news for the home support was the name of Gerrard included as a substitute. Maxi once again started on the left for Liverpool with Downing on the right and Adam and Henderson in the middle with the formidable defence remaining unchanged with Carragher once again having to play patience.
THE MATCH
Not surprisingly Liverpool started the match attacking and Suarez went close with a free-kick in only the second minute before Adam brought out a save from Bunn. But apart from a few set-pieces it was a rather low key start to the match.
In the 19th minute Suarez fired a shot into the side netting from an acute angle before curling an effort wide from inside the box as Liverpool struggled to break down the Blackburn defence. The best chance of the first half came from an Enrique cross which fell to Carroll inside the six yard box but his prodded effort was superbly saved by Bunn.
Enrique and Downing were making good runs down either flank but the strikers were not getting on enough of their crosses. Carroll had the ball in the net in the half hour mark but it was ruled out for offside, then Maxi was brought down by Bunn and Liverpool thought they had won a penalty but the referee’s assistant once again saved Blackburn.
Then right on the stroke of half-time Liverpool were stunned when Charlie Adam diverted a Pedersen corner kick past Reina at the near post.
Liverpool came out for the second half looking sharper and moving the ball around quicker as they set about getting back into the match. After some sustained pressure they deservedly drew level when Maxi headed past Bunn from close range from a Skrtel lofted cross.
The home support was aroused from their slumber with the goal and roared their side on for more goals. Suarez and Carroll went close with aerial efforts as the pressure mounted on the visitors. Then Dalglish brought on Gerrard for Adam with 20 minutes remaining to try and inspire his troops and his first touch almost created a goal when his free-kick was headed by Maxi.
Then Suarez wasted a header off target from a Johnson cross. Blackburn almost stole it when Dunn danced into the Liverpool box but he lost his footing at the vital moment. The chances kept coming and going for Liverpool as they remained frustrated and in the final seconds Carroll prodded an effort from close range but Bunn made an unbelievable save and then from the resulting corner Skrtel’s header was cleared off the line as time ran out.
SUMMARY
Once again I was left frustrated with the amount of missed chances. I was pleased to see Carroll starting and was hoping he would score but things are not going his way. He was very unlucky not to score. But we started off a bit lethargic in the first half as we never created enough chances, but the second half was far better and we should have won the match. Adam made a very poor mistake for the Blackburn goal and his passing was a bit off today. I thought Maxi, Downing, Enrique and Johnson made great efforts to get down the flanks, just not enough support in the box to meet their crosses. Surely we are due to hammer somebody soon but at least we are still in the running for a top four place so hopefully our form will pick up soon. Great to see Gerrard back and he looked pretty sharp to me, oozes class.
Man Of The Match- Enrique – it had to be one of the wide players and Enrique just edges it for me another superb performance.
Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News
Steven Gerrard returned to action but Liverpool were left frustrated as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackburn Rovers at Anfield on Boxing Day.
Having rarely threatened in the opening 45 minutes, the visitors took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Charlie Adam turned a corner into his own net to stun the Kop.
However, their joy was short lived as the Reds levelled eight minutes into the second half when Maxi Rodriguez headed Martin Skrtel's cross over the line.
With Liverpool pushing for a winner, Gerrard was summoned from the bench with just over 20 minutes remaining, much to the delight of the Anfield crowd.
However, despite applying heavy pressure to Rovers' goal, the home side were unable to muster a winner and had to settle for a point.
News emerging from the home dressing room ahead of kick-off confirmed the return of Gerrardto the matchday squad, with the No.8 handed a place on the bench for his first first-team involvement since October due to an ankle infection.
Elsewhere, Kenny Dalglish's selection saw Andy Carroll handed a starting berth. The striker replaced Dirk Kuyt in the only change made to the side that had started at Wigan Athletic last week.
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With a busy festive period starting Liverpool travelled to the DW Stadium to face a Wigan side at the wrong end of the League table. Wigan has a good recent record against Liverpool with two draws in the last couple years at the DW. But Liverpool has good form away from home this season and played well on Sunday away at Aston Villa. Wigan’s last game was a great performance in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend. But with the news of Suarez facing a fine and an 8 match ban for the long running saga with the FA it would be interesting to see if he would play.
THE TEAM
Dalglish did start Suarez for the trip to Wigan and only made two changes to the side which beat Villa last Sunday with Maxi and Kuyt coming into the side replacing Shelvey and Bellamy. So once again Carragher and Andy Caroll had to warm the bench . Gerrard is still recovering from injury but good news that he has started training with the first team again.
THE MATCH
Liverpool players showed their support for their much maligned team mate Luis Suarez when they warmed up in T-shirts with a picture of Suarez on them. The visiting support was very vocal in their support for their hero.
The game started with Liverpool on the attack and Adam had an early chance with a free-kick but he put his effort into the wall. Then Henderson tested Al Habsi with a shot from the edge of the box and it wasn’t until the 12th minute when Wigan had their first effort Gomez’s close range shot was blocked by Reina after a goal mouth scramble.
The game was becoming more stretched as the half wore on with chances at both ends and it was Maxi next when he volleyed over a Suarez centre. Wigan had the next chance when Diame hit the side netting with a great swerving effort.
Maxi and Downing linked up well before Downing’s cross was hooked towards goal by Kuyt but his effort was blocked by Al Habsi. Then Johnson had a great chance inside the 6 yard box but Al Habsi once again came to Wigan’s rescue with another great save.
Liverpool was creating a lot of chances but Wigan still looked dangerous and Reina to be alert to save another Diame effort. Then Moses made a tremendous run from his own half only to see his resulting shot fisted away by Reina.
With both sides level at the half it was Liverpool who came close early in the second half, but Al Habsi tipped a Suarez free-kick over his bar. Moments later Liverpool was awarded a penalty when Caldwell handled a Suarez overhead kick. Adam blasted his spot kick into the corner only to see Al Habsi make a terrific save at full stretch.
The penalty miss seemed to affect Liverpool as they struggled to create as many chances. Dalglish brought on Shelvey and Bellamy for Kuyt and Maxi to try and change things but it was Wigan that could have snatched a winner late on but Rodallega headed against Johnson. Another frustrating night for Liverpool who had more than enough chances to win this match.
SUMMARY
I was quite surprised to see Suarez start after the week that he has had but it was great to see the vocal support from the fans towards him. Liverpool created some good chances but when you miss such a chance like a penalty then you are going to struggle to score. Wigan had chances too and made it difficult but I thought we did enough to win. Great to see our defence get another clean sheet, but it is worrying the amount of chances we miss. Two home games coming up over the festive period, so hopefully 6 points for Christmas.
Man Of The Match – Skrtel – I thought the big man was superb once again. He is playing really well and a big reason why our defensive record is so good.
Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News
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Former Football Association chief executive David Davies tells BBC Breakfast that the FA's charge of racism against Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is "perhaps the most difficult disciplinary case the FA has had to deal with in modern times" due to "the language and cultural issues" surrounding it.
Davies describes the Uruguayan's eight-game ban as a "tough verdict" and believes "the message will go around the world that the FA are serious against" the issue of racism.
More video on Luis Suarez ban:
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Liverpool had to settle for a point after being held to a goalless draw by Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Wednesday night.
After an open first half, in which both sides had their goalkeepers to thank for keeping the score level, the Reds were awarded a penalty five minutes into the second period after Gary Caldwell handled an effort from Luis Suarez.
However, Charlie Adam's low effort from 12 yards was saved by Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.
Liverpool continued to press in search of a winner, but they were ultimately to be left frustrated by an inspired display from Wigan's custodian.
Having watched his side win so comfortably at Aston Villa on Sunday, Kenny Dalglish opted to make just two changes to his starting line up for the short journey to Wigan - Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt replacing Craig Bellamy and Jonjo Shelvey.
Liverpool have been highly impressive on the road so far this term, and that victory at Villa Park was their fifth in eight contests away from Anfield in the Barclays Premier League. With that in mind, Dalglish would have no doubt have called on his players to pick up where they left off.
A spirited display helped Wigan hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium last time out , but the Reds quickly set about taking the game to their hosts.
Adam smashed an early free-kick into a Wigan wall before good build-up play presented Jordan Henderson with the chance to test Al Habsi from just inside the area.
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Roberto Martinez will give striker Hugo Rodallega as much time as possible before naming his side to face Liverpool on Wednesday.
Rodallega is Wigan's only injury concern ahead of the visit of the Reds after he suffered a knock during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.
Martinez will assess the Colombian's fitness over the next 24 hours before making a decision on whether or not to risk him in the tie.
Emmerson Boyce, meanwhile, has recovered from a hamstring injury but the game has come too soon for him and he will have to wait until after Christmas before making his return.
Liverpool have no new injury concerns ahead of the trip to the DW Stadium, although Kenny Dalglish must do without Jay Spearing, who is serving his three-match suspension. Other absentees are full-backs Fabio Aurelio and Jack Robinson, although neither would have expected to be in the starting line-up if fit. Dalglish will have a similar match day squad as Sunday at his disposal but may rotate a few personnel to freshen things up during the busy festive period.
Skipper Steven Gerrard is nearing a return to fitness but he is still not ready to take his place following the ankle infection that has kept him on the sidelines for two months.
Referee watch:
Northumberland official Michael Oliver will take charge of his 14th game of the season when the two sides meet. So far Oliver has shown 36 yellow and 2 red cards during games under his control. The 26-year-old has refereed both sides on one previous occasion this season with Wigan enjoying a 2-0 win over QPR in August and Liverpool knocking Brighton out of the Carling Cup 2-1 in September. Oliver was the youngest-ever referee to take charge of a Premier League game, aged just 25 years and 182 days when officiating Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers on 21st August 2010.
Wigan (from): Al Habsi, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Watson, Diame, Moses, Gomez, McCarthy, Di Santo, Jones, Stam, Van Aanholt, McArthur, Lopez, Thomas, Sammon, Maloney, Crusat, Gohouri, Rodallega, McCarthy, Pollitt, Kirkland.
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Match Prediction:
Liverpool played really well against Villa on Sunday and earned a well-deserved 2-0 victory, and against an inferior Wigan side there is no excuse for them to lose.
Wigan has allowed 30 goals this season, tied for third worst in the Premier League and have had difficulty keeping opponents from piling up the goals.
Dalglish's Liverpool team have a lot of quality, especially in the midfield, and will cruise to a comfortable win over Wigan in midweek.
Red's Fury™ Prediction: Wigan 0-4 Liverpool
This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.
Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him.
The Football Association imposed the punishment, suspended for 14 days pending any appeal from the club, and a £40,000 fine after a ruling by an independent regulatory commission.
“It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said ‘I don’t think that Luis Suarez is racist’.
“The FA in their opening remarks accepted that Luis Suarez was not racist.”
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was fuming at the decision by an independent regulatory commission following a three-day hearing last week.
Club officials will now study the written findings before formally deciding whether to appeal or not. But if he appeals and loses he risks being handed an even longer ban of up to 10 games. Read Liverpool FC Official statement on Luis Suarez here.
An FA statement said:
“Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3 (1).
“The insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra’s colour within the meaning of Rule E3 (2).
“Mr Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first-team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000.
“The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Suarez decide not to appeal.”
“Suarez didn’t have to be proven guilty “beyond the benefit of doubt”. This was not English justice, but a sports tribunal. He did not get given the chance to defend himself to a jury of his peers. He faced a small panel, that was not fully independent or without its agendas (such as taking on Sepp Blatter on the issue of racism, and perhaps using this to prove a point). The fact that this was such a tricky issue perhaps made the procedure insufficient; at least John Terry gets to go through a more established process.
“People are wrongly convicted of things all the time, especially with only verbal accusations. Cases are frequently overturned; initial guilty verdicts can be appealed, and are often successful.
However, Suarez is available for tonight’s Premier League clash at Wigan but whether he is in the right frame of mind to play remains to be seen.
From an outside point of view looking into this verdicts on Suarez’s charges, it’s only one man’s words against another man. The committee setup by the FA has failed to provide a concrete evidences on the allegation. Luis Suarez will remained “innocent” until be proven guilty of serious offences beyond a reasonable doubt.
This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.
Former Arsenal and England defender, Martin Keown, joins Shaka Hislop and Robbie Earle to discuss the Premier League title race ahead of the festive season fixtures. Plus, the team of the weekend.
After getting back to winning ways last weekend in a 1-0 win over QPR, Liverpool were hoping to build on the win away to Aston Villa. Aston Villa had been struggling recently but they earned a good away win at Bolton last week and would go into the match with confidence. Adding spice to the fixture would be the return of former Villa favourite Downing to his old stomping ground.
THE TEAM
Kenny made a couple of changes to his side with Craig Bellamy coming back into the side and a big surprise with the selection of newly returned Shelvey to the team. The rest of the team had played against QPR the previous week. But Dalglish had a very strong bench to call upon if he needed to make changes with Carragher, Coates, Kuyt, Maxi, Carroll, Doni and Kelly in reserve.
THE MATCH
The home side were the first to threaten when Petrov’s free-kick had Reina scrambling. But Liverpool responded with Downing cutting in from the right before firing a shot which was saved by Guzan.
But then in the 11th minute Liverpool took the lead when Downing’s corner kick was flicked on by Shelvey and then by Suarez before being blocked by Guzan but the rebound fell kindly to Bellamy who made no mistake from inside the 6 yard box.
With Liverpool’s great start to the match it got better 4 minutes later when Bellamy’s corner from the right was brilliantly headed past Guzan by Skrtel for number two and left Villa with an uphill task.
Villa responded with a couple of long range efforts and a good effort from N’Zogbia who hit Reina’s side netting. But Liverpool were always threatening on the break and almost scored a third after Shelvey saw a stabbed effort saved after a sublime nutmeg by Suarez.
With the score 2-0 to the visitors at the half it was Liverpool who created the first chance of the second half when Agger headed a Bellamy cross off target. Liverpool was going for the jugular now and next it was Bellamy the creator for Suarez who smashed a shot off the Villa crossbar.
Liverpool were in full flow now and Villa were hanging on as the chances kept coming for the visitors. Next Johnson saw a 25 yard effort saved by Guzan. Then Suarez produced a piece of magic only to see his chipped effort hit the inside of Guzan’s post with the stopper stranded.
Villa never looked like getting back into the match as they rarely threatened in the second half with Reina left mostly as a spectator and Liverpool looking the more likely to add to their tally. Liverpool ended up having to settle for two goals in another superb away performance setting them up nicely for the festive fixtures.
SUMMARY
A big surprise with the inclusion of Shelvey to the side, but what a game he had, with confidence flowing through his veins. Liverpool got off to a great start with the two early goals setting them up to play on the counter attack, and how well they attacked with the amount of chances created. Villa did have a few efforts in the first half but in the second half it was one way traffic as Liverpool dominated. It was a great team effort away from home and the win should have been more convincing with Suarez hitting the woodwork twice.
Man Of The Match – Bellamy – his movement and work rate was superb and deserved a goal. He created so many chances with his clever play and he has proved to be a shrewd buy by Kenny.
Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News
Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel were both on target as Liverpool marked Kenny Dalglish's 350th match in charge with a superb 2-0 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
The Wales international got the Reds off to a flyer with a close range finish on 11 minutes before Skrtel doubled the advantage with a thumping header on the quarter of an hour mark.
It set the tone for a one-sided encounter in the Midlands and, although the away team could and should have secured a bigger margin of victory, the result moves them to within three points of third-placed Chelsea ahead of what promises to be a busy festive period.
Going into the Sunday afternoon showdown, Dalglish made two changes to the side that had edged past Queens Park Rangers last time out. Jonjo Shelvey came in for his first start of the season following an impressive loan spell at Blackpool, while Bellamy also returned to the line-up.
The Villans had been struck by a whole host of selection problems in the lead up to the contest - including the loss of joint-top scorers Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor - and hopes were high that the travelling Kop would return back up the M6 having seen the Reds claim victory on what was a landmark occasion for the King.
However, it was the home team that had the first sight of goal as Stiliyan Petrov teased a free-kick over the wall that had Pepe Reina scrambling down to his right-hand post inside 60 seconds.
Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel were both on target as Liverpool marked Kenny Dalglish's 350th match in charge with a superb 2-0 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could return for their Barclays Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Club officials will now study the written findings before formally deciding whether to appeal or not. But if he appeals and loses he risks being handed an even longer ban of up to 10 games. Read Liverpool FC Official statement on Luis Suarez 
