Newcastle 1-5 Liverpool

Break was over. The Reds are three points clear at the top of the pile into the New Year. Let’s watch Liverpool thrashed the Magpies at St. James’ Park last Sunday (thanks to TIA for the link).

Videos are hosted externally, I’m not responsible for the content or the pop-up adverts.

Happy New Year 2009!

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Blogging break

I will not be available to blog for at least three weeks starting from tomorrow until Christmas. But this doesn't mean that I will miss the Liverpool matches. I need to travel out of town in between the period mentioned and the hectic work schedules would kept me occupied for awhile.

I can be reach through Palringo Vocal IM at chat rooms, fortress anfield, fade to black and blogger. If you doesn't have Palringo on your PC, Mac or mobile phone. Get it here!

Till then.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United

English Premier League

1st December 2008

Anfield (H)

LIVERPOOL 0-0 WEST HAM

What a frustrating Tuesday morning as The Reds battled to yet another stalemate at Anfield. It’s 4 am live telecast, The Reds’ title credential puts to the test by West Ham. Clearly, we missed Torres up-front but that’s not an excuse for not winning the match.

Liverpool has a £20 million striker in Robbie Keane, and he barely got a sight of goal, that’s worrying. Rafa knows every visiting teams will be parking their bus in front of the goal, Stoke City and Fulham has given Reds the hints.

Rafa makes four changes to the starting eleven and opt for an attacking approach with Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Keane spearhead the line. Sami Hyypia back in the team, replacing Daniel Agger, while Javier Mascherano make way for Yossi Benayoun. Andrea Dossena continues at left-back as Aurelio out injured.

The bad form continues where winning home matches wasn’t an option but a must. If The Reds really wants to bring home the title come May, they need to start taking all the opportunities presented to them.

Despite the setback, Liverpool still move ahead of Chelsea in the league standing by a point. The Blues were beaten at home by Arsenal at the weekend.

The teams:

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Hyypia, Carragher, Arbeloa, Riera, Gerrard (c), Alonso, Benayoun, Kuyt, Keane

Subs - Mascherano, Insua, Kelly, Ngog, Babel, Leiva, Cavalieri
West Ham United: Green, Ilunga, Collins, Upson, Neill (c), Faubert, Mullins, Parker, Behrami, Cole, Bellamy

Subs - Noble, Boa Morte, di Michele, Tristan, Collison, Lastuvka, Davenport

Referee: P Walton

Conditions: Cold

Attendance: 41169

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

English Premier League

22nd November 2008

Anfield (H)

LIVERPOOL 0-0 FULHAM

A day of stalemates and misery for the Premier League’s Big Four. Liverpool throw away a good opportunity to lead the Premier League when the Reds drew nil-nil at Anfield.

Chelsea and Manchester United, another casualties of the mid-week international friendlies, also failed to score in their matches. Arsenal suffered a heavy defeat in the hand of Manchester City, crashing to a 3-nil humiliation.

The decision to play Lucas Levia clearly backfired as Liverpool failed to control the midfield area during the first half. Rafa benched Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard featured for the full 90-minute in Spain’s friendly match.

Fulham, with one of the best defensive records in the top flight, have never won at Anfield and rarely looked like doing so this time.

But their dogged performance claimed only their second away point of the season and also secured their third goalless draw in eight visits to Anfield.

At least they had worked out how to contain a Liverpool side who lacked ideas and inspiration. Not even the return of Fernando Torres to the starting line-up helped much.

Benitez insisted his players must take collective responsibility.

He said: "We will always miss a player of Stevie's ability, but we did not beat Fulham because five or so players were all off form together.

"You cannot win games when that happens. He would have made a difference, yes, but it should not be an excuse.

"He is training now and I would expect that he would be fit to play against Marseille on Wednesday."

Fulham’s goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer pulled off to fine saves to denied Liverpool. A half chance fell to Robbie Keane where he fails to convert and smashed a shot straight at Schwarzer from eight yards out.

The Reds were turning the screw and the Fulham stopper had to be at his instinctive best again on 70 minutes when he pushed Dirk Kuyt's effort away after a volleyed cross from Albert Riera.

Dropping points at home wasn't an excused for missing some key players and the mid-week international friendlies. Rafa should always select his strongest eleven, not relying on those fresh legs and haven't started regularly. Hopefully, Rafa pulls his head together and get us through to the next round of Champions League.


The team:
Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher (c), Arbeloa, Riera, Leiva, Mascherano, Kuyt, Keane, Torres
Subs - Alonso, Babel, Benayoun, Cavalieri, Dossena, El Zhar, Hyypia

Fulham: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Hangeland, Hughes, Pantsill, Dempsey, Bullard, Murphy (c), Davies, Johnson, Zamora
Subs - Baird, Gera, Gray, Kallio, Nevland, Stoor, Zuberbuhler

Referee: M Halsey

Join the live chat room, FORTRESS ANFIELD on Palringo during matchday. Don't have one? Get it here for FREE!

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Preview: Liverpool v Fulham

V

Liverpool goes into today's match against the in-form Fulham as joint leaders of the Premier League.

Rafa Benitez has finally moulded a team which can challenge for the league title since 1990. With seven victories out of eight league matches, has shown that Liverpool can secure crucial victories even when not at their best.

Today's match also commemorate Steven Gerrard's 10-year anniversary of his debut for the club. But Rafa Benitez must do without Gerrard for the visit of the Cottagers.

Benitez confirmed: "Gerrard is not fit - he cannot play tomorrow(today).

The Liverpool skipper trained on his own at Melwood today as he battles to overcome a groin injury in time to be fit for the Champions League fixture with Marseille next week.

Meanwhile, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is delighted Andrew Johnson is starting to live up to the expectation surrounding him as one of the club's most expensive buys.

Dickson Etuhu is in the squad for the first time since his move from Sunderland after recovering from a knee injury and Hodgson has no other injury concerns other than long-term absentee Diomansy Kamara.

And that has prompted Hodgson to make favourable comparisons with Fernando Torres ahead of the trip to Anfield, which is expected to mark the Spain international's return from injury.

Hodgson said: "It's not a gamble to sign a player with such a proven track record. Fernando Torres was coveted for several years by teams playing all over Europe before Liverpool agreed to pay the enormous transfer fee that Atletico Madrid wanted.

Torres and Keane are expected to start for Liverpool tomorrow, with the Reds also boosted by the return of Alvaro Arbeloa from suspension.

Daniel Agger will continue to partner Jamie Carragher in the centre of defence, with Martin Skrtel still sidelined.

Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano should start in the centre of midfield with Albert Riera, Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel vying for starting berths.

Kick-off time: 3pm (UK time)

Join the live chat room FORTRESS ANFIELD on Palringo. Don't have one? Sign up FREE now!


YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Liverpool midfielder could be leaving Anfield soon

I can felt the players’ frustration when they are not selected for the first eleven but when you’re playing for Liverpool FC, that’s mean you must understand it will be difficult if the team are playing well at the moment.

Yossi Benayoun has vented his frustration by indicating he’ll walk out of Anfield if he still warming the bench in the coming months.

"Even if it’s Liverpool, if I don’t get to play in the next few months I will not want to be here.

“I enjoy my time in England but maybe it is time to learn a new language - maybe Italian, French or Russian.

“When I came here it wasn’t so I could tell everyone ‘Hey, I play for Liverpool’.

“My purpose was to prove myself and, in the first year, I think I did with 11 goals and 10 assists.

“I understand that I am at one of the biggest clubs in the world and that this year there are better players.

“After our win over Manchester United I lost my place. Everyone wants to play and it is no fun sitting on the bench or playing just a few minutes.

“I’m part of the rotation but I hope in the next few months it will change.” – Benayoun, Setanta Sports

I don’t know what other people think of this but for me, I’ll tells Rafa to sell him or put him in the Gareth Barry’s deal this January. The bad news are Aston Villa prepared to hold on to Barry until his contract expire.

Why hold on to a player that doesn’t have the mentality for team success?

Till then.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Reds keen to keep Arbeloa

 

Liverpool fullback, Alvaro Arbeloa was linked to Atletico Madrid as his contract with Liverpool run out in 2010.

Rafa wouldn’t want to wait until the “speculation” becomes a reality when Atletico Madrid came forward with a bid in the January transfer window. With Philipp Degen sidelined yet again after the Swiss right-back, fractured his metatarsal against Tottenham in the Carling cup match.

But Rafa Benitez’s contract talk has been stalled, any player’s contract negotiation will not be materialised.

“I have a contract with Liverpool for another year," Arbeloa told AS. "We haven’t spoken about an extension. It is necessary to know first if Benitez will stay…

"It seems to be a little too soon to speak about that.” - Alvaro Arbeloa, Setanta Sports.

The match against Bolton last weekend sees Liverpool need to make changes to the back four as Arbeloa was suspended and Degen out injured. The Spanish defender almost left Anfield in the summer with reports said that he need to return to Spain on personal reason.

It’s very unwise to loose a good fullback in the middle of the season. I hope the Americans can sort out their differences and let everyone on the playing field focus on playing football.

 

Till then.

 

YNWA,

Red's Fury™

 

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Page 3 babe engaged to Pennant

English glamour model and Page 3 Girl Amii Grove is engaged to Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant.

The Liverpool winger has an on and off relationship, broken up in 2007 over a "cheating" scandal. It might not be the most traditional of venues to pop the question. But Liverpool FC star Jermaine Pennant, chose an unusual place to ask his girlfriend Amii Grove, to marry him – her beloved brother Lee Marley’s graveside.

“We went to visit Lee’s grave and I was kneeling down laying some flowers when Jermaine bent down next to me and asked, ‘Do you want to get married to me?’.

“It’s been a tough year for the family. Getting engaged to Jermaine is probably a bit of good news that we needed. Lee would have been so happy for us. I never stopped thinking about Jermaine after we split up - and he feels the same way.”

While, Pennant kops a 32D babe, his playing days are numbered at Anfield. Report over his potential move away from Liverpool were fuelled in the summer with Blackburn Rovers interested in signing him.

And recently, during an Liverpoolfc.tv interview, Rafa has mentioned that Jermaine Pennant could be packing his bags in January.

Rafa will be looking for funds to bolster the current Liverpool squad in the coming transfer window, especially the right-side of midfield.

International friendlies coming this Wednesday, all eyes are at Hampden Park in Glasgow, where Scotland v Argentina, Diego Maradona first match in-charge as Argentine’s coach.

Till then.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Bolton 0-2 Liverpool

English Premier League

15th November 2008

The Reebok Stadium (A)

BOLTON 0-2 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool heading back to winning way after losing twice to Tottenham Hotspurs in the league and Carling cup. Two headed goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard ensured Liverpool came away with all three points at the Reebok Stadium last Saturday.

A fine cross from Fabio Aurelio in the 28 minutes setup Dirk Kuyt's goal. Earlier, Kuyt unleashed a thunderous shot against the Bolton's woodwork as the Reds plied on the pressure in the first half.

Bolton has a goal disallowed before the half-time whistle. Cahill headed in a corner but referee Rob Styles claimed Reina has been fouled seconds earlier.

Rafa brought on Torres for Keane on the hour mark as Bolton seized control in the second half. Gardner almost equalised for Bolton after broke clear on the left and shoot the side-netting.

And after 73 minutes Torres created a superb second goal for Liverpool, clipping in a cross with the outside of his foot for Gerrard to send past Jaaskelainen with a diving header.

Torres could have added a goal to Liverpool's lead as he struck the post in the 88 minutes.

Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League only for a couple of hours as Chelsea's late kick-off.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Liverpool 1-0 Portsmouth

English Premier League

29th October 2008

Anfield (H)

LIVERPOOL 1-0 PORTSMOUTH

Steven Gerrard’s second-half penalty was enough to maintain Liverpool’s hold on the Barclays Premier League top spot - but how Tony Adams’ Portsmouth made them fight.

The former Arsenal man’s fist game in command after Harry Redknapp’s departure ended with nervy Liverpool clinging on to their three points.

Gerrard’s penalty after Papa Bouba Diop’s handling offence after 75 minutes also extended Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the campaign to 16 matches.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez made four changes from the side which claimed top spot in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday for the visit of Portsmouth.

Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano, Robbie Keane and Albert Riera were all dropped to the bench, with Sami Hyypia, Jermaine Pennant, Ryan Babel and Lucas coming into the side as Liverpool looked to extend their 16-match unbeaten run.


Read more...

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Babel, Alonso, Leiva, Pennant, Gerrard (c), Kuyt.
Subs - Agger, Benayoun, Cavalieri, Dossena, Keane, Mascherano, Riera

Portsmouth: James, Traore, Distin (c), Kaboul, Pamarot, Belhadj, Davis, Diop, Diarra, Crouch, Utaka.
Subs - Ashdown, Defoe, Hreidarsson, Hughes, Kranjcar, Mvuemba

Referee: S Tanner

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Skrtel out till Christmas

Liverpool have been boosted by the news that Martin Skrtel does not need surgery on his right knee and should return to action by Christmas.

The Slovakia centre-back damaged his posterior cruciate ligament in Sunday's 3-2 win at Manchester City and had a scan on Tuesday afternoon.

Reds spokesman Ian Cotton said: "Martin was examined by a specialist today, who confirmed the player does not require surgery and is expected to be back playing by Christmas."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will undoubtedly be buoyed by the news although he is confident the likes of Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger can fill the breach adequately.

Read more...

English Premier League5th October 2008The City of Manchester Stadium (A)MANCHESTER CITY 2-3 LIVERPOOL

Dirk Kuyt scored his first Premier League goal since November as Liverpool came from two goals down to win 3-2 away to 10-man Manchester City.

The Holland striker rattled the ball home in stoppage time at Eastlands on Sunday to preserve the Reds' unbeaten start to the season.

The home side had raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido.

Fernando Torres pulled a goal back before City's Pablo Zabaleta was sent off.

The momentum was then with Liverpool with Torres adding a second before Kuyt, who was guilty of a shocking earlier miss, having the final word.

Liverpool almost went ahead as early as the fourth minute when Albert Riera got a good touch and goalkeeper Joe Hart had to look alert to turn his effort around the post.

The visitors kept up the pressure and launched a swift counter-attack in the 15th minute. Javier Mascherano, who was preferred to Robbie Keane tried to send Steven Gerrard clear.

Read more...

Teams:
Manchester City: Hart, Garrido, Dunne (c), Richards, Zabaleta, Blumer, Ireland, Kompany, Wright-Phillips

Subs - Ben-Haim, Evans, Fernandes, Hamann, Petrov, Schmeichel, Sturridge

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (c), Torres.

Subs - Agger, Babel, Benayoun, Cavalieri, Dossena, Keane, Leiva

Referee: Phil Walton

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Carling Cup: Liverpool 2-1 Crewe

With no live telecast over here and the internet connection sucks. I had to relied on updates for the Carling Cup match between Liverpool and Crewe from Palringo's member. Liverpool won that match unconvincingly 2-1 at Anfield as usual Rafa handed the youngsters and reserves a run out.




The Reds needed a header from Lucas to seal the 3rd Round victory after The Railwaymen cancelled out Daniel Aggers's 15th minute strike.

The teams:
Liverpool: Cavalieri, Insua, Hyypia(captain), Agger, Degen, El Zhar, Plessis, Leiva, Pennant, Babel, Ngog.
Subs - Carragher, Gulacsi, Keane, Dossena, Torres, Skrtel, Alonso

Crewe Alexandra: Collis, Jones, Baudet (captain), O'Donnell, Woodards, Moore, O'Connor, Bailey, Carrington, Pope, Zola.
Subs - Elding, Grant, Rix, Schumacher, Tomlinson, Miller, Abbey

Referee: M Oliver

Conditions: Autumnal

Attendance: 28,391

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Liverpool 0-0 Stoke City

Back to posting, after a month busy away on assignment. The most intrigued moment of the past weeks was the victory against Manchester United. The Reds playing without Gerrard and Torres, were a goal down early in the 3rd minute, came back strong to beat the under strength Red Devils 2-1 at Anfield.

English Premier League

20th September 2008

Anfield (H)

LIVERPOOL 0-0 STOKE CITY

Liverpool were left lamenting a second-minute disallowed goal after they were held to a goalless draw at home by newly promoted Stoke.


Steven Gerrard had the ball in the back of the net after 76 seconds from a free-kick - only for the goal to be controversially ruled out for offside.


Stoke continued to frustrate the home side as Thomas Sorensen saved Robbie Keane's 51st-minute strike.


And Andy Griffin's late goal-line clearance ensured the match was drawn.


After the heights of a 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester United last week, Liverpool will consider the solitary point a setback for their title ambitions, although they briefly took top spot in the Premier League before they were deposed by Arsenal.

Read more...

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Local lads saves Liverpool the blushes

English Premier League
23th August 2008
Anfield (H)

LIVERPOOL 2-1 MIDDLESBROUGH
Late goals from Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher claimed a dramatic victory for Liverpool after Middlesbrough had threatened to pull off a shock win at Anfield.

With just five minutes remaining the Reds had looked on the verge of a frustrating defeat against Gareth Soutgate's side - but the home-grown duo had other ideas.

Gerrard, who is so often the hero, produced the goods again, this time with a superb curler from the edge of the area after Carragher's deflected strike had cancelled out Mido's opener.

It was a positive end to a frustrating afternoon for the Reds who dominated for the majority of the clash but struggled to find a way past rookie stopper Ross Turnbull.

Read more...







YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Finnan future still in doubt as Rafinha back on Reds agenda

Liverpool defender Steve Finnan yet again in the speculation for an exit after report said Rafa back in the hunt for Schalke 04's fullback. Finnan has admitted he still unsure over his future at the club following a summer of transfer activity at Anfield.

He need to compete for the right back slot with Swiss international Philipp Degen and Alvaro Arbeloa. The news of Rafa looking for another fullback means his days are numbered. Liverpool has been monitoring the tension between Rafinha and Schalke 04, after the Brazilian went against the club's decision to play for Beijing Olympics.

You would have to ask the club. I have been trying to get into the team.

I haven't played, but I will just wait and see and when the transfer window closes, we will know then.

I will wait and see if I can get into the team; if not, then obviously I want to play, so we will just have to take it from there.

We (he and Rafa Benitez) have spoken about it, but at this time, I don't think I will say too much more. - Steve Finnan, Setanta Sport

Finnan are desperate for first team action as he been coaxed out of international retirement by Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni and was featured on last Wednesday 1-1 draw with Norway. He's been linked in the Gareth Barry's deal which didn't materialised and he could find himself playing for Boro at Riverside before the transfer deadline.

According to Team Talk, Middlesbrough are short of right backs and are looking to fill the gap left by Luke Young, who joined Aston Villa, sees Finnan as the cheap ideal option for the role.

Expect some more changes made to the Liverpool's lineup before 1st September when the transfer window close.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Reds on target for international friendlies

A mid-week World Cup qualifier warm up matches been held last night. Two of the Liverpool players were on the scoresheet for thier respective countries. Xabi Alonso scored twice for Spain to beat Daniel Agger's Denmark 3-0.

While, Rafa trying to offload Alonso, he's getting better and better each game for Spain and Liverpool. In return, it may forced Rafa to reconsider his decision to sell Xabi.

Meanwhile, Robbie Keane bagged his 34th international goal as the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Norway. The game also saw Steve Finnan make his international return.

It’s always nice to score as a striker. But it’s important to score for the team and that is the most important thing. It would have been nice to have held out for the win but it wasn’t to be. - Robbie Keane, Setanta Sport

Elsewhere, Andrea Dossena earned his second international cap when he came on in the second half during Italy's 2-2 draw with Austria.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Masch go for gold as Lucas sees red

It's a joy for Javier Mascherano but despair for Lucas Levia as the Brazilian was sent-off for a foul on his Liverpool teammate during Argentina's 3-0 win over Brazil in the semi-final of the Olympic Games.

Sergio Aguero's second-half double and a late penalty from Juan Roman Riquelme has sent Argentina on its trail for Olympic's gold against Nigeria in the final. Earlier, Nigeria thumped surprised package, Belgium 4-1 in another semi-final match.

Mascherano is dreaming of a second Olympic gold medal while Lucas' Brazil will have to console themselves with the prospect of playing for the bronze medal.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool

English Premier League
Saturday, 16th August 2008
Stadium of Light (A)

SUNDERLAND 0-1 LIVERPOOL




A dramatic strike from Fernando Torres has given Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Sunderland on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League season.

The Spanish striker hit a 25-yard scorcher on 83 minutes following a much-improved second-half performance from Liverpool.

Victory comes as a welcome tonic for Benitez - who today responded to newspaper speculation by talking of his contentment on Merseyside - following Wednesday's disappointing display in the Champions League qualifier.

The Anfield boss made two changes from Liege, recalling Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypia for Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger - the latter pair having to settle for a place on the Premier League's new seven-man bench.

Read more...


YNWA,
Red's Fury™

We don't need Gareth Barry

After a three months survey on whether Liverpool Football Club really need the service of Aston Villa's captain, Gareth Barry? The answer are simple, 'NO'. The poll received 114 votes, 51 people voted for 'NO' (45%), while 31 people voted for 'YES' (27%) and 32 voters are unsure.

Why would Rafa need to sell a world class midfielder and settle for an average, seasoned Premier League player in Gareth Barry?

It's really doesn't make sense at all. Xabi Alonso has recovered much of his form, if he stays fit, Alonso is much better player than Barry.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Reds finished pre-season friendly in style

Unable to blog in the past two weeks due to work commitment. I will continue to update this blog after 19th August when the season gets underway. I will miss the season opener against Sunderland.

The Kop came to see their new number seven net his first Liverpool goal on his Anfield debut, but they were left to settle for a 90th-minute winner from Andriy Voronin that flattened Lazio.

Robbie Keane worked tirelessly to impress his new admirers, but clear chances would not fall his way despite a dominant first half showing by The Reds.

As Rafa Benitez rested his top stars during the second half, it appeared Liverpool's final pre-season friendly would prove a damp squib, but Voronin arrived in the nick of time to smash home a 16-yard volley.

There was still time for Lazio to attempt to spoil the party, heading past Diego Cavalieri in injury time, but the linesman's flag ensured The Reds went home happy.

Read more...

Earlier, Reds rip apart Valenrenga in Olso.

Liverpool collected another pre-season triumph after they beat Valerenga 4-1 in Oslo on Tuesday, although an injury to Steven Gerrard took the shine off the win.

Xabi Alonso opened the scoring on 20 minutes, but the hosts did hit back through after the break when Bojan Zagic fired in before Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun, and David Ngog sealed the win.

The injury to Gerrard didn't look that serious as he walked off the pitch. However, the Reds medical staff will have to closely monitor the situation with the new season rapidly approaching.

Read more...

July 12: v Tranmere (Wirral) 1-0

July 16: v FC Lucerne (Grenchen) 2-1

July 19: v Wisla Krakow (Friborg) 1-1

July 22: v Hertha Berlin (Berlin) 0-0

July 30: v Villarreal (Villarreal) 0-0

August 2: v Rangers (Glasgow) 4-0

August 5: v Valerengen (Oslo) 4-1

August 8: v Lazio (Liverpool) 1-0

Five wins in eight matches, scored thirteen goals in the process. The Reds has had a good summer warm up to the new season. Does Rafa has what it takes to win the Premier League title this season?

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

City to outbid Hammers for Liverpool midfielder

Contrary to my opinion about bringing Gareth Barry to Anfield, Rafa Benitez still interested in the Villans' midfielder. But to realised this move, the gaffer need to sell before he can buy.

Liverpool just completed the move for Robbie Keane 24 hour ago, which saw three players were sold to capture the high profile Irishman for a club's record fee £20.3million, the second most expensive signing. Rafa will continue to reshape the Liverpool squad and the latest news coming from the Daily Mail suggests Yossi Benayoun is to be offload to the highest bidder.

Manchester City have made a £6million bid for the Israel midfielder, all but ending West Ham's hopes of re-signing Benayoun. The profit of £1million proved to be to good to reject as money are very hard to come by at Anfield this summer. The Hammers are unlikely to match City's bid, who sold Benayoun to the Reds at £5million, a year ago.

With Benayoun set to join Voronin, Pennant, Itandje and Arbeloa at the exit door. Liverpool still fall short of two pacy and creative out-and-out wingers. I strongly suggest that Rafa should move for winger rather than signing another midfielder.

Don't get me wrong, I've nothing against Barry but it wasn't just my opposition for his acquisition. The poll setup here received 47 'NO' from 108 voters, that we shouldn't sign him while Alonso is much better player than Barry.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Robbie Keane unveiled at Melwood

Liverpool today parades Robbie Keane at the club's training ground, Melwood. Keane is to wear the number seven shirt, famously worn by Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan.

The number seven shirt was left vacant by Harry Kewell when he departed Anfield for Galatasaray.

As a Liverpool fan the number seven jersey is massive. It is a fantastic opportunity for me that obviously I'm relishing. The people who have worn the number seven here, like Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish - if I do half the job they did at Liverpool I will be happy. - Robbie Keane, Liverpoolfc.tv

Here's the photo session at Melwood;

via Liverpoolfc.tv

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Poll closed

Robbie Keane is a Reds. A total of 180 people has voted on it and 29% (53 votes) for Robbie Keane to become a Liverpool player.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Reds' quadruplet near Liverpool exit

Liverpool's gaffer, Rafa Benitez keen to recover as much as possible from this summer transfer window after splashing £18million on Robbie Keane to financed his other targets.

Four Reds' players reportedly heading for Anfield exit to enable Rafa to pursuit at least two more players before the season start. The quadruplet who will be leaving are Andriy Voronin, Jermain Pennant, Alvaro Arbeloa and Charles Itandje.

Blackburn manager Paul Ince has made contact with Anfield official on the availability of Jermain Pennant and had offered £4million for the Liverpool's winger. The figure could rise to £6million depending on Pennant's performances at Rovers. This move was triggered by the following move of David Bentley to Tottenham and Ince needs a cover for right side of midfield as he failed to hold on to Bentley.

Charles Itandje, last season second choice goalkeeper, has moved down the pecking order since the arrival of Diego Cavalieri as Reina's cover. But his move to Galatasaray was hindered by a contract's dispute at Anfield.

Although, Voronin featured in all Liverpool's pre-season matches and are regaining his form. The arrival of Robbie Keane and David Ngog spells the end of his Anfield career. He's being courted by Olympiacos, Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg. Rafa keen to sell him at £6million after he arrived on a free from Bayer Leverkusen a year ago.

While, what surprises us is Alvaro Arbeloa wants to leave Liverpool and return to his native Spain for personal reasons. Liverpool has received a bid in the region of £6million for the fullback. This news has thwarted Rafa's pursuit of Gareth Barry as Aston Villa wants Steve Finnan included in the deal.

Liverpool will be short of cover at right-back if Finnan was sold to Villa. With Philipp Degen set to miss the early part of the season due to groin strain, the deal for Barry was put on hold until Rafa could sign a new fullback. Reds are rumoured to have courted Schalke 04 right-back, Rafinha who are unsettled at his current club.

The sales of the quadruplet would bolster Rafa's coffer to £19million and it should be enough for him to try and sign a fullback and a winger. Rafa still hopeful of signing Gareth Barry after he went silence over this deal. But he won't jeopardize his move for a winger as money was again the main stumbling block.

Should we see Rafa going for Valencia's David Silva and Schalke's Rafinha? I still doesn't see where will Gareth Barry fit into our system since Xabi Alonso still a Liverpool member. We also have Lucas and Mascherano commanding the midfield area.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Robbie Keane arrived for medical

According to today's Echo, Robbie Keane completed his medical and are edging closer of sealing a £20million move to Anfield.

The Irish international was booked in for a series of tests at a Merseyside hospital. A fee of £18million with add-ons of up to £2million has been agreed with Spurs and terms have been agreed with the player.

Keane's arrival would make him the second most expensive player ever signed by Liverpool, only Torres has cost more.

If there are no problem with the tests, he should be able to complete all the formalities and is expected to sign a five-year deal worth around £80,000 per week to join the club he has supported since boyhood.

Stay tune for more updates.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Robbie set for Anfield

Which Robbie? Of course not Robbie Fowler, it's Robbie Keane who is set to sign for Liverpool. Rafa Benitez hopes to hand Keane his Liverpool debut at Rangers next Saturday.

The striker’s dream transfer moved a step closer on Thursday night when he was left out of the Tottenham side for the friendly in Alicante.

Keane is expected to complete a £20million switch to Merseyside early next week. It seems unlikely the deal will be done in time for him to line up in the Reds’ next warm-up fixture at Villarreal on Wednesday.

The trip to Scotland to play against Rangers at Ibrox three days later is the more likely option, assuming there are no problems with his medical.

Rafa Benitez is refusing to panic in his efforts to land Gareth Barry despite Martin O’Neill’s attempts to place a deadline on the transfer.

Rafa Benitez has refused to budge from his stance that Barry is overpriced at £18million while a growing cash crisis at Valencia is raising the possibility of the Kop manager moving for David Silva instead.

Liverpool’s Spanish stars Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa returned to training following their Euro 2008 heroics.

Benitez believes their success can inspire everyone at Anfield. But one of his Spanish stars will be wanting for an exit. Arbeloa leaving could left Liverpool short of cover at the right-side of defence as Steve Finnan was wanted in the deal for Barry.

Could it be all over for Barry? Rafa is set for a crunch talks with Alonso over the midfielder future at Anfield soon after he returned from his holidays.

Valencia have debts of £400million and the Spaniards are looking to fund a new £250million stadium.

And owner Juan Solares is desperately trying to sell the club.

But until he does, the need to raise cash has become desperate and some of Europe’s big guns are circling Silva, David Villa and Joaquin.

Solares was furious with figurehead president Juan Villalonga for rejecting Atletico Madrid’s £17million bid for Silva which is an obvious sign he was ready to do business at that price.

The figure is lower than Rafa has expected them to demand and, with no immediate end in sight to the war which is tearing Valencia apart, Liverpool could get the Spain winger for a cut price.

David Villa is Valencia’s jewel in the crown and Real Madrid will swoop if they are forced to concede defeat in their bid to sign Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

One good news for Liverpool is that Tottenham are going after David Villa as a replacement while having conceded that they'll lose both Berbatov and Keane.

Well Keane is only worth £20million, captain of his country and Barry just capped a few games for England, Aston Villa wants £18million.

That's ridiculous, don't you think?

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Reds youngsters out on loan

Godwin Antwi has taken a short trip across the Mersey to join League One side Tranmere Rovers on loan until January 2009.

The Ghana born reserve team defender, who joined Liverpool from Real Zaragoza in 2005, spent a season long loan at Hartlepool United last season.

Godwin is a very talented young defender who we've been watching for some time. When I heard he had become available on loan I jumped at the chance of bringing him in to play right back.

He is comfortable on the ball, already has Football League experience from his time at Hartlepool and he will add quality, strength and pace to our defence. - Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore, Liverpoolfc.tv

Jack Hobbs has signed for League One outfit Leicester City on a season long loan until May 9, 2009.

The former Lincoln City defender enjoyed a loan spell at Scunthorpe United last season and is looking forward to his spell with Nigel Pearson's side.

Leicester showed their interest and I had no hesitation in coming here. This is a massive club with a good manager and top class Premier League facilities.

I want to help this club get back to the Championship at the first time of asking. - Jack Hobbs, Liverpoolfc.tv

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Liverpool goes green for Europe

Liverpool new UEFA Champions League 2008/09 campaign football kit has been revealed. Next season, we'll dons green kit with black shorts and white socks.



Steven Gerrard is pictured wearing the new Liverpool European kit for the 2008-09 season, featuring adidas trademark technologies ClimaCool and ForMotion.

A close-up view of the newly launch kit are available for preview and pre-order.

What do you think of Liverpool's new European football kit?

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Sebastian Leto keen on Greek move

Liverpool winger Sebastian Leto is eyeing a loan move to Olympiacos as his stay at Liverpool has been placed in doubt because of a passport fiasco.

The Argentinian winger has been told by Reds boss Rafa Benitez that he can leave Anfield on a temporary deal.

I spoke with the people of the club [Liverpool] and our decision is to leave the club and to play somewhere else on loan for one season. I have to play football next season.

My agents are in Athens. They speak with Olympiacos for my loan.

Their manager, Ernesto Valverde called me. He told me that he is really interested in having me at his team. He told me about his thoughts and everything. For me it’s really important to have a manager who speaks my language. - Setanta Sports

Elsewhere, Aston Villa has issued a deadline warning for Gareth Barry's transfer to Liverpool. Martin O’Neill admits he could throw boo-boy Gareth Barry into the lion’s den as Aston Villa look to come through Saturday’s Intertoto Cup clash with Odense BK.

Barry’s participation would not cup-tie the midfielder if he then moved to Liverpool, but O’Neill warned The Reds he is getting fed up with their procrastination.

Villa have reportedly demanded £17 million plus Steve Finnan for their captain, and O’Neill moaned that Liverpool’s lack of reply has hindered his own transfer plans.

Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez has completed the signing of French striker David Ngog from Paris St Germain.

The highly-rated 19-year-old has penned a four-year contract at Anfield for an undisclosed fee and he is Liverpool's fourth signing of the summer.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Olympiacos in for Voronin

Olympiacos have made contact with Liverpool for striker Andriy Voronin. The Ukrainian has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer is also interesting, Bundesliga outfits, Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg.

Rafa is keen to recover as much as possible from player sales to help fund the move for Robbie Keane and Gareth Barry. Voronin is reportedly made available for £3million. He may be the fourth player from first team roster after Crouch, Riise and Kewell to leave Anfield before the season start.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed the signing of teenage Spanish right-back Emmanuel Mendy on a three-year deal.

The Reds today said on their official website that the 18-year-old arrives on a free from Murcia Deportivo and will compete for a place in Gary Ablett's reserves. He is also known to play at left-back.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Stalemate in Berlin

Liverpool had to settle for a goalless draw against Hertha Berlin in their fourth pre-season friendly in Germany.

The excellent Andriy Voronin missed a penalty in what was a low key affair in the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Reds now head back to Melwood after 10 productive days on the continent to continue their preparations for 2008-09.

They had to wait 14 minutes for their first effort on goal in the German capital when Voronin, who turned 29 this week, pinged the ball wide to Jermaine Pennant. The winger cut back to Olympic-bound Javier Mascherano but his long-range effort blazed high and wide.

Sadly, that was pretty much it from the visitors in a fairly non-descript first half. Up front, Voronin and 17-year-old Daniel Pacheco were starved of the kind of service which has seen them impress in the three pre-season friendlies to date.

via Liverpoolfc.tv

Hertha Berlin: Drobny, Dardai, Chahed, von Bergen (c), Ebert, Kacar, Stein, Pantelic, Piszczek.

Subs - Arguez, Bigalke, Domovchiyski, Fieldler, Hartmann, Lustenberger, Radjabali-Fardi, Riedel

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Insua, Agger, Carragher (c), Darby, Leto, Mascherano, Plessis, Pennant, Pacheco, Voronin.

Subs - Benayoun, Degen, Dossena, Hobbs, Hyypia, Kuyt, Martin, Skrtel, Spearing

Referee: Christian Schossling

July 12: v Tranmere (Wirral) 1-0

July 16: v FC Lucerne (Grenchen) 2-1

July 19: v Wisla Krakow (Friborg) 1-1

July 22: v Hertha Berlin (Berlin) 0-0

July 30: v Villarreal (Villarreal)

August 2: v Rangers (Glasgow)

August 5: v Valerengen (Oslo)

August 8: v Lazio (Liverpool)

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Rafa makes Ngog his fourth signing

A deal of £1.5million for a French teenager, David Ngog, has been accepted by Paris Saint Germain. Should the proposed deal go through later this week as expected Ngog will join up with his new team-mates after they have returned to Melwood from their Swiss training camp on Wednesday.

Rafa Benitez is ready to make the 19-year-old his fourth signing of the summer, coming hot on the heels of the acquisitions of Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena and Diego Cavalieri, as he re-shapes his squad for the coming season.

Ngog, the 19-year-old cousin of Jean Alain Boumsong, the former Rangers and Newcastle defender, has been told by PSG coach Paul Le Guen that he could leave the club after he refused to sign a new contract.

Born in the Parisian suburb of Gennevilliers, Ngog has come through the ranks at PSG and made his debut last season.

Ngog arrival has signalled the end of the road for Andriy Voronin, who has interested Borussia Dortmund. Although, the Ukrainian has shown a glimpse of form during the pre season friendlies with two goals so far but Rafa still need to raise fund to capture his transfer targets before the new season kick-off.

Rafa Benitez is looking for more pace, movement and variety from his side in attack in the forthcoming season and the impending capture of Ngog fits into that strategy.

The move for the striker has no bearing on Liverpool’s bid to sign Robbie Keane and though the move for the Irishman is taking longer to be completed than first expected, senior Anfield figures remain confident a deal will be struck this week.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Baggies bags Carson for £3.25million

West Brom have completed the £3.25million signing of England international Scott Carson from Liverpool.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who played in 35 Premier League games for Aston Villa last season, has put pen to paper on a four-year-deal.

The club also have the option of adding another year to the deal.
West Brom's newly-promoted rivals Stoke yesterday ruled themselves out of the running for Carson - who could cost the club £3.75million depending on performance-related criteria.

His arrival takes the Baggies' summer spending on transfers to an initial £13.75million after the signings of Roman Bednar, Luke Moore, Do-heon Kim, Graham Dorrans, Gianni Zuiverloon and Marek Cech.

via ESPNsoccernet

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Reds held by Wisla Krakow

Liverpool saw their 100 per cent pre-season record come to an end after they were held to a hard-fought draw against Wisla Krakow in Fribourg.

The Reds went into the clash with the 11-times Polish champions hoping to stretch their winning streak to three matches, but despite taking the lead courtesy of Andriy Voronin's sixth minute strike they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Prior to the kick-off a Swiss army of fans welcomed the Reds on to the pitch and it wasn't long before they were cheering the opening goal of the game when the Ukrainian pounced to fire home at the second attempt.

A delightful move involving Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun ended with the Israeli picking out the unmarked striker, who saw his initial, tame effort well blocked by the keeper, but was on hand to steer the rebound into the roof of the net to collect his second goal of the pre-season.

via Liverpoolfc.tv

Wisla Krakow: Pawelek (c), Brozek, Glowacki, , Baszczynski, Zienczuk, Cantoro, Sobolewski, Boguski, Brozek, Jirsak.
Subs - Cebanu, Dawidowski, Diaz, Kowalski, Maczynski, Malecki, Niedzielan

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Carragher (c), Darby, Leto, Leiva, Plessis, Benayoun, Babel, Voronin.
Subs - Aurelio, Hobbs, Hyypia, Insua, Kuyt, Martin, Mascherano, Pacheco, Pennant, Skrtel, Spearing

July 12: v Tranmere (Wirral) 1-0
July 16: v FC Lucerne (Grenchen) 2-1
July 19: v Wisla Krakow (Friborg) 1-1
July 22: v Hertha Berlin (Berlin)
July 30: v Villarreal (Villarreal)
August 2: v Rangers (Glasgow)
August 5: v Valerengen (Oslo)
August 8: v Lazio (Liverpool)

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Ian Rush backs Keane to set Anfield on fire

Liverpool Kop legend, Ian Rush believes Robbie Keane would increase Rafa Benitez's options in attack.

If you're going to be successful you do have to have different options especially with Peter Crouch leaving.

I think we need two or three and maybe four different options if you want to be successful. - BBC Sports

The former Liverpool striker has told BBC Radio Merseyside yesterday. And I agreed with him that Robbie would boost Reds strikeforce next season. He doesn't need any introduction as he already proved that at White Hart Lane.

Will Rafa spend £20million on Keane?

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Stoke withdraw from Carson, Blackburn and West Brom interested

The path would appear to be clear for West Brom to press home their pursuit of Scott Carson after rivals Stoke pulled out of the running for the England keeper.

Both Stoke and West Brom were given permission to speak to Carson after tabling bids with Liverpool.

But West Brom will have to wrestle with Blackburn, who are believed to be on the verge of making an offer for Carson, with their first-choice keeper Brad Friedel a target for Aston Villa.

Read about other Reds transfer rumours.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Liverpool still very Keane on Spurs' ace

The rumour mills are spinning again and thanked god, it's not Gareth Barry. Juande Ramos wants to cash-in on megabuck Robbie Keane and slapped a £20million price tag on him. Should Rafa ditched the Barry's deal and move quickly on Keane before more teams are joining the bidding war?

Having sold Peter Crouch to Portsmouth for £11m, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has sufficient funds to tempt Tottenham officials into selling one of the club's prized assets and an offer in excess of £20m for Keane, which would rocket the player's career transfer value to £60m. - Telegraph.co.uk

This news will definitely angered a whole lot of Spurs' fans but maybe the negotiation between Rafa and Ramos are better than Rafa and O'Neill, in fact that both are Spaniards. Do you think Robbie Keane will be a great acquisition for Reds?


YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Classy Reds cruised to victory

Liverpool have continued their winning start to pre-season with a 2-1 victory over FC Lucerne in which Lucas and Andriy Voronin found the net.

The work being carried out during the Swiss training camp is clearly paying dividends, with the Reds producing some fine interplay in the opposition half.

Most notable among a makeshift side were Daniel Pacheco and Voronin, with the latter scoring a goal which will live long in the memory.

The first goal took 10 minutes to arrive - and the manner in which it came is sure to excite Kopites from Switzerland to Speke. It was little Pacheco, so impressive on his first-team bow against Tranmere at the weekend, who was the architect, weaving a bit of magic around the box before finding the run of Lucas with an exquisite pass. The Brazilian made no fuss about finishing the move with a cool sidefoot beyond David Zibung.

Read the rest here.

FC Lucerne: Zibung, Zverotic, Schwegler, Seoane, Lustenberger, Ferreira, Chiumiento, Mesbah, Ferreira, Gavranovic, Lambert.

Subs - Gajic, Karanovic, Konig, Luiz Pinheiro, Ravasi, Schirinzi,

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Insua, Agger, Carragher (c), Degen, Leto, Leiva, Plessis, Benayoun, Pacheco, Voronin.

Subs - Aurelio, Babel, Darby, Dossena, Gerrard, Hansen, Hyypia, Kuyt, Mascherano, Skrtel, Spearing

July 12: v Tranmere (Wirral) 1-0

July 16: v FC Lucerne (Grenchen) 2-1

July 19: v Wisla Krakow (Friborg)

July 22: v Hertha Berlin (Berlin)

July 30: v Villarreal (Villarreal)

August 2: v Rangers (Glasgow)

August 5: v Valerengen (Oslo)

August 8: v Lazio (Liverpool)

If last Saturday's goal from Benayoun was spectacular, yesterday, Voronin despatched a stunning lob over the FC Lucerne's goalkeeper to put Liverpool back in the lead. Next up, Wisla Krakow, a Polish club, and will be held at Friborg.

You can catch the game live at Live Football. Stay tune for more updates.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Forget Barry and lets move on

The transfer saga has been dragged on whole summer and the new season is just one month away. I hope Rafa reconsider the position of Xabi Alonso as Juventus seems to have cool down on the deal. Now with Arsenal coming in for Barry, we better use the £18million on a winger.

The sales of Peter Crouch to Portsmouth has recoup £11million and Scott Carson on the verge of joining Stoke for £4million, while Danny Guthrie left Anfield for St James' Park on a undisclosed fee, should bolster Rafa coffers to move on the next target.

Transfer In:
Phillip Degen (free)
Andreas Dossena (£8million)
Diego Cavalieri (£3million)
[Winger - ???]
[Striker - ???]

Transfer Out:
Danny Guthrie (undisclosed fee) Newcastle
John Arne Riise (£4million) AS Roma
Harry Kewell (free) Galatasary
Anthony Le Tallec (undisclosed fee) Le Mans
Peter Crouch (£11million) Portsmouth
Scott Carson (£4million-pending) Stoke City

Judging from the transfer table above, Rafa has added £8million into his transfer kitty, though the co-owners made available £20million at his disposal (in my imagination). This should be enough to lure David Silva or Robbie Keane to Anfield. News linking Jermaine Pennant away from Anfield, possible a move to Blackburn in the region of £4-5million and reserve keeper, Charles Itandje, also linked with a possible move elsewhere if anybody met his transfer fee of £6million will also help the cash strap gaffer.

I don't see why we need Gareth Barry so badly, unless there are complication of registering players for the UEFA Champions League, which needs certain quotas to be met by each European clubs before the deadline, are causing this crazy demands from Aston Villa for Barry's price? Since Gunners are preparing to hijack this deal, we might as well forget it and move on.

Do we short of central midfielders? No. We do lack of wingers, but Rafa brought in two wing backs. How about a quality striker? Yes, we have one in Torres but we do need a backup. Who do you think is best suited for Reds?

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Reds all guns blazing in pre season friendly

Liverpool's squad fly out on their pre-season tour of Switzerland yesterday after Saturday's victory over Tranmere Rovers. Rafael Benitez's men were full value for their victory in a largely one-sided contest which was decided by a moment of Yossi Benayoun brilliance just before half-time.







Tranmere Rovers: Coyne, Taylor, Chorley, Kay (c), Curtis, Jennings, Edds, O'Callaghan, Shuker, Greenacre, Moore.
Subs - Achterberg, Ahmed, Creswell, Curran, Goodison, Gornell, Henry, Holmes, Savage, Sonko, Waterfall

Liverpool: Martin, Carragher (c), Agger, Hobbs, Darby, Insua, Leiva, Plessis, Pennant, Benayoun, Pacheco.
Subs - Aurelio, Cavalieri, Degen, Flynn, Gerrard, Hyypia, Kelly, Skrtel, Spearing, Voronin,

Referee: Mike Dean

July 12: v Tranmere (Wirral) 1-0
July 16: v FC Lucerne (Grenchen)
July 19: v Wisla Krakow (Friborg)
July 22: v Hertha Berlin (Berlin)
July 30: v Villarreal (Villarreal)
August 2: v Rangers (Glasgow)
August 5: v Valerengen (Oslo)
August 8: v Lazio (Liverpool)


The Reds are next in action on Wednesday when they take on FC Lucerne in Grenchen (6.35pm kick off-British time) and then on Saturday when Wisla Krakow provide the opposition in Friborg (5pm-British time).

via Liverpoolfc.tv

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Reds completes third signing

Diego Cavalieri will battle with Jose Reina for the coveted No 1 shirt at Liverpool this season after signing a four-year contract at Anfield.

The Brazilian goalkeeper could feature in Liverpool's pre-season friendly with Tranmere tomorrow having completed his estimated £3million switch from Palmerias.

Liverpool are hoping to cover the cost of the 25-year-old with the sale of Scott Carson. Carson spent last season on loan at Aston Villa but Martin O'Neill has been put off by Liverpool's £6m valuation of the England shotstopper.

Cavalieri becomes the third Brazilian at the club alongside Lucas and Fabio Aurelio and is manager Rafael Benitez's third major signing of the summer following the arrivals of full-backs Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena.

via Telegraph

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Crouch seals Portsmouth move

Peter Crouch has completed his move to Portsmouth from Liverpool in a deal that could be worth up to £11m.

The 27-year-old returns to Pompey six years after leaving and will work with boss Harry Redknapp for the third time in his career.

Crouch said: "It's fantastic to be back. I believe Harry gets the best out of me and think the best years of my career can be here."

The England striker has signed a four-year contract at Fratton Park.

Crouch added: "This club is going places and they can match my ambitions.

"The chance of regular first team football was part of the appeal. I know I'll have to work hard to prove myself in training, but I believe my best years are in front of me.

via BBC Sports

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

GOD moving back to Premier League

"GOD", our beloved player, Robbie Fowler has been offered an opportunity to join Blackburn Rovers. Don't believe me? It's not official yet, but Cardiff City has confirmed that Fowler being contacted by Blackburn.

Stay tune for more update.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Star watch: Royston Drenthe

Royston Ricky Drenthe is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid. Drenthe started his professional career mainly playing as a left back, but has recently looked more impressive when played on the left wing where Drenthe uses his mercurial pace and skills to devastating effect.

Drenthe was presented as a Real Madrid player on August 13, 2007 along with fellow Dutchman Wesley Sneijder in a double player presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu. Drenthe made his official Real Madrid debut starting as a central midfielder in the second leg of the Supercopa de España against Sevilla. Drenthe scored the equalizer, similar to a Seedorf long range strike, which was struck from 30-40 yards out, hit the crossbar and the ball crossed the line. However, Real Madrid eventually lost the match 5-3 as Sevilla clinched the cup.

Drenthe played fairly regularly for Real Madrid as left-back or left midfielder at the beginning of the season, but due to the sudden development of Brazilian left-back Marcelo, Drenthe's playing time has become limited. In the Dutch media, there were several reports of clashes between Drenthe and Real coach Bernd Schuster, after the German decided to keep Drenthe out of the squad for several matches, meaning that Drenthe had to sit in the stands instead of the bench. After being left out of the game against Valencia, Drenthe stormed angrily out of the training ground of Real. But after recent appearances, he currently settled and ready to serve the best for Real Madrid. During a match against Real Valladolid, he performed really well by providing an assist to Guti's goal and scoring his first league goal.

Liverpool should take note on this player, who is good with his left foot and right too, great pace and skills, just 21 years old, a left midfielder and has limited playing with Real Madrid. The news about Rafa striving to sign David Silva from Valencia for a bargain price, estimated half of the David Villa's price tag of £32million. I think Liverpool should consider Drenthe too, as he could be use as an utility player, left back, left wing, good on both feets, pacey.

Seriously, Drenthe is much better player than Babel when both played on the left flank. But Silva is the newly crowned European champion and Rafa has known Silva since his tenure at Valencia, he would be a great addition to the current squad. If Valencia play hardballs, then Rafa need to revalues his options.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™