Liverpool at Blackburn: What will Rafa do?

Some may be surprised about Blackburn's form, but I'm not. I predicted it in the preseason. They have the necessary talent to challenge for a Champions League spot, but they're going to need a little bit of luck and most of their key players to stay healthy, that usually goes hand-in-hand though.

With that said, it's going to take a solid performance from our best available XI to go to Ewood and pull off the upset. That's right, I said 'upset'. If we had Torres, Xabi, and Agger, and a well-rested Gerrard and Carragher, I would think otherwise, but you're out of your mind if you think we're in better shape than the Rovers.

Since our keeper is a given, I guess I'll go ahead and start with the back-line. On the left I expect Riise to start, though he didn't play in the Cardiff match, I hope the wageslip controversy he's experiencing doesn't distract him. If it does, I'm sure Aurelio will be on the bench to take his place. In the middle, I have little doubt that Carra and Hyypia will get the call. I would say Arbeloa for Hyypia, but the Spaniard played the full match on Wednesday and Sami had the night off. Finally, a rested Finnan will start on the right.

In midfield, I fully expect Kewell to start on the left, but wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. If not expect Babel over there. The only question in regards to the central midfield is who will be paired with Mascherano. I suspect it'll be Gerrard, but it could be a recovered Sissoko or even Lucas. I would love to see the Brazilian here, but he did look spent at the end of the Cardiff match. Finally, on the right, I'm gonna guess Benayoun.

Up front we'll probably see Kuyt and Voronin, neither of which played in the Cardiff match. For the most part they've appeared to be futile when paired together, but let's just hope this time is different.

My final guess:
Reina
Riise
Carragher
Hyypia
Finnan
Kewell
Mascherano
Gerrard
Benayoun
Voronin
Kuyt

Bench:
Itandje
Aurelio
Arbeloa
Crouch
Babel

That seems to be a pretty formidable attack, if we can stay out of each other's way. I'll be surprised if we get all three points tomorrow and pleased if we get the draw. With all our injuries lately, we need to just weather the storm.

Liverpool at Blackburn: Our Secret Weapon?

I honestly think this game couldn't have come at a more opportune time for the Rovers. If we weren't without Torres, Xabi, and Agger, I would be much more confident of getting a positive result. Unfortunately we're devastated by those three major injuries, but might get some help from an unexpected source.

For all intents and purposes, it looks like Harry Kewell will probably start tomorrow and if so, there's good reason why. King Harry absolutely owns Blackburn. In the 13 matches that the Aussie International has lined-up against the Rovers, his side is a ridiculous 10-2-1. Now granted he was almost always playing for the favored side, but isn't that sort of the case going into tomorrow's match? Blackburn may have won seven straight and may have a solid squad, but they have no one who's on the same level as Steven Gerrard or Javier Mascherano. Not even if both are at 80%.

What's even more enticing is that Kewell appears to like playing at Ewood park even more so than he does at home. Of the five career goals he has notched against Blackburn, four of them have come at the Rovers' grounds. That includes a match in 2001 when he scored a brace for Leeds in an eight minute span, leading United to a 2-1 comeback win. He also scored the deciding goal in Liverpool's 4-3 League Cup win at Ewood in late 2003.

Yes, I know stats and trends (if this could even be considered one) mean little in the thick of things, but I figured I'd share some food for thought. Maybe Rafa decided not to start Kewell on Wednesday because he knew that the Socceroo has experienced playing Up North. Of course, that would only make sense to those of us who have a clue about Rafa's rotating ways.

Today's Banter: Gerrard wins Player of the Month, Lucas: the next legend, Guthrie excelling at Bolton, & more

Fans voted Steven Gerrard the PFA Player of the Month via their website. That's a bit surprising considering the efforts of Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney. I guess how he battled back from injuries, played so many matches, has had to put the club on his back at times, and finishing strong with three goals in his last three matches were the persuasive factors. Congrats Stevie and let's hope your progress to return to a world class level continues with Blackburn on Saturday.

Lucas Leiva has been hailed to become a Liverpool Legend by Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez. The 2006 Bola de Ouro winner, and the youngest ever I might add, has earned the praise of our captain and manager with his efforts in training and matches. Stevie-G points out that, if it weren't for Phil Neville being a cheat, Lucas would have had the game-winner in the derby, something that not many players can attest.

Meanwhile Rafa's contributions to that article are quit interesting. He first points out that for Lucas to already have a first team appearance for Brazil at the age of 20 is simply unheard of. If you want some perspective, Kaká didn't make his debut until the age of 21. Then Benitez talks about how impressed he's been with the seemingly seamless and swift adjustment the young Brazilian has made to life and play in England, especially considering that even the grass is different. I never thought about that, but he's right, even something as inconspicuous as grass can effect an individual's play.

Amidst all the turmoil and controversy that has arisen from Bolton this season, on-loan Danny Guthrie appears to be maintaining his focus and continue to progress. With Sammy Lee's departure, it looks as if opportunities to play for the 20-year-old will diminish, but Guthrie is taking it in stride. At least now he'll have the experience of going through a managerial switch and will be able to learn how best to handle such a potentially traumatic change.

Fernando Torres has vowed to take his return from injury this time with more patience and caution. The 23-year-old Spaniard admits he's never had an injury spell in his career of this proportions and doesn't like it. Well, that's good to hear, we already have one player who loves being injured in Harry Kewell, so we don't need two. (I'm kidding about Kewell, by the way. I know how sensitive Aussie fans can be, trust me.)

Speaking of King Harry, Rafa has stated that if Kewell can stay healthy and show his brilliant form of previous years, he'll be offered a contract to stay on with the Reds. There is nothing I want more than for that to happen. It is simply tragic how injury has devastated the 29-year-old Aussie over the last couple of seasons. At this point, we need him to step up and stay fit probably more than he needs us. Cheers.

Paul Anderson: League One & League Cup Goals

Here are videos of the goals Paul Anderson has scored for Swansea in League One & League Cup matches. The first is an absolute belter. It's the first of his career and what a way to announce yourself. It occurred in a League Cup match on August 14th against Walsall and put his side up 1-0. It's the first goal on this clip.

This next one is from September 14th versus Carlisle. It is his third goal of the season, but his first in league play. It is the last goal on the clip, starting at the 1:58 (or -0:30) mark. It was the game-winner for Swansea and quite a beaut at that.

"It's that good even the cameraman missed it!" Sure, whatever. The match is a League One contest with Swindon Town from October 2nd, Anderson gives the Swans a 1-0 lead. As you may have guessed the cameraman messed up on this one.

Finally, this last one was against Leyton Orient on the 6th of October. It's the fourth goal of a 5-0 thrashing by the Swans and starts at about the 1:36 (or - 0:36) mark. The camera angle is a birds-eye view, so you might need a magnifying glass. By the way the third goal is an amazing volley by Thomas Butler, well worth your time even if you need binoculars.

That's all folks. If anybody can tell me where I can find the League Trophy goals, I'll be happy to add them, but I'm not sure if they have cameras at most League Trophy matches. Cheers.

Should we sell Scott Carson?

Pepe Reina is only 25 years old. Barring major injury, the two-time defending EPL Gold Glove award winner has at least five to seven years of quality play left in him. He has alluded at times of returning to Spain though, more specifically Atlético Madrid where his father became a legend, but I can't see him going anywhere in the near future. He is our number one for now.

Before yesterday, I wasn't all that impressed with Charles Itandje, but now I see why Manchester United and other big clubs have been after him in the past. The 24-year-old Frenchman may have over-played some balls, was rightly beat once, but also made some stunning saves. I'm not sure how long he'll be around, but for now, I think if he ever had to step in for Reina, he'd do fine.

Following Itandje in the pecking in order is David Martin, the Reserves number one. The 21-year-old son of former West Ham player, Alvin Martin, saw action with the first team on three different occasions in the preseason. In my best judgment, he seemed to have the qualities to make a solid Premiership keeper, though signs of his youth and inexperience showed at moments.

Though he probably won't play for us for a few years, if ever, next we have 17-year-old Danish prospect Martin Hansen, who's been at the Academy since the beginning of last year. And just for good measure there's out-on-loan Nikolay Mihaylov and Australia wonder kid goalie, Dean Bouzanis, who is the current top keep at the Academy .

In other words, we're loaded at that spot for years to come without Carson. Rafa seemingly likes to collect keepers like the old woman in the shoe likes to collect kids. In all we have seven keepers if you count the Academy and nine if you include Carson and Mihaylov. That's just ridiculous. Is Benitez collecting and cultivating keepers as part of some master plan to keep loaning them out to other Premiership sides, so they'll be without their top goalie when they face us? If so, it's brilliant, but highly doubtful.

Carson is quite the talent though. Just this past summer numerous clubs including Arsenal inquired about his services. I have no problem saying he would be our starter if we didn't have Pepe. The thing is, we do, and there's only one keeper in the world I would even consider starting in front of Reina and that's Peter Cech. In other words, if Carson wants to be the regular starter, he's going to have to be perpetually loaned or sold and though I'm for either of those options, the latter looks to be the most realistic.

Price might become an issue though. If Craig Gordon is worth £9m, Carson can't be too far off. If I were Rafa I wouldn't accept anything less than £8m. If a club doesn't want to pay that much so be it, we got £2m for him from Aston Villa for his one-year loan there and we can just continue to lease him until someone feels like taking out a mortgage. The only thing is, if we can sell him this summer, than we can turn around and use that money to strengthen our squad.

Lindfield loaned to Notts County

Craig Lindfield, one of the many heroes in the Academy's FA Youth Cup winning-run last year, has been loaned out to Notts County. The 19-year-old from Wirral scored 7 goals to help lead the young Reds to their second consecutive trophy. Lindfield has also featured for the England U19 side, playing seven matches for the Young Lions and scoring three goals.

He will join the Magpies on a month-long loan. The League Two side currently sit 18th on the table with 14 points from 13 matches, finding themselves 14 points off the pace of leaders MK Dons and 5 points clear of the relegation zone with a -7 goal difference. Lindfield could get the chance to square off against fellow on-loan Liverpool player James Smith at Stockport County.

From what I've seen of Lindfield, which is only a handful of matches I might add, he appears to typify the typical poacher. Some may take that as an insult, but don't, a class poacher which Lindfield has the attributes to become can be a vital member of the squad. Think Ruud Van Nistelroy.

AB Awards for October

October was a month to forget record-wise. We played a half-dozen matches, winning a pair (@Everton, Cardiff City), drawing a pair (Tottenham, Arsenal), and amazingly losing both our Champions League ties (Marseilles, @Beşiktaş). Injuries devastated us with no less than 8 regulars missing matches and causing others to have to play when they would be rested otherwise. Not to mention, if you include his ties for England, Steven Gerrard had to play in no less than eight matches last month, six in an eighteen day period. The most amazing stat is that after getting seven shutouts in the first two months of play, we failed to blank a single opponent in October. If that doesn't tell you how much we miss Daniel Agger, I don't know what does. Anyhow, on to the awards.

Player of the Month
The only real candidates for this accolade in my opinion are Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Steve Finnan. Carragher gave it his all in every match and looked utterly spent by the end of most of them and Finnan was consistent as ever, but with the amount of matches he's played, showing the integrity to work his way back to class form, and ending the month scoring his third goal in as many games, Gerrard, to me, is the most deserving.

Unsung hero of the month
This one is between the two players that just never seem to get the proper credit they deserve, probably because they are always business as usual and leave the glitz and glamor at home. If you don't know which two players I'm talking about, it's Jamie Carragher and Steve Finnan. With Arbeloa injured, Finney was asked to play a lot more than his 31-year-old body can probably handle, especially when you add his appearances for Ireland, but the Irishman never seemed to miss a beat and was his normal reliable self. Unfortunately he has a teammate named Carra who had the responsibility of making up for a subpar Hyypia. Hopefully Agger will return in due time.

Bench player of the month
Lucas, hands down. His effort against Everton won him this award alone.

Goal of the Month
I have this down to three: Torres versus Tottenham, Nabil El Zhar versus Cardiff, and Gerrard versus Arsenal. The first goal was a brilliant header finish to equalize and save us a point, but I have to give Steve Finnan partial credit for getting the assist. The second is just brilliant especially considering it was Nabil's first in a Liverpool kit. The award goes to Gerrard versus Arsenal, though because it was a classic Stevie-G effort and allowed me to breathe a little easier.

Assist of the Month
Though Benayoun's effort yesterday is worth a mention, only one assist came to mind: Finnan's assist to Torres to get the equalizer versus Tottenham.

Player-out-on-loan Award
Few candidates for this one as most of our boys seem to either be having it tough getting playing time or are fighting fitness. The only two that come to mind are Paul Anderson at Swansea and Danny Guthrie at Bolton. Though Guthrie either played or was on the bench for all six Wanderers' matches last month, Paul Anderson has to get the nod. The 19-year-old winger featured in all of the Swans matches in October, scoring three goals and helping them to a 5-0 record. He is looking more and more like the real deal, but a spell in the Championship next season should be the next step. Cheers.

Today's Banter: Latest on Riise wageslip leak, Sick Sissoko may miss Blackburn, Xabi back in a fortnight?, & more

Though the Merseyside police have stated that they will look no further into how John Arne Riise's wageslip was leaked to the internet due to lack of complaint, Liverpool FC have decided to take matters into their own hands by launching an independent investigation. The first anecdote to emerge involving the controversy is that a group of Everton fans co-conspired to rummage Riise's vehicle after spotting the 27-year-old Norwegian in a pub. While other Toffees fans kept watch on Riise, another co-conspirator allegedly searched out his SUV where the wageslip was apparently within plain view of a camera phone. The problem with that theory is: a)there was a hand clearly in one of the leaked pics, b)how did they know which vehicle was Riise's?, and c)the plot sounds a little too fantastic and definitely too intelligent for a group of Everton fans to pull off.

Rafa has revealed that the only reason Steven Gerrard played yesterday was because Momo Sissoko is still sick. Had the 22-year-old Malian been available, Stevie-G would have more than likely had the night off. Momo has been diagnosed with a virus of some sort and had trouble keeping food down earlier this week. His condition will be evaluated ahead of the Blackburn match on Saturday, but prospects of him playing are not looking good. Thankfully Mascherano's injury wasn't as severe as first thought as the Argentine played in the closing minutes of yesterday's match.

Speaking of injuries, our current crisis appears to be becoming less grim. Turns out Xabi Alonso's foot injury is not as disastrous as originally anticipated. The 25-year-old Spanish International was expected to be out up to two months, now it's looking more like two weeks. That means with a little luck, we could have a full and fit squad in a fortnight with Agger and Torres expected back by then as well.

Jack Hobbs and Nabil El Zhar have garnered loads of praise for their efforts versus Cardiff City yesterday. The 19-year-old Hobbs received acclaim from teammate and fellow centre back, Sami Hyypia. The legendary Finn went as far to say that he believed Hobbs was better than him at that age. Wow. Meanwhile, El Zhar, who scored an absolute cracker of a goal to give us an early lead has been getting his fair share of attention. In a post-game interview, he stated that he would play defender for us if it meant more playing time. Now that's the kind of attitude we need.

Finally, Hereford United has received permission from Reds management to FA cup-tie Robbie Threlfall. It looks as if the young left-back will be getting some pitch time for the Whites. Cheers.

Liverpool 2, Cardiff City 1: Gerrard's goal

Not pretty and a little bit lucky, but great team work down the field.

Liverpool 2, Cardiff City 1: Nabil El Zhar's stunner

What a magnificent goal. More belters like this is what we need to open up defenses.

Liverpool vs Cardiff: the line-up

Here it is:
Itandje
Aurelio
Carragher
Hobbs
Arbeloa
Leto
Lucas
Gerrard
El Zhar
Babel
Crouch

Subs:
Martin
Riise
Kewell
Benayoun
Mascherano

Mascherano?! Wow, that was a quick recovery. Where's Sissoko? Hopefully he's okay. Anyhow, I'm really excited to see El Zhar out there, he's really improved over the course of the season with the Reserves and is fun to watch.

Harry Kewell starts from the bench, huh? Does that means he'll be available against Blackburn on Saturday? I guess it really depends on how much he plays today. Anything more than the last thirty minutes and he's probably questionable against the Rovers.

The backline looks familiar. Babel and Crouch up front is interesting. A lot of youth in Hobbs, Leto, Lucas, El Zhar, and Babel. Let's see how it goes.

Liverpool vs Cardiff: What will Rafa do?

I have to admit that these are the funnest matches to try and predict what kind of line-up Rafa will put out. Most of the time I just go with who I would play, which is rarely ever the same as Benitez, but he's got a few more credentials and a lot more experience than me. For this match though, the boss has already alluded that he's going to rest certain first-teamers and let some kids get playing time.

The biggest news is that Harry Kewell is set to start. I'm not sure where though. The most obvious spot would be on the left, but for some reason I get the feeling that he'll start up front. If he does, reportedly his partner will be Peter Crouch. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense, as we can rest Voronin and Kuyt for Blackburn and have Crouch for our Champions League clash with Beşiktaş next week. I would love to see a Voronin/Crouch pairing with Kewell on the left but with Rafa alluding to playing Leto, it just makes more sense.

The easiest midfielders to predict are the central ones. I have little doubt that Lucas and Sissoko will start there. The flanks though are much harder. We could see Leto, Babel, Kewell, or even Benayoun on the left. After hearing Rafa say Leto will play in some capacity, I have to believe that he'll start there. On the right I have a feeling that Gerrard will get the call, though wouldn't be surprised to see Benayoun there either. It all depends on what Rafa has in store for Saturday or if he plans on splitting halves with two different players.

On the backline, I think we'll see Aurelio on the left, Carra and Hobbs in the middle, and Arbeloa on the right. I was hoping that either Insua or Darby would get a chance to play, but I have my doubts now. We could possibly see Arbeloa start at centre back instead of Carra, since JC looked awfully spent at the end of the Arsenal match, but I'm not sure Rafa wants to risk having to play a potential keystone cops backline of Aurelio, Arbeloa, Hobbs, and Darby. One thing is for sure, Steve Finnan will have the night off.

In goal, Pepe has the night off which means Itandje will get the call. Would be interesting to see David Martin here, but I know Rafa won't take that big of risk in not only giving such an inexperienced player the nod, but also because it would probably make Itandje unhappy. I'm praying Itandje is a bit more consistent than he has been in previous performances.

Anyhow, here's my final guess:
Itandje
Aurelio
Carra
Hobbs
Arbeloa
Leto
Sissoko
Lucas
Gerrard
Kewell
Crouch

Bench:
Martin
Insua
Benayoun
Voronin
Darby

Before anyone gets their panties in a wad, I fully expect Gerrard and Kewell to come out with plenty of time left for Benayoun and Voronin. Also I expect Insua to get a run out so Rafa can assess his progress. Here's hoping we don't have to use any subs for injuries. Cheers.

Today's Banter: Riise upset over wageslip leak, Villa want Crouch, Rafa afraid of 'God'?, & more

Well, another match day is here and I'll get to the normal routine in a bit, but first it's time to cover what's going on in the world of all things Liverpool FC. First off, John Arne Riise is furious that one of his wageslips from last season has been made public. The 27-year-old defender is convinced the paper was somehow stolen from him since he would never just throw something containing such sensitive information in the trash. Why this interests anyone except a criminal trying to use Riise's information to steal his identity is beyond me. Furthermore, it's obvious that there's a severe case of cognitive dissonance going around that is more viral than images of Riise's wageslip. I seriously doubt any of those people who have published the photo of the papers would want their wages and/or personal information revealed. Have some class and stop doing things just for your own self-benefit.

Martin O'Neill has revealed that Aston Villa are interested in making a bid for Peter Crouch in the January transfer window. It looks as if O'Neill is ready to break the £10m mark for the lanky striker, smashing the club transfer fee record in the process. Other interested parties such as Sven-Göran Eriksson and Man City seem reluctant to pay a proper sum for Crouch, obviously seeking a bargain. Rafa has recently said that the England International is not for sale, but I personally hope he's willing to change his mind for the right price.

Speaking of Crouch, there seems to be speculation that he could start tonight. I would sort of be surprised if Rafa didn't save him for Saturday, but then again, maybe he's planning on resting him then so he'll be in top form for our crucial Champions League clash with Beşiktaş at Anfield next week.

Rafa just can't stop praising Robbie Fowler. Benitez feels that 'God' could very well score against his former club this evening, but hopes he does so in a losing effort. He continues the Robbie Fowler love-fest by thanking the 32-year-old striker for his second term service to the club and being like an additional coach on and off the field. I love Fowler and am worried about him being extra motivated to score tonight, but I'd rather he didn't, losing effort or not.

Finally, Rafa has called a fit Harry Kewell like a new signing. I concur, but let's all hope he stays fit. The Aussie is due to start against Cardiff this evening and with Gerrard likely to sit, I look to him to be our leader. We need his heroics now more than ever. Cheers.

It's time for a reality check

We probably won't win any cups nor trophies this season. There, I've said it. Soak it in and accept it because most likely, it's the truth. If you're a Liverpool fan because you're seeking glory, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Go join the hordes of Man United and Chelsea zombies, because you're not welcome here.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have lowered my expectations of our club. Not because we have failed to set the world on fire, but because it's become quite evident that we just don't have the talent and depth to compete with the other big three at the moment. Sorry, that's just reality. We haven't spent near the amount of money as either Chelsea or the Mancs and Rafa has only been around for a fraction of the time Wenger has and certainly not long enough to establish any sort of youth development system.

Having absolutely no expectations has lifted a tremendous weight off of my chest and allowed me to laugh a little, mostly when things don't go our way. Sure, it's nice to win, but honestly, I have unconditional love for my club. If they win nothing, so be it, cups are only icing on the cake.

Anyone who thinks that just the addition of Fernando Torres was going to take us to the next level is sorely mistaken. Babel is a nice addition, but he's only 20 years old and is playing in a major league for the first time. His potential is aplenty and it shows at times, but it's going to take a few years for him to fully develop. Benayoun has been a solid addition as well, but he's not a world class player.

I look at it this way, Torres is exponentially better than Bellamy, Voronin is certainly better than Fowler, I would rate Benayoun on the same level as Luis Garcia except the Israeli is younger, and Babel already appears to have surpassed the efforts of Gonzo. Consider that we've also added an already praiseworthy player in Lucas and a solid prospect in Leto, and I'd be hard up to say we aren't clearly a better side than last year.

Of course, at this time last year we only had 14 points from 10 games, sat 11 points out from first, and had a goal difference of zero. The only reason there wasn't a mass hysteria anti-Rafa movement then was because we were on the top of our Champions League group on the 31st of October last year with ten points. The Premiership was easy to forget.

It's going to take at least £50-60m more worth of players for our side to be close to the level of a Man U or Chelsea. Another class striker and centre back will be crucial before we will even be able to consider ourselves as a league contenders. If all of our players stay healthy, we would have a slight shot this season, but that would require a tremendous amount of luck. Injuries happen and if we don't have class back-ups to plug into those spots, which we don't, points will be dropped.

So all I'm saying is calm down, breathe a little and learn to laugh at all the moronic pundits and press who criticize and ridicule Rafa's ways. They only do so because they're egos are bigging then their brains and they for some reason think they can do a better job. Trust me, they can't.

If Rafa sticks around for ten to fifteen years, we'll win our fair share of cups and trophies, but panicking and overreacting aren't going to get us anywhere. Let's enjoy the ride no matter how bumpy the road, we can always take solace in the fact that we aren't glory-hunting Man U nor Chelsea fans.

Threlfall loaned to Hereford United

Robbie Threlfall (pictured, center above) has been sent out on one month loan to League Two side, Hereford United. The 18-year-old left back was on both FA Youth Cup winning sides in 2006 and 2007. He scored the goal in the second leg of 2007 final with Manchester United to send the match to penalties, where Liverpool prevailed 4-2. He was named Man of the Match for his efforts that night at Old Trafford.

The U19 England International also saw action with the first team in preseason matches against Wrexham and South China FC. I got to watch the latter match and was quite impressed with the youngster's pace, composure, and toughness. Hopefully the local lad will continue to progress and one day follow in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and fulfill his dream of becoming a first team regular.

Today's Banter: Kewell set for Cardiff, Torres may return sooner, Mascherano training, & more

- Wow, what a difference a day makes, but it's still not all roses & wine just yet. It would be great to hear that Xabi's injury is not as bad as thought, but optimism isn't my forte. Anyhow, it looks as if Harry Kewell will make the next step in his return to first team action when we play Cardiff in League Cup action tomorrow evening. That probably means he won't play against Blackburn on Saturday, but still, with his record, cautious baby steps are probably the best way to go about re-integrating him into the squad.

- Rafa has stated that Torres might be back sooner than expected. Before anyone throws the baby out with the bath water in belief that Rafa might be making another error in rushing Torres again, think about this. Benitez wants the Spaniard back fully fit and would never risk further injury. Torres wanted to play against Arsenal and by all accounts was good to go. I know rationality is not a trait of Rafa's critics, so I guess we'll just have to weather the storm of ignorance comments that the press and pundits might have in store for our boss. Fernando may return a week earlier than expected.

- Another piece of welcome news is that Javier Mascherano is already back in training. Thank Robbie Fowler. I doubt we'll see him on Wednesday, but Sissoko should suffice in that regard anyhow.

- With tomorrow nights fixture against Cardiff, Liverpool legend and current Bluebird striker, Robbie Fowler, is getting a lot of praise from a former Reds teammate and manager. Dirk Kuyt has thanked 'God' helping him adjust to English football and life in England. Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez might be planning some sort of grand return for the 32-year-old Toxteth Terror. Bringing back Fowler was one of Rafa's smartest moves both on and off the field.

- Fernando Torres is happy at Liverpool and plans to play out his six-year contract. It's good to hear that we have some positive voices coming from our squad. You taking notes, Crouch?

- Rafa has declared with his last two performances, Steven Gerrard is near top form once again. It's amazing what a couple of goals will do for one's confidence. Keep 'em coming, Stevie-G.

- Finally, Rafa has announced that he'll be resting some big names for the Cardiff clash. No big surprise, I fully expect Mascherano, Hyypia, Riise, and Reina to be get the night off and possibly Finnan, Gerrard, and Kuyt as well. According to Benitez, Leto, Lucas, and Aurelio will most likely start. I'm pretty confident Hobbs and Kewell will as well. I hope Stephen Darby and Emiliano Insua are there too. I know that's a lot of youth, but it's only the League Cup and honestly, a lot of our boys looked spent by match conclusion with Arsenal. Even our Reserves players mixed in with some first-teamers should be good enough to beat Cardiff.

Quite possibly the greatest Riise video compilation ever

It's all about the song.

Injury Updates: Torres, Alonso, & Mascherano

Well, it looks like Fernando Torres will be out for three weeks following the re-aggravation of his adductor muscle injury. Javier Mascherano didn't break anything, so his foot injury is being treated as a deep bruise. No word as to what matches he is set to miss, but I can assure you he won't be playing Wednesday in our Carling Cup tie with Cardiff. Finally, x-rays revealed that Xabi re-fractured his left foot, but the extent of his time out will be determined when he meets with a consultant tomorrow. Hopefully no surgery will be involved.

Obviously this isn't good news.

Today's Banters: Our injury crisis worsens, Wenger is a racist?, Gerrard praises Fabregas, & more

- At the start of yesterday's match with Arsenal it looked as if we were about to emerge from our current injury crisis with both Xabi and Torres starting and Arbeloa on the bench. It was all for naught though as El Nino was subbed at the half and Xabi re-aggravating his foot injury later in the match. To make matters even worse, Javier Mascherano left Anfield in a medical boot. Hopefully none of the injuries are too severe, but we'll find out soon enough. Thank God Harry Kewell is near return, Aurelio and Agger are not far behind him, and Arbeloa is back to form, I don't think we can take another major player loss.

- You gotta love stupid fans who try to exaggerate and manipulate what players say to create an illusionary controversy with their beloved club and manager. This idiot tries to imply that Jermaine Pennant is calling Wenger a racist, when in fact JP is saying that he thinks Wenger prefers non-English players, not non-White players. Only a retard would interpret Pennant's word in such a manner. By the way, there's a very good reason why Wenger prefers non-English players, and it has nothing to do with skill-level.

- Stevie-G has nothing but praise for Cesc Fabregas. The world's greatest midfielder said of the young Spaniard: "The world is his oyster. He can go on to be one of the best in the world, there is no doubt about that." I agree, Chucky Fab has all the talent in the world, but sometimes I feel his attitude and the 'South American influence' sours his performances.

Some more links to digest:
- Souness interested in Ireland spot
- Crouch for Sunderland's Jones? I say yes.
- Crouch to Newcastle? Yes, please.
- Goran Pandev in the works? Eh.

Liverpool 1, Arsenal 1: the goal

Gerrard's sensational goal from an indirect free kick.