Rio ready for Liverpool test
Rio Ferdinand will use a close encounter with Liverpool's fans as his motivation when Manchester United attempt to claim a vital three points at Anfield on Saturday.
The England centre-back, 28, was a spectator when the sides last clashed on Merseyside in February last year.
It proved an unhappy day all round for United, who fell to Peter Crouch's solitary goal to crash out of the FA Cup and saw striker Alan Smith carried off with an horrific broken leg.
But for Ferdinand the day was memorable for the rare chance to watch the fierce rivals fight it out from the Anfield stands - where he was given a hot reception by the Reds fans.
"We got pelted with obscenities and coins and stuff, but it was a great atmosphere, it was something that will stay with me forever," he told Sky Sports News.
(Sky Sports) 
 
Parry: We’ll keep the Kop at new ground
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry insists the club are fully committed to ensuring the Stanley Park Stadium incorporates a distinctive Kop End.
Designs for the new arena reveal that, unike the current Anfield, there won’t be one larger stand eclipsing the others, which has prompted some fears the impact of the current Kop won’t be replicated.
The Reds chief says both the current hierarchy and the new owners have been considering several alternative ways to ensure the most famous stand in football is recreated within the modern stadium.
George Gillett and Tom Hicks are in the process of analysing what minor improvements can be made to the current design, but there will be no compromise on preserving the The Kop End.
"The plan is to have a single tier Kop. There’s no question of that. That’s one of
the priorities we don’t want to change," said Parry.
(Liverpool Echo)  

Kuyt hails van der Sar as world's best
Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has hailed friend and Holland team-mate Edwin van der Sar as the best goalkeeper in the world.
Kuyt will come up against van der Sar when Liverpool face arch rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday.
Kuyt said: "It will be particularly good for me to play against Edwin. He's a legend in Holland and, if you can score against him, you can score against anyone in the world."
(TEAMtalk)

Fowler realistic over United start
Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler admits his chances of facing Manchester United are slim despite his penalty double against Sheffield United.
Much will depend on the fitness of striker Peter Crouch, who is recovering from a broken nose and 12 stitches following the boot in the face he received from Blades striker Rob Hulse in Liverpool's 4-0 win.
Fowler made only his third start for Liverpool this season against the Blades but he accepts he could be back on the bench against United.
He said: "I have no illusions, there are a few people coming back from injury. Let's just wait and see."
(TEAMtalk)

Parry excited at new era
Rick Parry says exciting times are ahead for Liverpool football club following the takeover by George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
Parry has just returned from a trip to Dallas where he spent time with the new owners, and returned confident that a bright new era is unfolding for the Reds.
"There will be a lot of change, but I wouldn't see it as a revolution. It's about preserving the things which are good and building upon them. As ever, the first priority is success on the pitch. That unites everybody."
(LFC Online)  

Barca win again
Barcelona beat Real Zaragoza 2-1 in the Copa Del Rey yesterday.
Barcelona beat Zaragoza 2-1 in La Romaeda to progress through to the semi-finals of
the Copa Del Rey on away goals. Real Zaragoza had won 1-0 in the Nou Camp
in the first leg.
Xavi and André Iniesta scored Barca's goals while Samuel Eto'o was rested.
(LFC Online)

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