SATURDAY 18
	Legend joins Villa Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister has been named as Gerard Houllier's assistant manager at Aston Villa. The 45-year-old has left his position as first-team coach at Middlesbrough to move to Villa Park and reunite with former boss Houllier. It was Houllier who originally brought McAllister to Liverpool on a shock free-transfer deal from Coventry City in the summer of 2000. Though he may have been in the twilight of his playing career, it proved to be a shrewd move as the Scot played a decisive role in the Reds' treble-winning success of 2001, netting key goals against Everton, Barcelona and Alaves. In total, McAllister made 87 appearances for Liverpool, scoring nine times, before rejoining Coventry as player/manager in 2002. (LFC Official Website) Scholes reveals Reds motive Veteran Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes admits the fear of losing to Liverpool drives them on when the two sides meet. The two most successful clubs in the English game clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, with neither side in consistent form. Scholes, who has been in tremendous form for United, admits the hatred between the North West rivals is as strong as ever, and he is keen to get back to winning ways against their old foes. "You can't get away from the fact that both teams don't really like each other," said Scholes. "We are both desperate to win and I don't think that will ever change. But you fear losing at this club, and against Liverpool in particular, so hopefully we can get the right result. "This game always matters but after the disappointments at Everton and Fulham we need the right result because we have already dropped four points and then we drew again on Tuesday against Rangers." (Sky Sports) Liverpool fury as Hicks Jr linked with return Tom Hicks Jr is being lined up for a return to Liverpool, it has been revealed. The Guardian says Tom Hicks's last-ditch attempt to retain control of Liverpool is likely to be opposed even more vehemently than previously thought, as the American's proposals are understood to include a plan to restore his son, Tom Hicks Jr, to the Anfield operation. Hicks Jr resigned in January as a director of Liverpool and its parent company, Kop Holdings, after an abusive exchange with a supporter, to whom he retorted in an email: "Blow me f*** face." (tribalfootball.com) Venables: Torres suffering from poor Liverpool service Former Tottenham and Barcelona boss Terry Venables says Fernando Torres has been off colour this season due to a lack of service from his Liverpool teammates. In his column for The Sun, El Tel opined: "Terrible. Diabolical. Sloppy. Frustrated. Lethargic. "They were some of the words used to describe Torres' display for Liverpool in their 0-0 draw at Birmingham on Sunday. The Spanish ace was accused of lacking appetite and even interest. "His critics reckon the frontman, who fired 57 Premier League goals in 83 games since joining Liverpool, has been a shadow of himself at the start of this season. "He has managed just one goal in four top-flight appearances, one of which was as a substitute. "And they argue the main reason for his "poor start" is because he is disillusioned at Anfield with the club not in the Champions League. Now I'm sure Torres is hacked off by being unable to compete against Europe's elite. "But, however disappointed he may be, I don't think he's one who throws his toys out of the pram. And I do not believe discontent caused by his club's current slump to be the reason. "He is not fed up at Liverpool - he is simply not getting fed. "El Nino has struggled to hit the target because of the lack of service he has received. Goalscoring chances for Torres have been almost as rare as points for Roy Hodgson's men this term." (tribalfootball.com)
	FRIDAY 17
	Liverpool's board will attempt to block Tom Hicks' attempts to stay in control at Anfield Liverpool’s board is expected to attempt to block Tom Hicks’ efforts to remain in control at Anfield, but could be powerless to do so if the Texan refinances the club’s debt with Royal Bank of Scotland. The board’s anticipated opposition to any proposal that involves continued debt and the involvement of the American owners signals that the club are effectively in a state of civil war. As disclosed by Telegraph Sport, Hicks met Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton on Wednesday and told him that he was attempting to raise finance to buy out RBS, whose credit line to Hicks and co-owner George Gillett is understood to expire this month. Hicks' bid to hang on at Anfield Sources said Hicks is understood to have been in talks with GSO Capital, a division of private equity giant Blackstone run by Bennett Goodman, about forming a consortium to buy out RBS. (Telegraph co.uk) Duo return for Reds Striker Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard return to Liverpool’s starting line-up as manager Roy Hodgson restores his strongest side for the trip to Manchester United on Sunday. The pair were left out of yesterday’s Europa League victory as Hodgson made eight changes and he likely to effect a similar number at Old Trafford. Joe Cole will play only his second Barclays Premier League match of the season after serving a three-game ban. Provisional squad: Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Konchesky, Lucas, Poulsen, Cole, Rodriguez, Gerrard, Jovanovic, Torres, Jones, Meireles, Pacheco, Babel, Ngog, Krygiakos. (BreakingNews.ie) Stopper joins Rovers Peter Gulacsi has taken a short journey across the Mersey to join Tranmere Rovers on an emergency loan. The Hungarian stopper spent a successful loan spell with the Wirral club last season and played a major part in helping Les Parry's side regain their League One status. Gulacsi joins on an emergency loan because Tranmere's two experienced 'keepers Gunnar Nielsen and Simon Miotto are both injured. The reserve team stopper is expected to start in tomorrow's Prenton Park meeting with Charlton Athletic. His emergency loan is due to exprire on October 18. Parry said: "Peter did really well for us last season so I'm pleased to be able to bring him back to the club. "Peter showed his qualities in the five games he played for us last season and I'm sure he will do just as well this time." (LFC Official Website) Hodgson hopes on big guns Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson admits he has no idea whether his decision to rest key players will pay off against Manchester United. The Reds boss gave a host of first-team stars the night off during Thursday's Europa League clash over Steaua Bucharest at Anfield. The second string validated Hodgson's selection with a 4-1 win, meaning Liverpool can enter the blockbuster clash with United high on confidence after securing their biggest win of the season. And the 62-year-old is hoping a fully-refreshed Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson will spearhead the Reds to success at Old Trafford on Sunday. "I did it once at Fulham last season when I rested virtually the whole team when we went to CSKA Sofia with a reserve team," said Hodgson. "We came back and got beat by Wolves and I didn't think we looked very fresh or sharp. "But you know you can't burn out players playing three matches a week, week after week, especially when some of those matches are after international trips. "Don't forget Torres only came back from Argentina on Thursday to play on Sunday last week. "You have to make decisions whereby you say 'I think it will be in this player's interest to rest' and 'This player will be fresher and better equipped to play on Sunday if he misses Thursday's game'. "Now whether that actually happens or not who knows? We don't have a crystal ball and you make decisions on the basis of what should happen but it doesn't always happen." (Sky Sports) Trezeguet: Reds wanted to sign me Former Juventus David Trezeguet claims that he had the option to join Liverpool before eventually deciding to sign for Hercules. The Frenchman's agent announced at the end of August that the Premier League Reds were showing interest as Roy Hodgson looked for attacking support for Fernando Torres. Trezeguet had been linked with a move to Anfield for several years, while Italian rivals Roma and Lazio are said to have joined the hunt this summer. But the 32-year-old has revealed that Liverpool's transfer activity was stalled by the drawn-out sale of Javier Mascherano to Barcelona and he maintains that he was not interested in a move to England. Trezeguet said in L'Equipe: "Lazio, Roma and Liverpool were interested. But things went on. "The English club waited to sort out the transfer of Mascherano before starting anything else. "Anyway, after 10 years in Turin, above all I needed to find sun and sea again. And the fact that my wife is from the region also played a part in my decision." (TEAMtalk) Berbatov to start against Liverpool Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Dimitar Berbatov will start for Manchester United against Liverpool in Sunday's Premier League showdown. Berbatov has gone some way to silencing his critics after scoring four goals in five appearances this season. The £30million price tag following his arrival from Spurs two years ago has often weighed heavy on the Bulgarian. However, Ferguson believes his own faith in the striker is beginning to be recognised by those who have questioned him since moving to Old Trafford. Berbatov, who has scored 30 goals in 91 appearances for the Red Devils, was rested against Rangers in the midweek Champions League encounter, but will be back to face Liverpool. "He has a lot of admirers, particularly within this club," explained Ferguson. "When we buy a player for a lot of money there's more focus on them. When they have a bad game they get criticism other players might not get. "Dimitar's had some marvellous games for us. I've told him he has to dismiss the press. I think he worried about that. "But he's expressed himself this season very well, he's enjoying his football and he'll play on Sunday." (Sport.co.uk) This is the fixture, admits Ferguson Sir Alex Ferguson still does not believe there is any fixture in the Premier League calendar like Manchester United against Liverpool. The North-West giants go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Sunday both eager for points as well as bragging rights after less than perfect starts to the season. Now, as he prepares to face a seventh Reds boss in old friend Roy Hodgson, Ferguson describes what the meetings mean to him. "I sound like a parrot but this is the fixture. There is no question about that," he said. "It doesn't change. The form fluctuates quite a bit but we won the last game so hopefully that turns it back towards us again." Although the United boss has enjoyed cordial relations with most Liverpool counterparts, particularly Gerard Houllier, with Benitez there was only friction. There should be none of that with Hodgson, whose friendship with Ferguson dates back to his early days at United. "I have known him for a long time," said Ferguson. "I first met him in 1987 when I went on an aborted trip to Malmo. "It was a European tie against Ajax and they abandoned it after one minute. He was at the game and we went for dinner afterwards." Ferguson is confident Hodgson will not start with a five-man defensive line as Rangers did at Old Trafford on Tuesday. And while Liverpool's fortunes do not seem to have improved significantly since their seventh-placed finish last term, Ferguson is sure their new manager can make the situation better. "Roy has the experience," he said. "He has gathered a wealth of experience in Italy, Switzerland and Finland and the job he did at Fulham was absolutely extraordinary. "But our approach will not change. We have to express ourselves the way we always do." (TEAMtalk) Spearing boosted by backing Liverpool's Jay Spearing is determined to continue to make his first-team opportunities count after starting against Steaua Bucharest. The 21-year-old was in the Reds' starting XI at Anfield for the first time in Thursday night's Europa League match and starred as a much-changed side earned a 4-1 victory. "That was a massive moment for me to start my first game for Liverpool at Anfield and I will take a lot from the game," Spearing told his club's official website. "I got a lot of confidence when the manager told me I would be playing and I went out there and really enjoyed it." (Sky Sports) Lucas reveals special tweet Lucas Leiva today delivered a special Twitter message when he dedicated his fantastic strike during the 4-1 win over Steaua Bucharest to his soon to be born son Pedro. The Brazilian came off the bench to net a wonder strike at the Kop end and commented on Twitter: "I would like to dedicate it to my wife and my son Pedro Lucas that's going to born in four months!" Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv Liverpool's No.21 also spoke about the joy the goal gave him. "It was my best goal for Liverpool in front of the Kop and a real nice moment for me," he said. "It's always special to score in front of the Kop and I enjoyed it but the most important thing was the team won and we have made a good start in the group stage of the Europa League." (LFC Official Website) Cole admits LFC frustration Joe Cole admits he was delighted to get his first Liverpool goal after a frustrating start to his Anfield career. He said: "It's been a long time and the suspension just seemed to last ages so I just want to get back into it now. I'm enjoying it here and I'm happy to be here. "The win is massive. You've got to win your home games, that's very important. If you win your three home games and get one draw on your travels you're through. It was a tough game and a good result." (LFC Official Website)
	THURSDAY 16
	Hodgson happy to rest stars Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson says his decision to rest his star names for his side's 4-1 Europa League victory over Steaua Bucharest was justified. Hodgson left out the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard for the encounter at Anfield, with only Jose Reina, Paul Konchesky and Maxi Rodriguez retained from the goalless draw at Birmingham. And the former Fulham boss saw his weakened side vindicate his stance ahead of Sunday's clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford as a brace from David Ngog and strikes from Joe Cole and Lucas Leiva secured victory. "I think it is important you make decisions and make them for the right reasons," said Hodgson of his decision to rest key players ahead of the encounter against the Merseysiders' bitter rivals. (Sky Sports) Ngog brace inspires Liverpool David Ngog's brace ensured Liverpool made a solid start to their UEFA Europa League Group K campaign by easing past Steaua Bucharesti in a 4-1 victory at Anfield. The Reds enjoyed a dream opening by going in front after just 28 seconds thanks to Joe Cole, who ran clear into the box to steer a finish past Ciprian Tatarusanu as Liverpool seized the early initiative. But Steaua drew level against the run of play on 13 minutes when Cristian Tanese sent a deft chip over the head of Pepe Reina from Bogdan Stancu's delightful pass to leave the Merseysiders silenced. Roy Hodgson's team plugged away at the Romanians and restored their lead when Ngog stroked home a 56th minute penalty after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had been fouled in the box. Steaua fell further behind when substitute Luca Leiva cracked home a superb drive from 25-yards to wrap up victory in the 81st minute and Ngog struck again in stoppage time after powering through the defence to drill into the bottom corner. (Sky Sports) Tom Hicks in new talks in bid to keep control at Liverpool Tom Hicks has launched a last-ditch attempt to retain control of Liverpool by looking to secure another refinancing deal against the club during talks with bankers in London. Hicks has discussed refinancing options with, among others, the investment bank FBI Capital Markets. Liverpool would face further damaging interest repayments should Hicks succeed in preventing the RBS from taking control and selling the club on for much less than the Americans' original £800m valuation. (guardian.co.uk) Kuyt hopeful of return against Utrecht Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has admitted he is in the dark as to when he will be fit to return to action, but has not given up hope of getting the green light to face former club Utrecht in the Europa League at the end of the month. The Dutchman damaged his shoulder on international duty and was told it could be six weeks before he is back in action. He is working on a tailored rehabilitation programme, but is in unsure as to when he will be allowed to take part in contact activities. "I am very disappointed to be injured as you miss games like this [Steaua Bucharest] and the one coming up at the weekend [Manchester United]," Kuyt told Five. "It is difficult to say how long it will take to heal. It is normally four to six weeks, but I am hoping to be back for the Utrecht game. "So far it is going well and I am trying to work hard." Kuyt began his career at Utrecht before moving to Feyenoord in 2003 and on to Anfield three years later. (ESPN Soccernet) Meireles starts Raul Meireles makes his Anfield debut in tonight's Europa League clash with Steaua Bucharest - listen live from 8pm BST. The Portuguese star, who featured as a late substitute in Sunday's goalless draw with Birmingham City, is one of eight changes made by boss Roy Hodgson. Joe Cole also returns with Paul Konchesky, Pepe Reina and Maxi Rodriguez the only survivors from St Andrews. The Liverpool team in full: Reina, Kelly, Konchesky, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Babel, Maxi, Meireles, Spearing, Ngog, Cole. Subs: Jones, Johnson, Lucas, Carragher, Pacheco, Shelvey, Eccleston. (LFC Official Website) Giggs targets derby win Ryan Giggs insists that Manchester United can get their season back on track with victory over rivals Liverpool this weekend. Neither side has made a glittering start to the new season, with United throwing away late leads at both Fulham and Everton before drawing 0-0 with Rangers in their UEFA Champions League opener. Now Giggs admits they can use Sunday's match - which is live on Sky Sports HD1 - to ignite their season. "The crowd will light up," said the United legend. "It's usually a quick game and it's usually a ferocious game, so hopefully it's the kind of game that sets us back on the winning trail." (Sky Sports) Dumitrescu defends Reds rotation Steaua Bucharest boss Ilie Dumitrescu will take no offence if Liverpool rest their star men on Thursday. The Romanian outfit are at Anfield on Thursday night for the start of the Europa League group stages. They are aware that they face a tough test on Merseyside regardless of who the Reds decide to field, with Roy Hodgson working with a star-studded squad. With that in mind, Dumitrescu claims he would not find it disrespectful were Liverpool to omit the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres from their starting XI. (Sky Sports) Roy: No David vs Goliath Roy Hodgson believes Steaua Bucharest have a European record to be proud of and has dismissed any suggestion they will arrive at Anfield as Europa League minnows on Thursday night. The Reds boss accepts there is a certain mystique surrounding Liverpool's history on the continent but has refused to accept the Group K clash will be a case of David versus Goliath. "I checked up on it - Steaua Bucharest have played 232 matches in Europe. They have won a Champions League, been finalists and have won 23 league titles - so please don't try to suggest they have no chance of getting a result tonight," Hodgson told reporters at Anfield. (LFC Official Website) Thor Zakariassen ©