Showing posts with label Liverpool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liverpool. Show all posts
February 2, 2014
January 11, 2014
December 28, 2013
September 22, 2013
April 27, 2013
Lee Dixon: Newcastle to inch towards safety with Saturday stalemate against Liverpool
"Like Newcastle, Liverpool sit below their local rivals in the table and it's hard to see how Brendan Rodgers is going to motivate his men for the final four games.
Back the draw @ 3.613/5
Liverpool go to St James' Park without their talisman and Newcastle have a good chance of securing the points they need for survival - but will a faltering Toon produce a winning performance?
The threat of relegation continues to haunt Newcastle - from a distance admittedly - but they have a big chance to banish those fears for good on Saturday evening against a Liverpool side lacking their talisman, Luis Suarez.
Any team would miss a 30-goal striker, but Suarez has made so many vital interventions in Liverpool's season that they will be significantly weakened by his absence. The furore over Suarez's actions at Anfield last Sunday and the accompanying reaction from the club threatens to overshadow the entire season. For me, Liverpool must take the punishment and move on. Ten games is an entirely appropriate penalty for what was a piece of utterly outrageous behaviour which has no place in the game.
The most amazing thing for me was how Branislav Ivanovic took it without retaliating. I think the surprise took him more than anything. If it had happened against Martin Keown I doubt Suarez would have been around to score a 96th minute equaliser anyway!
So will Newcastle take advantage of an under strength Liverpool? Doubtful, I'm afraid.
The Toon's home record isn't particularly special, having suffered seven league defeats at St James's Park this season, while current form is nothing to write home about either with seven points from the last 18 available. Alan Pardew's men looked nervous at WBA last time out despite taking the lead and they need to conquer that during the run-in.
Going deep in the Europa League clearly affected Newcastle this season and the absence of midweek games will surely help on the closing stretch. With six points between the Toon and 18th placed Wigan (though the Latics have a game in hand) I ultimately expect Pardew to lead his team to safety, but they will want to get to 40 points as soon as possible. Nevertheless, odds of 23.022/1 are a true representation of Newcastle's relegation chances.
Liverpool's season is fading to an inglorious end - three draws in recent weeks have taken the wind out of their sails and has as good as finished their unlikely dream of a top four finish. Like Newcastle they sit below their local rivals in the table and it's hard to see how Brendan Rodgers is going to motivate his men for the final four games.
Strangely enough they might find some encouragement upfront where goalscoring responsibilities will fall on Daniel Sturridge. The England man must use the next few games to send Rodgers a clear message about his claims for a first XI role next season. I do like Sturridge, but he is inconsistent. Liverpool will hope he shows his best during the run-in.
Though Newcastle are not in a great state, I don't foresee Sturridge - or any of his team-mates - scoring a winner at St James'. I really don't see much between these two outfits and I fancy a draw on Saturday, and not a particularly entertaining one at that. A goal apiece looks the likely scoreline but I'll play it safe by restricting my bet to the match odds market.
Recommended Bets
Back the draw @ 3.613/5
Prior to the shocking display against Sunderland, Newcastle had won their previous four at St James' and were looking like they would be safe for another season. However, as Lee says a nervy away draw at WBA and Newcastle are right in this relegation battle. With only one away win this season and their last home game against Arsenal on the final day of the season they must be looking to take something out of this game.
Without Luis Suarez this could be a good time to be facing the Reds, but Liverpool are resilient, suffering only one defeat in their last eight (away Southampton), their last three games all ended as draws. I think Newcastle will get something out of this game and I will be backing them with a bit of safety in the DRAW NO BET market at around 2.2.
As Lee mentions, without Luis Suarez, the goalscoring burden will fall on Daniel Sturridge, who was impressive against both Reading and Chelsea in Liverpool’s previous two fixtures. But so much of his good play has been because of fantastic interplay with Suarez – and without that link-up play, I’m not convinced he’ll be a significant goalscoring threat. I can see Liverpool dominating without penetrating, and I like the look of under 2.5 goals at 2.04.
March 31, 2013
Aston Villa v Liverpool: Spoils to be shared in entertaining match
"Away from Anfield Liverpool have won just four Premier League games this season, losing five and drawing six."
Back the draw @ 4.03/1
Paul Robinson looks ahead at Easter Sunday's lunchtime kick off between the struggling Aston Villa and the inconsistent Liverpool...
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Sunday March 31, 13.30 GMT
Live on Sky Sports One
Aston Villa have managed to haul themselves out of the relegation zone thanks to back to back wins against fellow strugglers Reading and QPR. They now sit in 17th, three points clear of Wigan, but they have played a game more and have an inferior goal difference.
Paul Lambert's side also beat West Ham back in February and while they have lost two of their last five, the defeats came at Arsenal and at home to Manchester City. Those losses were only by one goal margins and despite conceding two against QPR last time, the defence has tightened up a bit in recent weeks.
Christian Benteke is of course the main man for Villa, scoring in four of his last five at Villa Park. He didn't manage to find the net in either of Belgium's two games against Macedonia though and that concerns me slightly. His success on Sunday could depend on the inclusion of Jamie Carragher, or to be more precise, the exclusion of Martin Skrtel.
Liverpool's player of the season last year has been terrible under Brendan Rodgers and has finally been axed for the veteran Carragher. The Slovak defender seems more concerned with wrestling his man than clearing the ball and he has been at fault for a number of goals this season. Carragher may be very much past his best, but he still does the basics well and the whole defence seems more assured with him cajoling and organising them throughout the 90 minutes.
The Reds have been largely inconsistent of late - convincing wins or desperate defeats. It was the latter last time out at Southampton as Brendan Rodgers picked the wrong side from the off and was made to pay. The former Swansea manager started with Gerrard and Allen as the holding midfielders, even though it's been proven time after time that those two don't work together in that position as they don't protect the back four well enough. That is essential when deploying full backs who are encouraged to get forward and one of Lucas Leiva or Jordan Henderson need to be in the team.
Away from Anfield Liverpool have won just four Premier League games this season, losing five and drawing six. The victories did come at Norwich, West Ham, QPR and Wigan though, so it could be argued that they've become flat track bullies as Southampton are the only team in the bottom nine that they've lost to.
This match seems very hard to call but I wouldn't want to be backing Liverpool at 1.794/5 given their inconsistent nature. Of course they could go on to thrash Villa and I'd look silly, but they seem too short in the market. The home side can be backed at 5.04/1 and there could be some mileage in that as they will start the game full of confidence given recent wins and the fact they won 3-1 at Anfield back in December.
I'm more interested in the draw though at the prices. It can be backed at 4.03/1 and I like it because Paul Lambert would probably take a point from this fixture and Liverpool have drawn 40% of their away matches this season.
Over 2.5 goals is currently trading at around the 1.748/11 mark but I'd much rather back 'Yes' in the Both Teams To Score Market at the same price as Liverpool have conceded nine in their last five away from Anfield while scoring at least once themselves in each of the last nine.
As for a correct score, I think you can't go far wrong in backing both 1-1 and 2-2 at 9.08/1 and 17.016/1 respectively. Not only do they seem overpriced to me, they should both be good to trade if that's your kind of thing.
Recommended Bets
Back the draw @ 4.03/1
Back 'Yes' in BTTS Market @ 1.748/11
Back 1-1 @ 9.08/1
Back 2-2 @ 17.016/1
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Opta Stats: Aston Villa v Liverpool
"Christian Benteke has scored eight goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances, and he netted twice against Liverpool earlier this season. Benteke is 2.915/8 to score."
Aston Villa must win their home games to ensure their safety, but face a Liverpool side aiming for Europe. Who will want it more? Opta reveals all.
Aston Villa have lost just one of their last four Premier League games against Liverpool and won 3-1 away at Anfield earlier this season. You can lay Liverpool at 1.758/11.
Paul Lambert has won all three of his Premier League games against Brendan Rodgers; against no other manager has he secured as many wins. Villa are 5.24/1 to win the match.
Steven Gerrard has scored 10 Premier League goals against Aston Villa; more than against any other opponent. Gerrard is 2.89/5 to find the net.
Gerrard has played every single minute (2700) of Liverpool's Premier League season so far - Matt Lowton (Aston Villa) and Leighton Baines (Everton) are the only other outfield players to have achieved this in 2012-13. The England international is 8.415/2 to score the first goal.
Christian Benteke has scored eight goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances, and he netted twice against Liverpool earlier this season. Benteke is 2.915/8 to score.
Benteke has scored 11 and assisted three of Aston Villa's last 21 Premier League goals. The Belgian is 7.613/2 to score first.
Luis Suárez has scored 11 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances. Suarez is 1.910/11 to add to his tally.
Andreas Weimann has scored two and assisted two in his last four Premier League appearances. Weimann is 3.814/5 to find the net.
Aston Villa have not won three successive Premier League matches since April 2010. Liverpool are 1.748/11 to inflict a defeat on the Villains.
Aston Villa have seen their opposition hit the woodwork on five occasions in total in their last four Premier League games. Villa are 6.611/2 to keep a clean sheet.
Luis Suárez has embarked on 249 dribbles in the Premier League this season; 105 more than any other player. Suarez is 5.39/2 to open the scoring.
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March 30, 2013
Aston Villa v Liverpool - Cashback Special!
Place a pre-match Sportsbook bet on Aston Villa v Liverpool (Live on Sky Sports 1, Sunday 13:30) on the First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer or Correct Score markets and if Luis Suarez scores last and the first bet you place loses, we'll refund your stake, up to £/€50!
Place a pre-match Sportsbook bet on Aston Villa v Liverpool (Live on Sky Sports 1, Sunday 13:30) on the First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer or Correct Score markets and if Luis Suarez scores last and the first bet you place loses, we'll refund your stake, up to £/€50!
Paul Lambert has won all three of his Premier League meetings against Brendan Rogers, so the Villa boss will be confident his side can do the double over Liverpool this season. For Rogers though, defeat is not an option, as his Liverpool side look to stay within touching distance of a Champions League spot and give their star striker Luis Suarez something to stick around for.
We're offering almost 100 pre-match markets and in-play betting once the action starts! Bet now and get cashback on your first losing bet (see terms) if Luis Suarez bangs in the last goal!
Football Cashback Special
Can I take part?
You can take part if your Betfair account is registered in the UK or Ireland. You can only take part using one account.
What do I need to do?
Place a Fixed Odds First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer or Correct Score bet on the featured 'Cashback Special' match before kick-off.
Exchange bets and multiples are not included in this promotion.
How does the Cashback Special work?
If the stated refund trigger occurs (regular examples - Steven Gerrard to score anytime or Lionel Messi to score first in the selected game), and your first bet loses, we'll refund your loss, up to £/€50. Own goals do not count. If the player selected as the refund trigger is not named in the playing squad (either starting or a substitute) for the selected match, we will then treat any red card in the match (90 minutes) as the refund trigger for the defined fixture.
Only your first bet placed counts.
When will I be credited?
You will be credited within 72 hours of end of the featured match.
Betfair Standard Terms & Conditions apply.
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February 2, 2013
Lee Dixon: Liverpool to run title-chasing City very close in Sunday's big match
"Mancini’s men can simply not afford to let that gap at the top get any bigger than the current seven points."
Back Draw/Man City in the Half Time/Full time market @ 5.79/2
Lee Dixon thinks it's imperative for Manchester City to win at home to Liverpool after two dropped points against QPR. They should do it, but it won't be easy...
Man City v Liverpool
Sun 3rd Feb, 4pm, Live on Sky Sports 1
In what was a great game at the Emirates earlier in the week, Liverpool played very well in spells against a dynamic Arsenal team and on another day could have emerged with three points. Jamie Carragher rolled back the years, putting in a magnificent performance at the back and although Liverpool conceded a lot of space and chances at the back in the second half, mainly due to the pace of Theo Walcott, Brendan Rodgers will be reasonably encouraged. Although his level of performance was extremely high against Arsenal, two games in four days may be a bit too much to ask of Carragher at the age of 35, so the manager will have a decision to make on whether to play the veteran again on Sunday. His experience could be valuable, but City's movement is breathtaking at times and could be difficult for him to deal with.
This is a really important game for Manchester City when we consider that United should win fairly easily at Fulham. Mancini's men can simply not afford to let that gap at the top get any bigger than the current seven points. The draw against QPR was two points dropped as far as Mancini will be concerned, and although they're a team fighting for their lives, those are the sort of games City need to ruthlessly win if they want to defend their title this season.
So, all of that points to City being desperate to record another win and put the pressure onto United and I think they'll do it, but only just. Despite being slightly off the pace in their quest for the title, Man City have now recorded six clean sheets in a row and haven't conceded a single goal in January. Based on how Liverpool struggled with Arsenal's movement in the week I can see them having the same issues with City and for that reason I think they'll come out on top. That said, Liverpool are in decent form themselves so I can't imagine them letting City have it all their own way.
I very much like the look of backing Draw/Man City in the Half Time/Full Time market. That's currently trading at 5.79/2 and looks the best bet given that I can see City nicking this 1-0 10.09/1 or 2-0 11.5n/a late on. It'll be a fascinating encounter because as well as City needing the win, Liverpool now have serious ambitions of challenging for a top four position and their fans will be expecting a performance. They could potentially close the gap to four points themselves if they can record a famous win, but that will be a very difficult task indeed; City have only lost one Premier League game at home all season and have also conceded just nine goals.
Recommended Bets
Draw/Man City in the Half Time/Full time market @ 5.79/2
Man City to win 1-0 in the Correct Score market @ 10.09/1
Brendan Rodgers' side are improving, but remain inconsistent and will have significant problems coping with Manchester City's forwards. The movement of Carlos Tevez in behind Sergio Aguero will probably cause problems - Lucas Leiva hasn't been the same player since his return from injury, and I thought Liverpool were fortunate to concede only twice against Arsenal in midweek. But six clean sheets in a row for City is the major statistic to consider here - and it makes 3.2 for them to keep another looks a very good back.
Liverpool put up a very good display in their last game at the Emirates. However, they still haven’t managed to beat a side in the top half of the Premier League all season. When Liverpool have faced top six opposition they have conceded twice in seven of the eight games, the only exception a 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
As Lee says Man City have only conceded nine goals at the Etihad, it should be noted however that six of those goals were conceded against top six opposition (Man Utd three times and single goals against Spurs, Everton and Arsenal). I don’t see City slipping up here and I like them to win this to nil but wouldn’t take anything less than 3.9. I shall also back them to win 2-0 @ 11.5.
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January 30, 2013
Suarez could replace Balotelli if Liverpool miss top four
"There is virtually no chance of tempting Suarez away before the deadline, though even Steven Gerrard has recently alluded that the striker deserves Champions League football."
With the news of Mario Balotelli's departure back to Italy, Christian Crowther takes a look at who the champions could get in as a late replacement...
The news of Mario Balotelli's imminent arrival at AC Milan has created a sense of national mourning from English football fans and media alike.
But while others are left contemplating a Balotelli-less future with heavy hearts, Mario's surrogate father, Roberto Mancini, will be scanning the transfer landscape for another son to adopt.
If reports are to be believed, Manchester City's near-bottomless coffers will be boosted to the tune of around £20 million from the sale of the eccentric striker.
However, time is clearly ticking for them to flex their financial muscle and replace Balotelli during this window. If Mancini has been lining someone up all along then the Italian has done an exceptional job to keep it on the down low.
Of course the calibre of replacements would have to be extremely high and the two names which have been linked the heaviest certainly fit into that bracket.
However, to prise either Edinson Cavani or Radamel Falcao away from their clubs at this stage may prove a difficult task in the little time remaining in the window.
Napoli's top scorer Cavani is involved in a title push in Italy, just three points behind Juventus at present and rated at 4.67/2 for the scudetto, so a move now would be highly unlikely.
Likewise, Falcao's team Atletico have the chance of making history by finishing above city rivals Real for the first time since 1995/96 and, at the very least, look like making the Champions League for the first time since 2009/10.
As well as the race against time, Man City do not have the lure of Champions League football to attract these big players this season either, making a summer transfer by far the most likely scenario.
Another player on the radar and much closer to home is Liverpool's Luis Suarez. Again, there is virtually no chance of tempting the Uruguayan away before the deadline, though even Steven Gerrard has recently alluded that the striker deserves Champions League football.
At this point, Liverpool look big outsiders to make the top-four spots - available at around 9.417/2 - before their trip to the Emirates on Wednesday night.
If the Reds fail to make it, a Suarez move could be a real possibility.
January 3, 2013
Will Sturridge prove the right signing for Liverpool?
"Sturridge will have to be patient but, if his attitude is right, he should still flourish at Liverpool."
Christian Crowther debates whether Daniel Sturridge was the right solution to Liverpool's search for attacking reinforcement...
Wednesday was certainly one of the more uplifting days of Liverpool's season as the Reds swept aside Sunderland just hours after announcing the signing of Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge.
Liverpool's new boy can only have been impressed with what he saw from the stands too, especially from Luis Suarez, the man he will have to dislodge if he's going to fulfil his wish of playing in his preferred central position.
And therein lays a potential problem. The pivotal reason why Sturridge instigated the switch from Stamford Bridge was due to Chelsea's reluctance to play him as a main striker.
Now he arrives at Anfield, where he will find a team which operates a similar system to the one he couldn't penetrate at Chelsea, only the man he will be fighting for a place is fast becoming one of the world's top players in his position.
Suarez's second successive brace took his season's tally to 15 Premier League goals - the same amount as he managed in the whole of his first year-and-a-half on Merseyside - and after Lionel Messi comparisons from an understandably effusive Brendan Rodgers, it's difficult to see anyone replacing the Uruguayan if fit.
According to Rodgers, Suarez is the sort of player who wants to play every minute of every game as well, so that leaves the manager with only a few options.
Either Sturridge has to settle for one of the wide roles in the front three, he plays Suarez out wide, or he changes the system and plays 4-4-2, which would make the already fierce competition for midfield places even more intense.
With Suarez scoring so freely from his central role though - rated at 3.8514/5 to be the league's top scorer - it is difficult to envisage Rodgers switching his star man to the flanks.
Furthermore, it's even harder to envisage Rodgers changing his formation just to accommodate the new signing.
It's far more plausible that Sturridge will initially have to settle for one of the wide positions, with possibly Raheem Sterling on the other side, or bide his time until Suarez is rested or even injured.
One thing is for sure though; Sturridge has pace to burn, meaning he can make it work in wide areas.
So although he may not be immediately deployed in his favoured role, his technical ability and youth make him exactly the sort of player the manager wants for his new-look side.
Sturridge will have to be patient but, if his attitude is right, he should still flourish at Liverpool.
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Premier League: Boot is on right foot for Suarez and Liverpool
"Brendan Rodgers’ odd-ball training-ground insight sounded more Mike Bassett than Messianic."
Romilly Evans looks at the virtuoso efforts of Luis Suarez, as he pursues Liverpool's redemption and the Golden Boot
Liverpool's worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1962 has picked up. It had to. And now, after Saturday's 3-0 romp at home to Wigan, it's their slowest start to a season in only 20 years. Nevertheless, they remain inside the bottom half of the table and are going nowhere. Which might lead fans to fear that Luis Suarez might be going somewhere in the forthcoming January transfer window. The Uruguayan has been the one ray of light beaming through the Reds' dark days and he again proved the point at the weekend with two well-taken goals to lift his league tally for the season to 10.
Those net gains, coupled to the manner in which most were scored, has already caught the attention of Roberto Mancini, who earlier in the week made Suarez his top target for when the Premier League Exchange opens up again after Christmas. The Man City manager, of course, is one of the few who doesn't wait for the January sales with a view to purchasing the league's bargains and best-kept secrets. Instead, Mancini can afford to pursue the glaringly obvious prized possessions of other clubs, no matter what the cost. However, even this spoilt child may not secure all that he craves.
Already knocked back in his pursuit of Falcao from Atletico Madrid, Mancini is facing a similar problem with the Liverpool lynchpin, ostensibly conceding defeat in his chase only days after citing Suarez as the object of his affections. His problem is two-fold. Firstly, having wisely put pen to paper on Suarez's new contract, the Reds are in a strong position to ward off suitors, including the Etihad variety, with exorbitant price tags. If they managed to flog Fernando Torres to Chelsea for a club-record fee of 50m, what price Suarez?
City have already subscribed to the new Financial Fair Play regulations, so even their purse strings may no longer have the elasticity to ensnare the South American. Secondly, though, Suarez himself genuinely appears to have embraced the Merseyside mythology which surrounds Liverpool. "I love this club," he enthused. "I am happy here, my family is happy here. I have fantastic team-mates, a manager from whom I'm learning and although we haven't begun the year as we'd have wanted, things are turning. I want to stay for many years."
Cynics might counter that Suarez sounds like an alcoholic about to fall off the wagon, but it seems he is intoxicated by another powerful agent: the unswerving belief of his manager and his peers. Anyone who saw the Liverpool FC which tailed Brendan Rodgers after his appointment will have doubtless concluded that it was a misjudged PR initiative from the club's American owners to export their "product" stateside. Rodgers' odd-ball interviews and training-ground insight sounded more Mike Bassett than Messianic. Yet, before these new clothes stripped him of all his dignity, Rodgers pulled off a masterstroke worthy of any successful emperor. He aligned his own fate with that of his most talented general, making him an untouchable field marshal. "Luis is our Lionel Messi," raved Rodgers. "He plays to false-nine role just as well, moving freely, forcing others to get in behind him. He's world-class."
The plaudits keep on coming. Steven Gerrard has recently identified Suarez as the best striker with whom he has ever played. Which puts the Uruguayan ahead of Torres, Michael Owen and God himself (Robbie Fowler). That's no faint praise and Gerrard is clearly relieved to trade his one-man-band badge to a grateful recipient. Naturally, no one player can carry a side's aspirations on their back. Gerrard gave it a good, single-handed shot in the 2005 Champions League, but the Premier League is a different matter. Still, for now, Suarez is repaying his comrades' faith in spades.
No longer prone to profligacy, Suarez's solitary Achilles heel is his discipline. If he can avoid the rash challenges, he should certainly be favourite for this year's Golden Boot, for which he is currently available at an attractive 4.216/5 to back. Robin van Persie may head this market, but the flying Dutchman is not his team's lone conduit to goal, while his frame has proved fragile in the past. Better to leave it instead to the main man on the Mersey.
Top Goalscorer may be the only individual honour a Liverpool player receives this term, but Suarez is also offering The Kop something more ethereal: the promise of a better tomorrow. So while Rogers' tactical revolution continues, at least there's plenty of joy to be found in their struggle.
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September 3, 2012
The Monday Football Column: Keep laying Liverpool
"The Reds are anywhere up to 2.77/4 for a top-six finish, and 5.24/1 to reach the top four. There’s still value in laying both of them."
Ralph Ellis' pre-season scepticism about Liverpool's latest reboot has been justified by a shaky start...
"Don't it always seem to go", sang Joni Mitchell, "that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." Ok, so You'll Never Walk Alone will always be the number one song at Anfield, but this week, at least, it seems Big Yellow Taxi might be number two in the charts.
It was more of a claret-and-blue taxi that took Andy Carroll away from Merseyside to go to West Ham last Thursday night. Who would have thought he would be missed so much, so quickly?
From the moment that Kenny Dalglish spent £35m to sign the big centre forward from Newcastle last January, there was always a large contingent of Kop fans who didn't want or rate him. Not a Liverpool player, they said. His touch wasn't good enough, he wasn't mobile enough, he wasn't creative enough. Waste of money.
And when Brendan Rodgers took over, it was soon pretty obvious that he shared those views. Within days the signals were being given through the media that Carroll could go, and when subtle hints weren't working Rodgers said it outright.
He got his wish when Carroll went. But Clint Dempsey, the man the manager thought was lined up as a replacement, went to Spurs instead and right now Liverpool are a team without anybody to do the most important job in football - put the ball in the net.
All the optimism that surrounded the appointment of Swansea's former manager has evaporated already. Back in early July, I suggested laying the Reds for both a top-six finish at 1.558/15 and a top-four finish at 3.7511/4. My reasoning was that Rodgers' attempts to change the style of football would take too much time. What we didn't know was that his attempts would also be hampered by a lack of resources in the transfer market.
This morning, the Reds are anywhere up to 2.77/4 for a top-six finish, and 5.24/1 to reach the top four. There's still value in laying both of them. Talk of an approach to Michael Owen might bring some romantic headlines but will his fitness record stand up to playing regularly in the Premier League?
Rodgers was recruited by Liverpool's owners who had wanted a different direction after spending huge fees on the likes of Carroll, Luis Suarez, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson without seeing any value for their money. But it meant his first task was to trim the wage bill. He's got eight players off the books and saved around £20million, which is smashing - except it has left him with a squad of just 19 to work with.
And while he was allowed to pay out £15m to bring in Joe Allen, at the moment the pocket-sized midfielder is not on the same wavelength as those around him. During his debut at West Brom, I lost count of the number of times he moved into space and showed for the ball, but didn't get it. A look at the TV pictures from yesterday's defeat by Arsenal suggested that hasn't changed too much.
Rodgers is undoubtedly a talented young coach. He's a deep thinker about football, about tactics and strategy. He has the ability to make the most of what's available.
But like any football manager, he's only as good as the players he can work with. And if his squad doesn't have a goalscorer, his team won't score too many goals.
Liverpool have got a recall clause for Carroll that kicks in on January 1. By then they might be preparing a Big Red Taxi to bring him back!
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Premier League: Liverpool should make Owen move
"A player with Owen's history of winning things at the club may be just the sort of face Rodgers' young squad could use as inspiration."
Liverpool's transfer dealings have left them woefully short up front and Christian Crowther thinks that Michael Owen is the solution...
As the storm clouds gather on Merseyside following a hugely disappointing defeat to Arsenal, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had admitted letting Andy Carroll go out on loan was a big mistake.
The Gunners convincing display and clinical 2-0 victory at Anfield has strengthened their position at 3.3512/5 to achieve a second successive top-three finish in the Premier League.
In the wake of defeat, Rodgers conceded that he may now have to turn to free agents in order to add some bite to his toothless forward line after Carroll was allowed to join West Ham on loan.
It was widely believed Liverpool would bring in at least one forward replacement for the departing Carroll at the end of the transfer window, however, when Clint Dempsey arrived at Tottenham instead, it became quite clear no one else would be joining.
This has since led to chairman John Henry writing an 'open letter' to Reds fans posted on the club's website to explain Liverpool's actions in the market.
The American owner indicated his shared disappointment at the club's failure to find reinforcements, but also defended a policy of prudence and building from within rather than overpaying for players (Kenny Dalglish take a bow).
In the short term at least, Rodgers has hinted that he will consider dipping into the free agent market with Michael Owen, Didier Drogba, Alessandro Del Piero and Nicolas Anelka among those names being bandied about.
Drogba and Anelka's futures at Shanghai Shenhua have been cast into some doubt by recent boardroom wrangling at the club.
However, despite offering maybe the most exciting prospect - with wages believed to be in the region of around £200,000 per week at present - it seems highly unlikely that Liverpool will be able to lay out the required finances for Drogba.
Anelka is in a similar financial bracket and sources close to Le Sulk have also indicated that the Frenchman has no real desire to make a move back to English football.
Del Piero does offer another interesting prospect for Rodgers, though at 37 the Italian might be considered a little too old to cut it in the physical Premier League environment, while he is thought close to joining Sydney FC.
Former Kop favourite Owen has publically admitted his desire to stay in the north west after being released by Manchester United, with Stoke and Sunderland also said to be hovering.
The 32-year-old may not be the same player who left Anfield for Real Madrid some eight years ago but he does have heaps of experience and a rich goalscoring record at Anfield, netting 158 times in 297 appearances for Liverpool.
Although Owen's career has been blighted by injury, surely Liverpool would have nothing to lose by re-signing the striker at this stage given the circumstances.
A player with Owen's history of winning things at the club may be just the sort of face Rodgers' young squad could use as inspiration.
Despite Liverpool's terrible start to the season, the Reds are still available at 2.226/5 to achieve a top six place come May.
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August 24, 2012
Europa League Betting: Back Hearts to trouble depleted Liverpool
Hearts have scored five goals in three games, and Liverpool have created chances in all of their games so far, so I'm surprised Over 2.5 Goals is priced up at a tasty 2.1211/10.
Liverpool are aiming to recover from a dreadful start to the Premier League season, but Kevin Hatchard suspects in-form Hearts may give Brendan Rodgers' men another rough ride.
Hearts vs Liverpool, Europa League playoff round first leg, Thu 19:45 BST, Live on ITV 4
Match Odds: Hearts 7.06/1, Liverpool 1.594/7, the draw 3.953/1
Liverpool suffered a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign on Saturday, as they lost 3-0 at West Brom. The result should be given some context - Liverpool in general and Luis Suarez in particular wasted a host of chances before Zoltan Gera's stunning opener, and then Reds defender Daniel Agger was harshly sent off. That said, such a heavy reverse will be a psychological body-blow.
Liverpool are clearly taking time to adapt to new boss Brendan Rodgers' methods, with defenders like Martin Skrtel looking particularly uncomfortable with the new regime. Rodgers likes his teams to build patiently from the back, and this will inevitably cause early-season apprehension. In the previous round of the Europa League, Liverpool were extremely fortunate to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 first-leg win at Belarussian side Gomel, although their 3-0 win at Anfield in the second leg was more convincing.
Rodgers has elected to leave Suarez and Skrtel at home, with skipper Steven Gerrard and full-back Glen Johnson also omitted. Joe Cole and Jose Enrique are injured, while new signing Oussama Assaidi is ineligible.
That list of absentees will give encouragement to a Hearts side that is yet to taste defeat under new boss John McGlynn. The Jambos have won one and drawn two of their SPL matches so far, and their performances at Tynecastle have been encouraging. A solid 2-0 win against St Johnstone was followed by a frustrating 2-2 draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Hearts were 2-0 up but let their lead slip, conceding a last-gasp equaliser.
Given Liverpool's weakened squad and their defensive shakiness, I think they are a bit too short at 1.594/7. Hearts have started the season confidently, and may be worth backing on the Asian Handicap with a one-goal start at 1.9520/21. Hearts have scored five goals in three games, but their collapse against Inverness showed some defensive frailty. Liverpool have created chances in all of their games so far, and so I'm surprised Over 2.5 Goals is priced up at a tasty 2.1211/10.
Recommended Bet: Back Hearts +1.0 goals on the Asian Handicap at 1.9520/21
Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 Goals at 2.1211/10
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April 23, 2012
Two And A Half Goals: Liverpool will put on a show for Dalglish
Wigan are flying. They’ve been playing slick, attractive football for several weeks now, and it’s a style that’s been producing goals.
With Wigan playing with aplomb and Fulham prepared to entertain, there should be goals at Craven Cottage, says the Inside Man. Meanwhile, with their manager's job on the line, Liverpool will be determined to score some goals at Anfield.
Saturday
Fulham v Wigan
My banker bet of the weekend goes to two sides that are bang in form and full of goals.
Fulham sit tenth in the league and have nothing to play for but pride, yet they are adventurous enough to keep providing good entertainment. Win or lose, seven of Fulham's last nine games at Craven Cottage have been high-scoring.
Wigan, meanwhile, are flying. They've been playing slick, attractive football for several weeks now, and it's a style that's been producing goals. Incredibly, 11 of the Latics' last 12 away games have had more than two goals, as they've have hit their opponents hard and fast on the break through the likes of Jean Beausejour and Victor Moses.
With Fulham's home fixtures averaging above three goals per game all season, and with Clint Dempsey on a goalscoring roll, Fulham look sure to contribute to an open game. As do Wigan who with that five point margin over the drop- zone should now be able to play with more freedom and confidence than at any point on the season.
Recommended Bet
Back Over 2.5 goals @ 1.8910/11
Ipswich v Millwall
In this fixture lies a warning about what can happen when two teams find themselves with little to play for. It's happened a thousand times before. Two mid-table sides close to the end of the season who just turn-up, pocket their pay, and go through the motions. In this type of fixture, 0-0 is always a serious runner.
That's not to say that will happen here, but it has to be a consideration given recent form. At the end of what's been a fairly high-scoring season for 15th place Ipswich, it seems like the wheels have suddenly fallen off the Tractor Boys, who've had five of their last six games go under two-and-a-half goals.
And it's a similar story for 17th placed Millwall who, following a run of eight consecutive goal-packed games, suddenly hit a brick wall, with five of their last six matches producing under two-and-a-half goals.
With both teams league campaign's grinding to a halt, low on goals looks the inevitable call here.
Recommended Bet
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.9420/21
Sunday
Liverpool v West Brom
It looks like there's value to be had in backing goals at Anfield this Sunday. To start with, West Brom look ideal opponents to produce a game filled with goals. Already safe from relegation, the Baggies have been consistently good value on their travels, with 10 of their 17 away games having produced three or more goals.
Liverpool, for their part, have been quite conservative, with 10 of their 16 home matches having gone under the goals mark. So, an apparent stand-off. Well, perhaps, if it weren't for a recent loosening of the shackles that is. With Kenny Dalglish's job on the line, and Liverpool needing not only to win, but to do so in style to placate increasingly restless fans and board members, things have taken a recent up-turn in terms of goals.
A Keystone-Cops style win at Blackburn last week made it 16 goals in just Liverpool's last six games. And with the Reds still desperate to put on a show, goals look a certainty come Sunday, it's just a case of how many.
Recommended Bet
Back Over 2.5 goals @ 1.738/11
Valencia v Real Betis
This could be a much more difficult game for the home side than at first appears. While they may have thumped Rayo Vallecano 4-1 a fortnight ago, the fact is that most sides thump Vallecano at home, and some by even bigger margins. The reality for Valencia is, that game aside, they've scored just three goals in their last five matches.
The goals drying up will be of serious concern to a team that sits in a coveted Champions League spot by a margin of just one point. This lack of firepower has already proved costly, with Valencia recording just one win from the last six games. For them the rot has to stop here.
To do that will be far from easy. Next up, they face Real Betis, a side who've conceded, on average, just 1.5 goals per game away from home all season. Moreover, five of Real's last six matches have been under the goals mark. Unbeaten in those last six, Real should prove a tough obstacle for a faltering Valencia.
Recommended Bet
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.285/4
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April 13, 2012
Liverpool Hurdle Result: Big Buck's wins again
News 
/ Timeform / 12 April 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Connections of Big Buck's were rewarded yet again at Aintree
"The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles in England..."
Big Buck's created history in the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree by winning his 17th successive race, breaking the modern-day jumps total of Sir Ken...
The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles in England, winning this Grade One event for the fourth time.
Having also won the last four renewals of the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Andy Stewart-owned gelding rewarded punters who took the ([1.24]) available on Betfair about the favourite.
Ruby Walsh settled the superstar in third position and he travelled well through the early stages.
When Restless Harry fell early on the second circuit and brought down Won In The Dark, followed by the fall of Smad Place, his task was made easier, should he have needed it.
Crack Away Jack travelled well to challenge but failed like so many before him and eventually trailed in well beaten in second.
said: "He seemed to be idling a little in front. Alan King's horse (Smad Place) was right behind us until unfortunately he came to grief. I was glad to see them all get up.
"We take every race as it comes and we are totally flattered by the reception he has been given by everyone here. He hasn't had an off-day since unseating in the Hennessy a few years ago.
"Undoubtedly (this win means the most), this is absolutely marvellous.
"Each win is very precious, but obviously to do 17 and go into the record books is very precious to us.
"It's been very flattering. People have been coming up for my autograph - he's more newsworthy than I am, but it's a privilege.
"Next year he'll go for the same programme and the Cleeve Hurdle as well."
Big Buck's remains around the ([2.64]) mark on Betfair for next year's World Hurdle where he will bid to land his fifth Cheltenham victory.
Get open access to Timeform data, including detailed cards for this week's Grand National meeting at Aintree, for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. 
It is hard to imagine champion trainer Gai Waterhouse has never won the Group 1 Australian Derby (Saturday, BST 06:35) on her home turf at Randwick, but that could all change this afternoon......
Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Synchronised heads a maximum field of 40 for the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday......
We caught up with Donald McCain last week to discuss his runners and riders at this week's Aintree festival...
March 29, 2012
Opta Stats: Newcastle v Liverpool
Opta / Richard / 29 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
/ Richard / 29 March 2012 / Leave a Comment Papiss Cisse has already netted five league goals for Newcastle
Liverpool head to Tyneside on the back of desperate defeats to QPR and latterly Wigan...
Liverpool have drawn 99 Premier League games away from home and scored 498 goals on the road. Match odds
Only Wolves (5) have picked up fewer points than Liverpool (8) in the Premier league in 2012. Match odds
Papiss Demba Cisse has scored five goals in his six Premier League appearances for Newcastle.
Dirk Kuyt has scored in five of his seven Premier League starts against Newcastle, including the last three in a row.
Liverpool have won six of their last seven Premier League games against the Magpies, losing the other. Match odds
Newcastle's last victory in this meeting came last season against Liverpool at St James Park when Andy Carroll scored in the 90th minute for the Magpies. Match odds
The Reds have lost five of their last six Premier League matches, including their last three on the road. Match odds
Steven Gerrard has assisted a goal in each of his last four Premier League starts against Newcastle.
Gerrard has also netted five goals in his last five league appearances against the Magpies.
Alan Pardew's side are unbeaten in their last six matches at the Sports Direct Arena, winning four of those. Match odds
Blackburn might have won at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign but they won't repeat the feat this time round......
Tottenham are in desperate need of three points if they are to hold on to fourth spot......
Time is running out for rock-bottom Wolves and a win against fellow strugglers Bolton is an absolute must......
March 25, 2012
Should Liverpool sack Kenny Dalglish?
Premier League / Richard Aikman / 25 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
"How many league matches do Liverpool have to lose before Dalglish’s credit runs out? Does he need to win the FA Cup to consider this a successful season?"
They won the Carling Cup but have lost five of their last six matches and are floundering in the league. So why does the Liverpool manager retain staunch backing from fans and pundits? Richard Aikman puts the boot in where others fear to tread.
For Liverpool the season gets stranger and stranger. There is more silverware in the trophy room, an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley awaits, but league form lurches from bad worse. Were it any other manager at the helm, the natives would be getting restless, but as it is Kenny Dalglish who is in charge, normal rules don't apply.
Once upon a time, any form of silverware would serve as job insurance for another season, but in an era in which the Champions League is the all-important money-spinning holy grail for Europe's leading clubs, the League Cup is small beer.
Even the FA Cup has lost much of its lustre, last year's 1-0 victory for Manchester City against Stoke a lowlight in the calendar both in terms of the quality of the match and the outcome. There was a time when the FA Cup was all-important, when two thirds of the nation's television output was devoted entirely to the build-up to the big day. After a long affair, however, the romance is gone.
Heads are now only really turned by the Champions League. The anthem, the floodlights, the Camp Nou, the kudos. Nothing else really compares, except perhaps for winning the title. And Liverpool, despite the vast sums have spent, seem as distant from that as ever.
So the question is, just how many league matches do Liverpool have to lose before Dalglish's credit runs out? Does he need to win the FA Cup to consider this a successful season? Would defeat to Everton in the FA Cup semi-final, assuming they overcome Sunderland in the last-eight stage, cause the board to review their coach's position?
These are genuine questions, not barbed pot-shots designed at denigrating a manager's name. The fact remains, though, that Liverpool have lost five of their last six matches - the last two defeats coming against relegation-embattled clubs - in their worst run since January 2005. Can you imagine what the reaction would have been if Roy Hodgson was still in charge?
Hodgson, incidentally, is second favourite to Harry Redknapp for the England job after yet another example of miracle working at West Brom. The former Inter Milan and Blackburn coach never stood a chance at Liverpool because he was in charge of a club in the process of being sold, had minimal backing in the transfer market (he spent £24m and recoupled £26m) and was having to work under the shadow of his eventual successor, the then academy director Dalglish.
King Kenny, meanwhile, has spent £117m (£76m recouped) on seven players who have so far failed to deliver (unless you count a League Cup which Birmingham won last season before getting relegated). The Reds are seventh in the table, just two points clear of Everton and Sunderland - and three of Norwich and Swansea. Indeed, Dalglish's league record this season reads as follows: W11, D9:L10, or in other words W37% D 30% L33%. Hodgson's read: W7 D4 L9 or W35% D20% L45%. Under anyone else's tenure, this would be a disaster.
BBC pundits Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson seldom hold back when putting the boot into teams in the mire, but both former Liverpool team-mates of Dalglish were conspicuous by their absence from Match of the Day last night. It seems that not even the neutral media are prepared to damage the legacy of a living footballing institution.
At least Dalglish had the good grace to front up to the press, unlike Roberto Mancini, who sent his stooge David Platt out to field questions form the press after a 1-1 draw at Stoke that handed the title initiative to Manchester United. A sharp man with a quick tongue, Dalglish normally holds his own against anything reporters throw at him, but the wily Scot was scraping the barrel on Saturday, when he passed the Wigan reverse off as "the price you pay for success". Seriously, what?
"'If you play Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday it's going to take its toll," claimed the 60-year-old, presumably referring to the herculean triumphs against Cardiff and Stoke.
"Whether that's the price you have to pay for success or a demanding TV schedule, I don't know. We're disappointed because a lot of the final balls in good positions we didn't deliver. Put that down to tiredness."
Didn't Liverpool concentrate on buying young players like Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson and players in their prime like Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez so that they could endure the rigours of a long season? And how on earth does Dalglish think his side would fare if his team actually got into the Champions League, if his multi-million pound squad can't handle minor domestic cup assignments?
No one wants to see more managerial casualties in a business which places too much stock in short-term results and Dalglish, like everyone, should be given time to make his stamp on the side, but managers should also all be judged with equanimity and at the moment the silence that has greeted King Kenny's recent failings has been deafening.
Manchester City failed to take all three points from their clash with Stoke City this evening, thanks largely to a wonder goal by Peter Crouch, as the title race really hots up....
Bolton do fans proud and pick up three vital points while London rivals serve up a bore draw and Liverpool fail again......
There's little to separate these two so why try?! A stalemate looks likely in Sunday's only game in the Premier League, says Lee Dixon...
March 3, 2012
The Big Match Tactical View: Liverpool v Arsenal
Premier League / Michael Cox / 02 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Theo Walcott has caused Liverpool problems in the past
"Considering that Walcott likes to move infield into an inside-right position, he’ll be licking his lips at the prospect of Jamie Carragher deputising for Daniel Agger"
It's difficult to predict the starting line-ups for this game, but that means a potentially exciting tactical battle, says Michael Cox
Liverpool v Arsenal, Saturday 12:45, Sky Sports 2.
Match odds: Liverpool [2.08], Arsenal [4.0], The Draw [3.6].
The reverse league meeting between these two sides seems an age ago - Samir Nasri was one of Arsenal's better players, Raul Meireles came on for Liverpool to help get the breakthrough, while Emmanuel Frimpong's red card gave Liverpool the initiative. None of those players will be involved this weekend.
This match is a battle between two sides with slightly uncertain levels of confidence. In simple terms both are coming off the back of important wins last weekend - Liverpool in the Carling Cup final, and Arsenal in the North London derby. But dig a little deeper, and you find that Liverpool's performance wasn't particularly impressive, while Arsenal went 2-0 down after being exposed at the back early on. Taking the last few weeks as a barometer, neither are playing as well as would be expected.
Let's consider Arsenal's shape first, since they are the side that keeps more of a consistent formation and starting line-up. They will play their usual 4-3-3 shape, and after the ultimately positive performance against Tottenham, Arsene Wenger will want to keep things roughly the same here, which will mean Theo Walcott on the right and Yossi Benayoun coming inside from the left.
There are significant injury worries, however. Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky would be battling for the same midfield place, but Ramsey is out while Rosicky faces a late fitness test. If both those two are unavailable, it would probably mean Yossi Benayoun being fielded in the centre, with either Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Gervinho wide left - that would significantly alter the shape of the side.
Robin van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen are also slight doubts after their international fixtures in midweek, but both should start.
Kenny Dalglish's teams are more difficult to predict, but I think he'll go for more of a 4-3-3 than a 4-4-2 here, to compete with Arsenal in the centre of midfield. Jay Spearing could get a start with instructions to pick up Arsenal's most attacking midfield, with Steven Gerrard (if fit, or Jordan Henderson if not) and Charlie Adam ahead. Those two didn't deal well with Cardiff's threat between the lines last week, so Dalglish might want that extra holding player to protect the defence.
Upfront, Dirk Kuyt will hope for a start on the right after his goal last weekend, while Stewart Downing also had a good game. Those two could flank Luis Suarez, with Andy Carroll a plan B and Craig Bellamy rested after playing for Wales less than three days previously.
So, after a rough estimate of the starting line-ups, where will the key battles be? One of the more certain clashes is Theo Walcott up against Jose Enrique in Liverpool's left-back zone. In the previous meeting between the two at the Emirates, the Spaniard stopped Walcott very effectively, partly by playing deep, and partly because he was confident at not being significantly slower when forced to turn and run. But his form has dipped slightly in the past few weeks, and with Walcott high on confidence after his two goals against Spurs, he'll be a dangerous option here.
Considering that Walcott likes to move infield into an inside-right position, he'll also be licking his lips at the prospect of Jamie Carragher deputising for Daniel Agger in Liverpool's left-sided centre-back position. With this in mind, Walcott is a decent bet to open the scoring at around [13.0].
The corners market will also be interesting, because of the uncertainty in the identity of wide players. Liverpool have sometimes fielded 'inverted' wingers this season, with the likes of Craig Bellamy and Stewart Downing coming infield onto their stronger foot. If that happens here, I'd question Liverpool's current odds-on price in 'Corners Match Bet', so will lay Liverpool in that market at [1.7].
Recommended bets:
Back Theo Walcott to score first at [13.0]
Lay Liverpool in Corners Match Bet at [1.7]
Sunderland have improved massively under Martin O'Neill but this Newcastle side have been far more consistent over the course of the season and with a little help from Demba Ba, should make home advantage count, says Lee Dixon....
Chelsea travel to the Hawthorns, the increasingly impressive Swansea are at Roberto Martinez's Wigan and Stoke play hosts to a Norwich side who can't stop scoring on the road. Let's see what Feizal Rahman and his Opta stats make of...
Table-toppers Manchester City are at home to Bolton, Aston Villa travel to relegation-threatened Blackburn and Everton visit out-of-form QPR. But what do Opta say ahead of the games?...
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