Tag Archives: Reds

Reds to make City life hard

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There are two Premier League games on Sunday but all eyes are sure to be in what looks like a mouth-watering clash at Anfield as Liverpool host leaders Manchester City, kick off at 4pm.

City have been more than impressive on the domestic front this season and are unsurprisingly installed as the favourites in the match betting, although punters can get 13/8 about the side that has won 6-1 at Manchester United and 5-1 at Tottenham.

The Blues have won 11 and drawn one of their opening 12 games to establish a five-point cushion at the top of the Premier League but history is against them in the big match on Sunday.

Liverpool have only lost once at Anfield in 22 games and 30 years against City and that came in 2003, while they coasted to a 3-0 win in this fixture last year.

City have strengthened since then but it was still a squad capable of finishing third in the table last time around, while the Reds have also spent big to improve the options available to boss Kenny Dalglish.

Although Liverpool boast an unbeaten home record in the league this term, they have drawn four of the six games, whilst finding the back of the net has also been a problem with just eight goals scored in front of their own fans.

The defence has been miserly though so the star-studded forward ranks of the leaders may not find it as easy – despite amassing 42 goals in the 12 games so far, and scoring at least three goals in their last six top-flight games.

Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have both hit double figures this term and need to be considered in the goalscoring markets, although Mario Balotelli (5/1 First/Last Goalscorer, 11/8 Anytime) could be the one to side with after scoring nine in his last 10 games.

It may pay to wait for team news on that front while Liverpool have plenty of options of their own so who starts up front is open to question – with the exception of Luis Suarez, although he has scored just four goals in the Premier League this term.

City’s is by far and away the best attack and their defence has not been too shabby either, but with the Reds’ defence in good form as well, this could turn out to be a tight one (Under 2.5 Goals 10/11, Over 2.5 Goals 4/5).

What may work in Liverpool’s favour though, not withstanding the recent record in the fixture, is the fact that City’s Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after the 2-1 defeat at Napoli in midweek and they may struggle to put those troubles behind them.

The Reds have also gone nine matches unbeaten, won 2-1 at Chelsea last week, have not lost in eight (W6 D2) against the Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea, while they have had a full week to prepare.

Swansea have made a promising start to their first season in the Premier League, not least because of their home form, and they have been installed as 5/4 favourites to pick up another three points against Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans have been beaten just once – by Manchester United – on home soil, winning three and drawing two, and have only let in two goals, the best home defensive record in the division.

Villa are yet to win away this season – their worst start since 2003 – and are available at 12/5 to make it a first on Sunday, with the draw on offer at 9/4.

There was no disgrace in losing at Tottenham last Monday but the manner of the defeat would have been a little worrying as they offered little threat, mustering just three shots in the 90 minutes.

In fairness to boss Alex McLeish, the Villans have been tough to beat on the road in the sense that they have drawn four of their six games and with a tough run of fixtures in December coming up, one should expect a response from the West Midlands  giants.

It is difficult to see this one being full of goals given the scoring record of the two sides so a draw could be the best way to go at 9/4.

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Potters to rock Reds again

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The round of last-16 of the Carling Cup continues on Wednesday night with four all-Premier League ties. Stoke play host to Liverpool in what could turn out to be a torrid night for the Reds, while Everton will be out for revenge against Chelsea. Wolves face Man City and Blackburn host Newcastle to complete the night.

Stoke v Liverpool 7:45pm

The Potters have had a mixed season thus far, enjoying great success in the Europa League but struggling somewhat in the Premier League. Their best result to date came in the league meeting against the Reds when a Jonathan Walters penalty secured victory for Stoke.

Since being promoted back to the top flight Stoke have not lost to Liverpool at home, picking up two wins and two draws in the four meetings. However, the last time they played host to Liverpool in the League Cup Stoke were hammered 8-0, although that was 11 years ago.

Both managers are likely to makes changes for the clash and while Liverpool’s team might have a few more stars in it on the night, Tony Pulis has recruited wisely and should field a side capable of challenging Kenny Dalglish’s team. Stoke are 11/5 for the win, a great price given Liverpool’s recent form and record in Staffordshire, with the Reds 5/4 and the draw 23/10.

Everton v Chelsea

Up until two weeks ago Everton had a very good recent record against the Blues, avoiding defeat in the last six encounters, a run which included dumping them out of the FA Cup last season on penalties. However, a 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 10 days ago brought an end to that positive sequence, although Wednesday’s meeting gives them a quick chance for revenge.

While Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas has the option of rotating his squad David Moyes finds his hands are tied to a certain extent and will be forced to field a strong team. While the Toffees were somewhat fortunate to get to this stage of the competition, the chance to take the scalp of Chelsea should certainly help to raise their game. Villas-Boas will have a tough job to pick his team up after Sunday, when they played so well with nine men but got nothing from the trip to QPR.

While Everton have never beaten Chelsea in the Carling Cup Wednesday’s game will be as good a chance as any to break that duck. Everton are 9/4 in the match betting, with Chelsea 6/5 and the draw 12/5.

Elsewhere, you’d expect Man City to have a comfortable night at the office when they face Wolves, with Wanderes boss Mick McCarthy having made it clear he doesn’t think the Carling Cup is a priority. The Wolves manager is likely to field a second string and that should be no match for whoever Roberto Mancini sends out. City’s squad will be on a huge high after the weekend and Wednesday could be a long night for the Molineux faithful.

The final match pits struggling Blackburn against high-flying Newcastle in a tough-to-call encounter. The Toon are unbeaten so far this season but showed signs on Saturday that maybe their remarkable start might be coming to a close. Rovers boss Steve Kean could look at this game as a distraction or as a chance for his players to play without the pressure of battling against relegation. Rovers played well against Tottenham on Sunday and it shouldn’t come as a big surprise if they manage to end Newcastle’s unbeaten start.

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Reds to rule Merseyside

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Saturday brings us the first of two big derby matches in the Premier League this weekend as Liverpool make the short trip across Stanley Park to neighbours Everton in the lunchtime kick-off. There are also five 3pm kick-offs including Manchester United playing host to Norwich.

Everton v Liverpool (12:45pm)

The last time the Reds went to Goodison Park they had Roy Hodgson in charge and lost 2-0, a result which dropped them into the relegation zone.

Less than a year on and Liverpool are looking up, rather than over their shoulders, after the return of Kenny Dalglish and a spending spree that would make most clubs jealous.

While Dalglish’s new recruits haven’t completely gelled yet there are signs the Reds will challenge for top honours this season.

In contrast to Liverpool’s spending spree Everton haven’t had two coins to rub together recently.

David Moyes has done the best he can with the tools on offer and while the Toffees have made a good start you get the sense injuries will begin to take their toll.

Already Moyes is waiting on news over whether or not Tim Cahill will be fit to start. If he doesn’t you can’t see the Blues threatening Liverpool too often.

The Reds have a good squad at their disposal and should have too much strength in depth for their local rivals.

Match Bet – Draw HT/Liverpool FT @ 9/2.

Manchester United v Norwich

Could United’s near-perfect start to the season be coming to an end?

Back-to-back draws might have brought the Old Trafford faithful back down to earth a bit after flying out of the blocks, especially after throwing away a 2-0 lead against Basel.

They now welcome a Norwich side who have won their last two matches, making up for a rocky start to the season.

The Canaries have already shown their quality against the top teams in the division, giving Chelsea a bloody nose before eventually losing 3-1.

A similar result at Old Trafford looks to be on the cards, and with Wayne Rooney back Sir Alex Ferguson’s men look to have too much for Norwich.

Match Bet – United with a -1 handicap @ 1/2 and United to score in both halves @ 8/11.

Aston Villa v Wigan

Alarm bells should be ringing at Wigan already given recent performances, four straight defeats in all competitions sending them towards the wrong end of the table.

Roberto Martinez says he doesn’t regret turning down the Villa job in the summer but if his charges don’t pick up their games soon then he might start.

The Latics have looked poor recently and while Villa haven’t been pulling up trees they should be too good for Wigan.

Alex McLeish’s men were dreadful in the first half against QPR but improved after the break to keep their unbeaten start to the season going.

It will be tight at Villa Park but the home side should once again just do enough to secure maximum points.

Match Bet – Villa to keep a clean sheet @ 11/10.

Blackburn v Man City

All is not well at Eastlands and Roberto Mancini will probably be glad for the distraction of this game, rather than having to answer more questions about Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine has been suspended and as such won’t be able to disrupt City’s preparations for the trip to Ewood Park.

City’s excellent start to the season is over after the defeat to Bayern Munich but they should keep their Premier League title campaign on track against Blackburn.

If City were poor on Tuesday night then Blackburn were worse when meekly losing to Newcastle last week.

Steve Kean’s time in the Ewood Park hot seat could soon be coming to an end and this game will only hasten his exit.

Match Bet – Man City with a -1 handicap @ 11/8.

Sunderland v West Brom

Both teams have failed to get into their stride this season and are in desperate need of a win to kickstart their campaigns.

Sunderland have struggled for consistency, following up their 4-0 win over Stoke by losing to Norwich.

Steve Bruce has also had to deal with off-field problems involving Titus Bramble so, like Mancini, will be glad of the distraction of a game.

The Black Cats’ record against West Brom isn’t great, losing the last three, while Bruce has never beaten a side managed by Roy Hodgson.

However, given both teams have been struggling a draw looks to be the obvious choice.

The Baggies will take a point but the result is unlikely to relieve the pressure that is building on Bruce at the Stadium of Light.

Match Bet – Draw @ 12/5.

Wolves v Newcastle

The Toon have probably been the surprise package of the season so far, lifting themselves into fourth with three wins out of six.

Alan Pardew looks to have recruited well and with Hatem Ben Arfa fully fit Newcastle should have no fears over relegation.

At times the Toon have struggled on the road but this season they have won three out of five away from St James’ Park in all competitions.

With Wolves struggling for goals in the league recently a Newcastle win seems the obvious choice, the Toon having conceded just three goals in the league.

Mick McCarthy’s men made a bright start to the campaign but three straight defeats have given Wolves fans a dose of reality.

Match Bet – Newcastle win @ 2/1.

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Reds running to stand still

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Sunderland have been the busiest club in the transfer market so far this summer while Premier League champions Manchester United have not been shy to splash the cash either, but it is Liverpool’s dealing which are arguably providing the biggest talking points.

The Black Cats were beset by horrendous injury problems as the 2010/11 season wore on and it was only a late rally which saw them ease any outside chance of relegation to finish in a respectable mid-table position.

Stadium of Light chief Steve Bruce also lost star striker Darren Bent to Aston Villa in January – possibly the worst possible time – but he has responded by landing new players including the likes of Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson, among others.

Bruce maybe just needs a new striker and his work is done until the mid-season window, but his side is never going to overcome odds of 1000/1 to lift the Premier League trophy.

The fight for the title will be a five-horse race with the traditional big four of Manchester United (7/4), Chelsea (9/4), Arsenal (7/1) and Liverpool (10/1) joined by filth-rich Manchester City (4/1) in the shake-up.

The London pair have so far failed to add to their ranks – Gervinho’s switch to the Emirates from Lille is yet to be rubber-stamped – while City have been fairly low key by landing defenders Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic.

The Citizens are probably more pre-occupied with getting the best price for want-away captain Carlos Tevez although his touted replacement, Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero, will not come cheap.

United and Liverpool, in contrast, have been pretty active so far, with the Reds of Merseyside continuing this summer where they left off in January following the big moves for Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Many onlookers felt boss Kenny Dalglish paid well over the odds for Carroll, who at the time was not fully fit, and the same eyebrows were raised when the Scot raided Sunderland for Jordan Henderson, who reportedly cost in excess of £15m, and then added £20m-rated Stewart Downing to the squad from Aston Villa.

United have also thrown around bags of cash this summer on winger Ashley Young, defender Phil Jones and keeper David De Gea, with the latter two unproven at the highest level, like Carroll and Henderson.

However, the difference is that Liverpool are adding to their options from a position of weakness – they are on to their second manager since Rafa Benitez left just over 12 months while the ownership has also changed in the last year.

It remains to be seen whether or not their policy of recruiting players who promise much but have much to prove is successful.

But the fact is that United are arguably the most stable of the Premier League title challengers, have won the title four times out of the last five years and have appeared in three of the last four Champions League finals.

So Sir Alex Ferguson can afford to stir the pot, move players on and see who sinks and who swims.

And that underlines the fact that while Liverpool are making a lot of the running in the summer transfer market, they are ultimately running to stand still because not every move works out.

Just ask Alberto Aquilani.

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Reds ready to challenge again?

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Liverpool kick off their summer pre-season games with a friendly against Chinese side Guangdong on Wednesday amid heightened expectation that the Reds are on the up under Kenny Dalglish – but just how well can they expect to do next season?

It’s tempting to say the sky’s the limit for Dalglish’s side and nothing is out of reach for them in the 2011/12 campaign as the manager rebuilds the Reds squad and attempts to turn them into top-four Premier League challengers once again (10/1 Premier League Outright).

He has already bolstered the ranks with Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam and there are expected to be more big-name arrivals before the action gets underway for real on August 13 against Sunderland. Stewart Downing remains a top target despite Aston Villa’s determination to keep him (Villa 18/1 – Top Four finish) and a deal could be struck for the England winger if a fee can be agreed.

The former Middlesbrough man would certainly add more quality from out wide – something Liverpool were desperately short of under former bosses Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson – and should provide the service the likes of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez will crave up front.

Dalglish has other targets in the transfer market – Newcastle’s Luis Enrique and Birmingham’s Scott Dann remain on his radar amongst others – but it is thought he will have to sell some first-team squad players before making more significant purchases.

David Ngog, Milan Jovanovic, Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Alberto Aquilani, Emiliano Insua and even last season’s PFA fans’ player of the year, Raul Meireles, have been tipped to leave should the right offers come in and certainly, with Henderson and Adam now on board, Liverpool have too many midfielders.

One of Dalglish’s biggest dilemmas next season might be how best to mould a successful side out of his squad – especially if he can’t shift some of the dead wood in the next month or so. Several experienced players, like Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez, Meireles, Cole and Lucas no longer appear to be first-choice under the Scot and will have to work hard to enjoy regular action.

However, the critics will say the reason why Liverpool have struggled to make an impact in the top four over the past few years is because their first-team squad has simply not been good enough and, while the likes of Lucas, Maxi and Kuyt are solid Premier League players in their own right, they are hardly the sorts who would make the Reds into a title-winning outfit (Manchester United 13/8f – Outright).

So Dalglish, well aware of that fact and determined to add more players of the calibre of Suarez, Carroll and Adam to his ranks rather than rely on those simply not up to the required standard, does still have plenty of work to do to ensure the Reds are able to compete at the top end of the table again.

Captain and vice-captain Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have been keen to try and quell rising expectation levels among fans ahead of next season and have said the top four is the priority with anything else a bonus.

Without the distraction of Europe, as it stands with the players at his disposal now, fourth (5/4 – Top Four finish) might be just about the best Dalglish can hope for (and even that would be some achievement) but, with a couple more top-quality additions over the next few weeks and a streamlining of the first-team squad, the Reds might just be ready to emerge as dark horses and begin to dream about a title challenge in 2011/12.

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Whites v Reds in promotion clash

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We are really getting into the business end of the season in the Championship, with points vital for teams at both ends of the table.

Two clubs that are desperate to get back to the Premier League are Leeds United and Nottingham Forest and the two sides meet in the early kick-off at Elland Road on Saturday (Leeds 6/5, draw 11/5, Forest 11/5).

The Whites managed to pick up a point at the City Ground in just their second game of the campaign after winning automatic promotion from League One last season. Leeds were lucky to draw against Forest who dominated much of the game.

However, the West Yorkshire side have surprised many teams in their first season back in the Championship and find themselves in fifth place in the table, just above Forest.

Tottenham Hotspur loan man Jake Livermore could make his first appearance for the Whites as manager Simon Grayson has looked to bolster his option in the middle of the park, with Aston Villa’s Barry Bannan also in on a loan deal.

Forest have failed to win in their last seven outings in the Championship and should be battling with QPR and Norwich for the automatic places. Now Bill Davies‘ side are struggling to keep their place in the playoffs with Reading and Burnley hot on their heels.

Saturday’s game at Elland Road will be a tight contest with both teams desperate to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Leeds have not been beaten at home since October and should just edge this one in front of a packed Elland Road.

Promotion chasing Norwich City take on Scunthorpe United at Carrow Road, as the Canaries look to strengthen their hold on second place in the Championship (Norwich 1/5, draw 7/2, Scunthorpe 8/1).

Norwich continue to be very difficult to beat as they have not tasted defeat in their last eight games.

The Irons on the other hand are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone with five points between themselves and safety.

Scunthorpe have appointed Alan Knill as their new boss ahead of the away trip to Norwich and he will have to settle in fast to his new club as they are desperate for points. The manager factor may give the United players a boost but it’s hard to see them getting anything out of the game at Carrow Road.

Preston are also fighting for their lives as they sit rock bottom of the Championship and they will have to raise their game when they take on Swansea at Deepdale on Saturday (Preston 13/5, draw 23/10, Swansea Evs).

North End currently sit eight points off safety with a game in hand and manager Phil Brown is running out of time if he wants his side to avoid the drop.

Swansea have been outstanding this season and they will be full of confidence after their 3-2 victory over Forest in their last outing. The Welsh club have a great opportunity to earn promotion to the Premier League this season and it’s unlikely that Preston will get in their way.

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Reds look to wreck Fergie’s title tilt

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Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish will be aiming to put one over his old foe Sir Alex Ferguson and put another dent in Manchester United’s Premier League title bid when the sides met at Anfield on Sunday, before Wolves will be aiming to bolster their survival hopes by hurting Tottenham’s Champions League qualification aspirations at Molineux.

The game of the day gets underway on Merseyside at 1.30pm as Liverpool play host to United with Ferguson’s side aiming to win their 19th league title (8/13 Outright) this season which would see them pull one clear of Liverpool. And, while Dalglish’s men still harbour slim hopes of securing a top-four finish (10/1), they will no doubt take great delight in trying to halt their big rivals?’ championship mission.

Chelsea’s 2-1 win against United on Tuesday opened up the title race and Ferguson will be looking for his side to slam the door shut as quickly as possible, starting at Anfield.

However, the Scot is not helped by the continued injury absence of Rio Ferdinand, while his other first-choice central defender, Nemanja Vidic, is banned after seeing red at Stamford Bridge.

Therefore, young rookie Chris Smalling will be partnered by Wes Brown at the back which could hand Liverpool a great opportunity to strike a blow to the Red Devils.

It will be also a special day for Ryan Giggs as he will be making a club record 607th league appearance and he is 3/1 to score at anytime in the game.

Dalglish has been hit by the loss of Martin Kelly due to a torn hamstring, but Raul Meireles should shake off a knee injury and £35million January signing Andy Carroll could be handed his debut at some point after his recovery from a long-term thigh problem.

Liverpool have won their last two home games against United, while Dalglish’s last home match in charge of Liverpool against Fergie’s United ended in a 4-0 win back in September 1990.

However, Ferguson has the edge over Dalglish in league meetings to date, while his side have won five of their last seven league games and will be aiming to make it six on Sunday.

Prediction: Liverpool To Win @ 7/4
Value Bet: Correct Score Liverpool 2-1 Man United @ 9/1.

WOLVES V TOTTENHAM

The later 4pm game on Sunday sees a near top-versus bottom scenario taking place at Molineux as Wolves will look to continue their good home record against the Premier League’s big boys when Tottenham arrive in town.

Mick McCarthy’s men have defeated Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United on home soil so Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will not want to his side added to that list of scalps.

However the Londoners, who are looking to keep their bid for a second successive top-four finish alive (Spurs 6/5), will be again without Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart, although they hope to have them back for the Champions League tie against AC Milan in midweek.

Wolves’ hopes of securing three points which could take them out of the relegation zone (4/7 To Stay Up) will not be helped by the loss of loan star Jamie O’Hara, who is ineligible to face his parent club.

Steven Mouyokolo and Ronald Zubar are ruled out with injury while Dave Edwards and Dave Jones are doubts, but Stephen Hunt is fit again.

Victory for Wolves would see them record three consecutive top-flight home wins for the first time in over 30 years, but they have their work cut out against a Spurs side that has won six games on the road so far this term – the second best record in the Premier League behind Arsenal’s seven.

Wolves chances of coming out on top could be helped by Tottenham having one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against AC Milan at White Hart Lane which they start with a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Prediction: 90 Minutes Draw @ 23/10
Value Bet: Scorecast Kevin Doyle 1st Goal Wolves 1-1 Spurs @ 33/1.

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Reds can pile woe on Hammers

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Kenny Dalglish’s rivival of Liverpool continues to rumble on at a good pace and they will fancy their chances of heaping more misery on West Ham on Sunday (1.30pm).

The Reds are unbeaten in their last eight in all competitions and have conceded three goals in that time. They have also received a boost with the news Steven Gerrard should be back from a groin injury, after he wasn’t risked in Thursday’s Europa League tie.

The three points for the Reds are likely to rest on which West Ham turns up. The one who played the first half against West Brom will be looking at another embarrassment, while the team that came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 could pose Liverpool a tough test.

Keeping clean sheets has been West Ham’s biggest problem and with Luis Suarez (9/2 first goalscorer) slowly getting into the grove of things, West Ham fans should be a bit nervous. Raul Meireles has been on fire of late, scoring five in his last six league matches.

Match Bet: Liverpool to win with -1 handicap @ 13/5

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has probably been looking forward to this game more than any other since taking over at Craven Cottage, as his current club face his former team Manchester City (3pm).

Since being sacked 14 months ago, Hughes has probably been counting down the days for an opportunity to prove City were wrong to get rid of him. In the reverse fixture in November, City annihilated Fulham 4-1 but that was a Cottagers team still getting to grips with Hughes’ tactics.

Since the turn of the year, life for Fulham fans has got better and they have eased their relegation fears. They will go to Eastlands in good heart but are unlikely to get much joy against a City side that blew Aris Salonika away in 12 minutes in the Europa League on Thursday.

City’s formidable trio of Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli showed signs of forming some kind of a partnership in midweek, albeit Balotelli not noticing the other ten men in blue at times on Thursday.

Dzeko scored two very good goals and the Bosnian should lead City to a win, albeit not as lavish as the reverse fixture in west London.

Match Bet: Dzeko to score anytime @ evens

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Reds ready for Sparta test

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Liverpool can put their thoughts of climbing the Premier League behind them as they focus on back-to-back Europa League clashes with Sparta Prague, starting with a tough away leg on Thursday (Sparta 16/5, draw 23/10, Liverpool 10/11).

The Reds have made great strides under Kenny Dalglish since the departure of his predecessor Roy Hodgson. Apart from a blip last weekend in a 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic, results have started to go in favour of the Merseyside club.

Liverpool have already had some tough away days in the Europa League this season, with difficult trips to Holland, Italy and Romania. They have only managed to score one goal away from home in the competition, which came in a 1-1 draw with Steaua Bucharest.

Liverpool managed to battle out goalless away draws against Napoli and FC Utrecht whilst blooding youngsters in Europe. Like Manchester City against Aris Salonika, Liverpool may now look to strengthen their team for the knockout stages.

The Reds are without their skipper Steven Gerrard and experienced defender Daniel Agger, as they have been sidelined with injury. New signing Andy Carroll has travelled with the squad to the Czech Republic but he is still not fit enough to make his Liverpool debut.

One talented youngster who could make his first appearance for the Anfield club at the tender age of just 16 years and 71 days is Raheem Sterling.

The Jamaica-born striker would become the youngest player ever to play for the Liverpool first team if he manages to get on to the pitch on Thursday night.

Sparta will be another difficult nut to crack – especially on their home turf. It looks like it’s going to be close contest in the Czech capital and a low goal-scoring draw looks to be on the cards.

Flying the flag for Scotland in Europe are Glasgow Rangers who face Sporting Lisbon at Ibrox on Thursday (Rangers 6/4, draw 23/10, Sporting Lisbon 9/5).

As they did when they reached the final of the Europa League in 2008, Gers will be looking to make themselves difficult to beat.

Rangers will head into their first game in Europe without their season’s top goalscorer Kenny Miller who moved to Bursaspor in the January transfer window.

Rangers have to get something out of this home leg if they want any chance of going through to the latter stages of this tournament.

In front of a packed house at Ibrox, Gers could just grab a goal to have a slender lead going into the tough second leg back in Portugal.

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Torres out to haunt Reds

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A player scoring the winning goal for his new team against his former club is a formula which has made headlines for years in football. On Sunday Fernando Torres will line up in the blue of Chelsea, rather than the red of Liverpool, when his former club come to Stamford Bridge and it seems written in the stars the Spaniard will score. We take a look at Chelsea v Liverpool, as well as West Ham against Birmingham in our preview of Sunday’s Premier League matches.

Chelsea v Liverpool

All roads lead to west London this weekend and the word on everyone’s lips is Torres. Having completed a dramatic £50million switch to the Blues on transfer deadline day on Monday, it seems fitting the first club he would face is Liverpool. The 26-year-old is 10/3 to score anytime against the Reds and it seems inevitable he will end up on the scoresheet.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has said he is undecided as to whether to start Torres but, after splashing out £50million, owner Roman Abramovich will want to see his latest acquisition on show. The reigning Premier League champions are odds on to beat Liverpool given their recent revival. However, anyone who has watched Chelsea recently will know they are nowhere near the side that won the title last season.

Liverpool have won just twice on the road all season and, Sunderland’s shock win at Stamford Bridge aside, Chelsea have been as strong as ever at home. Chelsea have to win to keep pace with league leaders Manchester United or risk falling further than ten points behind. On the flip side its just as important the Reds win to close the gap on the last Champions League qualification spot, currently held by Chelsea.

The Reds have one of their replacements for Torres ready to make his first start in the form of Luis Suarez and he has already opened his account, coming off the bench to score against Stoke in midweek. If you fancy both Suarez and Torres to score then Tote are offering that special at 6/1.

Its tough to look beyond Chelsea this weekend and with little value in the 90 minutes market, a best bet could be Torres to score and Chelsea to win at 13/8.

Birmingham v West Ham

Sunday’s first game at Upton Park has been overshadowed somewhat by proceedings at Stamford Bridge but is no less important for two sides battling to beat the drop. Its been just 11 days since the two clubs last went head-to-head as Blues managed to turn around a two goal deficit to beat the Hammers in the semi-final of the Carling Cup.

Hammers fans will be hoping the players can use their bitter defeat to Birmingham as motivation to gain revenge and leapfrog the St Andrew’s outfit out of the relegation zone. Both teams are on 24 points after the midweek matches, picking up valuable results. West Ham’s win at Blackpool was a rare away success for Avram Grant’s side on the road and they look as though they are beginning to turn things around.

The signing of Robbie Keane on loan could prove to be a stroke of genius if he keeps them up. The Republic of Ireland skipper is 9/2 to score first and you wouldn’t bet against him getting his first home goal after his strike on Wednesday.

While West Ham look as though they have plenty of goals in them, Birmingham have struggled to hit the target on a regular basis and their fans will fear that this weakness could cost them their place in the top flight.

Blues are 5/2 to win at Upton Park but it looks beyond them and the Hammers to repeat their Carling Cup first leg win of 2-1 at 15/2 could be the bet to go for in this one.

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