Premier League 2011/2012 Thread

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Tottenham vs Liverpool preview

Liverpool visit White Hart Lane on Sunday, aiming to bounce back from their first defeat of the campaign.

Kenny Dalglish's team made a solid start to the new season, as an opening round draw against Sunderland was followed by victories over Arsenal and Bolton.

But they went down 1-0 at Stoke City last week, with Jonathan Walters' penalty the difference between the teams.

Liverpool enjoyed more chances than their hosts at Britannia Stadium and will be hopeful of getting back on track this weekend.

They face a Tottenham side who had the opposite experience at the start of the season, losing their opening 2 matches, before registering their first win at Molineux on Saturday.

Harry Redknapp fielded an inexperienced team for Thursday's 0-0 Europa League draw away to PAOK Thessaloniki.

And a host of changes can be expected for the match at White Hart Lane.

Emmanuel Adebayor, a loan signing from Manchester City, scored on his Tottenham debut against Wolverhampton and will be expected to lead the line again this week.

Scott Parker also started following his move from West Ham.

Experienced defender Ledley King, the club captain, made his first start of the league season against Wolverhampton after recovering from his latest injury, but it remains to be seen if he is capable of playing 2 matches in succession.

Tottenham do have several absentees to contend with.

Regular centre-backs Michael Dawson and William Gallas are out with an Achilles and calf problem respectively.

Midfielders Sandro and Steven Pienaar are sidelined with knee and groin issues, while Aaron Lennon and Rafael van der Vaart are both in doubt.

Liverpool have fewer injuries to contend with.

Glenn Johnson is out, while fellow fullback Martin Kelly is also in doubt, both due to hamstring problems.

Midfielder and club captain Steven Gerrard continues to near a return from a groin injury, but is unlikely to be risked against Spurs.

Fulham vs Manchester City preview

Fulham are the next team charged with halting Manchester City's perfect start to the season on Sunday.

After steady improvement under the stewardship of the Abu Dhabi United Group, who purchased the club in 2008, City announced their arrival as a genuine force last season with an FA Cup triumph and qualification for the Champions League.

And following the inclusion of Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri in what was already a star-studded line-up, they have proved largely unstoppable so far this season.

Victories over Swansea City, Bolton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wigan Athletic see Roberto Mancini's side hold an enviable perfect start to the season, matched only by cross-city rivals and reigning champions Manchester United.

Just like United, who were held 1-1 at Estadio da Luz, City finally hit an obstacle on Wednesday, as they drew 1-1 at home with Napoli in their first ever Champions League outing.

Nerves appeared to affect the City players and they needed Aleksandar Kolarov's free-kick to claim a point after Edinson Cavani had given the Serie A visitors the lead.

Fulham also played out a 1-1 draw at home in Europa League against FC Twente.

But unlike City, they have failed to set to the Premier League alight - quite the opposite in fact.

Under new manager Martin Jol, the west London club are without a win from their 4 matches played.

Home draws with Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers and defeats at Newcastle and Wolverhampton have left the club third from bottom.

Ever-present Fulham defender Aaron Hughes was forced off in the last match, the 1-1 against Blackburn, and is in doubt for this week's fixture, as is centre-back Philippe Senderos.

Simon Davies is sidelined with a knee injury, while a thigh problem could keep out his midfield colleague Dickson Etuhu.

City have close to a full compliment to choose from, with only midfielders James Milner (concussion) and Nigel de Jong (foot injury) in doubt.

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Chelsea prepare for Anelka exit

Andre Villas-Boas has admitted Nicolas Anelka looks certain to leave Chelsea at the end of the season.

Anelka is in the final year of his contract and Villas-Boas has revealed the striker has indicated he is prepared to run down his current deal.

The former France international turns 33 in March and his future at Chelsea looked under threat when Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as manager during the summer.

But Anelka has impressed under new boss Villas-Boas, being selected ahead of Fernando Torres for last weekend's Premier League win at Sunderland and shining as a substitute in Tuesday night's Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

It would be no surprise to see him recalled for Sunday's crunch Premier League clash at Manchester United, but when asked if Anelka's performances might see him offered a new contract, Villas-Boas said: "It might not be the player's expectancy to renew".

"Nico as a person is very, very happy, he belongs to Chelsea in the last year of his contract, performing. We will make our efforts for him to renew but Nico has his own decision to make and I am not sure he will be willing."

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Knee injury blow for Rodallega

Hugo Rodallega could be out for 3 months after damaging the medial ligament in his right knee on Saturday.

The Colombian, 26-year-old, was stretchered off late in Wigan's 3-1 loss to Everton in English Premier League.

Roberto Martinez said he was awaiting scans during the week, but admitted Rodallega could be out until Christmas.

"Hugo has damaged the medial ligament in his right knee and it doesn't look good", the manager told the club's website.

"He's been looking sharp and enjoying his football and it's the biggest negative to come out of the game."

"The scans will give us a final verdict in the week but, if it's a rupture of the ligament, we're looking at him being out for around 9 to 12 weeks."

"So we'll keep our fingers crossed and see if Hugo's body has reacted well to the injury or not."

Rodallega's injury will put the responsibility of scoring goals on the shoulders of Franco di Santo, who netted in the loss to Everton, and Victor Moses.

Wigan have lost 2 consecutive matches in Premier League and meet Tottenham on Saturday.

De Gea earns Fergie's support

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the media have an "agenda" against goalkeeper David de Gea.

Doubts have surfaced about De Gea as first-choice shot-stopper after Anders Lindegaard's assured display in United's 1-1 draw with Benfica in Champions League on Wednesday.

But Ferguson defended the Spaniard and hit out at the media's treatment of the 20-year-old.

"There's obviously an agenda on De Gea. We've experienced that in the press for some reason. They seem desperate for the boy to fail", he told reporters.

"That's the impression I get and I don't understand it. It's nothing to do with his age. They never did that with Petr Cech."

"I think they will all want interviews with him when he's doing well. He doesn't speak English, was looking for a house but has got one now and is learning to drive in England."

"He's 20 years of age and doesn't know the culture of the country. I think that's a lot to deal with but he's shown great composure about the whole thing. He's not got himself flapping about the goalmouth."

"I think he's absolutely outstanding - the boy is tremendous."

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Premier League - Team of the Week 5


Michel Vorm (Swansea City)



Walker (Tottenham) - Jagielka (Everton) - Bramble (Sunderland) - Baines (Everton)



Nani (Man United) - Cabaye (Newcastle) - Modric (Tottenham) - Silva (Man City)



Adebayor (Tottenham) - Yakubu (Blackburn)

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Rib fracture sidelines Agger

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger could be out for up to 4 weeks after fracturing a rib in Sunday's 4-0 Premier League defeat at Tottenham.

The Denmark international sustained the injury when he fell heavily in the first half and he had to be substituted before half-time.

However, there are contrasting reports on the extent of the injury.

"Daniel has got a fractured rib, so he's struggling a bit", Reds manager Kenny Dalglish told Liverpool's website.

Agger's agent Per Steffensen told Sporten's website: "It's the worst possible news. He has broken 2 ribs and he must keep still for 4 weeks".

Steffensen added on Tipsbladet: "Daniel is way down now and I certainly sympathise with him".

"He will miss the 2 international matches against Cyprus and Portugal and there is a match against Manchester United he also misses."

Hernandez injury not serious



Javier Hernandez will be back in training on Wednesday, according to the striker's agent.

The Mexican was injured following a late challenge by Ashley Cole in Sunday's 3-1 win against Chelsea.

Sir Alex Ferguson's immediate reaction was to rule Hernandez out for 2 weeks but there were fears the striker could be sidelined for much longer.

However, after sending the £7 million buy for scans on Monday, his agent said Hernandez has suffered nothing worse than a "bump" and the player will be back in training after the Carling Cup trip to Leeds.

"Nothing, it's just a bump, nothing more", said Eduardo Hernandez.

"It looked like his absence was longer, they were looking for a fracture, that's why they ran those tests on him."

"I expect him to be training without incident on Wednesday."

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Manchester City vs Everton preview

Manchester City will look to continue their strong start to the Premier League season when they welcome Everton to Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Roberto Mancini's side began the new campaign in devastating fashion, scoring wins over Swansea City and Bolton before an emphatic 5-1 triumph at Spurs last month.

They followed up with a 3-0 defeat of Wigan Athletic before dropping their first points of the campaign at Fulham last weekend.

The Sky Blues also enjoyed a 2-0 win over Birmingham City in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, with injury-plagued midfielder Owen Hargreaves scoring a sensational long-range goal on debut.

The match was also notable for the return of defender Kolo Toure, who returned from a 6-month suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.

David Moyes' Everton side are also in good form heading into the encounter, and after a surprise defeat to Queens Park Rangers in their first game of the season, they have since claimed 7 points out of 9, most recently with a 3-1 win at home against Wigan Athletic.

Moyes may have some concern over the freshness of his players, with Everton forced into extra time before finally overcoming West Bromwich 2-1 in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

Both managers have few concerns on the injury front.

Everton forward Victor Anichebe's injured groin will likely keep him out, while strike partner Louis Saha is out of favour with Moyes after reacting poorly to being dropped after his own comeback from injury.

James Milner's return from concussion as a substitute in the Birmingham City match eases Mancini's concerns in midfield, but Nigel de Jong is still battling a foot injury.

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Hernandez fit for Stoke clash

Javier Hernandez escaped serious injury against Chelsea last weekend and could even feature for United against Stoke City on Saturday.

There were grave fears for the Mexican striker's health after an Ashley Cole challenge left Hernandez writhing in agony on the Old Trafford turf.

"At the time it happened, he had no feeling in the leg. There was numbness and and we thought there might have been some nerve damage", Sir Alex told media at his pre-match press conference.

But Hernandez resumed training on Thursday and Sir Alex confirmed: "He's available for tomorrow".

The boss also hopes to be able to call on Rio Ferdinand to bolster United's defence against a Stoke side he says has "made phenomenal progress" over the last few years. The England international missed last Sunday's clash with Chelsea with a calf injury but has trained this week and is ready to return.

"Hopefully I'll have Rio tomorrow", Sir Alex said.

"His experience away from home in a game like this is always important. We've got a slight doubt about Chris Smalling - we'll see what he's like this morning. If he's back we're covered well for it."

It's not all good news, though. Nemanja Vidic, who suffered a calf injury in United's opening win at West Bromwich, still hasn't resumed training.

"He's making slow progress. He's still having treatment."

Spurs line up talks with Modric

Tottenham will open talks next week over a new contract worth £80.000 per week for Luka Modric.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will sit down with the Croatian playmaker's representatives to discuss a pay rise that would nearly double his current £45.000 weekly salary and make him the club's top earner.

Chelsea made repeated attempts to sign the wantaway midfielder over the summer but Levy stuck to his claim that Modric would not be sold "at any price" despite a £40 million bid in the final days of the transfer window.

Modric, 26-year-old, angered people within the club by trying to engineer a move to Chelsea by giving interviews in which he described his "dream" of moving to Stamford Bridge and questioned Tottenham's ambition.

He further upset supporters by refusing to play against Manchester United in August as he tried to force a move to Chelsea, who were believed to be ready to offer him a £130.000 weekly salary.

Tottenham are wary of appearing to reward Modric for his actions over the summer but understand the Croatian deserves to be paid a salary that reflects his ability and importance to the team.

The club's top earners are William Gallas and Rafael van der Vaart on around £75.000 per week and Modric can expect to be offered a deal that makes him the highest paid player at White Hart Lane.

His current contract runs until 2016 and Modric has claimed a "gentleman's agreement" was reached when he signed the deal last summer to allow him to move to a bigger club.

Spurs are adamant that no such agreement was struck and Levy is keen to build bridges with the star.

The Spurs chief personally spoke to Modric 3 times in the summer to spell out that the midfielder would not be granted his wish of a switch to Stamford Bridge.

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Liverpool vs Wolverhampton preview

The hosts were impressive in their Carling Cup tie against Brighton and will hope to continue the fluidity shown in their attacking play by recalling Dirk Kuyt after Jordan Henderson's stuttering start to his Anfield career.

Martin Kelly may well go straight into the first XI if he's fit enough given Martin Skrtel's nightmare turn at right-back against Tottenham Hotspur.

It is not expected that Steven Gerrard will be worth more than a place on the bench after Kenny Dalglish's comments over the need to be careful in managing his captain's return from 6 months on the sidelines with a groin problem.

Reina - Kelly, Carragher (C), Coates, Enrique - Kuyt, Adam, Lucas, Downing - Suarez, Carroll

Wolves have favoured a 4-5-1 formation since the loss of Steven Fletcher through injury and are likely to task Irishman Kevin Doyle with leading the line.

Midfielder Matt Jarvis is likely to take his place in the Wolves line-up after missing the Carling Cup victory over Millwall.

Stephen Hunt's pressing skills could earn him a midfield berth as Mick McCarthy looks to suppress Liverpool's attacking threat.

Hennessey - Stearman, Johnson (C), Berra, Ward - Hunt, O'Hara, Edwards, Henry, Jarvis - Doyle

Arsenal vs Bolton preview

After resting key players for the midweek Carling Cup fixture with Shrewbury Town, Arsene Wenger will undoubtedly return to full strength for the visit of Bolton. Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere remain long-term absentees, while Yossi Benayoun has picked up a strain that will leave him on the sidelines for a couple of weeks.

Bacary Sanga and Andre Santos will come in at full-back, with Alex Song and Mikel Arteta sitting deep in midfield, while Aaron Ramsey, Gervinho and Theo Walcott deployed behind Robin van Persie.

Szczesny - Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos - Song, Arteta - Walcott, Ramsey, Gervinho - Van Persie (C)

Much is the same for Bolton, who will restore their starting line-up to its maximum strength. Chris Eagles and Martin Petrov should play on either wing as Bolton look to exploit Arsenal's defensive vulnerabilities, with Tuncay Sanli possibly filling in for the suspended Ivan Klasnic. Fabrice Muamba and Nigel Reo-Coker will also start again together in central midfield.

Jaaskelainen - Robinson, Knight, Cahill, Boyata - Eagles, Muamba, Reo-Coker, Petrov - Tuncay, Davies (C)

Chelsea vs Swansea City preview

Daniel Sturridge is a doubt for the game against Swansea City after picking up a knee injury during the midweek Carling Cup clash against Fulham, meaning Nicolas Anelka could be given the nod considering that Didier Drogba returned to the bench only in the previous game after recovering from a concussion.

Alex is suspended for this clash, while David Luiz and Florent Malouda may not feature due to having played 120 minutes in midweek.

Cech - Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry (C), Cole - Ramires, Meireles, Lampard - Mata, Anelka, Torres

Brendan Rodgers is without Kemy Agustien (hamstring), Craig Beattie (ankle), Ferrie Bodde (knee) and Alan Tate (broken leg) for the clash at Stamford Bridge.

Danny Graham is believed to have failed a fitness test for the previous game against West Bromwich and remains a doubt for this game. Neil Taylor was stretchered off during that match and may not be involved.

Vorm - Rangel, Monk (C), Williams, Taylor - Britton - Dyer, Gower, Allen, Sinclair - Lita

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Carling Cup 4th Round



Wolverhampton vs Man City

Cardiff City vs Burnley

Blackburn Rovers vs Newcastle

Arsenal vs Bolton

Stoke City vs Liverpool

Aldershot vs Man United

Crystal Palace vs Southampton

Everton vs Chelsea

All 4th round ties will be held in the week commencing 24th October.

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Premier League - Team of the Week 6


Jaaskelainen (Bolton)



Jones (Man United) - Collins (Aston Villa) - Distin (Everton) - Enrique (Liverpool)



Downing (Liverpool) - Ramires (Chelsea) - Tiote (Newcastle) - Bale (Tottenham)



Van Persie (Arsenal) - Crouch (Stoke City)

[FanStiintza]

jones

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Tottenham lose Huddlestone

Tom Huddlestone is set to undergo an ankle operation, according to Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

The 24-year-old has only played once for the north London club this season and has struggled to shake off the injury.

Redknapp confirmed that the former Derby County man will be out for the long term.

"Tom's going back to have another operation on his ankle, going back to the specialist", Redknapp told the club's official website.

"It looks long-term and that's a blow for him."

The central midfielder, who was signed for £2.5 million from the Rams in 2005, will be hoping to return from action quickly to help the club qualify for Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur missed out on qualification last season having a memorable debut year in the prestigious European competition, beating Inter Milano and AC Milan before going out at the hands of Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

Huddlestone was selected in England preliminary squad for last year's World Cup in South Africa but did not make it into the final 23-man team.

Redknapp also revealed former Arsenal defender William Gallas is struggling to shake off an injury and is unlikely to feature in the side's Europa League match against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday.

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Everton vs Liverpool preview

Everton will be hoping to continue to their recent good form against neighbours Liverpool when the arch-rivals meet at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The blue half of the city claimed the bragging rights in last season's Merseyside derbies, winning at home and drawing away at Anfield as Liverpool suffered one of their worst campaigns in recent memory.

This season under new manager Kenny Dalglish, the Reds have jumped out of the blocks quickly as they look to regain their place among the English Premier League's top clubs.

Everton have started slowly, taking 7 points from their opening 5 games after losing a number of players during the transfer window.

Mikel Arteta, Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford all left Goodison Park in the final days of the transfer window, leaving a big hole in Everton's attack.

The Toffees have coped well, however, and were unbeaten in 5 matches in all competitions until last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City.

The atmosphere of a Merseyside derby is like few other rivalries in world football, and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes that may work in his side's favour against Liverpool's new-look line-up.

"If you play passionately for a long period of time you start to become part of the fabric of the club just like the fans are and the way the homegrown players are", Howard told Everton's official website.

"Everyone wants to know when the Liverpool game is, how quickly it comes in the season and whether it is at Anfield or at home."

"We're up for it and it'll be a good one."

Australian Tim Cahill is expected to take his place in the Everton XI after an ankle injury he picked up against City was not as serious as first thought.

Cahill and his team-mates will no doubt be looking to expose Liverpool's defensive frailty, with the Reds keeping just one clean sheet so far this season.

Defenders Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson are both still out with injury, but Martin Skrtel will be available after serving his suspension while Martin Kelly has made a successful return from injury.

The derby could also see Reds captain Steven Gerrard make his return to the starting line-up after making brief substitute appearances in Liverpool's last 2 matches.

The form of striker Andy Carroll will be a key concern for Kenny Dalglish, with the former Newcastle man yet to find the back of the net this season.

Tottenham vs Arsenal preview

Tottenham will take an unusual feeling into their north London derby on Sunday, entering the clash with Arsenal as warm favourites.

Spurs will fancy their chances at White Hart Lane against a weakened and inconsistent Arsenal side still reeling from the loss of players such as Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy.

Both sides were victorious in midweek European fixtures, yet failed to put on convincing displays.

Arsenal beat Olympiacos 2-1 in Champions League, while Spurs fought back from a goal down to beat Shamrock Rovers 3-1 in Europa League.

The most recent clashes between the fierce rivals have produced plenty of goals, with 11 scored in last season's two meetings.

Spurs produced a memorable fightback to beat Arsenal 3-2 at Emirates, before they again came from 2 goals down to earn a 3-3 draw at White Hart Lane.

Arsenal's last league victory over their local rivals was a 3-0 triumph in October 2009 - Spurs' only loss in their past 6 league derbies with the Gunners.

Injuries have rocked the Arsenal squad, with Gervinho, Johan Djourou, Theo Walcott, Yossi Benayoun, Thomas Vermaelen, Sebastien Squillaci and Jack Wilshere all sidelined.

Spurs also have concerns, with injuries to William Gallas, Niko Kranjcar, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson.

Aaron Lennon returned from a groin injury in their win over Shamrock in midweek and is likely to be in the squad.

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Premier League - Team of the Week 7


Tim Krul (Newcastle)



Walker (Tottenham) - Taylor (Newcastle) - Monk (Swansea) - Enrique (Liverpool)



Bannan (Aston Villa) - Parker (Tottenham) - Lampard (Chelsea) - Silva (Man City)



Johnson (Fulham) - Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)

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Chelsea expect Drogba deal

Andre Villas-Boas is confident Chelsea can convince Didier Drogba to pen a contract extension when the time is right.

The Ivorian's current deal is set to expire next summer and he is yet to commit his future to the club past that point.

The Blues insist there is no rush to tie the powerful striker down, with discussions regarding fresh terms ongoing.

Villas-Boas believes Drogba will sign when he is ready, with it difficult to imagine him breaking his emotional ties with the club after 7 years at Stamford Bridge.

"I don't see it as a big issue", said the Blues boss.

"Players who are attached emotionally to this club - and Didier is attached emotionally to this club - will eventually renew their contract."

"So I go into no panic on that situation."

Sagna suffers broken leg

Bacary Sagna is likely to be out for 3 months after breaking his leg in the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Sagna was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after falling badly in the 68th minute and news of the break was later confirmed on the club's official website.

Sagna joins an injury list at Emirates that already includes Jack Wilshere, Thomas Vermaelen, Abou Diaby and Johan Djourou. Carl Jenkinson, a summer signing from Charlton Athletic, came on for Sagna against Spurs and could now be set for an extended run in the first team.

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Van Persie unsure of Arsenal future

Robin van Persie has cast further doubt on his Arsenal future by admitting he does "not know" if he will sign a new contract at the club.

Van Persie - whose current deal expires at the end of the 2012/2013 season - fielded questions ahead of the Holland's EURO 2012 qualifying match against Moldova.

"I do not know. I cannot predict the future", said Van Persie.

"Everybody makes his own history and only afterwards can you see how that went."

Van Persie has not ruled out joining former Arsenal team-mates Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure at Manchester City in future times.

"I do not know about joining City", said Van Persie.

"For one thing, as an indication, when I came to Arsenal we immediately beat City. But in recent years much has happened in England."

"Nevertheless, I think Premier League is still the best league in the world, it gives me everything I want."

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Liverpool vs Manchester United preview

Liverpool could welcome back captain Steven Gerrard to the starting line-up for Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United.

The Reds skipper has spent the past 7 months in rehabilitation after aggravating a groin injury in Liverpool's 3-1 win over United in March.

Gerrard has made just 3 substitute appearances for Kenny Dalglish's men this season.

The 31-year-old's inclusion could come at the expense of England U21 captain Jordan Henderson.

The Anfield favourite's possible return to the starting XI on Saturday would be another boost to a rejuvenated Merseysiders side aiming to reinstate their spot in the Premier League's "Big 4" this season.

Currently fifth on the league table, Dalglish's side have their biggest test this season in the form of a United side that is relentless on results.

Recent history falls in favour of Liverpool, as they have won their past 4 home clashes against United - a stat that would no doubt irk Sir Alex Ferguson as they strive to defend their Premiership.

United have a number of injury concerns - Darren Gibson, Tom Cleverley and Rafael - but influential centre-back Nemanja Vidic could return after nearly 2 months out, as he represented his native Serbia for 90 minutes in their EURO 2012 qualifier in midweek on his return from a calf injury.

Liverpool have just one concern from the medical room, with Daniel Agger the only unavailable player, as Glen Johnson has recovered from a hamstring complaint.

Dirk Kuyt scored a hat-trick the last time the two sides met in their 3-1 triumph at Anfield.

Manchester United won their 3 previous battles, but their last triumph in Liverpool came in December 2007, when Carlos Tevez - now with bitter rivals Manchester City - scored the game's only goal.

Manchester City vs Aston Villa preview

Manchester City will host Aston Villa on Saturday in a battle of two unbeaten teams in Premier League this season.

Roberto Mancini has got the Eastlands club off to an electric start, as they sit level on points with league leaders Manchester United after 7 matches.

The addition of Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri this season is proving its worth as City continue to impress.

However, Aguero will be unavailable on Saturday as he battles an adductor strain, while fellow striker Mario Balotelli was deemed unfit to represent Italy in midweek due to a back injury.

The timing could not be worse for Mancini, as he publicly berated unwanted striker Carlos Tevez last month after the Argentine allegedly refused to come on as a substitute in City's 2-0 Champions League loss to Bayern Munchen.

Tevez's unavailability - Mancini said he would never play for City again after the Bayern incident - leaves Edin Dzeko as the only strike option in the talent-laden squad.

Villa have been a dark horse so far this campaign, with new manager Alex McLeish guiding them to 2 wins and 5 draws in the league.

In selection news, defenders Carlos Cuellar and Ciaran Clark, and winger Marc Albrighton, were all in action for the reserve side in their 2-1 win over Wolverhampton on Tuesday and they could return to the senior squad for Saturday's big clash.

Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor should be fit for the trip to Etihad Stadium after picking up a back problem in their 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic last time out.

But young striker Nathan Delfouneso is set to miss after injuring a hamstring on duty for the England U21 side against Iceland last week.

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Gerrard content with point

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says his team was content to come away with a 1-1 draw from their home clash with Manchester United.

The hosts took the lead when Gerrard struck his free-kick through the wall on 68 minutes, but were pegged back after 81 minutes as substitute Javier Hernandez headed home the equaliser.

"Our fans will feel hard done by with the chances at the end", Gerrard told Sky Sports.

"We could have maybe nicked it but we are playing the best side in the league so I suppose a draw is not the end of the world."

"The first half was flat, there wasn't much in it, but towards the end we could have nicked it."

It was Gerrard's first Premier League start of the season following a raft of injuries and while he was glad to feature in such an intense fixture, he admitted his goal was aided by a poor defensive wall.

"I don't think the free-kick was the best", Gerrard said.

"The idea was to get it over the wall but a couple of years ago at Old Trafford the same thing happened and the wall split."

"Maybe that's the little bit of luck I've been looking for so to come back for my first 90 minutes and get a bit of luck, I'm really happy with that."

"Before the game our plan was to close the gap back to 3 points but unfortunately we never got there."

"These games are the games you dream of playing in when you're growing up, so to experience the emotions again was fantastic and hopefully I can stay fit now for the rest of the season."

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Premier League - Team of the Week 8


Szczesny (Arsenal)



Luke Young (QPR) - Kompany (Man City) - Samba (Blackburn) - Jones (West Bromwich)



Johnson (Man City) - Tiote (Newcastle) - Gerrard (Liverpool) - Juan Mata (Chelsea)



Long (West Bromwich) - Van Persie (Arsenal)

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New deal for Vermaelen



Thomas Vermaelen has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The Belgium international, who has endured an injury-ravaged 2 and a half years with the club since joining from Ajax in the summer of 2009, is understood to have agreed to stay at Emirates Stadium until 2015.

The captain of his national side, Vermaelen enjoyed a memorable first season with Arsenal, weighing in with 8 goals on his way to earning a place in the Professional Footballers Association Team of the Season.

However, an Achilles injury suffered while away with Belgium would eventually sideline him for the majority of last season, with futher treatment meaning he has yet to figure during this campaign.

But, now close to full fitness, the 25-year-old is delighted to have secured his future.