You'll Never Walk Alone (FM2010)

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 52
Date: 26 / 12 / 2009
Headline: Birmingham wins!!
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It took Birmingham 19 games but now they are finally there. As the last team in the premier league the got a W. James McFadden scored the lonely goal in the teams 1-0 over West Ham at Upton park in London.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 52
Date: 27 / 12 / 2009
Headline: Pre-game report
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Underachieving Portsmouth are going to have to set up the barricades if they want to come away with a result from this very tough home game against Liverpool, according to Sky Bet (Portsmouth: 13-2 Draw: 11-4 Liverpool: 2-5).
Liverpool have notched up three straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the English Premier Division. Portsmouth currently occupy 18th place in the Premier Division, although only one point separates them from Wolves who lie just outside the drop zone.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 01
Date: Mon 28 / 12 / 2009
Headline: Portsmouth hold out for draw
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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Portsmouth 1 - 1 Liverpool (Premier Division)
Liverpool fans came away from Fratton Park largely in good spirits after their match against Portsmouth. Liverpool finally took the lead when striker David N'Gog scored a placed shot from close range on 62 minutes. Unluckily they didn’t manage to stay focused for the entire 90 minutes and centre-back Marc Wilson equalised for Portsmouth after 85 minutes with a powerful header.
Better late than never for Portsmouth and the fans were clearly delighted with Wilson's impact. Manager Tom Northwood was not satisfied with the result in a game where his team started what is suppose to be the strongest first-11.
Attendance: 20476
Liverpool Man of the Match: Daniel Agger (7.5)

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 01
Date: Tue 29 / 12 / 2009
Headline: The rich gets richer
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Man United today accepted a £10.2M offer from Girondins Bordeaux for John O'Shea. Despite having started 13 games for the red Devils this season he is mostly considered a backup and will likely be back on the bench when Wes Brown gets back from injury. John O'Shea has still not agreed on the personal contract and that might put a stop to the deal.
Other transfer speculations from Old Trafford are a story about Nani who looks to be on the way out. He has struggled to make it as a regular on the first team in Manchester and now he might be talking to Inter.


In-form Liverpool are sure-fire favourites (Liverpool: 1-6 Draw: 5-1 West Ham: 10-1) to overwhelm West Ham in what should be a comfortable home encounter for the Reds, according to Sky Bet. Liverpool are currently on a five match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the English Premier Division. West Ham are currently lying in 14th place in the English Premier Division.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 01
Date: Wed 30 / 12 / 2009
Headline: Confident performance from The Reds

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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Liverpool 2 - 0 West Ham United (Premier Division)
An efficient performance by Liverpool's players saw them confidently overcome a lacklustre West Ham United 2 - 0 at Anfield.
Things did not get off to a good start for West Ham as striker David N'Gog seized on an error by Valon Behrami to score a well timed close range finish. It was over quickly as Midfielder Lucas rounded off their victory on 18 minutes with an effort from the edge of the area. Lucas put in an impressive performance for Liverpool and his goal will have been the icing on the cake for the central midfielder. Lucas has been in superb form for Liverpool so far this season, contributing five goals and four assists in twenty-four appearances. Dirk Kuyt and David N'Gog also impressed the fans and Liverpool are now on a six match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the English Premier Division.
Attendance: 45362
Liverpool Man of the Match: Lucas (8.0)

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 01
Date: Thu 31 / 12 / 2009
Headline: League roundup

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The most interesting game this week was found at Britannia Stadium where a crowd of 27379 witnessed a shock result during Stoke's convincing 3 - 0 victory over Everton. The highlight being a landmark goal for Stoke's Rory Delap. Elsewhere, a hat-trick from Robinho inspired a win for the home side during Man City's 3 - 2 victory over Arsenal and Owen Hargreaves scored the pick of the goals in Tottenham's 2 - 2 draw with Man Utd with a freekick.

After most of the teams have played 20 games and clearer picture is now starting to form. Chelsea is out in front alone with Liverpool close behind them. Then there is a big gap down to a group of 7 teams currently lead by Aston Villa still in the pursue.
In the bottom of the league Birmingham and Burnley looks lost already while the 3rd and final relegation spot is still very open with at least 5 teams feeling the pressure.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 01
Date: Fri 01 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Monthly roundup
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Important dates in January for Liverpool FC
1.1.2010 - Start of transfer window (Formica and Yttergård set to join Liverpool)
2.1.2010 - Liverpool v Nottm Forest (FA Cup)
9.1.2010 - Blackburn v Liverpool (Premier Division)
13.1.2010 - Arsenal v Liverpool (Premier Division)
16.1.2010 - Liverpool v Birmingham (Premier Division)
23.1.2010 - English FA Cup Fourth Round
26.1.2010 - Chelsea v Liverpool (Premier Division)
31.1.2010 - Liverpool v Sunderland (Premier Division)


Sammy Lee has decided to give some feedback on how training has been going over the past month.
The following players have trained well over the past month:
Lauri Dalla Valle (Aerobic)
Dean Bouzanis (Aerobic)
Martin Hansen (Goalkeeping)


A Liverpool player named in World Team of the Year. Fernando Torres didn’t make the first-11 but was selected among the World Team of the Year substitutes




The goal Lucas scored in yesterdays win was today named “Goal of the Month”


New Liverpool youngster Ruben Yttergård Jenssen has described his £1,500,000 move from Tromsø as the 'best moment of his life'. The twenty-one year-old central midfielder told journalists that he hoped to get his chance at Anfield as soon as possible and make himself a firm favourite with the club's fans.
Liverpool’s other new signing Mauro Formica was not so upbeat when he joined his new team today. He spoke of his sadness at leaving El Coloso del Parque. The former Los Leprosos attacking midfielder revealed to journalists that although he was looking forward to establishing himself at Liverpool, he hoped it would not be the last time he was seen in a Newell's shirt. He is the 3rd Argentinean on the Liverpool team and hopefully Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insùa can help him feel at home.


In-form Liverpool are sure-fire favourites (Liverpool: 1-6 Draw: 5-1 Nottm Forest: 10-1) to overwhelm Coca-Cola Championship team Nottm Forest in what should be a comfortable home encounter for the Reds, according to Sky Bet. Liverpool fans are all set to welcome Nottm Forest fans to Liverpool for their English FA Cup Third Round match, one which the hosts are expecting to take a comfortable win from. Both clubs will be doing everything they can to ensure victory.


Board Confidence Update
To summarise, the board are satisfied with Tom Northwood’s management of the team. This has been underlined by the fans' delight at Liverpool's convincing 4 - 1 English Premier Division victory over Everton.
Despite the positives, Liverpool's 0 - 2 English Premier Division defeat against Aston Villa cannot be ignored and the fans have voiced their discontent at the result.

The club recorded a loss of £7.28M last month.
Monthly Turnover: £7.5M
Previous Month: £11.22M
Main Income: TV Revenue £2.38M
Monthly Expenditure: £14.78M
Previous Month: £17.18M
Main Expenditure: Player Wages £3.99M


Notts Co are interested in buying Liverpool's Stephen Darby. They would like to know how much Liverpool want for the player. Tom Northwood said that Darby was one of the few home grown players on the roster and that Liverpool was not interested in a sale of this player.


A press conference was scheduled at Anfield today after Liverpool captured the signatures of Mauro Formica and Ruben Yttergård Jenssen. Among the media likely to be interested are The Liverpool Echo, BBC Merseyside, skysports.com, KiCK! Magazine and The Observer.
Thomas Northwood appeared in an equivocal mood as he met journalists to announce the signings of Mauro Formica and Ruben Yttergård Jenssen. The entire press conference Tom Northwood was hammered with questions about the signing of Mauro Formica who doesn’t speak any English and who didn’t want to leave his home club.
A journalist from World Soccer Magazine chose the main focus point for the conference, asking, "There was a lot of excitement among the club's fans following the signing of Mauro Formica, with many tipping him to be a star of the future. Do you agree with this?"
Northwood's response was, "I wouldn't have signed him if I wasn't confident in his ability to play from the off."
There is speculation that Mauro Formica will be buoyed by Northwood's positive words. It is thought that the Liverpool squad are unlikely to share Formica's reaction however.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 01
Date: Sat 02 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Best start imaginable for Mauro Formica
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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Liverpool 1 - 0 Nottingham Forest (FA Cup 3rd Rnd)
Liverpool were almost embarrassed by Nottingham Forest in the English FA Cup Third Round match at Anfield. Things turned sour for Nottm Forest when journeyman striker Dele Adebola earned himself an early bath for a vicious foul on 28 minutes. Liverpool then finally took the lead when midfielder Mauro Formica scored a long range curling shot on 57 minutes.
Liverpool covered a lot of ground but also conceded far too many fouls, meaning their effort was often for nothing.
Manager Northwood was of cause delighted to see his latest investment have such a good start to his Liverpool career. Liverpool’s other newcomer Ruben Yttergård Jenssen also came on at halftime without showing much in his debut.
Attendance: 39096

Attendance: 39096
Liverpool Man of the Match: Mauro Formica (7.8)

[BYU 14]

Close call there, that would have brought you some heat, especially losing at Anfield.

[Northwood_DK]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Close call there, that would have brought you some heat, especially losing at Anfield.

We have been extremely fortunate this fare.

Not only have we managed to avoid any major upsets at home but we have been virtually injury free for the entire first half of the season.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 01
Date: Sun 03 / 01 / 2010
Headline: FA Cup Third Round Update
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Football enthusiasts looking to the English FA Cup Third Round for potential upsets were left empty-handed as there were none to be found on this particular day. Chelsea overcame Kidderminster in a result which reflected the general theme of the round. Stoke City are also in the hat for the next round as they beat struggling Reading at Britannia Stadium.
Elsewhere, there were wins for Burnley, Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur.


Mauro Formica was the best player on the park during Liverpool's 1 - 0 English FA Cup Third Round victory over Nottm Forest yesterday evening but the margin of victory should have been even greater.
The attacking midfielder netted the only goal of the game in his Liverpool debut. Formica, 21, looked in good form for Liverpool and the attacking midfielder will be delighted to have got on the scoresheet. The goal was a long range curling shot. The new Liverpool signing has already made it known in recent days that he is pleased to be part of the setup at Anfield.
The FA Cup game also gave debut to Ruben Yttergård Jenssen who also joined the club yesterday. Three backups Stephen Darby, Diego Cavalieri and Alberto Aquilani all got playing time in a game where Torres started on the bench and Steven Gerrard was rested and was not even in uniform.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 02
Date: Mon 04 / 01 / 2010
Headline: EPL Team of the Week
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Danish international Daniel Agger was selected in the English Premier League Team of the Week first eleven for his performance in week 1. He had solid performances both Monday (7.5) against Portsmouth and Wednesday (7.5) in the win over West Ham.


Speculation is mounting that Stockport are keeping tabs on Liverpool central midfielder Steve Irwin as manager Gary Ablett looks to expand the squad at Edgeley Park.
The Hatters are reported to have made the young midfielder one of their top transfer targets and will presumably be looking to follow up their interest in the near future.
Irwin, who is valued at £140K, currently has 6 months remaining on his £250 p/w deal at Anfield. The 19-year old has been with Liverpool for 4 years now but has still not been even remotely close to first team football.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 02
Date: Tue 05 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Cup 4th Rnd draw
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The FA Cup 4th Rnd draw was completed today and Liverpool had a reasonable draw as they will play either Leeds or Barnsley.


The home teams Bolton and Everton both won there games in the first leg of the English League Cup semi finial. Bolton still got a lot of work to do as the “only” managed a 1-0 win over Man City while Everton got a strong 3-0 win over Arsenal.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 02
Date: Wed 06 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Martin Skrtel out 5 to 6 weeks
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Dave Galley from the Liverpool medical department have reported that central defender Martin Skrtel has suffered strained knee ligaments after twisting sharply during a training session. Galley advises the Liverpool management that Skrtel will be treated by the club's physios. It is likely that Skrtel will be out for between 5 weeks and 6 weeks whilst he is treated. Martin Skrtel has told icLiverpool.co.uk of his disappointment that he will miss the European Champions Cup First Knockout Round against Real Madrid C.F. on February 17th through injury.
Instead of taking to the field against Los Merengues, Skrtel will be forced to watch his team-mates from the stands.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 2
Date: Thu 07 / 01 / 2010
Headline: GK Diego Cavalieri on the move?
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Speculation is mounting that former Chelsea manager now Inter manager José Mourinho is keeping tabs on Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri as he looks to expand the squad at Giuseppe Meazza.
Mourinho has made the goalkeeper one of his top transfer targets and will presumably be looking to follow up his interest in the near future. Diego Cavalieri, 27, arrived at Anfield from Palmeiras for a fee of £3M in 2008. If sold to Inter he will join Brazilian GK Jùlio Cèsar who has been the number one keeper at Giuseppe Meazza for the last 5 seasons.
Local media has it that Inter has already asked Liverpool for a price for Diego Cavalieri and that Liverpool have responded that they will be willing to sell him if £7mil is put on the table. New manager Tom Northwood would not comment on the possible trade when asked earlier today. Diego Cavalieri and José Manuel Reina has both been solid when getting the chance for Liverpool this season but at this point Reina looks to have secured the starting spot. The biggest question mark if this deal goes thru is if Liverpool has a backup keeper on the roster at this moment who is good enough to move inn to the empty slot behind José Manuel Reina.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 2
Date: 08 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Pre-game report
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Blackburn are going to have to set up the barricades if they want to come away with a result from this very tough home game against in-form Liverpool, according to Sky Bet (Blackburn: 13-2 Draw: 11-4 Liverpool: 2-5). Liverpool are currently on a six match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the English Premier Division. Blackburn have been performing above expectations in the English Premier Division so far this season and find themselves in 10th place.


The biggest transfer after the transfer window opened up again at New Year was announced today. It was no surprise that it was Real Madrid making the splash but it might have been a surprise to many that the player they added to an already stacked midfield was AMC Arda from Galatasaray.
Another team really on the offensive is Girondins de Bordeaux. Since the transfer window opened eight days ago they have bought a player from each of the 3 Moscow clubs (Spartak, Dinamo and CSAK) for just over £10mil each and have also added Demba Ba from Hoffenheim for another £9.5mil.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 2
Date: Sat 09 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Blackburn hold out for draw
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Just before game start today Liverpool received an official offer from Inter for GK Diego Cavalieri. As speculated about in the local media the offer is £7mil. Liverpool will likely wait until after the weekend to make a decision. Liverpool got a tough decision to make. They don’t have any backup even close to the class of Cavalieri but with 6 keepers currently on the reserves team they might be tempted to make some money.


vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Liverpool (Premier Division)
Liverpool fans came away from Ewood Park partly in good spirits after their match against Blackburn Rovers. Striker Fernando Torres gave Liverpool the lead with a placed shot in the 24th minute. Then experienced striker Benni McCarthy equalised for Blackburn 11 minutes later with a real poacher's effort.
Despite the somewhat poor result Liverpool extended their unbeaten record in the Premier Division to seven games.
Attendance: 29452
Liverpool Man of the Match: Fernando Torres (7.4)

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 2
Date: Sun 10 / 01 / 2010
Headline: More transfer speculations
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After Inter made the offer for Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri earlier this week several Liverpool players have been mentioned in transfer speculations.
Derby manager Nigel Clough has reportedly admitted to SundayMercury.co.uk that he is interested in signing Liverpool's winger Nabil El Zhar. Sources in the media are speculating however that Liverpool would demand in excess of £1,700,000 for the player, which could prove a stumbling block. The Moroccan international has been placed on the transfer-list at Liverpool but has made it clear that he would like to stay at Anfield if possible.
Liverpool's young full-back Christopher Buchtmann is being targeted by Fulham manager Roy Hodgson. Hodgson is said to be very keen to add to the squad at Craven Cottage and believes the left-back will fit the bill perfectly. Buchtmann has recently signed a new deal with Liverpool which will keep him at Anfield until June 2012.
Speculation goes that team owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks might tromp some of these transfers thru even if manager Tom Northwood wants to keep the players. The club is losing money at a record pace and will sooner or later have to find a way to stop the holes in the bucket.


Alexander Kacaniklic has completed his loan spell at Rochdale and returns to Liverpool. Kacaniklic made 23 appearances with an average rating of 6.22 during his spell at Rochdale, scoring 2 goals and making 3 assists. Alexander Kacaniklic has indicated that he found his loan to Rochdale a complete waste of time. He believes that playing with a team at that level taught him very little and believes he would have learnt much more during the time if he had remained at Liverpool during the period.


With six teams in action and 9 goals scored, the best viewing was to be found between two bitter rivals at Emirates Stadium where a crowd of 60361 witnessed Arsenal's 3 - 1 victory over Tottenham. The highlight of that match was Vedran Corluka scoring his first ever goal for Tottenham. Elsewhere, Wayne Rooney scored an audacious lob during Man Utd's 2 - 0 victory over Wolves and 37777 watched Everton's heavy 0 - 3 defeat against Hull where Jimmy Bullard scored the pick of the goals with a placed shot from close range.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 3
Date: Mon 11 / 01 / 2010
Headline: African Cup of Nations
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Juventus have paid Liverpool £1,500,000 as part of the Mohamed Sissoko transfer deal. The player has played in 50 league games for Juventus.


Nabil El Zhar has been called up by Morocco manager Hassan Moumen for his African Cup of Nations squad. The player who is currently rumoured to be on hot-list to Derby manager Nigel Clough will be away at least until 28/01/10 and perhaps even longer if Morocco moves past the group stage.
This years African Cup of Nations is played in Angola for the first time in the tournaments 53-year history.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 3
Date: Tue 12 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Young prospects
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The hottest young name on the transfer marked at this point looks to be just 19-year old Yacine Brahimi from France club Stade Rennais FC. Both Barcelona and Manchester Untied is interested in the young attacking midfielder and the latest news say that Man U have already put inn an offer worth £6mil.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 3
Date: Wed 13 / 01 / 2010
Headline: English FA Cup 4th round
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All the teams for the 4th round of the English FA Cup are now found. The lowest ranked team is Port Wale from the Coca Cola second division. Among the 32 remaining team are 18 Premier League teams. The best game in the 4th round will possible between Tottenham and Man City while Liverpool will play Barnsley from the Coca Cola Championship. Barnsley who is currently 18th in the second best English division beat Leeds 3-2 in a re-match to make it to the final 32.
This means that the Arsenal vs. Liverpool English Premier Division match has been re-arranged for Friday 12th February 2010 due to the clash with the Barnsley vs. Liverpool FA Cup match on Saturday 23rd January 2010. This is not good news for Liverpool who now has to play three games in 6 days the week before they will play Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions Leagues first knockout round.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 3
Date: Thu 14 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Robbie Threlfall return from loan
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Robbie Threlfall has completed his loan spell at Accrington and returns to Liverpool. Threlfall made 24 appearances with an average rating of 6.45 and made 5 assists during his spell at Accrington. Robbie Threlfall has indicated that he found his loan to Accrington a complete waste of time. He believes that playing with a team at that level taught him very little and believes he would have learnt much more during the time if he had remained at Liverpool during the period.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 3
Date: Fri 15 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Liverpool firm favourites for Premier Division clash
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In-form Liverpool are sure-fire favourites (Liverpool: 1-6 Draw: 5-1 Birmingham: 10-1 ) to overwhelm injury-ravaged Birmingham in what should be a comfortable home encounter for the Reds, according to Sky Bet.
Liverpool are currently on a seven match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the English Premier Division behind Chelsea. Birmingham still only got one win this season and has now suffered three straight defeats. The relegation candidates find themselves in 20th place in the English Premier Division with all hope of saving there place in the finest division quickly disappearing.
It’s suspected that Liverpool will play there 4-4-2 formation with two attackers in a game they must win convincingly if they wants to satisfy the fans.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 3
Date: Sat 16 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Liverpool hammer Birmingham
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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Liverpool 2 - 0 Birmingham City (Premier Division)
Liverpool enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Birmingham City side at Anfield this afternoon. Striker David N'Gog gave Liverpool the lead with a firm diving header from inside the six-yard box in the 15th minute. Striker Fernando Torres finally rounded off their victory on 78 minutes with a placed shot from close range. Torres' pace and skill on the ball was a constant threat to the Birmingham City defence and the striker thoroughly deserved his goal.
The Spanish international has been in lethal form for Liverpool this season, leading the club's scoring charts with eighteen goals in twenty-eight appearances. Normally you don’t want to change a winning formula but manager Tom Northwood said after the game that he will try to free up Fernando Torres more during the game. In today’s game he had the most tackles (9) of all Liverpool players and that’s not what you want from you key goal scorer. Northwood also noted his satisfaction with the total dominance by Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher in the air where they won 23 of 26 balls today.
Liverpool are currently on an eight match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the English Premier Division. The Reds look as if they are going to push the leaders Chelsea all the way to the wire at the moment. Chelsea lost this week to Sunderland and that puts Liverpool just 4 points behind with one game less played.
Attendance: 45362
Liverpool Man of the Match: Fernando Torres (7.5)




The African Nations Cup kicked off today in Angola. In the first game of the tournament Guinea recorded a 2-1 win over Kenya. The tournament will continue for the next 5 weeks until a winner is found 07Feb.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 3
Date: Sun 17 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Round-Up and transfer news
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Two bitter rivals meet at Britannia Stadium where a crowd of 27500 witnessed Stoke's 2 - 4 defeat against Man Utd. A possible talking point from the game being a red card for Man Utd's Nemanja Vidic. Elsewhere, a brace from Carlos Tevez did the damage during Man City's convincing 4 - 0 victory over West Ham and 41761 watched Chelsea's 0 - 1 defeat against Sunderland.


Liverpool manager Tom Northwood had to take a major decision today when Inter demanded an answer to the request to buy backup goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri. Inter had made an offer of £7,000,000 for Diego Cavalieri, an offer Liverpool finally decided to accept. Liverpool paid just £3mil when they purchased him before the start of last season. LFC will likely have to spend some of the money they will earn from this sale on a new backup keeper. Danish press says that Tom Northwood might look to bring inn Kasper Schmeichel as the backup. Notts Co are interested in buying Liverpool's Stephen Darby and they might be willing to make a trade.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 4
Date: Mon 18 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Alexander Kacaniklic back out
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The loan move of Liverpool's Alexander Kacaniklic to Bournemouth can now be completed. Liverpool have confirmed the deal. The 18-yar old Swedish player has just rejoined Liverpool after a loan period at Rochdale. Alexander Kacaniklic has declared himself delighted to be at Dean Court and is looking forward to getting some first-team experience. The 18-year-old Liverpool left winger said that he was looking to do well and was hoping Bournemouth would get a few wins during his time there.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 4
Date: Tue 19 / 01 / 2010
Headline: League Cup semi final
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It took 20 penalties to find a winner in the League Cup semi final between Everton and Arsenal. Abou Diaby had a chance to decide it but missed Arsenals 5th penalty. Lucas Neill then became the hero for Everton when he scored the winning goal on his teams 10th penalty after William Gallas missed the previous for Arsenal. In the other semi final Manchester City didn’t have any trouble making it to the final after beating Bolton 4-0 at home today.


Liverpool have today promoted 19-year old GK Martin Hansen to the first team. The young Dane will be the new backup for Josè Manuel Reina after Diego Cavalieri left for Inter just a few days ago. The young player who original came from Brøndby is in his 4th season for Liverpool. This season he has been the regular starter for the reserve team.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 4
Date: Wed 20 / 01 / 2010
Headline:
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Notts Co want wants an initial fee of £3,300,000 plus Stephen Darby for Kasper Schmeichel. Schmeichel is reportedly unsettled at Meadow Lane and there could be cause for speculation as to whether the player will remain at the club much longer. But with a total transfer cost way over £5mil it’s highly unlikely that Liverpool FC have a chance to continue the pursue of the young player. Scouts at Anfield Road doubt that Kasper Schmeichel will ever get even close to playing on the same level as his father did in his best days in Manchester Untied. At this point Liverpool cannot afford to use that kind of money on a backup player with a questionable upside.


Aston Villa keeps up the pressure on the two frontrunners in the Premier League. Today they got an impressive 4-1 win over Portsmouth and is now 3rd in the league just 6 points behind Liverpool. The big surprise have been 23-year old Gabby Agbonlahor who has scored 18 goal plus 8 assists in his 29 starts this season. It will be interesting to see if Villa can keep it up with Agbonlahor now out for two weeks with injury and the will have to relay on Emil Heskey.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 4
Date: Thu 21 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Guardiola could leave Barcelona
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The owners and front office in Barcelona are worried that they may lose Josep Guardiola when his contract is up at the end of the season. It is believed that they are preparing to open discussions with Guardiola as soon as the season finishes but are making contingency plans in case he decides to leave. Pundits in the media are already speculating that manager Luciano Spalletti could be tempted to take over the reins at Camp Nou if the offer is right. Other managers such as Víctor Fernández, Lorenzo Serra Ferrer and Karel Brückner are also being linked with the Barcelona hot seat.


Jay Spearing has completed his loan spell at Morecambe and returns to Liverpool. Spearing made 22 appearances with an average rating of 6.38 during his spell at Morecambe, scoring 2 goals. Jay Spearing has indicated that he found his loan to Morecambe a complete waste of time. He believes that playing with a team at that level taught him very little and believes he would have learnt much more during the time if he had remained at Liverpool during the period.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 4
Date: Fri 22 / 01 / 2010
Headline:
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Barnsley fans are all set to welcome Liverpool fans to Barnsley for their English FA Cup Fourth Round match. But Coca-Cola Championship team Barnsley are going to have to set up the barricades if they want to come away with a result from this very tough home game against in-form Liverpool, according to Sky Bet (Barnsley: 13-2 Draw: 11-4 Liverpool: 2-5). Barnsley beat Leeds United whilst Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest to get this far.


Swansea's under-fire boss Paulo Sousa is trying to sign Liverpool's midfielder Damien Plessis in an attempt to improve his side's on-pitch fortunes. It is believed Sousa will have to pay around £450,000 to prise him away from The Reds. They have sent a request to Liverpool asking how much they want for the young player.
Sheff Utd has made an offer worth £120,000 plus future incentives for Liverpool’s Steve Irwin. Interest in Irwin is thought to be high, with Chesterfield, Darlington, Stockport and Swansea among the clubs rumoured to be looking at the player. They have set a deadline of Friday 29th January 2010 for Liverpool's decision.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 4
Date: Sat 23 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Reds unimpressive in FA Cup win
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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Barnsley 1 - 2 Liverpool (FA Cup 4th Rnd)
Liverpool were almost embarrassed by Barnsley in the English FA Cup Fourth Round match at Oakwell. Liverpool finally took the lead when striker Dirk Kuyt scored a powerful close range effort on 51 minutes. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard doubled Liverpool's lead with a well timed close range finish on 65 minutes. Winger Adam Hammill's 82nd minute strike proved the only consolation for The Reds. Despite the somewhat poor result the fans were particularly impressed by the play from Emiliano Insúa, Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool were expected to qualify and now having sealed their place in the next round, fans can look forward to who they may be drawn against. Liverpool will have to face the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal if they are to go all the way and win the FA Cup.
Attendance: 23186
Liverpool Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard (7.5)

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 4
Date: Sun 24 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Galley physio report on Jamie Carragher
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The win over Barnsley in the FA Cup 4th round didn’t come without a price for Liverpool. Team doctor Dave Galley has reported that Jamie Carragher has sustained a twisted knee after turning awkwardly during the match.
Galley advice that Carragher will be treated by the club's physios. It is likely that Carragher will be out for between 12 days and 2 weeks whilst he is treated. Jamie Carragher will be missed in the upcoming game against Chelsea and will also have to sit out the game against Sunderland.
Despite being somewhat critical about new manager Tom Northwood’s handling of the team Carraghers performance on the pitch have been almost flawless.

Steven Gerrard was the best player on the park during Liverpool's 2 - 1 English FA Cup Fourth Round victory over Barnsley yesterday afternoon but the margin of victory should have been even greater.
The 29 year-old attacking midfielder took his goal well for Liverpool and generally looked lively.
Gerrard has been in superb form for Liverpool so far this season, contributing thirteen goals and seven assists in twenty-two appearances.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 5
Date: Mon 25 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Steele set for Liverpool
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Liverpool go into this away game with every chance (Chelsea: 5-4 Draw: 11-5 Liverpool: 7-4) of walking away with something against slight favourites Chelsea, according to Sky Bet. Liverpool are currently on an eight match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the English Premier Division. Premier Division title contenders Chelsea are currently lying in 1st place in the table but comes in to the game with some serious injury problems.


The £150,000 deal taking Middlesbrough's 19-year old keeper Jason Steele to Liverpool has now been completed with Liverpool confirming the deal today. Middlesbrough's Jason Steele is delighted to have successfully negotiated terms with Liverpool. Steele revealed that he was very keen to rise to the challenge of moving to such an illustrious club. Jason Steele has also told the media that the opportunity to play alongside great players such as José Manuel Reina was too good to turn down.
The 19-year-old signing from Middlesbrough told reporters that he had modelled his game on Reina and was keen to learn more from the gifted goalkeeper.
This is of cause an attempt from Liverpool to add some depth after Diego Cavalieri was sold to Inter last week.
Liverpool has also been in contact with Greek club AO Nea Kavala about getting France goalkeeper Charles Itandje back from loan early in case of emergency.
The deal was completed one week before the transfer deadline for English clubs.


Another player returns to Liverpool from a loan and declare it a waste of time. This time it was Gerardo Bruna who called his time with Walsall a complete waste of time.
He believes that playing with a team at that level taught him very little and believes he would have learnt much more during the time if he had remained at Liverpool during the period.


The 5th round of the FA Cup was drawn today. Liverpool will play the winner of the 4th round re-match between Charlton and Bristol City.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 5
Date: Tue 26 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Rearguard action provides memorable Reds victory
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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Chelsea 1 - 3 Liverpool (Premier Division)
A sturdy defence and a battling midfield display were the foundations upon which Liverpool built their 3 - 1 victory over Chelsea this evening. A brace from David N'Gog helped Liverpool to victory. Flamboyant forward Antonio Cassano gave Chelsea the lead with a long range freekick in the 13th minute. Midfielder Mauro Formica then equalised for Liverpool in the 28th minute with a well timed close range finish.
Striker David N'Gog then put the away side in front after 62 minutes with a placed shot. N'Gog completed the scoring for Liverpool with a well timed close range finish on 85 minutes.
Attendance: 41761
Liverpool Man of the Match: David N'Gog




David N'Gog impressed a lot of people during Liverpool's 3 - 1 English Premier Division victory over Chelsea this evening, according to BBC Radio 5 live. N'Gog had the quality to put the Chelsea defence to the sword and finished the match with two goals.
N'Gog has made twenty-five appearances for Liverpool so far this season, scoring thirteen goals.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti was one of the people heaping praise on Liverpool striker David N'Gog. Ancelotti stated that he was impressed with how well N'Gog had played against his side and thought he was one of the best players on the pitch.
During an interview with Football.fr, Olympique de Marseille boss Didier Deschamps indicated that Liverpool striker David N'Gog has shown he has a lot of potential. Deschamps stated that N'Gog has the potential to develop into a real quality player.
Interest in N'Gog is thought to be high, with AS Monaco FC, Girondins Bordeaux, OM, Paris Saint-Germain and CSKA Moscow among the clubs rumoured to be looking at the player.


Liverpool have extended their unbeaten record in the Premier Division to nine games following their 3 - 1 result against Chelsea. If The Reds are capable of maintaining their excellent current form, it will be difficult to see any of the chasing pack challenging them for the title, although there is still time for that to change.
Supporter spokesperson Richard Martin feels the fans are delighted with Liverpool's 3 - 1 English Premier Division victory over Chelsea. Richard believes the fans feel there is nothing more satisfying than getting one over your arch rivals. Dirk Kuyt and David N'Gog particularly impressed.


This was properly just the right time for Liverpool if they wanted to have a chance to beat Chelsea. Despite having one of the deepest squads in the league Chelsea today still had to call up and give debut to 20-year old Lee Sawyer on the central midfield due to injury. Six regular starters were sidelined for Chelsea with team top scorer Didier Drogba among them.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 5
Date: Wed 27 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Injury report
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The win over Chelsea came with a huge price. The Liverpool defends suddenly looks very shaky. At the early training today Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Philipp Degen, and Sotiris Kyrgiakos were all missing due to injuries. It looks like Liverpool will have to go out and sign a defender this week. The Liverpool media talks about Ryan Shawcross from Stoke might be the target but it’s highly unlikely that Stoke will be willing to let him go at this point.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 5
Date: Thu 28 / 01 / 2010
Headline: LFC looking for DC
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There has been frantic activity in the front office at Anfield Road since the final wishel was blown at Stamford Bright two days ago in the Reds win over Chelsea. Scouts and management have been working overtime to try to find a central defender they would be able to sign before the transfer window closes later this week. This time they were not looking for a young prospect or a backup player to add depth but for a player with the qualities to start in a Liverpool defends decimated by injuries.
With the limited time available the search has been among players already scouted by the scout department.
3 players were early picked out as potential targets. Stokes Ryan Shawcross, Michael Dingsdag from PSV and Michael Turner from Sunderland.


The quarter finals for the African Nations Cup are set. The 8 teams that made it thru the group play will meet like this in the quarter finals.
Morocco – Ivory Coast
Guinea – Nigeria
Ghana – Uganda
Mali – Tunisia

The player of the tournament this fare has been 32-year old Seville striker Frèdèric Kanoutè who scored a perfect 10 in the first game of the tournament and a 9.1 in the second game.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 5
Date: Fri 29 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Turns down the Old Lady
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Juventus today made an offer worth £9,000,000 plus future incentives for Liverpool’s defensive midfielder Lucas. Liverpool quickly decided to reject the offer. The player has been one of the best for Liverpool this fare this season and is an important first team player. With the Liverpool defends in shambles the team might be looking even more to Lucas for defensive help. Its Lucas 3rd season with Liverpool and this year he has started 20 games with a 7.09 average rating.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 5
Date: Sat 30 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Pre-game report
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League leaders Liverpool should record an easy home win against Sunderland, according to Sky Bet (Liverpool: 2-5 Draw: 11-4 Sunderland: 13-2). Liverpool are currently on a nine match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 1st place in the English Premier Division. Sunderland have been performing above expectations in the English Premier Division so far this season and find themselves in 12th place.


Blackpool have made an offer worth £14,000 plus future incentives for young Danish GK Martin Hansen. Exeter are rumoured to be interested in the player. Liverpool Chairman Tom Hicks feels this offer was too good to refuse and has decided to take matters into his own hands by accepting this transfer bid on behalf of the management.
This is bad news for manager Tom Northwood who had just promoted Hansen from the reserves to the first team after the sale of Diego Cavalieri to Inter.
This move will likely open the door for Jason Steele who just arrived from Middlesbrough earlier this week.


Chelsea’s troubles continues. Today the only managed to come away with 1 point after a 1-1 draw with Wigan. The team is still badly hit by injuries and once again had to bring up and give debut to a youngster on the central midfield.
With fourteen teams in action and 28 goals scored, the best viewing was to be found at Turf Moor where a crowd of 22516 witnessed Burnley's heavy 1 - 4 defeat against Man Utd. The highlight of that match was Brian Easton scoring his first ever goal for Burnley.
Elsewhere, a hat-trick from James Vaughan inspired a win for the away side during Fulham's 2 - 4 defeat against Everton and Salif Diao scored the pick of the goals in Stoke's 4 - 3 victory over Portsmouth with a placed shot from close range.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 5
Date: Sun 31 / 01 / 2010
Headline: Reds win against Sunderland
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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Liverpool 1 - 0 Sunderland (Premier Division)
Liverpool have extended their unbeaten record in the Premier Division to ten games following their 1 - 0 result against Sunderland. Liverpool showed their superiority in a 1 - 0 victory over Sunderland during their English Premier Division game at Anfield, but they could and should have scored more.
An error from Michael Turner allowed striker Fernando Torres to score a well timed close range finish. The match was remarkable for the number of fouls committed by Liverpool, who seemed more concerned with disrupting the flow of the game than playing it.
Fernando Torres played well during Liverpool's 1 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Sunderland this afternoon, according to The People, but in truth Liverpool could and should have won by more.
Torres' pace and skill on the ball was a constant threat to the Sunderland defence and the striker thoroughly deserved his goal.
Attendance: 45362
Liverpool Man of the Match: Fernando Torres (7.5)




PSV's Michael Dingsdag is said to be very happy at having agreed terms with Liverpool today.
Dingsdag revealed that he was really enthusiastic about the prospect of moving to such a well-supported club. The £5,000,000 deal taking PSV's Michael Dingsdag to Liverpool can now be completed. Michael Dingsdag is hopeful he will be able to play an influential role at his new club.
The 27 year old central defender told journalists that he was delighted to have become a part of such a big club and hoped he could repay the faith shown in him by new manager Thomas Northwood.
Dingsdag will properly get a chance to play right away as the Liverpool defends is hard hit by injury.


The two first games of the African Nations Cup quarter finals was played today. Ivory Coast got the 1-0 win over Morocco with Liverpool player Nabil El Zhar on the team. The only goal of the game was scored on a penalty. In the second game of the day Guinea and Nigeria played 2-2 in the regular game and after penalty’s Guinea moved on to the next round.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 6
Date: Mon 01 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Month update
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The Liverpool board are pleased with Tom Northwood’s management of the team. This has been underlined by the fans' delight at Liverpool's convincing 4 - 1 English Premier Division victory over Everton. Despite the positives, the fans are disappointed at Liverpool's English Premier Division 1 - 1 draw with Portsmouth.

The club recorded a loss of £10.49M last month.
Monthly Turnover: £16.17M
Previous Month: £7.5M
Main Income: Players Sold £8.62M
Monthly Expenditure: £26.67M
Previous Month: £14.78M
Main Expenditure: Players Bought £9.35M

Key days for Liverpool in February
1.2.2010 - End of English transfer window
1.2.2010 - European Champions Cup squad registration
6.2.2010 - Liverpool v Wigan (Premier Division)
9.2.2010 - Man City v Liverpool (Premier Division)
13.2.2010 - English FA Cup Fifth Round
17.2.2010 - Liverpool v R. Madrid (Champions Cup)
20.2.2010 - Liverpool v Tottenham (Premier Division)
27.2.2010 - Wolves v Liverpool (Premier Division)


Birmingham City's winger James O'Shea has wowed his home fans at St. Andrews this month with his impressive performances and has duly won the English Premier Division Young Player of the Month. The 21 year old right midfielder has really shown everyone what a good player he is with his past four appearances.
There was nothing to choose between the top three and the award could easily have gone to either Liverpool's Emiliano Insúa or Micah Richards from Man City, who came second and third respectively.
Manchester City's Mark Hughes has won the English Premier Division Manager of the Month award. The award panel made their decision after the Citizens boss guided his team to victory in all four of their league games this month.

(PRM) Man City 3 - 0 Portsmouth (9th Jan)
(PRM) Man City 4 - 0 West Ham (16th Jan)
(PRM) Man City 3 - 0 Blackburn (27th Jan)
(PRM) Man City 4 - 1 Birmingham (30th Jan)

Man Utd's Alex Ferguson came in just behind Hughes in second place with Thomas Northwood of Liverpool rounding off the top three.


There was a light mood among the players at the Liverpool training today. Not only could they welcome new signing Michael Dingsdag to his first training with his new club but they could also celebrate being back in first place in the EPL. After Chelsea only got one point from Wigan Liverpool moved ahead in the standing with the win over Sunderland and even have a game less played.


The last two quarter finals in the African Nations Cup has been played. Ghana moved on with a 2-1 win over Uganda and Mali also booked a place in the semi finals with a 1-0 win over Tunisia.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 6
Date: Tue 02 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Nabil El Zhar on the move
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Blackpool have made an offer to loan Liverpool's Nabil El Zhar for 3 months. Blackpool feel the player would become a valuable member of the first-team. El Zhar signed for league leaders Liverpool in 2006 and started 15 games for the first team last season. This year he has only started two games. The last few weeks he have spent with his national team Marocco playing in the Africa Nations Cup. With Liverpool recently signing two new midfielders it was not a surprise that they accepted the loan offer from Blackpool where Nabil El Zhar will hopefully see regular playing time.
Liverpool's Daniel Agger has told an official supporters' club website that Nabil El Zhar's loan move to Blackpool is exactly what his team-mate needs. The 23 year-old right winger is not part of the first-team plans at Anfield this season and Agger firmly believes this loan opportunity with Blackpool will do wonders for El Zhar's confidence and fitness.


A quiet English transfer window was briefly stirred by Arsenal and Liverpool who caused a few talking points with their new recruits.
Arsenal signed centre-back Matthew Upson in a £4.21M deal from West Ham while Liverpool bought centre-back Michael Dingsdag for £5M from PSV. Meanwhile, Yeovil were the most active team during the window, strengthening their squad with no less than four players.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 6
Date: Wed 03 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Liverpool injury update
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Dave Galley has reported that there are still a few injury problems persisting within the Liverpool squad.
Sotiris Kyrgiakos (gashed upper leg) and Jamie Carragher (twisted knee) are very close to a return to full fitness and could be ready for the English Premier Division match against Wigan on Saturday and the English Reserves Group 2 match against Blackburn Reserves on Wednesday. Andriy Voronin (broken collarbone) is also close to a return and should soon be available for selection.
Martin Skrtel (strained knee ligaments) and Philipp Degen (pulled hamstring) are still a couple of weeks away from returning to full training and the English Premier Division match against Tottenham on Saturday 20th February could be considered a realistic target for a possible return.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 6
Date: Thu 04 / 02 / 2010
Headline:
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Liverpool's Jamie Carragher has returned to full training. The thirty-two year old central defender had been out of contention for 13 days following a knee injury.
Carragher, who is valued at £5.5M, currently has 17 months remaining on his £90K p/w deal at Anfield. It’s still unclear if Carragher will be in the starting line up in the game against Wigan this coming Saturday.


The young player attracting the most interest at this transfer window was Yacine Brahimi. The 19-year old France talent decided to make the move to Barcelona. The Catalan club had to pay £5.25mil for the young attacking midfielder. He will start out at the clubs B-team in the second Spanish division B.


The two teams for the African Nations Cup final have been found. Mali surprised a lot of people beating the Ivory Coast. The opponent in the final will be Ghana.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 6
Date: Fri 05 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Liverpool firm favourites for Premier Division clash
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League leaders Liverpool are sure-fire favourites (Liverpool: 1-6 Draw: 5-1 Wigan: 10-1) to overwhelm Wigan in what should be a comfortable home encounter for the Reds, according to Sky Bet. Liverpool have notched up three straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the English Premier Division. Wigan are currently 16th in the English Premier Division.
Wigan play a defensive 4-2-3-1 formation and often look to draw the opposition onto them before attempting a counter-attack. Martínez likes his teams to play possession football and Wigan will look to get the ball down and play it.
Wigan will proberly look to use the aerial power of right midfielder Xabi Prieto against Liverpool and they must try to cut off the supply to him.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 6
Date: Sat 06 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Torres on form as Liverpool score easy victory
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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Liverpool 2 - 0 Wigan Athletic (Premier Division)
Liverpool enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Wigan Athletic side at Anfield this afternoon. Things did not get off to a good start for Wigan as striker Fernando Torres seized on an error by Sergey Krivets to score a powerful effort. Liverpool also saw their 17th minute strike questionably chalked off. Torres completed the scoring for Liverpool with a placed shot on 54 minutes.
Fernando Torres pick up the man of the match award and the Spanish international has been in lethal form for Liverpool this season, leading the club's scoring charts with twenty-one goals in thirty-two appearances.
Supporter spokesperson Richard Martin feels the fans are pleased with Liverpool's 2 - 0 English Premier Division victory over Wigan. Emiliano Insúa and Fernando Torres particularly impressed.
Liverpool have notched up four straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the English Premier Division.
Attendance: 45362
Liverpool Man of the Match: Fernando Torres (8.4)




Guinea today took home 3rd place in the African Cup of Nations after a 3-2 win over Ivory Coast. Just after the game Vahid Halilhodzic was sacked following a less than impressive performance by Ivory Coast. Halilhodzic has forged himself an extensive footballing CV in his managerial career, which stretches back some 20 years. Velez Mostar, Raja Casablanca, LOSC Lille Métropole, Stade Rennais FC and four other teams have employed the 57 year-old.
The other national manager to have parted company with his employer is Paul Le Guen, formerly in charge of Cameroon.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 6
Date: Sun 07 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Saturday's Premier Division Round-Up
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With ten matches played and 27 goals scored, the best viewing was to be found at St. Andrews where a crowd of 18521 witnessed a shock result during Birmingham's 3 - 2 victory over Tottenham. The highlight being a landmark goal for Birmingham's Martin Taylor. It was Birmingham's second win in this years Premier League and also the first time this season they score 3 goals in a EPL game. Elsewhere, Gabby Agbonlahor scored a screamer from the edge of the area during Man Utd's 2 - 1 victory over Aston Villa and 41331 watched Chelsea loss another step in the hunt for the division title when they only managed a 0-0 draw at home against Manchester City.
Everton who had a great start to the season and who was the closest contender to Liverpool and Chelsea or a long time is suddenly in trouble. The team has only won one of there last six games and has suddenly fallen to 7th in the standing. They are now in serious risk of missing out on play in Europe next season if the don’t manage to stop the bleeding.


It took extra time for them to get there but after 120 minutes of play Mali for the first time in tournament history could lift the trophy for the African Nations Cup. The final result was 4-2 in a game where Ghana both missed a penalty and had there captain sent off before Mail scored two goals deep in OT. Frèdèric Kanoutè continued his great run in the tournament and scored two of the goals in the final. He finished the tournament with 7 goals and was one of just 3 players to average over 8.0 pr game.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 7
Date: Mon 08 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Liverpool take on Man City
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Manchester City are slight underdogs (Man City: 13-8 Draw: 2-1 Liverpool: 6-4) in what should prove a tightly contested affair against league leaders Liverpool, according to Sky Bet. Liverpool have notched up four straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the English Premier Division. Man City are currently lying in 4th place in the English Premier Division.
Man City plays a defensive 4-4-2 formation and often look to draw the opposition onto them before attempting a counter-attack. The pitch at The City Of Manchester Stadium is long which will favour teams playing a direct style. If defenders push up there will be a lot of space to exploit in behind them for the quicker players to take advantage of.
Hughes likes his teams to play possession football and Man City will look to get the ball down and play it. They benefit from a strong and organised defence and this could prove difficult to break down. Their midfield are good on the ball and can create chances. Lastly, we will need to make plans for their forwards as they are strong and quick. Striker Carlos Tevez will need to be watched carefully as he has the ability to be a match winner.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 7
Date: Tue 09 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Man City come close to upset
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vs.

MATCH REPORT:
Manchester City 0 - 0 Liverpool (Premier Division)
Liverpool were simply outclassed by Manchester City at The City Of Manchester Stadium on this evening. Liverpool were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.
Attendance: 47405
Liverpool Man of the Match: José Manuel Reina (7.4)




Liverpool doctor Dave Galley has reported that striker Dirk Kuyt has suffered a torn calf muscle after chasing the ball during the match against Man City. Galley advises that Kuyt will be treated by the club's physios. It is likely that Kuyt will be out for between 3 months and 4 months whilst he is treated. This will likely end Dirk Kuyts season and also put his place in the Dutch world cup squad in danger.
Dave Galley also reported that central defender Jamie Carragher has suffered a twisted knee after twisting sharply during the match against Man City. Galley advises you that Carragher will be treated by the club's physios. It is likely that Carragher will be out for between 12 days and 2 weeks whilst he is treated.
And finally Dave Galley has reported that central defender Daniel Agger has sustained a thigh strain after miskicking the ball during the match against Man City. Galley advises you that a thigh strain can either be treated by the club's physios or managed by injections.
Manager Tom Northwood has together with Daniel Agger already decided that he is to be treated at Liverpool by the club's physios. He will likely be out for between 9 days and 11 days.
Supporter spokesperson Richard Martin believes the fans are disappointed with Liverpool's English Premier Division 0 - 0 draw with Man City. David N'Gog in particular was singled out as having underperformed.


Thomas Northwood appeared in an equivocal mood as he met journalists in the wake of Liverpool's English Premier Division 0 - 0 draw with Man City.
A journalist from skysports.com chose the main focus point for the conference, asking, "Man City are a team you should be beating comfortably and yet they have matched Liverpool today. Are you happy with your team's performance?"
Northwood's response was, "There's positives in this performance despite the result." After the press conference Tom Northwood expressed surprise that not more emphasises was put on the injury trouble Liverpool is now facing.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 7
Date: Wed 10 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Tuesday's Premier Division Round-Up
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With twenty teams in action and 21 goals scored, the best viewing was to be found at Craven Cottage where a crowd of 25661 witnessed a shock result during Fulham's 1 - 0 victory over Man Utd.
Elsewhere, Antonio Cassano scored a long range effort which took a deflection during Tottenham's 0 - 1 defeat against Chelsea and 42640 watched Aston Villa's 1 - 3 defeat against Arsenal where Robin van Persie scored the pick of the goals with a powerful effort.


Liverpool have extended their unbeaten record in the Premier Division to twelve games following their 0 - 0 result against Manchester City. Winning the league title is getting closer and closer to becoming a reality for The Reds. They have looked unbeatable recently and must be confident that they will still be top of the league when the season draws to a close.
Reina has now played 347 minutes without conceding a goal.


Liverpool's Jamie Carragher has told icLiverpool.co.uk of his disappointment that he will miss the European Champions Cup First Knockout Round against Real Madrid C.F. on February 17th through injury. Instead of taking to the field against Los Merengues, Carragher will be forced to watch his team-mates from the stands.

[Northwood_DK]

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Week: 7
Date: Thu 11 / 02 / 2010
Headline: Getting ready for Real
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Just one week before Liverpool’s first game against Real Madrid in the Champions Leagues first knockout round the Reds need to completely rebuild the centre defends after Jamie Carragher and properly also Daniel Agger has been ruled out due to injury. This is a hard blow for the English title contender in an already difficult match against the Spanish league leaders.
To make matters even worse they will also be without Dirk Kuyt who suffered a torn calf muscle earlier this week. Kuyt had been a positive surprise on the Liverpool team this season. When Tom Northwood took over as manager before season start it was speculated if Dirk Kuyt was possible on the way out. Instead he picked up his game and has been a solid contributor on the right side of the midfield all season.
It’s speculated if Liverpool will move Steven Gerrard out to the right and instead use Alberto Aquilani or Mauro Formica as attacking midfielder.