Liver n' Onions: Andy Carroll, better with us than against us

With reports still somewhat swirling around the possible departure of Andy Carroll from Liverpool, I have been forced to ponder the fallout that would occur if actually leaves. Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers has made it  crystal that Carroll does not fit into his system, and that he is willing to ship the big lad out by any means necessary. Ok fair enough he dosen't fit into the style of play your trying to cultivate, yet here is the problem that occurs if you dump him. 


This is the same problem that occurred when Fernando Torres was firing for Liverpool, that is with Carroll gone Liverpools attack will be resting solely on the shoulders of Luis Suarez. What happens if god forbid he gets hurt?...Or more likely suspended. What happens then?  Looking at Liverpool's roster the lack of experienced or semi-experienced strikers is astounding. The newly acquired Fabio Borini is by nature a striker but I have my doubts on his ability to lead a line, when I have watched him he looks more suited to play off of a number 9 type. After that their is nothing that Liverpool could feel confidant putting out against the Premier League's elite. Carroll may not be first choice but what is the harm of having backup. Looking currently at Liverpool's squad I foresee the starting XI looking something like this:


4-1-3-2 or 4-4-2

Reina

Johnson  Skrtel   Agger  Enrique

Lucas

   Downing  Gerrard     Cole 

  Borini  Suarez 

A fluid forward line full of movement and interchanging of postions, which is not conducive to hitting Carroll's strong points. If that's not working Carroll is plan B. If new signings such as Clint Dempsey or Gaston Ramirez enter the fray, this shall change, but keeping Andy Carroll at the club can only help not hinder. I would also say that I'd rather have him with us than against us. 

Recollecting on the days of old, back when Torres walked Merseyside I remember the issue the team had in his absence relying on David N'gog for goals due to a lack of recognized strikers on the books. I don't want to see this happen again. 

Keep Carroll and get rid of the chaff i.e. Charlie Adam.

Carroll and Kenny go to Newcastle.

This game was no comedy featuring two stoners searching for the holy chalice of fast food munchies, but a comedy of how a team can absolutely fall apart in a game. Can hardly tell you the frustration felt as I once again watch Liverpool fall apart like a game of Jenga during a Friday night dinner party. The fact that we where not playing at Anfield sprung hope as Liverpool have won only 5 times out of their 15 chances at Anfield. Also the added incentive to win was apparent as Former Newcastle, and beloved Geordie Andy Carroll made his first return to Tyneside after his 35 million pound move. Kenny Dalglish, Craig Bellamy and Jose Enrique also made their returns to the side they once serviced. 

The line-up was promising, starting 4-3-3 with Suarez, Carroll and Bellamy leading the midfield trio of Shelvey, Gerrard and Spearing. Starting so attack heavy is risk one might say, as Newcastle play expansive face paced, attacking football. New boys Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse form a formidable duo uptop, with Yohan Cabaye pulling the strings from the center. What the line-up said to me was that Kenny still does not know what Liverpool's best XI is. This really is nothing new, but when he keeps chopping and changing the line up, how do you expect a cohesive unit to form. He's played a large part in procuring a bunch of underperforming players, perhaps thinking that switching it up is the way to introduce urgency in them, yet so for has shown to do nothing but continually showcase their inability to communicate on the field. 

The differences between the teams are astounding, polar opposites in relation to this years form. Newcastle is operating way above expectation. At the start of the season nobody expected Newcastle to be vying for the forth spot, perhaps  sitting 8th- currently where Liverpool are-at best. Astute signings and a team playing as well simply put a team, Newcastle have exceed expectations and reached great heights. This is the opposite in the case of Liverpool, expectations were delusionally high as the team had aspirations of challenging for the title. Kenny had built a classic English based squad focused on Carroll, Downing, Adam and Henderson, which we can see now is not a concoction that produces success. Dispelling start of the season aspirations Liverpool have operated way under expectations. A challenge for the title was never a realistic goal, but at least challenge for the forth spot should have been manageable. Unlike Newcastle Liverpool's signings have gravely disappointed  and have left the worshiped Kenny Dalglish looking like a tactless old buffoon, not that I necessarily agree with that last point. 

Carroll looked tidy from the off against Newcastle, but after missing a host of chances the wheels came off for the big lad. Booked for diving Carroll only instigated the increasing volume of boos from "his people" and after that moment he disappeared into oblivion. When he came off in the second half the big center forward walked strait down the tunnel in frustration. It was a game of if's and maybe's for Liverpool, and the strongest part of their game this season the defense, let them down. Cisse was just too much to handle as the 2 goals he netted buried the reds. At the end the game proceedings transpired in comedy flick fashion. Reina was sent off for head nudging James Perch, to be fair, and Gerrard had to shoo Dalglish off the pitch when the decision time came to chose an outfield player to play in goal as they had used all their allocated substitutions.

 This loss marks an all time low for the season as Liverpool's point record shapes up as 42 points from 31 games. Which is just plain dreadful.

Liver n'Onions: RVP Strikes Back

Before the praises where sung of Liverpool's triumphant penalty kick shoot-out win in the Carling Cup final, Liver n'  Onions wanted to see how the reds would fair at the weekend against Arsenal. I, like many took their recent form into account in making a prediction wrongfully or not. This said Arsenal was not a stale bag of bread, in terms of form- still riding high off the 5-2 trouncing of city rivals Tottenham.  Giving the Reds my much invested faith I put a ten on them to shove the Gunners back down the barrel of the gun they have be residing in for most of the year. But it's a home game, how did that slip my mind…It was the early kickoff being staged at ever growing performance cesspit known as Anfield. Much to my chagrin, that ten dollars I had riding on them did not stand a chance.  Before I continue this quick photo compilation sums up Liverpool's,

Form away from Anfield:

Form at Anfield:

Pretty much sums it up, you could say proofs in the Persie…If you may. Arsenal snapped Liverpool's unbeaten home streak with their 2-1 coup at Anfield. It may have been the first loss, but draws have been a plenty. Looking at the content of the 90 'minutes played on Saturday you would render a win was in the offing for the Reds. Arsenal looked shabby in possession and lost their midfield quarterback Mikel Arteta through a rather ambiguous injury. Top-four hopefuls Liverpool had their chances but what has separated them from a team that would make that final Champions League spot  their own is their ineptness to take chances. Prior to the game the Liverpool attacking unit had only managed 12 goals between them. Top scores Craig Bellamy and Luis Suarez are on 6 which is frankly not good enough.  The look of disgust on Dirk Kuyt's face after his poorly taken penalty was saved by the keeper Scezney said it all. With the better play falling on the side of Liverpool, the man, the myth and the monster Robin van Persie struck again, to compound woes even further. A game where Liverpool should have had 3-points in the wallet, they emerged with none. You just cannot stop the Dutch maestro, he's  so hot you could cook an omelet on him. His volley in the 3rd minute of stoppage time was superbly taken, leaving Pepe Reina with no chance, even at his front post.

I wouldn't chalk down the absence of players to Liverpool's loss, because it really was a smash and grab performance by the Gunners. But this said pundits have come out asserting that Liverpool is still way too dependent on their Captain Steven Gerrard, who did not play at the weekend. Ok i would agree to some extent, as Liverpool look lost  i the midfield when he's not playing, lacking a supplemented  vision with players like Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson. Ever since the exit of now Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso and Barcelona's Javier Mascherano  the reliance on Gerrad  has become too much, though for many years he has been capable of doing it all. To these pundits I would pull the tainted victory mask off and look at Arsenals situation. Would Arsenal have won that game if not for their captain Robin van Persie? He does it all for Arsenal, he has scored 31goals in all competitions this season, and is top goal scorer in the Premier League. He has rescued Arsenal on numerous occasions with his goals, leading by example. Would Theo Walcott have pulled off the same deft dagger in the dying embers of the game…I  don't thinks so. Liverpool's over reliance on Gerrard is a notion holds water, but so does Arsenals over reliance on Van Persie. I pose this question: If one team where to lose their star man, Arsenal- RVP and Liverpool- Gerrard, who would be worse off? 

Liverpool and Arsenal's situations are not all that dissimilar. Two teams that are, or once were part of the fabled top four, have since fallen from grace and are repairing the damages trying coping with the fallout. Both have long standing managers who have come under scrutiny. Arsene Wenger in terms of longevity as manager, and Kenny Dalglish with his association to Liverpool, as player and manager. Both struggle to find a cohesive squad of players. Arsenals reluctancy to buy opting to rely on youth, and Liverpool's over-spending on un-proven talent. Where they finish in the league this year is really anyones guess, and both will certainly have to fight to get into the top 4.

A little nibblet to munch on before Liverpool faces Sunderland at the weekend.

Stay Oniony my friends

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Liver n' Onions: Dalglish's dream delivers

Liverpool's lunch time kickoff against Manchester United a week a go was always going to be a game worth talking about.The events leading up to it between Suarez and Evra, and the events that transpired during. Having taken a week to digest, asses and formulate thoughts on, I have decided to not comment on it. I could being as this is a Liverpool dedicated blog, but  Liver n' Onions has decided to move on. Talking about it anymore will just continue to distract  the footballing public from what really matters…the football. This was certainly the case in the game, where the Suarez,  Evra storyline stole the show.

This weekend the EPL was not in action as the FA cup  took  center stage once again. Liverpool took on Brighton & Hove Albion Sunday in the FA Cup 5th round, as they looked to continue their good form in the cup's this season. The match took place Anfield, for better or worse as the reds have yet to be defeated but have made it a habit of drawing matches. Taking into account how the Brighton side play under Manager Gus Poyet ,who on a side note  publicly supported Suarez in the race accusations, could give Liverpool a run for their money. Brighton play a good brand of pass and move football, similar to Swansea City in the Premier League, but Liverpool's defensive solidity was backed to reign supreme. Brighton defeated Newcastle United to reach this level of the competition, a side who is challenging at the top of the Premier League: 

Before the match I made some mock line-ups for the two teams. 

Proposed line-ups for pre match:

Reina(GK)

Kelly, Carragher, Coates, Robinson

Maxi, Spearing, Adam, Downing

Suarez, Carroll

 Actual starters Henderson ( For Maxi) , Johnson ( For Kelly) , Sktel ( Coates), Enrique ( Robinson)

Brezovan(GK)

Calderon, Greer, Dunk, El-Abd

Bridcutt

Noone, Forster-Caskey, Barnes,  Buckly,

Mackail-Smith

Vokes started up top, LuaLua on the wing and Navarro in the center forming a 4-2-31

The line-up spoke volumes about how Dalglish feels towards the cup. A line up that is for me stronger than the one put out against Manchester United last weekend. Brighton is certainly a lesser opposition compared to United, and against United you can't really blame Dalglish for setting up more defensive. This said, Liverpool did exactly that, play defensively. Throwing caution to the wind sometimes gives players confidence as the intent to get a win is shown, and this was  seen against Brighton. With a strong line-up emerging from the tunnel we can see that Liverpool's targets this season have changed. Fourth spot looks to be lost, and the chance of winning the league, was never a realistic expectation. Making it to the quarters of the FA cup and to the final of the Carling Cup is certainly a statement, and a valid possibility of acquiring silverware.

Martin Skrtel started proceedings off on the right foot for the Reds as he headed a corner in for the first goal just 5 minutes into the first half.   

Right from the off you could see something start to click up-top for Liverpool. This is because Suarez and Carroll both started on the pitch. Bought for the dynamic big-man, small-man combination, we all have been left wanting, as they rarely see game time together. In this game you can see that you need them both on the field on the same time. When you play Carroll you need Suarez, because it allows Carroll to lurk in the box, as Suarez will come a little deeper to get the ball, so Carroll doesn't have to. Carroll doesn't seem to manage all the tasks required when he play's up top on his own. He's not a complete striker, he's rather one dimensional, although he claims otherwise. He needs to be able to rampage into the box, and be physical. He needs it served him, but when he gets isolated he has to work too hard to get service, forcing him out of position. Suarez is the perfect tonic, as he will roam, drop deep, pick the ball up and connect with one-twos in and around the box. 

You could also see the importance that Gerrard plays in this delicate ecosystem. The accuracy, and vision in a pass, gives Liverpool the option to play it short with Suarez, or long to Carroll with deadly accuracy. Gerrard is the common denominator in this, and this cohesion has been missing through a variety of reasons, suspensions, injuries and such. We saw last night that it works, and well when all three are on the pitch at the same time.

A shaky start for the Brighton side was remedied with a wonderful strike from Lualua in the 17th minute, penetrating Liverpool's….Uhmmm wall? A blistering grass cutter gave Reina no chance as it leveled terms.

Another goal from Liverpool exposed  a lethargic looking keeper Brezovan, as he punched across into the air with bodies falling everywhere. Suarez had time to take the lose ball down out of the air and release a shot that rocketed back off the Brighton keeper into the air falling to Glen Johnson who headed it in to Brighton's Bridcutt, who on trying to clear but ricoched it into goal.  

Brighton looked particularly vulnerable off crosses, and corners, and most of the promising moves for Liverpool came down Stewart Downing's side. Liverpool flooded the box when Downing and Adam got the ball, and a few crosses wen't close to connecting with the pony-tail of Carroll as he vied with defender El-Abd for room to breath.

Let's face it Stewart Downing has been a sheer disappointment since his move from Aston Villa. Stats don't lie and the most glaring is his in the 2011/12 EPL season. He has played 24 goals, 0 goals, 0 assists ( that's right 0, not quite the ammunition for Andy Carroll) and he has registered 49 shots. I wish I could say well this is okay because he tracks back, "Puttin in a shift," but this is not the case. He is exposed when he plays a defensive role, a large part of his positions make-up is to help out his fullbacks, but Downing provides slim support. This is not to be forgotten, but with the Downing and Carroll combo finally connecting against Brighton things should be looking up….hopefully. In the 57' min Downing cut a ball into the box and the left foot of Carroll took care of the rest making the game 3-1 and possibly the killing the competition. Unbridled joy spread across the face of of Dalglish as two of his, highly scrutinized, big money signings combined.  

Killing the competition is exactly what this did as, but losing 3-1 away at Anfield is no embarrassment for the likes of Brighton. Neither the scoreline or the lack of embarrassment proved to be true as Brighton was hit with another sucker punch in the form of a second "Og." 71' minute it was Bridcutt once again scoring in his own own net as he tried to clear a Gerrard shot off the line. The the match commentator offered some consolation to the Brighton player saying "it's not often you come to Anfield and scores twice. Don't think he'd see the funny side though. 

Losing a grip on reality, Brighton suffered another tragedy when just three minutes later a 3rd own goal went in. Poor control in the box lead to defender Dunk kneeing a cross into his own goal making it a 5-1 scoreline. If I can get a bit "punny" with it it was certainly a slam dunk of an own goal...oh that's bad.

Polar opposites were Poyet and Dalglish on their respected benches. Everything going horribly wrong for Brighton, and all the hopes and dreams of Dalglish coming true as the 6th goal was a product of the Liverpool's highly priced, and anticipated strike duo combining. A cross found its way onto  Carroll's head,  who headed across goal to Suarez, finishing in front of a spineless and humiliated Brighton defense. Having just missed a penalty he makes it 6-1, and a smile reaching ear to ear beamed from the face of Dalglish.

Liverpool emphatically reach the quarter finals of the FA Cup and will face against Stoke City. 

Liver n' Onions: Cats Game

The successes of Liverpool football club in the last couple of weeks has breathed a new wind into the sails of the fans, giving hope of silverware and a possible place in the Champions League next season. 

On a day that Liverpool were held to another draw at home, and I say " Held," because they deserved a win based on play, I will touch upon a few successful weeks for the red side of the Mersey. The reds' have reached their first Carling Cup final since 1996, defeating Manchester "Moneybags" City to progress to Wembley. The catalyst of this recent consummation is one Craig Bellamy,  who I would argue has been one of the most on form players in the all of the English competitions, EPL, Carling Cup and FA Cup.  Bellamy was a  brow raising signing not unlike Thierry Henry and Paul Scholes returning their old sides. Such furrowed brows have since subsided as he in the absence of Luis Suarez through suspension has earned his stripes and has been the driving force for Liverpool in attack. He defeated old employers City, to reach the Carling Cup Final on the 26th February,  in which they will meet Welsh side Cardiff City- another former employer of Bellamy. This is a game the reds should feel they could win, and they should. The Carling Cup was not necessarily the goal that Dalglish targeted  this season, as grabbing the fourth spot and a Champions League place next season was surely objective number one.  Adding some silverware to the trophy cabinet  would be a snip, considering the season thus far. The Calrling Cup is nothing to shrug at considering it's the best we may get as the all elusive fourth spot looks  a mammoth undertaking. 

If Liverpool nab the Carling Cup in late February, should people consider this season a failure? Missed opportunities have hurt Liverpool and they continue to consistently drop points in the League to weaker sides,  but with all the money spent on talent in the summer, does winning a competition such as the Carling Cup justify the money spent? 

I say yeas, and this is how I see it. Once the cream of the crop In English football Liverpool have dropped from those heights, due to management, signings and form over a space of time. Yet the expectations still remain high from when they dominated the League. Not being the the club that it used to be fans, and spectators must not necessarily lower expectations, but they should evolve. Reaching the Carling Cup Final by defeating Manchester City, and the fourth round of the FA Cup through defeating Manchester United is just the speed that Liverpool should be striving for. Having spent chunks of cash on two strikers I see the reason for disappointment over performances, as this splashed cash has increased expectations. But in comparison to Manchester City, the cost to get this success pales in comparison, yet Liverpool just knocked them out of a tournament to reach the final. 

This gel I setting or it has been the last few weeks as Bellamy, Henderson, Kuyt, and even Andy Carroll have created some cohesion amongst each other. This cohesion was necessary as Liverpool faced Tottenham Monday at Anfield. Their home stadium has been anything but a fortress this season yet with blossoming form of late, aided by Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrards' return to the squad, a sense of confidence was set upon me. Suarez did not start as Bellamy, Carroll and Kuyt have performed well together, but he did come on later in the match and looked a tad rusty.

Liverpool looked to capitalize on the absence of the influential Raphael van der Vaart, starting with theoretically three forwards up top. Less of a thereat from Tottenham going forward made it possible for Gerrard in the center to push up behind Carroll who was spear-heading the attack. Unfortunately having Bellamy and Kuyt  on the wings, they looked to come into the middle too often making Liverpool's shape extremely narrow at times. Glen Johnson playing on the left due to an Injury sustained by Jose Enrique, got forward well and produced a great save from keeper Brad Friedel on the stroke of half time.

The game was not without incident as it ebbed and flowed towards its finale, still without a break in the deadlock. Though the score was as it started, the most interesting point was not the cat that ran out onto the field, stopping play for some minutes, it was the considerable determination the players showed in contest. Similar to a cat Tottenham remained on their feet even after intense pressure from the Liverpool attack. Just like in the game against Wolves Andy Carroll held up play decently, and his touch looked less like he had a wrecking ball as a foot. Suarez walked onto the pitch in the second half to a fanfare of support, only to get booked strait off landing a kick strait into Scotty Parkers' stomach. Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney offered his opinions via Twitter, saying that the Uruguayan should have been sent off. He's just one of those guys Suarez who just can't avoid controversy to save his life. I was watching and I saw no intent in the kick and whether it was malicious or not, only he would know. 

The pace was frenetic, with full blooded tackles flying in left and right yet when it came to chances- production was slim. Gerrard looked in good form, and taking into account  the involuntary rest due to an injury ridden season, you might just see him return to full fitness and form at   Liverpool sit in seventh,  4 points behind Chelsea in fourth place.

Liverpool face Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend and having defeated City and the team in question a week or two ago, they will be looking to repeat the coup. It would be a bit of a Coup d' Etat against the city of Manchester if Liverpool where to top them again, away from home. If you thought that the atmosphere was roaring in the Chelsea vs. Manchester United  game at the weekend, wait until  this game takes place. It couldn't come at a more convenient time for a controversy as Suarez will be available, and may possibly start, against Patrice Evra and United. I would expect tempers to be docile on the side of Suarez, but I wouldn't be surprised if Evra refuses to shake his hand in the pre-match pleasantries. 

Stay tuned for the post match thoughts at spotkickjournalism.blogspot.com

Liver n' Onions: Liverpool is that bad friend who always gets you into trouble

Oh it has been an interesting few weeks for Liverpool football club, racism, arrests draws with Stoke, all makes it on a whole a pretty grim start to the new year. 

In the wake of Luis Suarez's 8 match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra, Liverpool fans have been up in arms over a decision that sees their main out of action. What has come out in result of this is the club creating " support Suarez" t- shirts to which players have warn whilst warming up. This seems a bit wrong, supporting racism in a way, even if it's a team member.  Feeling aggrieved that their goal threat is now significantly diminished, the club has tried to distance them selves from the racism claim and fight the fact that it was racist at all for Suarez to say what he did to Evra. What sees those efforts squashed, quickly to mention  was a certain number of  fans racially abusing young right-back Tom Adeyemi during Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Oldham. This abuse brought the young player to tears, playing in one of the most significant games in his young career.

As a Liverpool fan this disgusts me....the fact that a fans would have the nerve to racially abuse a player is one thing,  but this occurring directly after the Suarez ordeal is just plain stupid. Feeling aggrieved that their star man will out for what they view as not a racist act, only responding with the events that took place against Oldham. Once again the Reds are in the papers for the wrong reason. Stalling a bit in the league, without their main strike force, and now a pair of racist offensives equals hardly a comfortable standing. Expanding on this Stewart Downing was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend,  in a night-club. This is  the last thing that Liverpool needed in the wake of the Suarez incident, and what happened at Oldham. Downing scored in the 5-1 win against Oldham, his first goal since moving from Aston Villa this summer, screaming somewhat of a disappointment in the scheme of new players brought in by Dalgleish. 

Liverpool have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons these last weeks with events mentioned above. With the January transfer window upon us rumors of Andy Carroll making a surprise move back to Newcastle, the team he moved from for 35 million pounds. Struggling with fitness since the move Carroll has yet to prove himself at Anfield, but with Suarez out for 8 games people should be focusing on how he now has the chance to prove himself instead of him leaving. 

From the red side of Liverpool it has been a silly week or so,  but all put levity aside when Liverpool faced Manchester City in the Carling Cup last Wednesday, defeating the Manchester powerhouse 1-0. The goal of a fourth or better place of the Dalgleish lead Liverpool is one that will be difficult so in that light the reds should focus sights on the Carling Cup. In all honesty the Carling Cup is a competition that the Reds should feel they could win. A Champions League spot paired with some silverware, though be it the Carling Cup is something the reds should shoot for.

Some have accused manager Kenny Dalgleish of being tactically negligent, having taken a long break away from football, and this view-point seemed to retained water when his squad faced Stoke City. The old dog showed us well some old tricks as we failed to score a goal, playing in a highly defensive set-up.  Stoke is a side that prides its self of being defensively solid, with strong players from back to front. Liverpool having one of the most defensively sound record this season seemed to fight fire with fire, seemingly to at times have a 5 man back-line. With Luis Suarez out and Carroll well whatever…Dalgleish had the options of Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy, the Scot chose Kuyt to pierce the Stoke back-line, leading the line on his own.  It looked as though he was hoping the trickery of Kuyt would foil the slow, strength oriented Stoke back-line. This did not work and Kuyt scuffed a pure peach of chance, as he found himself with a free header but it spun wide.  Andy Carroll came on with 30 minutes to go to try to get on the end of Gerrard's passes, but he looked lost, and the one dimensional style of lofting balls at the pony-tailed head of Carroll, was dealt with ease by the Stoke defenders.  

There was just not enough in attack, resulting in a 0-0 draw with Stoke, Kuyt came to Liverpool as a striker, but after years of watching him, he's not. Better supporting a striker, as a link between midfield, Kuyt has been a great servant but I would not ask him to lead the line. Craig Bellamy would have been a better option as his second stint on Merseyside has been more fruitful than expected, and his speed and agility is tough for many to deal with. 

To be honest the love affair that I have with Dalgleish is being tested. Great last season, when implemented as coach but results this season have fallen by the wayside.  It's actually not so much the results but its the way that we set up at the start of the game, the mindset, the approach, all of that. Liverpool put on a defensive clinic against Manchester City  in the Carling cup, after Gerrard put the team ahead through a penalty. With Jamie Carragher

With transfer rumors swirling around the footballing landscape, Liverpool have been pretty quiet. Feeling as though he has the squad to push on, even with the suspensions and injuries, the few rumors there has been have come on the offensive side of the game. With Dalgleish trying to build a strong British based side, sights  have been set on Jermaine Defoe, who has been suffering from sores sustained by sitting on the Tottenham bench. Needing a goal scorer, the risk of going for a player whose bench time outweighs his time on the pitch is not really the direction I would orient my compass. I'm one for the outrageous and nothing would be more outrageous than an Anfield return from the once divine son, Fernando Torres. With Torres being " offered" to Carlo Ancelotti at PSG, the striker with something to prove could do this back at his own stomping grounds having seen what it's like at the next level. Call it a vision quest, and now he is ready to return and show the player he was and is.  

On a more realistic note  Liverpool have completed the signing of a player who has been heralded as " The New Deco," 19 year old João Carlos from Sporting Lisbon academy, the same academy who produced Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani. 

With Liverpool's next match against Bolton a team floundering at the bottom who recently lost their prized asset Gary Cahill to Chelsea, will be a  wounded animal that Liverpool should set out to ravage. 

Liver n' Onions: Bellamy Blasts Back

Emerging from the holiday season a slight bit heavier, I recollect on the football feast that has taken place weeks prior to the new year. The holiday season is always a crowded one, where depths of squads and the fitness levels of players are tested. As for the Red side of Merseyside, Liverpool faced  a schedule that  pitted them against manageable opposition, only to emerge with a draw 0-0 draw against Wigan, and a one all with Blackburn. Hardly the Christmas/ Hanukkah wish of the Liverpool fan. Liverpool is a team that of late has struggled to put chances away, and when Liverpool faced Newcastle United on friday they would be without leading scorer Luis Suarez out due to suspension. 

One of the highest scoring fixtures in the Premier League era, former Newcastle player Andy Carroll would be looking to continue that trend leading the line for Liverpool in the Uruguayan's absence. A stop-start career since moving to Liverpool for a phenomenal fee of 35 million pounds, Carroll would relish the opportunity to sink  the magpies. Having been robbed of winner last week by Blackburn's keeper Mark Bunn, Carroll's frustration continued into this game as he mustered only one real notable chance but his header rocketed back off the bar.

The two teams came into this game 1 point different with Newcastle sitting below Liverpool in 7th. Newcastle scored first with a freak- like goal headed on initially by Yohan Cabye, resulting in a ricochet off of Liverpool's Daniel Agger and into the back of the net. Oh no…here we go again I thought as a less than spectacular record at Anfield this year has left me a skeptical and bitter man. Liverpool have been the embodiment of mediocrity of this season dropping valuable points against lesser opposition. This said my woes where short-lived as Liverpool leveled via Craig Bellamy blasting a loose ball of a corner past Tim Krul in goal. Without many notable saves from either of the keepers, this game looked destined for a draw, which would have made it 5 draws in the last 6 home games for the Reds. With one of the best defenses in the Premier League, breaking down the center back pairing of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel has proved a tough prospect.

Solid defending paired with a lack of scoring has been the formula for the bountiful draws that the reds have incurred his season. A formula foiled as once again Craig Bellamy hit a peach free kick that dodged traffic on its way into Krul's net. Bellamy had an immense game on the wing, starting in place of Maxi Rodriguez who performed well in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn, yet dropped this weeks dropped to the bench. 

Possibly the signing of the season, Newcastle's Demba Ba nearly leveled the match reaching a slide rule pass in the box which he chipped over Reina from a tight angle, but the Super Slovakian Skrtel was there to clear it off the line with emphatic style.  

Liverpool's central two of Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing operated well, with Spearing sitting the farthest back making the formation almost a  4-1-4-1 at times. Spearing was back from his Red card suspension and nearly paid the price for his tenacity again, as Cabaye straighten his leg and went studs up on a 50-50. With Newcastle deserving of being a man down, yet receiving no punishment Liverpool remained dominant in the center of the pitch. Adam was withdrawn and to the roar of fanfare from the crowd captain fantastic himself, Steven Gerrard emerged. Looking to put the injury woes of this year behind him Gerrard started the new year off right putting the game out of reach for Newcastle in the 79th minute running on to a Henderson pass and nut-megging Krul from an acute angle. Gerrard's goal made it 5 goals in his last 5 appearances against Newcastle, and now with a score of 3-1 the game was out of reach for Newcastle.

With the transfer window now open It's only natural that Dalgleish would look at his squad and take stock. The team has depth in most areas but with the injury sustained to Lucas and a Gerrard struggling with fitness and age, I wonder if some more reinforcements are needed. I have heard links with Fulham's Clint Dempsey, possibly looking to leave Craven Cottage in search of the next level. Versatile, hard working and an American International his introduction would be a seamless fit. American owner John Henry has brought footballing awareness to the States with his acquisition of Liverpool and with an American poster-boy of Clint Dempsey's stature, I would expect the American viewing audience to increase. Just say that the deal happened shits and giggles sake that would mean that with Landon Donovan returning to Everton on-loan,  come the Merseyside Derby on February the 25th we could see the best current American players face off against each other…Tasty.

Luis Suarez  is facing a possible 8 game suspension and Andy Carroll is struggling for form, plentiful draws, and a lack of goals being scored should be a sign to add another striker to the ranks. For me a loan deal might best suite the team as Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt will get their chances.  Rumors of swoop for Villa striker Darren Bent  has graced the pages of nearly every English news publication, the last couple days and it's a rumor I welcome.  The unsettled English international left Sunderland for Villa after just a short spell with the black cats, and now could be move again.

The eve of battle is upon us as Liverpool will face Manchester City tomorrow at the Etihad, a game that can be viewed on ESPN. Don't be surprised if you see  Steven Gerrard start from the beginning, proving once again his importance to the team against Newcastle. I think Dalgleish might go with Carroll and Kuyt up top together, with Downing and Bellamy on the wings. I see a tight game that ends in a 2-2 draw with some late heroics from a Liverpool player to salvage a point. Another draw is not what we're looking for but against City at the moment I would take anything.

That's your Liverpool fill for the week so enjoy it like you enjoyed your mothers pumpkin pie. Stay tuned for next weeks addition of Liver n'Onions

Liver n' Onions: Battle of the alleged racists & Liverpool vs. Chelsea

The classic color battle: Red vs. Blue, Hot vs. Cold and in terms of this weekend Liverpool vs. Chelsea. The Reds take on West-London's Chelsea at Stamford bridge where  ex-Liverpool starlet Fernando Torres will clash heads with the new Liverpool regime.

For such a mammoth fixture in the English footballing calendar, the build up to the match has been somewhat of a docile one as off field affairs have somewhat muted the anticipation of  Sunday's match. In this week of International play a lot has gone down off the pitch in regards to Liverpool players, consequently arriving in bitter-sweet form. As the player's were off serving their countries, some more than others, journalists have been praying on the decision by the FA  to charge Luis Suarez with racial abuse directed towards Manchester United's defender Patrice Evra, during their match on October 15th. They have finally decided to act after weeks of dilly-dallying over it, releasing a official statement that reads,

“The FA has today charged Liverpool’s Luis Suarez following an incident that occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield on 15 October 2011.

“It is alleged that Suarez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior towards Manchester United’s Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules.

“It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or color and/or race of Patrice Evra. The FA will issue no further comment at this time.”

Luis Suarez will face a 6-match ban plus a hefty fine if he is found guilty, which is not comforting to any Liverpool fan as he is the lynch-pin in the Reds attack, the one who makes us tick offensively. Without the Uruguayans influence we are left with a less than clinical Andy Carroll, a solid Dirk Kuyt, and Craig Bellamy to provide the finishing. Not bad options, but in comparison to Suarez's influence pails in comparison. 

Suarez's charge has emerged at a interesting time as his team will face a Chelsea side that fields John Terry, a player also under investigation for racial bashing. Oddly enough these player's will be lining up against each other this weekend, and furthermore could be linked when it comes to a official decision on their charges. Terry could end up being Suarez's alibi. If the FA charges the Liverpool player, they will also have to charge John Terry with the racism claims over his alleged basing of QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. As England's poster boy and captain, Terry won't be painted as a racist by the FA, so if they don't charge him they will most likely not charge the Uruguayan. 

One thing that is a fore-gone conclusion is that they will not be comparing similarities at the weekend, looking to win their personal head-to-head. Suarez will be lining up opposite Terry at the weekend in a match that really is anyones for the taking. Chelsea sit 5th behind Newcastle, 3 points atop Liverpool in the league table.  Chelsea have won 4 of their last 6 games, defeating Blackburn a fortnight ago 1-0, where Liverpool have won 3 and drawn 3. All be their defense looking the weak point of the side, Liverpool have let in only 3 goals in the their last 6 matches, having faced teams like Swansea, Stoke Manchester United, and Everton. Chelsea's stats sing a similar song, but to a more dramatic tune. Having scored a fair amount, with 3 against Arsenal, and 5 against Genk on the 19th of Oct. A more telling stat is that they have shipped 10 goals in their last 6 matches, most notably 5 against Arsenal. This paints a picture of two teams that can both score, but in defense are more than suspect. When Liverpool and Chelsea clash it often produces a quality spectacle, so I will go out on a limb and say a 2-3 Liverpool win, even though my conscience says a 1-1 draw.

Along with the guaranteed racism mentions by the match announcers, a huge talking point is former Liverpool player's Raul Meireles and Fernando Torres facing their old club. Torres will be itching to net a goal against his former employers, after he was booed by England fans in Spain's match with England. Much has come out in various media publications about Torres threatening to tell the " real" story over his exit from Liverpool, which in my mind is no more than the Spaniard creating drama, and journalists trying to sell papers. Anyhow, that just adds fuel to the fire in facing your old squad who's supporters publicly burned your jersey after your departure. Scoring 56 Premier League goals in just 79 appearances under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, Torres has struggled to find form after his big money move and Liverpool's replacement Luis Suarez will look to show him how it's done. 

You might expect to Martin Kelly drafted into the line-up for Liverpool, chosen over Glenn Johnson at right back. Johnson's performance in England's match with Spain was one to forget, as the faults that he is usually accused with where plain to see, and proved to the fence-sitters that he lacks International class.  Having Juan Mata and and Ashley Cole running at you on the left, the last thing Kenny Dalgleish needs is his right back going walk-about. Johnson and the attacking threat  he does provide, will be chosen second to the more disciplined, old-head- yet younger player Martin Kelly.

Not to point out the obvious…Liverpool's Midfield will have to be way more commanding than displayed in their measly 0-0 draw with Swansea in their last Barclay's Premier League match. Against Chelsea, all guns must be firing so the likes of Charlie Adam has to tune his boots to the right pitch and connect some passes. Steven Gerrard, If he starts, will have to look at his opposite number and fellow England International Frank Lampard for some inspiration and motivation.  Possession was poor a fortnight ago, and when defending Liverpool sat really deep against a far less challenging opponent in Swansea City. This cannot be how the game transpires against the Blue of Chelsea, as Juan Mata will be have his cutlery sharpened, ready slice the Liverpool defense.

Looking back a few paragraphs to my prediction, Liverpool see it out thanks to a Carroll header, and a brace from Kuyt. Maxi doesn't get the start, unfortunately, for Dalgleish opts to go with the players he knows/ payed for.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Liver n' Onions as I will review the match, and bring you the latest from Merseyside.