Premier League results for Saturday, April 30th

In a weekend that held a lot of importance for many clubs, results didn't go as they may have hoped. Chelsea fought back from behind against Tottenham to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United with Blackpool and Wigan dropping much needed points at home.

Blackburn 1 - 0 Bolton:
      Blackburn got a much needed 3 points to ease the pressure on manager Steve Kean and the prospects of relegation. Martin Olsson's first half winner proved the difference at Ewood Park.


Sunderland 0 - 3 Fulham:
      Fulham continued their good run of form with another decisive 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. On-loan striker Kakuta scored in the first half with Simon Davies scoring twice in the second half to ensure the 3 points for Fulham. Bobby Zamora put in a man of the match performance.

West Brom 2 - 1 Aston Villa:
      An early own goal in Aston Villa's favor and a man advantage wasn't enough as West Brom fought back with goals from Odemwingie and Mulumbu to take all 3 points. Odemwingie continues his great form with a well taken goal on the 60th minute moments before Paul Scharner was sent off for West Brom.

Wigan 1 - 1 Everton:
       Wigan's hopes of survival suffered a massive blow as they found themselves set back by a late equalizer from Leighton Baines. Wigan found themselves off to a great start with N'Zogbia scoring inside 21 minutes. However, just as they looked set to hold on for the 3 points, a late penalty for Everton was converted by Baines to split the points.


Chelsea 2 - 1 Tottenham:
      Chelsea kept the pressure on Manchester United with a late goal from Kalou at Stamford Bridge. Spurs took the lead with a 25 yard volley from Sandro on the 19th minute mark. Chelsea fought back with Lampard scoring just before half-time and Kalou scoring to take all 3 points.

Blackpool 0 - 0 Stoke City:
       Blackpool and Stoke City played out an entreating goalless draw as relegation looms over the tangerines. Blackpool fought hard to find a winner and take the much needed 3 points but couldn't find the breakthrough against the resilient FA Cup finalist.

Expected team sheets for Liverpool vs. Newcastle

Liverpool find themselves 3 points behind Tottenham for 5th spot and Europa League qualification and are expected to field a strong team for their tie with Newcastle this Sunday.

Newcastle won the reverse of this fixture back in October with a 3-1 victory. New Liverpool player Andy Carroll was on the score sheet for Newcastle that day.

Liverpool

Subs from Gulacsi, Rodríguez, Poulsen, Kyrgiakos, Cole, Ngog, Hansen, Wilson, Shelvey, Sterling, Coady, Jovanovic

Doubtful Carroll (knee)

Injured Johnson (hamstring, 9 May), Aurélio (hamstring, 15 May), Gerrard (groin, Aug), Kelly (hamstring, unknown), Agger (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide WDWLWW

Disciplinary record Y57 R2

Leading scorer Carroll 13

Newcastle

Subs from Harper, Sodferberg, Kuqi, R Taylor, S Taylor, Campbell, Perch, Ferguson, Ranger, Tavernier, Vuckic

Doubtful Harper (knee), Nolan (leg)

Injured Ben Arfa (broken leg, 7 May), Guthrie (shin, 7 May), Gosling (knee, 22 May), Best (ankle, Aug), Ireland (ankle, Aug), Smith (ankle, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide DDLWLL

Disciplinary record Y72 R2

Leading scorer Nolan 12

Read More http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/29/squad-sheets-liverpool-newcastle-united

Former Newcastle man looks set for reunion

Andy Carroll arrived at Anfield for a massive fee of £35 million and a lot of expectations. Carroll's transfer to the Merseyside club smashed the old club record fee believed to be £26 million for Fernando Torres who, he coincidentally, replaced as Liverpool's number 9.

Andy was unable to make his first appearance for the club until March 6th as a late sub in Liverpool's 3-1 win over rivals Manchester United due to injury. Following a run of 3 games, Carroll scored his first two goals in a Liverpool shirt against Manchester City during Liverpool's 3-0 win at Anfield. This looked to be the kick start Carroll needed but found himself set back once again due to an injury suffered against Arsenal the following week.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is optimistic that his striker will be fit and available for selection this Sunday against former club Newcastle at Anfield.

Anfiled looks set for French international

Liverpool look to be close to a deal with Sylvain Marveaux. The French international will become a free agent this summer and will be available on a free transfer from French club Rennes.

According to French newspaper L'Sport, Marveaux is believed to have agreed to a four-year deal. Damien Comolli has been busy in recent weeks and looks to have had a major influence in this deal if it goes through. Marveaux, who refused to sign a new contract with Rennes, has attracted attention from other English clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.

I haven't seen a whole lot from this player with only minor glimpses of watching Rennes play. With wide players far and few between in the Liverpool squad, Marveaux could prove to be a good signing. With the recent arrival of Andy Carroll in the January transfer window, Liverpool need to add some width to their midfield if they are to get the most out of the big man.

You can see some of what Marveaux has to offer in this following YouTube video:

Andre Villas Boas denies links with other clubs

Porto's mastermind Andre Villas Boas has rubbished reports linking him to the Liverpool job and a host of other clubs.


The 33-year-old is already being called the "New Mourinho" after he guided Porto to the Portuguese Liga title. Porto have been very impressive under Villas Boas as they have so far been undefeated in the league and hold a 22 point lead over second placed, Benfica. 


Porto are also making great strides in the Europa League after beating Villarreal 5-1 in the first leg of this evenings semi-finals. 


Over the last few weeks reports have linked Villas Boas with clubs like Liverpool, Roma, Juventus, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Some reports even going as far as saying he had agreed to take the Liverpool hot seat.

However, ahead of Porto's 5-1 win over Villarreal tonight, Villas Boas said:

"There are incredible stories. Supposedly I said no to Roma because I was going to Liverpool, it's absurd," he said.

"The speculation is natural, given what this team has been doing. But it is still false information."

Read More http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_6900867,00.html

Joe Cole on the way out?

Liverpool midfielder, Joe Cole, looks to be on the way out with Queens Park Rangers lining up a move. Joe Cole, who arrived on a free transfer last summer from Chelsea, hasn't had many first team chances this season.

It is rumored QPR will look to bring Joe Cole to the club by offering to match his £90,000-a-week wages he is currently earning at Liverpool. Cole, who came on the score Liverpool's 5th goal in the 5-0 win over Birmingham last weekend, has struggled to make an impact. His last first team start came back in January in their 3-1 lost to Blackburn Rovers, a game which proved to be the final straw for Roy Hodgson.

West Ham, Cole's former club, and Tottenham are also reported to be interested in the former England international.

Read More http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/1213161-qpr-lining-up-summer-move-for-liverpool-fcs-joe-cole.html

Left back says he can play again this season

Liverpool left back Fabio Aurelio hasn't had the easiest of times since arriving at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez. The Brazilian has encountered a number of injuries during his time with the Merseyside club.


Aurelio has not given up on hope playing again for Liverpool this season after the left back pulled his hamstring in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal this month. Aurelio was a free agent last summer but was resigned by Roy Hodgson to provide cover to the defense.

“I’m optimistic I will be able to play again before the end of the season,” he said.

“It’s the same hamstring injury I had against Manchester United in March but in a slightly different place.

“It is very frustrating but the way I look at it is God is good all the time and I still have faith that things will turn around.

“That is why I keep fighting to get fit.”

 

With injuries to Aurelio, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly, the Liverpool back line has been stretched in recent weeks allowing first team opportunities to teenagers Jack Robinson and John Flanagan. Both look to have bright futures at the club under Kenny Dalglish who looks to bring a good balance of youth and experience in the team.

Read More http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/04/28/liverpool-fc-left-back-fabio-aurelio-says-he-can-play-again-this-season-92534-28596505/#ixzz1KpLSSkDo

Liverpool target £30 million central defenders

Kenny Dalglish looks to strengthen Liverpool's defense by making a move for Bolton's Gary Cahill and Blackburn's Phil Jones.

Gary Cahill who is believed to be priced at £15 million has been highly sought after in the last few months. During the January transfer window, Cahill was linked with a number of clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea. Instead, Chelsea purchased David Luiz from Benfica for £25 million and a move to Arsenal never materialized.


In recent weeks reports have said Cahill is being targeted by Liverpool and Tottenham.

Liverpool have also been linked with Blackburn's highly rated central defender Phil Jones. Jones is also believed to rated at £15 million and has been linked with a number of clubs including Manchester United.

With Blackburn battling relegation and struggling in recent weeks to fight the drop, Jones might be persuaded to leave at the prospect of moving to Anfield. Jones has recently become a dominant figure in the Blackburn defense since cementing himself as a first team regular.

Both players would be good signings for Liverpool due to their lack of depth at the back. Jamie Carragher isn't getting any younger and with Daniel Agger struggling with injuries they could use some reinforcements.


 Read more here: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/04/27/liverpool-to-splash-out-35m-on-brand-new-centre-back-pairing-dalglish-to-build-new-anfield-generation/

AC Milan compete with Juventus for Alberto Aquilani

AC Milan have entered the race to sign Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool. The 26-year-old who was signed from Roma in the summer of 2009 for a reported 20 million pounds as a direct replacement for Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid, is currently on loan to Juventus.

Aquilani has enjoyed a good season at Juventus in Serie A. Having put in some very impressive performances, which has seen him being re-selected for the Italian national team, he has attracted attention from AC Milan who are looking for a playmaker to replace Andre Pirlo who will become a free agent this summer.

Aquilani arrived at Liverpool with a huge price tag despite being currently injured. He made very few appearances for Liverpool under Rafael Benitez during a very disappointing season for the club. He struggled to make the impact that many where looking for on the pitch.

The future of Aquilani is uncertain as Juventus are unlikely to match Liverpool's 15 million pound evaluation of the player and Kenny Dalglish has come out and said he would be welcomed back at the club.

Reina happy at Liverpool

With rumors circulating that Reina was set to leave Liverpool this summer, the Spaniard has come out to reiterate that he is happy at Liverpool. Arsenal and even Manchester United were being linked with a move for the Liverpool number one.

Reina is said to be happy at the club and is very excited with the ambitious plans that FSG, the new owners, have for the club.

He went as far to squash any reports of him moving to Liverpool's rivals, Manchester United.
    “I am not going to Manchester, that is not my intention,” he said.

    “I imagine they’ve been monitoring and following many keepers.”

Reina was brought to Liverpool by former manager Rafael Benitez from Villareal for 6 million pounds. Since then he has become a very loved character around the club.

Reina is looking forward to the future with Liverpool and helping them achieve success.

     “I’m happy, calm and comfortable here,” he said.
     “I will continue working so we can win more games.

“I’m looking towards the future which I reckon will bring a lot of happiness and   hopefully the new project with the new American owners will be a convincing one – attractive and ambitious above all. It’s my understanding that we will be bringing in some important players, continuing to grow and hopefully in one or two years we will be in the place that Liverpool deserves to be, which is fighting for titles.”

Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/04/27/liverpool-fc-s-pepe-reina-says-he-s-happy-at-anfield-100252-28590053/#ixzz1KkA3Spax

Hicks-Gillett ownership should serve as a lesson

William Gaillard, who is an adviser to UEFA president Michel Platini, has said the Hicks-Gillett era of Liverpool should serve as a lesson to other football clubs. He states that football clubs should take caution when dealing with potential buyers who are funded by debt.

Gaillard  said;
'The club has been rescued, thank God, of the fantastic heritage of Liverpool Football Club, but it was a close call. There was the extraordinary situation where a club was being owned by the British and American governments. They suddenly found themselves being owned by two failed banks that had been taken over by Governments - RBS by the British government and Wachovia by the US government.'

Hicks and Gillett were bought out by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), who are led by John Henry as the leading shareholder, in October 2010. The takeover was heavily publicized as it involved the English courts to force the deal through. Henry, who cleared the debt owed by the former to RSB, gained full control despite great protests from Hicks.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1380794/Liverpool-went-bust-debt.html#ixzz1KeyM0IM6

Liverpool target French winger

This summer looks to be a bright one for Liverpool. A club who found themselves in the relegation zone last October look to have turned the corner under Kenny Dalglish. Things also look alot brighter since the arrival of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

With what looks the be a cash injected summer for Liverpool, they have turned their sights towards 24-year-old Dimitri Payet. Payet currently plays for St Etienne who play in the French Ligue 1. St Entienne happen to be Damien Comolli's former employers and he has set his sights on the 9 million pound winger.

TalkSport Radio have reported that Comolli is very interested in a deal and will likely use his former connections to try and negotiate a deal to bring Payet to Liverpool.

Payet moved to St Etienne in 2007 and has since made 104 apperances in the league scoring 13 goals in that time.

Liverpool agree to a 28 million euro deal

In the last few days Liverpool FC have announced a new kit sponsorship with Warrior Sports, a subsidiary base of New Balance, which is believed to be worth up to 28 million euros for the club. This is the largest kit deal in English football history.

The current kit deal with Adidas is set to expire at the end of the 2011-2012 season making way for Warrior Sports the following season. The kit deal is worth nearly twice the one of Adidas' and trumps Liverpoo's rivals as it is worth more than Manchester United's current deal with Nike.

Not many have heard of Warrior Sports but they are a company that mostly deals with lacrosse. The company were bought by New Balance in 2004 and look set to enter the footballing market.

Liverpool football jersey's are currently the 4th best selling football jersey worldwide.