Ins and outs

The pre season friendlies are under way and it started with a whimper. This was typical of this part of the season which is about getting fitness rather than performance or results. Nice to see the kids getting a run out, especially Pacheco up front. Yossi made it worthwhile with this wonder strike from the edge of the D after a pass from Lucas, but otherwise it was a walk in the (Prenton) park. Loads of subs and a relaxed tempo was the MO. I expect the Swiss games will be more of the same.


Rafa demonstrated his dance moves for Degen and Dossena at their press conference. Our new backup keeper, a 25 year old Brazilian, is called Cavalieri. He will replace Itanje, who looks to be on his way to Galatasary. While one keeper has arrived, it appears that Itanje will meet Scott Carson heading the same way as he leaves. Tony Barrett in the Echo, thankfully returned from his holidays, says that two clubs are on his trail, Stoke and West Brom, a race which looks likely to be won by Stoke for around £4m+. Villa paid £2m for his loan deal last year and £1m from Charlton the year before added to the fee for him now, will represent a sizeable profit on his £750,000 fee from Leeds. Barrett also says that Danny Guthrie will complete a move to Newcastle after a fee was agreed between the clubs of around £2.5m. He did well at Bolton last season by all accounts but it's another case of him not being good enough to challenge the first team here.

This is Anfield continue their excellent Kopstar series which focuses on the stars of the future. This time Dani Pacheco comes into focus. Check out this wonder goal from Adam Hammill for the reserves against Stockport.

Our Hungarian quotient has increased with the arrival of another teen from MTK in Budapest. Zsolt Poleskei, a 17 year old midfielder, is joining on a season long loan. He shouldn't find it hard to fit in with the likes of SImon and Nemeth here already.

News just in - Pepe is superloco. I can't say that I'm too surprised.

In the mood for a wildly speculative transfer link? Here you go. He has gone on record a few years back as saying
"I have been a Liverpool fan for as long as I can remember and it would be a dream to play there. I watched the Champions League final and celebrated every goal as if it was for Independiente."
Rafa did try to sign him before he left Argentina. He would cost a fortune but would be a phenomenal signing. Can't see it happening, even with Xabi in part exchange. Expect him to go to Utd when Ronaldo goes to Real. I think that the Robbie Keane rumours are much more likely. He's a red and wants the move so I think that one will happen.

Don't Panic

While I was away in Barcelona, I only got to see bits of the City and Wigan matches. Given Cities home form, I don't think that a no score draw was that surprising or that bad a result. They've already had good home results at home against top four clubs. But the Wigan result was terrible. It was another match where we created a good few chances but were unable to finish the opposition off. Torres scored a superb goal after some great build up from Finnan and Gerrard. But Kirkland pulled off some great saves to deny Gerrard, Mascherano and others, to make sure that we were vulnerable to a sucker punch like the one delivered by Titas Bramble with 10 mins to to go. Sickening.

I don't know why our home form has been so bad this season. Part of it can be explained by the lack of key players at vital times. Agger and now Sami missing, we aren't half as resilient at the back. In previous years we would have beaten Wigan 1-0 by shutting up shop once we took the lead. I think that Agger's return will bring a bit of stability and confidence back to the defense which has been a bit panicked of late. Xabi is back now and he should also bring some stability and passing penetration to the attack. I know that he wasn't at his best against Wigan but I think that his passing sharpness will return with game time.

It's the "magic" of the FA Cup 3rd round on Sunday when we face lowly Luton We have to travel to Kenilworth road to face Kevin Blackwell and his hatters. Like the Carling cup, this is a good competition if you win it but doesn't matter all that much otherwise. I wouldn't be unhappy to see some of the youngsters play on Sunday even if they get beaten.

Goran Pandev could be on the move. He's done pretty well for Lazio over the past few years. I don't know how much he'd cost but he might be a good option if we're looking to offload Crouch who's only 18 months left on his contract.

There has been some online chatter that we are looking to buy Ezequiel Garay from Racing Santander at the moment. He's a 21-year old Argentine central defender who can also play at right back. He also has an impressive record of scoring free kicks for a defender. The fee being mentioned is around £8m which would be a bargain.

Fulham are looking to steal a march on Bolton and others by lodging a £3m bid for Danny Guthrie. He's done well while on loan at Bolton and Roy Hodgson sees him as the man to inject some life into Fulham's bid for survival.