Man Utd V Liverpool
Dalglish set to unleash record signing Andy Carroll for debut against Manchester United
Andy Carroll has moved a step closer to making hi s Liverpool debut after he took part in a full training session with his new team-mates for the first time yesterday.
The England striker has not played since completing his £35million move to Anfield on transfer deadline day in January because of a thigh problem he sustained at former club Newcastle.
But it is looking increasingly likely that Kenny Dalglish will find a place for Carroll in his squad when Liverpool host Manchester United this Sunday.
All smiles: Dalglish is set to call on Carroll (left) for the first time
Carroll, whose last game was at Tottenham on December 28,looked sharp and enthusiastic in a routine, small-sided game at Liverpool's Melwood headquarters and he linked well with fellow recruit Luis Suarez.
Seeing Carroll do everything asked of him will have come as a huge relief to Dalglish but it does not necessarily mean he will thrust the 22-year-old straight into Liverpool's starting line-up.
Dalglish has been consistent in his assertion that Carroll's rehabilitation will not be rushed for the sake of one game, regardless of what is at stake. Yet the idea all along has been to have Carroll ready for United's visit and, provided he suffers no reaction in the next few days, that target is set to be achieved.
Having Carroll available will give Liverpool's attack a different, much-needed dimension.
Flying solo: Suarez will be hoping for support from Carroll after being left frustrated in the defeat to West Ham
They have only scored five goals in their last four Barclays Premier League matches, three of which have come from midfielder Raul Meireles, who injured his knee in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at West Ham.
According to Dalglish's assistant Steve Clarke, Liverpool are hopeful Meireles will be fit to face United, along with Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio, who were both absent at Upton Park.
'Raul had a little problem with his knee and, as a precaution, we thought it was better to take him off,' said Clarke. 'It gives him a better chance of being ready for the next game.'
Down and out: Liverpool are hopeful Meireles can shake off a knock ahead of their home clash with United
But if Liverpool make the errors against Sir Alex Ferguson's side that proved so costly last weekend, it will not matter who Dalglish has available.
He intends to analyse the shortcomings which led to Liverpool's heaviest defeat since he returned as manager.
Dalglish said: 'We will have a look and make sure we learn from the mistakes.
'We will look to see where we went wrong and try to repair it. The pleasing thing was that the fitness and desire to get back in the game was still there. In the last 20 minutes we played well.
'Collectively we will move forward but we won't dismiss it. A week's training will do us no harm at all,' added the Scot.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz1FOy5DHHD
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So its that time of year again. Not too sure what the outcome of this game will be yet. Both teams have had defeats in their last matches. Liverpool have the home support but its hardly the fortress that united have at old trafford this season. But then again Uniteds away form has been abysmal. Liverpools squad is thought to be weaker than it has been for the last few years but then again uniteds has also lost a lot of quality.
United have Vidic, evans out and Rubber rio is thought to be out too. That would leave Brown and smalling in defence.
Liverpoo have everyone fit for sunday,including their new 35m signing andy carrol. Would smalling/Brown be able to handle Carrol/suarez? United have the team spirit and have more to play for. While Liverpool lack in confidence and haven't really found their tactic yet with new manager dalglish. But with Carrol finally returning will his tactics finally be shown. Anything could happen this week and the build up to come and all this above is making it hard for me to predict. I can't see who will want it more...
Liverpool team to start...
Reina
Johnson, Carragher, Kyriagos, Agger, Aurelio
Kuyt, Lucas, Gerrard, Maxi
Carrol
Subs: Suarez, Cole, Meireles, Ngog, Wilson
Liverpool team if losing...
Reina
Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Aurellio
Kuyt, Meireles. Gerrard, Cole
Carrol, Suarez
Man Utd Team....
VD.Sarr
Brown, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evra
Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher
Rooney, Berbatov
Subs: Owen, O'Shea, Hernandez, Giggs, Fabio, Obertan.....
Rio should make it, Fergie tends to have these dramatic miracles
Ahh its hard to pick the teams/formation of Liverpool but can't wait!!
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Originally Posted by Raptor
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