RAFA AND STEVIE'S PRE-MATCH NOTES

It's the morning of our biggest game of the season so far and Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard have been sharing their pre-match thoughts in today's official matchday programme. Read their views online now.

Welcome to Anfield for what is always one of the biggest games of the season here. Matches against Manchester United take on added importance for the club and our fans. Of course, Everton are our immediate local rivals but Liverpool versus Manchester United is also considered a derby match because of the rivalry between the supporters and the fact both clubs are typically fighting for top honours each year. We know United are a team that will be up at the top of the table each season, so it is important for us to try and get three points against them. They're also a team that doesn't concede many goals. Neither do we and, although our record against them has not been great in recent years, the games have often been very close. The key to the outcome of these matches often comes down to a small detail and scoring first can make a massive difference. Last year's corresponding fixture was a good example of this when a combination of mistakes and bad luck led to the winning goal. We failed to close down a short corner quickly enough. As the defence moved out, we had a man on the back post playing Carlos Tevez onside who then scored. You can't afford to make mistakes at this level and we need to be more aware this afternoon. Other factors came into the defeat at Old Trafford last season but if you think we finished 11 points behind United, a couple of wins against them would have resulted in a 12 point swing. Clearly, we know we have to be better against the top three sides in the Premier League. Four points from a possible 18 against them last season wasn't good enough. If we want to be title contenders we need to improve against these sides. Winning these games is not just about points though. It can give the team confidence to take into forthcoming games. A win today would do exactly that going into Tuesday's Champions League game against Marseille. United have quality throughout their squad, something they've added to with the signing of Dimitar Berbatov. Berbatov was their only notable addition this summer. But when a team has enjoyed the success United did last season, you don't need to make too many changes. They paid a lot of money for Berbatov who will bring quality to a squad that has been strengthened gradually in recent years. I'm happy with the players we have brought in before the transfer window closed. We've set out to improve the full-backs and our movement going forward from the wide areas. Andrea Dossena and Phillip Degen have the offensive mentality we're looking for and we've also strengthened in attack with Albert Riera, Robbie Keane and David N'Gog. In terms of points and where we are in the table, I'm happy with our start to the season. Still, everyone knows we can improve and play much better. It is easier to keep the team winning if we are playing better, something we will be striving to do today. Rafael Benitez At the time of writing these notes I'm still not sure whether or not I'm going to be fit enough to play a part in today's game. I've got my fingers crossed and we'll have our answer when George reads the teams out. I'm desperate to play; alongside the Merseyside derby today's game is the fixture I look for when they're announced in June. The rehab from my groin operation has gone well and I was able to train a bit with the boys this week in the build-up to the game. But the season is about 38 league games, another dozen cup games – hopefully – as well as the European Cup campaign. If I'm not 100 per cent ready and able to make an impact on the game then I won't play – it's as simple as that. That doesn't mean I'm not champing at the bit to be out there on the pitch and playing my part in what we hope will be a Liverpool win. They're great games to be involved in – if you win. If you lose, it's hellish. But we're not even thinking about that this afternoon. In the last two fixtures between us and United here at Anfield they've won the games without having to do too much. Both teams have virtually cancelled each other out and we've been undone by a couple of mistakes. They haven't been great games to watch as spectacles for the fans – especially our fans who've seen us lose both times. We've been hard done by in a way, but at the same time not playing at anything like the level we know we are capable of playing at hasn't helped us either. It's been a long time since we won against United here at Anfield, and today's the ideal time to change that. Talking about it here or in the dressing room won't achieve anything – we've got to go and do our talking on the pitch. The first goal in these games is everything, and it would be a massive thing if we could begin at a high tempo, get ahead early, and really take the game to United. Both teams have spent a bit in the transfer market over the summer, and with us and United knowing each other so well then maybe it's these players who will be the difference. United spent a lot on Berbatov on deadline day and he's a top quality striker. When you add him to Rooney and Tevez then that's a strong unit. But so is the Carragher and Skrtel partnership and in Pepe we've got the best keeper in the Premier League so we're confident we can keep whoever is in the United team quiet. But we want them worrying about us going forward. The most important goal Robbie Keane will ever score for us is the first one. After that goes in – and we all hope it's today – then they're going to flow. He's got the full support of the fans, the boss and the lads because we see how well he's playing outside the box, we see the effort he's putting in selflessly for the team and we know he's too good to run dry for long. We believe we've got game winners all over this team. Robbie will be ready for kick-off, and so will the rest of the boys. Steven Gerrard

JAMIE CARRAGHER ON TODAY'S BIG GAME

As Rafa and the boys prepare for one of the biggest games in world football, Liverpoolfc.tv caught up with vice-captain Jamie Carragher to quiz him on the match, Cristiano Ronaldo and our record of 18 titles.

Is this the biggest game of the season for you, Jamie? Yes, Manchester United and Everton are always the two that you look out for. It is a massive game because of what is happening in the Premier League, and they are the champions and the best team in Europe. It's going to be a very difficult game but, with them coming to Anfield, we want to make it as difficult as possible for them and hopefully get three points. We've not beaten them in the league under Rafa – have we just missed that piece of luck at times? We've beaten them in the FA Cup, but not the league, and that is something that we are going to have to try and sort out. Last year we were a little bit unlucky, with a couple of shots cleared off the line. But against the big teams you need to make sure you take your chances. Last year we switched off at a corner and they scored, and that's the difference when you play big teams – you've got to be switched on for 90 minutes and make sure you take your chances when they come. The longer the run goes on, the more frustrating it gets for a local lad like yourself, I expect? Well I hadn't thought about it until you brought it up! But no, I don't look at it like that. It's the same if we've beaten a team a few times – it doesn't mean much because every game is different and there's always different players. You just have to go into it looking for three points. No Cristiano Ronaldo for them – as a defender, how much impact do you see that making? Well it might make you sleep better the night before! No, he's a great player but we could be without a couple of great players too, so it's swings and roundabouts. Whoever is put out there for Manchester United, they'll be top players, and vice versa. It's always a tough game no matter what. Who else do you think makes United tick? Well I've been impressed with Carlos Tevez at the start of the season, and obviously they've signed Dimitar Berbatov, who is a very good player. These will be the people I'm up against, and Wayne Rooney of course. But they're also very good defensively – they had a great record last season and they're very solid. Looking at the bigger picture – if they win the league they'll be level on 18 titles with us. Is that something which drives you on? It is an extra incentive for me, without a doubt. It's a proud record that we've got but it's been a long time since we've won the league and we need to be challenging. To see them coming up does wind you up that little bit more but you've got to have respect for them – they're a great club and have achieved a lot over the last couple of years. It would be nice to stop them but it's not just about them or Chelsea or Arsenal – it's about Liverpool winning the league.

RAFA: KEANE WILL SILENCE CRITICS

Rafa Benitez today backed Robbie Keane to silence any critics in the best possible fashion – by scoring goals.

The manager was responding to comments by Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, who claimed to be 'surprised' at the signing of Keane. "It could be (a motivation)," Benitez told reporters ahead of Saturday's north-west derby. "Robbie is a very good professional and wants to score against every team. If he can score tomorrow it will be massive for him and for us. "He is training well and the only thing he needs to do now is score in a few games in a row." Benitez added: "If we're talking about price – their strike partnership is £60million, ours is £40million. "Ferguson was talking about being surprised at us spending £20million for Keane. I was surprised they spent £30million for a lot of players. "They have spent £30million on three or four players over the last few years. "The last game we played against them they had Nani, Hargreaves and Tevez on the bench – we are talking about £70million. "But in terms of quality, our strikers are very good. I am really happy here with the players we have." Benitez is yet to get the better of Ferguson in a league encounter, though his side were comfortable winners over United en route to the 2006 FA Cup final. The Liverpool boss insists he doesn't dwell on personal records but will admit that he would love to mastermind a derby day victory for the Kop. He said: "I want to win against every team, but especially United because of the rivalry between the clubs. I don't see their manager as a rival – I think about United as a rival. "If we win we will have more confidence and it will be better for the rest of the season. "These kind of games against top sides, especially with our position in the table now, can be worth more than three points. "We were better than them in the last two games at home but conceded from set-pieces. You know when you play top teams that they have players with quality and sometimes small things can be the difference. "We were good enough for winning – or at least not losing – but when you play against good players you pay for any mistakes you make." Asked if the run against United plays on his mind, Benitez replied: "Maybe we can change it in the next 24 hours."

TORRES AND GERRARD PASSED FIT

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have both been passed fit to face Manchester United at Anfield this weekend.

Both players completed a light training session at Melwood this morning and have been included in the squad to take on Alex Ferguson's men tomorrow. "They are both much better," confirmed Benitez. "They came through a full training session this morning. It wasn't a very hard session, but they will both be in the squad. If they are in the squad then they can play. "It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game. I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit." Benitez has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the showdown with United, although midfielder Lucas won't be involved after arriving back late from international action during the week.

PELLEGRINO: RIERA IS A RARE BREED

First-team coach Mauricio Pellegrino believes deadline day capture Albert Riera is a dying breed in modern football.

Pellegrino came up against Riera on numerous occasions in La Liga and thinks the 26-year-old has all the qualities of an old-fashioned winger like those who delighted the Kop week in, week out in the Seventies and Eighties. "I remember playing against Riera when he was at Mallorca. He is a player with great quality," Pellegrino told the official LFC Magazine. "Wingers who can beat their man and get to the byline are quite rare compared to years ago when many teams played with wide men like this. Riera is the type of footballer who is hard to find now. "Now, it is difficult to find players with these qualities anywhere in the world. Many wingers nowadays always go inside the defender. When they are one-on-one, they tend to go inside rather than on the outside. Riera can take his man on and get quality crosses into the box. He just needs to develop here and gain the confidence to take it into our team now." The Argentine coach also believes Riera can bring much more than just wide play to the team. "Reira is good in the air too," adds Pellegrino. "He is a good jumper and that is also important for us. Set-pieces are an important area of play in the Premier League. Many teams focus on this and have players who are good at set-pieces. "Because Riera can head the ball well, he can bring a new dimension to our attack but will also be useful when we are defending set-pieces. "A little like myself, he has to adapt to our ideas and systems as quickly as possible. "I wish him all the best."

RAFA EXPECTS BIG THINGS FROM DEFENDER

Rafa Benitez today backed Andrea Dossena to start displaying the kind of form which has made him a regular for Italy.

The Reds boss is content with the way his new left-back is settling in but believes there is much more to come from a player who turned 27 today. Dossena's form over the last year has made him a regular in Marcelo Lippi's national set-up – and Benitez hopes getting 90 minutes in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday will give the defender bags of confidence. "It is good for Dossena to play for his national team because it will give him more confidence," said the Spaniard. "We are happy with him because we know that he is a good player and he is working hard but we also know that he can get better. "He has done okay so far and he performed well in our last game at Aston Villa, but there is still more to come. It is not easy to come to a new country to play for a new club and to get used to their system, but Dossena is keen to learn and he will get better with more games and more time."

ARBELOA: WE OWE FANS A VICTORY

Alvaro Arbeloa admits he and his teammates owe the Anfield faithful a victory over Manchester United.

The Kop has endured more than four years without a league win over Alex Ferguson's men, with our single crumb of comfort being a 1-0 victory en route to the 2006 FA Cup final. Last season's clash at Anfield saw Carlos Tevez pinch the only goal of a fiery encounter. Arbeloa expects a similarly physical clash this time round but insists the Reds will fight tooth and nail to ensure the scoreline makes vastly different reading. "That was a really bad experience at Anfield last season," the European champion told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I know how much of an important game it is for us and our supporters and we were all really disappointed. It is just as important for me as the supporters. "I think this game is worth much more than three points. If we beat Manchester United at home we will have 10 points and much more confidence. But everyone will also be very, very happy." While Liverpool wait on the fitness of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, United have injury worries of their own. Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted 42 goals last season, is still recovering from an ankle injury and will definitely miss the Anfield trip. Arbeloa, though, doesn't expect his absence to make too much difference. "United don't have Ronaldo, but they still have really good players like Nani, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and now Dimitar Berbatov," said the 25-year-old. "I really don't know if it will be easier without Ronaldo." Arbeloa is now fully focused on Liverpool's quest for silverware after a summer he will never forget. The full-back made one appearance as Spain claimed their first major honour since 1964 before parading the trophy round the streets of Madrid. He added: "The experience was amazing. It was good for us because we won a trophy for Spain after 44 years. "It has been really important for us. To win a trophy like that was amazing. One million people greeted us in Madrid to celebrate our victory, so I have really good memories. "I only played one game in the tournament, but it was very important for me because it was my first tournament with Spain. It is always important to play with good players like that." While Arbeloa was playing in Austria and Switzerland, Liverpool were busy tying up a deal for fellow right-back Philipp Degen. Much was made over the summer about the need for attacking full-backs, with Degen and Andrea Dossena seemingly brought in to provide extra width. Arbeloa welcomes the competition but insists the first job of any full-back is always to defend. He said: "I want to play as many games as possible but Philipp Degen is a very good player. The most important thing is the team. "With Rafa, we know we have to work really hard and it's important to have confidence. Every game you have to show your quality. "For Rafa, the first thing is always defence. When you are a defender you have to do that first. But when the team is attacking I want to get forward and help out too. "For me a clean sheet is the most important thing. If it was up to me to score goals, Liverpool would have a very poor season - it is not my job to score goals."

AURELIO: WE MUST LEARN FROM MISTAKES

Fabio Aurelio believes Liverpool can learn from past mistakes against Manchester United as they go in search of victory over the champions this weekend.

Despite more than matching United during recent Anfield encounters, Liverpool have been left to rue defensive lapses which have led to Alex Ferguson's men stealing the points on three of their last four Premier League visits. Aurelio insists the Reds can improve that record and beat United this time around - but only if they concentrate from first whistle to last. "If we remember the two games at home against them in the last two seasons we were better than them in my opinion," he said. "We conceded a goal against them from a free-kick in the last minute and last season they scored from a corner. This shows that we have to concentrate at all times. "We have to be 100 per cent on our game and try and show character. We need to show them how difficult it is to play at Anfield. Our fans will show that and we need to do it on the pitch. We need to try and change the history. In recent years it has been difficult against them but we have a great opportunity to change that on Saturday. "The Premier League is the best competition in the world and this game is special. Everyone wants to see this game and every player wants to be involved."

RAFA: ALBERT CAN BE LUCKY CHARM

Rafa Benitez today declared Albert Riera a potential lucky charm for Saturday's clash against Manchester United.

Having helped Manchester City overturn their local rivals two seasons ago on his first start at Eastlands, Riera will attempt more debut day magic this weekend. Benitez is hoping the new boy will help the Reds record a first league victory over United since April 2004. "I think he has settled down properly and quickly," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He also started his Manchester City career against Manchester United and they won, so maybe he is a lucky man. He can talk English so he can understand, and he already knows some of the players - these are great advantages for him." The 26-year-old Spain international is eager to endear himself to the Anfield faithful and talked of his hopes to get off to a good start when he signed for the Reds on transfer deadline day. "I remember my first match in Manchester was the derby and we won 3-1," Riera told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It would be perfect if the same thing happened on my Liverpool debut. Why not? "It would be the perfect start to my Liverpool career. We can beat them. It is only one match, only three points, but it is very important that we win, especially because it is at home."

CARRA: PERFORMANCES DO MATTER

Jamie Carragher has warned that Liverpool will soon come unstuck unless they shift through the gears.

The Reds have spent the international break joint top of the Barclays Premier League after two victories and a draw. Though delighted with results so far, Carra is not fully satisfied with the football he and his teammates have been producing, with victories over Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Standard Liege all recorded thanks to last-gasp strikes. And as Liverpool enter a crucial month with games against Man Utd, Marseille and Everton, the club's vice-captain accepts our luck could soon turn. "The fear is that if you keep playing not at your top level, maybe sooner or later you are going to lose a few games," Carra told Liverpoolfc.tv "We want to improve the performances but, as always in football, the result is the most important thing. "We've got seven points from three games – two of those away from home - and we're sitting on top of the league, so we've got to be satisfied." Away from Liverpool's form, Carra has been impressed with the start Phil Scolari has made as Chelsea boss, while two less prominent sides have also caught his eye. "Chelsea have started well and put in a good few performances," he said. "Aside from that, I was very impressed with Middlesbrough when they came to Anfield. They were very well organised. "Man City have also looked good after an early defeat to Aston Villa."

RIERA: DON'T JUDGE ME ON CITY SPELL

Albert Riera today vowed to prove his worth at Anfield and insisted fans shouldn't judge him on his last spell in English football with Manchester City.

On the day Rafael Benitez unveiled his deadline day signing to the media at Melwood, Riera insisted his game has developed during the three years he has since spent in Spain - and now he can't wait to make an impact on Merseyside. "That was a different moment," reflected Riera. "I went to Manchester City in January and we were playing for a place in the middle of the table. "I was 22 but now I have three years more experience and this is very important in football. Since then I have played in a UEFA Cup final and I have played for the national team. "I am now more prepared to play for a big club like Liverpool and I also know the Premier League. "I think I am better now. I have made good progress and I want to continue this progress here. Liverpool beat off competition from rival clubs - including Everton - to land the 26-year old, but Riera insists Anfield was the only destination he was interested in moving to. "I am happy to be here," he added. "This is the first day with my team-mates. I wanted to come here because of the history, the Champions League, Anfield, the supporters and my team-mates. This is the perfect club for me. "Espanyol had other offers, not just from Everton, but I told them I wanted to go to Liverpool. "The most important thing for any player is to go out there to try and win every game. We want to try and fight to win everything, the Champions League, the Premier League and the two cups. These are the things I want." Competition for the top prizes could have increased following the takeover at Riera's former club on deadline day, but Riera insists everyone at Anfield should just concentrate on their own performances rather than cast an eye down the M62. "I know what has happened at City but the most important thing for me now is Liverpool," he said. "They are one team we need to be careful of but we need to look at ourselves. If we do good things we do not need to think about other teams."

TORRES AND GERRARD INJURY UPDATE

Rafael Benitez today confirmed both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are back in light training at Melwood.

With both players facing a race against time to be fit for next weekend's Premier League clash with Manchester United, the manager has revealed they are each "ten to twelve days" away from a return to competitive action. Torres is battling to overcome a hamstring tear sustained against Aston Villa at the weekend while Gerrard is recovering from a minor groin operation. "Both players are now back jogging and will be out for ten to twelve days," said Benitez. "Gerrard might be back before Torres but you never know."

RIERA DESPERATE FOR ANFIELD BOW

Albert Riera has spoken of his excitement at the prospect of pulling on a red jersey at Anfield.

The Spain international will join up with his new teammates tomorrow and could get his Liverpool debut in one of domestic football's biggest fixtures when Manchester United visit Merseyside on September 13. The 26-year-old said: "I cannot wait to see Anfield and start there. Not only is it a club with a lot of history, but they have great players and a coach who everybody talks very highly of." Having started his career with Real Mallorca, Riera then joined French side Bordeaux for two years before signing for Espanyol in 2005, where apart from a stint on loan at Manchester City in 2006, he has largely been a first-team regular. Riera added: "When I arrived at Espanyol I was a kid and now I've progressed as a player at the same time the team has progressed. "Thanks to Espanyol I've become a full international and now an opportunity has opened itself for me to take a very big step. Liverpool are a club where you are always obliged to play to win. "I always said that if I left it would be for the best of both parties and to go to a great team. That is the case and I think everybody understands that my departure has been so I can continue growing."

Cars: Pagani Zonda C12 Spider

Cars: Pagani Zonda C12 Spider

REDS CONFIRM TORRES INJURY

	Liverpool have today confirmed Fernando Torres suffered a hamstring tear during the Reds' goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Liverpool striker limped off during the first half of the match and has been forced to withdraw from the Spanish squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Armenia. "A scan this afternoon has confirmed a hamstring tear in Fernando's right leg. He is expected to be out for between two and three weeks," said a club spokesman.

VORONIN SIGNS LOAN DEAL AT HERTHA BERLIN

	Andriy Voronin has today agreed a one year loan deal with German side Hertha Berlin.
The Ukrainian international joined the Reds twelve months ago and has netted six goals in his 27 appearances for the club. Voronin has so far failed to establish himself as a first choice regular on Merseyside and has taken up the opportunity of spending the next season in the Bundesliga.

GOALKEEPER SIGNS PERMANENT DEAL

Liverpool have completed the permanent transfer of Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

The reserve team stopper spent last season at Melwood on a 12 month loan spell and was part of Gary Ablett's treble winning team. The Reds have now opted to make the move permanent and Gulacsi has signed a contract until 2010. "I am very proud to have signed for Liverpool," said Gulacsi today. "It's a dream for me to be working at such a great club, with expert trainers and alongside one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Pepe Reina. "After spending one year on loan I had no hesitation in agreeing to sign a permanent contract. To have signed for Liverpool is an unbelievable feeling."

KUYT HAILS SPIRIT AFTER TORRES BLOW

Dirk Kuyt paid tribute to Liverpool's fighting spirit after they overcame the loss of 'one of the best players in the world' to secure a hard-fought draw at Aston Villa.

The Dutch forward admits it was disappointing to see Fernando Torres limp off after just 30 minutes of Sunday's stalemate at Villa Park, but feels the Reds responded in the right manner to ensure they maintained their unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier League season. "We did not create as much as we would have liked but we were very solid in defence and everyone worked really hard to make sure we came away with something," he said. "Of course it was a big blow to lose Fernando so early on because everyone knows how important he is to us. "He is one of the best players in the world so you are always going to suffer if he has to leave the field. But after Fernando went off we regrouped and showed a lot of character and I think we deserved a draw. "It was always going to be difficult because Aston Villa are a good team and they are always tough opponents on their own ground."

REDS CONFIRM STRIKER DEAL

	Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Brazilian youngster Vitor Flora on a free transfer.
The 18-year-old striker holds an Italian passport and spent the last campaign with Brazilian outfit Botafogo Futebol Club. Depending on the necessary international clearance being received, Flora could make his debut for Gary Ablett's side in Tuesday night's opening FA Premier Reserve League North fixture away to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium - a match you can watch live on LFC TV.

VILLA 0-0 LIVERPOOL: IN PICTURES

	Fernando Torres limped off with a hamstring injury as Liverpool made it seven points out of nine after a goalless draw at Aston Villa. Here's the best of the action in pictures.
Click on the image for a larger version.

RAFA: WE SHOWED GOOD CHARACTER

Rafael Benitez praised the character of his side after they overcame the first-half loss of Fernando Torres to claim a point at Villa Park.

The Reds boss admitted he was satisfied with a 0-0 draw after a high octane encounter in which both sides had chances to win it. "I think it was a tough game but we could have won it and we also could have lost it, so at the end of the day a point is good for both teams," said Benitez. "Clearly when you are without Gerrard and after you lose Torres it is always a problem but the team was always working hard and it's a credit to the players. "It was a pity today because we could have won the game so it could have been better but it's not bad to get a point here. "We could see that Mascherano and Lucas Leiva are fantastic players with a very good mentality after returning from the Olympic Games. That's the positive thing for us. "It's positive for us now that there is an international break now and at least we will have time to see if Gerrard and Torres can be back." Benitez felt his team could have gone on to snatch all three points after an improved second-half display and lamented the referee's decision not to award Robbie Keane a spot-kick after the forward went down under a challenge from Nigel Reo-Coker. "After watching the replay it could have been a penalty," said Benitez. "The position of the referee wasn't the best and it happened so quickly. It could have been a penalty but I'm not complaining." The boss also defended his decision to substitute the Reds number seven after the Ireland international endured another frustrating afternoon in a red shirt. "He was working really hard. I was trying to use another player with fresh legs in Yossi Benayoun for the final 15 minutes," he said. "Robbie did a very good job for the team. He started the game on the left side in the first half and then I put him through the middle as a second striker. He was always working well for the team and trying to make things happen for us. "David Ngog started really well when he came on. He is a player with quality and he had a good chance in the first half. He is a player that can keep the ball and has clever movements. Meanwhile, Benitez confirmed the deal to sign Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera is close, and he also refused to rule out any more new additions before the transfer window closes. "The deal is nearly done and hopefully it will be on Monday," he added. "I have confidence. It will be good for us because he is a good player and he will give us balance. In terms of bringing in other players if we can do a deal then we will try."

REDS WAITING ON TORRES SCAN

Fernando Torres will today undergo a scan to determine the extent of the hamstring injury he sustained at Villa Park.

The Spanish striker was forced to limp out of Sunday's goalless stalemate and is now waiting to discover how long he will be on the sidelines for. "We will have to wait and see what the scan says, and then wait and see over the next seven, 10 days," said Benitez after the game. "It is a positive thing that we have this international break now." Torres has already withdrawn from the Spanish squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Armenia.

TORRES INJURED IN VILLA STALEMATE

Fernando Torres limped off injured as Liverpool's hopes of moving clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League were dashed following a goalless draw at Villa Park.

The Spaniard pulled up holding his hamstring on the half hour mark as the Reds saw their chances of securing three wins in their opening three games for the first time since 1994-95 come to an end.

Rafael Benitez's side shaded what was a full-blooded encounter between two even sides but despite creating the majority of the chances they could not find that elusive match-winning goal.

It means Liverpool failed to take advantage of Chelsea's home draw with Spurs earlier in the afternoon and remain in second-place behind Luiz Felipe Scolari's side on goal difference.

Ahead of the clash the Villa faithful greeted the Reds with the expected crescendo of boos but despite the white-hot reception it was Liverpool who made the more assured start with the returning Javier Mascherano helping to bolster the visitors' midfield in the absence of Steven Gerrard.

However, Rafael Benitez's side lacked the cutting edge to go with their early possession and it was the hosts who asked most of the questions in an even first period, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew in particular, a constant menace to stand-in skipper Jamie Carragher and co.

To make matters worse the Reds were dealt a huge blow on 30 minutes when Torres pulled up after chasing a hopeful ball and had to be replaced by David Ngog, who came on to make his Premier League debut.

It summed up a disappointing first 45 for the Reds in which chances were at a premium with Dirk Kuyt's drilled effort into the side netting and Ngog's snap shot from the edge of the box the best we could muster.

In contrast Villa will have wondered how they didn't take a lead into the interval after Ashley Young cut the ball back for John Carew, but the big Norwegian saw his low attempt from eight yards brilliantly saved by the feet of Pepe Reina.

It was perhaps an unsurprising scoreline for the travelling Kop to discuss over their half-time cups of tea as Liverpool made it nine competitive games in a row in which they have failed to score in the first-half.

Last season the attacking duo of Gerrard and Torres were responsible for the vast majority of the Reds' goals and it seemed likely Rafael Benitez's side's profligacy would continue without them.

And so it would prove, although the eleven men on show did their best to take up the baton with Ngog inches away from turning a low centre into the net while Alonso saw his side-footed shot from the edge of the box deflect just over the bar after great play by Robbie Keane.

The Irishman's link up play proved to be a feature of Liverpool's attacking bursts although he should have done better on 72 minutes when he screwed his shot wide of Brad Friedel's far post after Mascherano's ball had sent him clear.

There was a definite improvement in the away side's display but for all their efforts Villa remained stubbornly resistant and the Reds will now have to wait until the home clash with Manchester United in a fortnight's time to try and score their 400th goal under boss Rafael Benitez.

Teams

Aston Villa: Friedel, Shorey, Davies, Laursen (c), Young, Young, Barry, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Agbonlahor, Carew. Subs - Gardner, Guzan, Harewood, Knight, Milner, Routledge, Salifou

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher (c), Skrtel, Arbeloa, Leiva, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Keane, Torres. Subs - Agger, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Cavalieri, El Zhar, Ngog

Referee: M Atkinson

Conditions:

Attendance: Unavailable

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Javier Mascherano

Breakdown

15:00 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get the game underway at Villa Park
2 mins : We launch an early attack which Laursen does well to cut out
5 mins : Nice move from Liverpool ends with a Keane pass towards Torres which is over-hit
5 mins : Villa counter attack and win the first corner of the game after a mistake from Skrtel
10 mins : Mascherano fouls Petrov and concedes a free kick which comes to nothing
11 mins : Mistake by Reina gives Carew a chance but the striker's touch is too strong and the Reds have a goal kick
13 mins : Alonso floats in Liverpool's first corner of the game but Laursen heads clear
13 mins : First Booking: Martin Skrtel:
20 mins : Even game so far between two well matches sides. Not too many chances to speak of
26 mins : Torres pulls up with what appears to be a hamstring problem
30 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Fernando Torres:
34 mins : Reo Coker goes on a mazy run and wins a corner off Mascherano
38 mins : Villa cut through Liverpool's defence and Reina has to make a great stop from Carew. Best chance of the match so far
42 mins : Kuyt has a terrific chance but fires into the side netting when a shot across goal looked the better option
44 mins : Keane slides the ball to Ngog and the Frenchman drives a shot just over. Good effort
15:48 GMT : Half Time Reached
16:04 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Villa get the second period underway
48 mins : Good run by Lucas wins an early free kick in a central area
49 mins : Alonso fires the ball into the area and is headed clear for a corner
49 mins : Kuyt has a free header from the corner but Davies makes a good challenge and Villa get the ball away
51 mins : Carew heads over from a well delivered corner.....game seems to be opening up now
53 mins : Alonso's shot is deflected for a corner and from the next move Dossena delivers a brilliant cross which Friedel has to palm away. Much better from us
61 mins : Young's free kick presents a chance to Davies but the defender mis-directs his header in front of goal
62 mins : Substitution: James Milner for Luke Young:
64 mins : First Booking: Andrea Dossena:
68 mins : Substitution: Fabio Aurelio for Dirk Kuyt:
73 mins : Keane is through but Reo Coker recovers to make a challenge and leave Rafa screaming for a penalty
78 mins : Substitution: Yossi Benayoun for Robbie Keane:
79 mins : Substitution: Craig Gardner for Nicky Shorey:
83 mins : The ball breaks for Milner on the edge of the area but Reina deals with the shot well
84 mins : Laursen heads the ball wide after out-jumping the Liverpool defence inside the box
89 mins : Liverpool clear the ball off their own line late in the game

KEANE: THE GOALS WILL COME

Robbie Keane today insisted it's just a matter of time before he starts banging in the goals for Liverpool.

The Republic of Ireland striker heads into this afternoon's clash at Villa Park still looking to open his goalscoring account for the Reds, but he insists that statistic is not weighing heavily on his mind. "If I was younger and a bit more naive, maybe I would start to worry about it," he said. "But when you're 28 and you've got experience with many clubs, you're not worried one bit as long as the team is winning. "That is the main thing. It took me five games to score my first goal for Tottenham. The more people talk about it, the more it becomes a big issue. "But I'm not worried and if I'm not worried, you shouldn't worry. When you've been there and done that, you settle in a lot quicker than you would if you were younger."